garden/subcompact/compact for my needs?

[QuasarZ]

Hello everyone, new here and have a questions about the most suitable equipment for my needs.

I have 6.5 acres that I will be building on this spring that is evenly split between woods and grass/field. I will have about a 1500 foot gravel driveway. So I know for sure I will need something to mow and plow/blow the snow. There will be a lot of brush/scrap stuff Ill slowly be clearing out in the woods over time. But once that is complete I don't foresee much clearing besides the occasional fallen tree. So basically I need to mow, snow plow, haul firewood, maintain driveway, and probably move mulch/dirt etc in the future.

The bobcat CT122 seems like a nice size between the true subcompact and compact but they aren't making them anymore, however I do have a bobcat dealer really close. Would the kioti equivalent of CK20 be comparable? I also have a cub cadet dealer close so I was researching those but it seems cub cadet isn't making them, they are now all yanmar? If I get a yanmar will the cub cadet dealer service it?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Gittyup]

The Kioti CK20 and the CT122 are the same tractor. You can get Kioti in gear or HST. The BC is only HST. Not a bad choice if you can only have one machine to do all. A better, albeit more expensive approach, is to get a GT to mow with and a CUT for the bigger stuff (like the CK/CT). Other good "tweener" sized tractors would be the Mahindra MAX series and the TYM T2xx series. I think LS makes something in this size too, as does Kubota with their smaller B-series. I wouldn't be afraid to go Yanmar either. Many have lots of good things to say about them.

If it were me and money were no object, I'd go with a JD X700 series for mowing (may be snow blowing too), and a Kioti CK35 with bolt-on grapple and 2 rear remotes. The weight of the CKs, I think, makes them too heavy for mowing, but is ideal for loader, Brush management, pulling, ground engagement.

I have a CK25 gear with filled tires. Weights about 5000 lbs. It compacts my yard. So, I keep it off unless chore demands its capabilities. For mowing, I've been using a JD425, but just recently upgraded to an X739. I've always used the JD's for snowplowing too. They are just way more maneuverable in tight places. Won't handle as big of attachments as the Kioti will, but the agility more than makes up for it. And I am less likely to run into things and tear them up since the JDs don't have loaders and are a much smaller footprint.

For mulching and compost spreading, I used the loader on the CK to fill a dump trailer behind the JD. Keeps the big tractor out of the yard, yet my wife and I can easily spread 10 yards of mulch in a day without killing ourselves (relatively). Her on the JD; me operating the loader. We place piles on the edge of the beds and then come back and spread them with rakes and pitch forks. Where I can I just dump the piles with the loader, but that's mainly on the outside working in from a field where I don't much care about compaction.

Also, the X739 (HDAP tires, no chains) is way better in the snow than my Kioti (R4s, no chains). Will go through 8" of snow up steep hills without a problem. Any deeper and ground clearance stops you. The Kioti won't climb the hills in the snow and is really dangerous on steep slopes in those situations. I'm sure chains would make a difference, but that is why I went from the 425 to the X739: to avoid dealing with chains.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Ratchet Rake, LLC - Rip and Dig, All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction atta

I think your looking at the right size. You should determine whether you want a stand alone mower or want to use the tractor with either a mmm or a rear finish mower. A stand alone mower can be purchased for about the samemoney as a mmm. The advantage is you can keep whatever attachments you have been using on the tractor and not drop them when it comes time to mow.

I opted for the mmm. Its a trade off but something to consider.

I think a B series Kubota would be in your size range for the uses you describe. But there are a number of good brand choices. Regardless, take a look at Ratchet Rake as a tool that I think would be extremely useful to your situation. It would help prepare lawn area as well as help clean up woods and brushy areas.

I have the original ratchet rake that attaches to the loader and also have the Rip n Dig.

 

[Paystar]

I've done everything you need to do for the last 17 years with a 16 h.p. 1982 MTD lawn tractor, lol.
So any scut would do everything you need to do while giving you a front end loader. And has a low purchase price so you can buy some implements.
I went with a B2620 (about same size as the CT122) just to have the extra ground clearance when I'm pulling firewood out of the bush.

 

[paulemar]

With your acreage I would skip the sub compacts and go up to a compact tractor with close to or about 30 HP. One thing that you will find is that there will be more uses for the tractor than you can foresee right now. A little heavier tractor will help with everything that you listed. I would consider a 3 point mower, as an underbelly is a pain to have to keep putting on and off every time you want to work in the woods. You will also appreciate the increased loader and 3 point capacities when working on your driveway or using the loader.
I have 1/3 the length of your driveway (500 ft) and acreage (2) plus another 2 that I mow for a neighbor that I can use for whatever. My Kubota BX25 is just about perfect for my needs, but occasionally I wish I would have gone a little larger and bought a B model. The low center of gravity won me over to the BX for use on my hills.
With about 3 acres of woods, if you have ash trees, they will all soon be dead, if not already so. Branches of all kinds fall constantly with every storm and Spring cleanup is a guaranteed thing. If you have a Kioti dealer close by, take a look at them. Let your dealer help you find the right size tractor but keep in mind that he hasn't seen your place. I do believe that first time tractor buyers have a tendency to want to buy undersized. Tractors also look much bigger in a showroom but they keep shrinking the more you actually use them.

 

[WilliamBos]

Just buy one tractor that will do all jobs. Buying a gas rider is a waste of money. Once you have a diesel cut/scut, a gas lawnmower will collect dust.

 

[Paystar]

The mid mount mower is not a pain on my B. It's a drive over deck. Couldn't be any easier.

I mow two acres, snowblow and grade a 300 foot driveway, till a garden, lift 9 foot long up to 19" diameter maple hardwood logs, maintain just over a mile of bushroad and haul my firewood out with a small dump trailer and I can't see any need why I would have had to spend any more than I did on my B2620.

 

[QuasarZ]

Thanks for the replies. I have a Massey Ferguson, kubota, JD, and New Holland dealers close by. There is kioti that is 5 hours away which is a bummer. Branson dealer is about 2 hours.

 

[jeff9366]

I have a Massey Ferguson, kubota, JD, and New Holland dealers close by.

All good solid tractors. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

Once you start to visit dealers and actually discuss tractors you will find four dealers, each with multiple tiers of product, amply confusing.

Sub-compact tractors usually have 9" ground clearance. If you will be in woods regularly, consider if this is enough ground clearance for the work you want to accomplish.

 

[dcgrazier]

I am going to make 2 suggestions for you with the acreage that you have. First, I think you will find the cut to be more useful than a sub compact. I do not have your acreage and I have a CK20 Kioti. With all the snow and other work I do, I am so thankful I bought it. I do not think a sub compact would go through deep snow. Second, if you have 2 or more acres of grass to cut, you will enjoy a zero turn mower. I have a Scag and it cuts the grass in half the time as my tractor. If you leave a front end loader on your tractor and try to mow with it, you must be very careful near buildings and/or trees and shrubbery when making turns.

 

[TomSeller]

Thanks for the replies. I have a Massey Ferguson, kubota, JD, and New Holland dealers close by. There is kioti that is 5 hours away which is a bummer. Branson dealer is about 2 hours.

I would go with Massey, Kubota or Deere. If they were close by I would add LS and Kioti to that list, but it does not sound like they are. I agree with the ~30HP range 4wd HST with a fairly large stance.

 

[Paystar]

I've done everything you need to do for the last 17 years with a 16 h.p. 1982 MTD lawn tractor, lol.
So any scut would do everything you need to do while giving you a front end loader. And has a low purchase price so you can buy some implements.
I went with a B2620 (about same size as the CT122) just to have the extra ground clearance when I'm pulling firewood out of the bush.

I didn't mention, my property is also larger than yours. if you like to spend money and mowing isn't your priority, a 30-35 h.p. tractor would be nice. Just hope you can find a last-years model so you don't have to deal with the DPF nightmares.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

We built our house 7 years ago & maintain 6 acres. When shopping for a tractor I too considered a sub or compact. After months of research & seat time decided on the CK20. Kioti offered quality, value & a great warranty.
A sub-compact just seemed too small for the tasks at hand: Moving & leveling 200 ton of fill, large rocks, dragging fallen & cut trees.
With the CK20 I'm able to maneuver it thru the woods easily.

No matter what size/brand you go with, consider adding:

1. Loaded rear tires
2. Tooth bar
3. Tow hooks

Oh, add a post hole digger, you'll appreciate that once you get to landscaping.

 

[QuasarZ]

I was mistaken earlier, the two Kioti dealers are 45 min and 2 hours away. The LS dealer is the one that is 4 hours away. My wife is now saying to just borrow her dad's great dane mower (he has a few from a provisos landscape company) and get an old truck with a plow to handle our immediate plow/mow needs. After the house is built and we get an idea of mowing, plowing, landscaping needs etc we can evaluate the tractor purchase and get one that is right sized.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Well thats just ridiculous. Just kidding. Wives sometimes have a way of looking at things in a practical way.

When she says immediate needs is she talking about before you move/build?

If she is talking about first needs when it is built and you move to it, there are a number of tasks associated with the project that beg for a tractor.

1. Driveway establishment
2. Lawn establishment
3. Landscaping.
4. Pulling her out of a muddy driveway the first spring when the frost breaks.

Regarding the model of tractor. The Kubota B 2x20s are fairly light in camparison to say the Kioti. Thats a trade off and each has its advantages. The Kubota B2620 that I have is not to heavy to mow with and is quite capable in other tasks.

On the otherhand Kioti s have higher fel and 3pt lift capability. Not sure about weights of the other brands in your area but consider the weight issues. Not all tractors with the same Hp have same weights.

 

[DeereMann]

Paystar & dcgracier make good points -

The MMM's these days, if you get a drive-over, are really easy to hook up & detach now. Nothing at all like the old 'grunt 'n heave' days. I got lazy & in a hurry last year & left the mower deck on while doing some logging cleanup, but bent up my mulching kit baffles pretty good driving over the slash so I won't do THAT again!

Conversely, if you have an irregular area to mow like I do, taking the loader off & using a MMM makes it very easy to mow.

Finally, I concur that a SCUT won't go through heavy snow. I don't go into my woods in winter, so that's ok with me.

Good luck!

 

[DeereMann]

QuasarZ,

Reading your request more thoroughly, I see you are in the "Twin Cities". Presume that means in my neck of the woods - exurban Minnesota. If that's the case, and you have a 1500 foot long drive, you will get big time snow drifts & drive erosion. This just validates to me all the more you need a CUT, not a SCUT. You will have plenty of seat time in plowing/snowblowing, mowing, & landscaping as GP notes.

Tell the wifey if you start off with stop-gap equipment, you'll just have old junk to get rid of & need a tractor eventually (soon!) anyway. In springtime, tractor mfg.'s have lots of deals for you to have reasonable payments. Make sure you get the basic implements you want on the loan - buying them later is a big hit on cashflow.

Or you can buy a used CUT for more reasonable stop-gap equipment.

Good luck!

 

[QuasarZ]

QuasarZ,

Reading your request more thoroughly, I see you are in the "Twin Cities". Presume that means in my neck of the woods - exurban Minnesota. If that's the case, and you have a 1500 foot long drive, you will get big time snow drifts & drive erosion. This just validates to me all the more you need a CUT, not a SCUT. You will have plenty of seat time in plowing/snowblowing, mowing, & landscaping as GP notes.

Tell the wifey if you start off with stop-gap equipment, you'll just have old junk to get rid of & need a tractor eventually (soon!) anyway. In springtime, tractor mfg.'s have lots of deals for you to have reasonable payments. Make sure you get the basic implements you want on the loan - buying them later is a big hit on cashflow.

Or you can buy a used CUT for more reasonable stop-gap equipment.

Good luck!

Yeah I am currently in Maplewood, but the land is in River Falls (going to the dark side but I'll still be a vikings fan...even though they are terrible ha). The thing is I will need a bigger truck anyway (only have a grand cherokee now) to pull the tractor, and the mower can just go back to her dad when we are done. Guess in the spring time once the mortgage for building is squared away I can consider payments. Do you recommend any dealers around the area? I've been reading about the TYM 293 but the closes place is in Plainview so about 68 miles away.

I will still push for a tractor and see how far it gets me lol. Plus, I won't have a place to put it until the house is built which should be done by September.

 

[DeereMann]

Yeah I am currently in Maplewood, but the land is in River Falls (going to the dark side but I'll still be a vikings fan...even though they are terrible ha). The thing is I will need a bigger truck anyway (only have a grand cherokee now) to pull the tractor, and the mower can just go back to her dad when we are done. Guess in the spring time once the mortgage for building is squared away I can consider payments. Do you recommend any dealers around the area? I've been reading about the TYM 293 but the closes place is in Plainview so about 68 miles away.

I will still push for a tractor and see how far it gets me lol. Plus, I won't have a place to put it until the house is built which should be done by September.

That's the spirit! Tell her a truck is 2x more expensive than a tractor so a tractor is a MUCh better deal (which is the truth, even).

Glad to hear you have seen the light & are heading to God's country. Sooner or later, the Packer Fever will infect you. Yes, I am from Wis., only here for 'a job'. I am from southern Wis., so don't know the dealers in western Wis. area, there have to be a number of them as that is big time farm country.

The TBN gang seems to be big on Kioti & LS these days. Kioti made the short-lived Bobcat tractors, which I have also heard good things about. LS made (makes?) New Holland, also which I hear good things about. From what I have read, those seem to be on top in terms of quality & durability these days.

Kubota has always been good, but some of their designs seem (to me) a bit dated, without all the latest features & operator comfort. I tried one while I was shopping for a SCUT, ended up back with Deere. Deere makes excellent Lawn/Garden tractors, but their CUT's seem overpriced & behind the competition for features & quality. Their SCUT was very new (copied Yanmar then enhanced), & I liked the features best.

For your larger spread, I would go with something more substantial like a Kioti or LS CUT. The extra expense for a larger tractor is not really that much. I couldn't go with a CUT because my spread isn't that big, and I have hills.

All these brands have dealer locators, so all you have to do is google them.

Good luck - you have a lot to look forward to!

DM

 

[QuasarZ]

Just wanted to update this thread. Still in the research phase and got my wife onboard with a tractor haha. She has actually said to go bigger and also to look into new vs older so we get a warranty and it will presumably be our last tractor. After looking at a few used JDs in the 20-24 HP I will heed everyones advice and go bigger. They just seemed too small. I would hate to be out in the woods trying to pull a log and be wishing I had more power. I am going to look at a TYM 293 tomorrow. It is a 2013 model with 4 hours and loader for 13k. Good deal?