Buying Advice first tractor purchase, what size subcompact?

[Mitch4u5]

Edit: to clear confusion, I have plenty of room to store all tractors listed below currently. I will have a second place to store in the near future. My concern is not I致e r buying which I always seem to do. I am familiar with ROPs height and concerns, I have equipment with those already.

Basics:
7 acres
moderate hills/slopes
1600ft gravel drive way maintenance (spreading gravel, land planing)
rip rap rock maintenance around 2 times a year on a 200ft retaining wall
light field mowing (future proofing, around 4 acres, but not a current need)
Moving firewood around
post hole digger for replacing a few fences (future proofing)
Primary work being FEL (i'm getting old) and driveway maintenance

I feel like I'm going in circles. Some dealers say are pushing the smaller units below and others are pushing the larger units. I'm giving them all the same information and at least half of them had both the smaller and larger of the units listed below available when I visited. I'd prefer something in the b2601/tym264/26xlt range, just b/c it seems about right to me based on feel, but i have zero experience. However, my concern is going too small/big and needing to purchase again in a few years. I feel like pretty good deals can be had on all the units listed below, so my primary concern is buying something I can use for the next 10-20 years, with a bit of luck.

Thanks for any thoughts/opinions.

models i've looked at:
john deere 1025r/2025r/3025e
kubota b2601/l2501
branson 2400h/2505h
tym 264
Mahindra 26 xlt/1556
LS xj2025h/MT225

 

[Otto33]

Basics:
7 acres
moderate hills/slopes
1600ft gravel drive way maintenance (spreading gravel, land planing)
rip rap rock maintenance around 2 times a year on a 200ft retaining wall
light field mowing (future proofing, around 4 acres, but not a current need)
Moving firewood around
post hole digger for replacing a few fences (future proofing)
Primary work being FEL (i'm getting old) and driveway maintenance

I feel like I'm going in circles. Some dealers say are pushing the smaller units below and others are pushing the larger units. I'm giving them all the same information and at least half of them had both the smaller and larger of the units listed below available when I visited. I'd prefer something in the b2601/tym264/26xlt range, just b/c it seems about right to me based on feel, but i have zero experience. However, my concern is going too small/big and needing to purchase again in a few years. I feel like pretty good deals can be had on all the units listed below, so my primary concern is buying something I can use for the next 10-20 years, with a bit of luck.

Thanks for any thoughts/opinions.

models i've looked at:
john deere 1025r/2025r/3025e
kubota b2601/l2501
branson 2400h/2505h
tym 264
Mahindra 26 xlt/1556
LS xj2025h/MT225

If your jobs can appreciate more weight and a bigger frame, the Kubota L2501 might be the best deal going, especially if you need some other implements. Quite a few dealers are running package deals. In the same vein, the Kioti CK2610 is a really great machine, maybe a little nicer than the L2501 in my comparisons. There's a pretty good discussion comparing those models here if you do a search. Kubota's new LX series is definitely worth a look too. Great features in a nicely sized machine.

FWIW, I just bought a LS MT 225S. My needs are similar to yours, although it sounds like I'll be mowing with mine more than you will be with yours. At least on paper, it's a sort of a Goldilocks tractor for me. 3 range transmission, decent FEL and 3PT lift, nice seat, etc.. A mid PTO is standard, if that's important to you, although the MMM is an expensive option. Pretty comparable to a B2601 (which is another great tractor), but was about $3k less. Storage was also a concern for me, and the 225s fits in my garage.

From what I've gathered, going too small is, at least traditionally, a more common occurrence than going too big. I'd say, if you can swing it, probably go with the bigger framed tractors.

 

[Mitch4u5]

If your jobs can appreciate more weight and a bigger frame, the Kubota L2501 might be the best deal going, especially if you need some other implements. Quite a few dealers are running package deals. In the same vein, the Kioti CK2610 is a really great machine, maybe a little nicer than the L2501 in my comparisons. There's a pretty good discussion comparing those models here if you do a search. Kubota's new LX series is definitely worth a look too. Great features in a nicely sized machine.

FWIW, I just bought a LS MT 225S. My needs are similar to yours, although it sounds like I'll be mowing with mine more than you will be with yours. At least on paper, it's a sort of a Goldilocks tractor for me. 3 range transmission, decent FEL and 3PT lift, nice seat, etc.. A mid PTO is standard, if that's important to you, although the MMM is an expensive option. Pretty comparable to a B2601 (which is another great tractor), but was about $3k less. Storage was also a concern for me, and the 225s fits in my garage.

From what I've gathered, going too small is, at least traditionally, a more common occurrence than going too big. I'd say, if you can swing it, probably go with the bigger framed tractors.

I have no need of a mid mount, you are correct. However, i'm putting this in an 8 ft basement, so size is a moderate concern. I love the Kioti, but can't find a 2610 anywhere near me. all back ordered i'm afraid. thanks for the input.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you're putting the tractor into the basement you should be aware all current tractors have rollover protection systems (ROPS). The height with the ROPS folded and the difficulty of folding it should be a concern to you. I got a Kubota L2501, mostly for mowing ten acres. It does other stuff really well, too. The L series is heavier than the B series and it does sit a bit higher. The new LX series is essentially the large end of the B series. Messick's put out a video on the LX if you're interested. If you're pulling implements around tractor weight is a consideration, you don't want the tail wagging the dog so to speak. You can put the power on a small frame but you need the weight to control the implement.

 

[jeff9366]

I I'm putting the tractor in an 8 ft basement, so size is a moderate concern. My concern is going too small/big and needing to purchase again in a few years. I want a tractor I can use for the next 10-20 years.

This is not a good plan. Sooner or later, when you are tired, you will have a collision entering the basement with potentially expensive repairs. Then another collision. And another.

Few of us with garage storage have not hit the garage door header several times. I have destroyed the deep sink and water service in the back of the garage three times in eight years at $700 each, and I am a prudent operator.

What is the lowest measured entry point to your basement? Do basement lights impede? Is the entry flat or sloped?

 

[jeff9366]

john deere 1025r/2025r/3025e
kubota b2601/l2501
branson 2400h/2505h
tym 264
Mahindra 26 xlt/1556
LS xj2025h/MT225

Subcompact tractors have 6" to 9" of ground clearance due to very small tires/wheels. Minimal ground clearance does make subcompact tractors quite stable. But too light, too delicate for: 1600 ft gravel drive way maintenance (spreading gravel, land planing), rip rap rock maintenance around 2 times a year on a 200ft retaining wall, light field mowing 4 acres, FEL work.

I do not know the specs for all the tractors listed but the Kubota b2601 and Kubota l2501 are in the compact tractor category with 12"+ ground clearance, not subcompact tractor category.

Tractors are inherently unstable operating on sloped ground. Tractor rear wheel/tire spread, sometimes adjustable, is a critical factor increasing compact tractor stability working sloped or uneven ground. Rear axle is the tractor component on which rear wheels/tires mount. A 6" wider rear axle substantially decreases tractor rollover potential. Tractor width is an approximation of rear axle width.

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

B2601 = 49" width / 1,632 pounds

L2501 = 55" width / 2,623 pounds.

I feel like I'm going in circles.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise. I have a column for cost per pound.

SPREADSHEET.

 

[Diggin It]

However, i'm putting this in an 8 ft basement, so size is a moderate concern.

I'd want a minimum 9' ceiling and 9' width (roughly half again the machine width), plus at least 2-3 feet fore and aft. And I'm not sure I'd want fuel in a basement.

 

[Mitch4u5]

I mow 4 of the 7 acres. I壇 imagine maybe twice a month. Maybe.

 

[Mitch4u5]

I'd want a minimum 9' ceiling and 9' width (roughly half again the machine width), plus at least 2-3 feet fore and aft. And I'm not sure I'd want fuel in a basement.

The basement has a flat entry. I can稚 get a quad cab 2500 truck in without issue. I know the rops is taller than the garage door. My commercial zero turn has rops and it is taller as well. Have to put it up and down each entry.
the basement is sealed from the house above(not open joists)

I知 building a barn later this summer, but right now, it痴 what I have.

 

[bh10]

I have a B-Series 29hp Kubota and love it! For what you or want it I'd definitely go with the L-series. I know you mentioned the Kioti CK2610, my buddy just got one. Im really impressed and it was a significant amount cheaper then the L-series and came with more standard features.