Buying Advice Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested.

   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #1  

Hayseed Andy

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2019
Messages
38
Location
Lake County, Florida
Tractor
JD Z915B ZTR
Hello, everyone. We are getting closer to moving into our new place and I would like to get some input for a tractor. Should be close to 6 months when we move in. It is a 10 acre pasture, fairly level with just a small slope to it. Nothing that would cause a tractor to roll over. The amount of trees on the property is minimal. 8 of the 10 acres are planned to be grazing pasture for cattle. In the years before building on the property, the cattle have kept the land very well maintained. Only twice last summer after a heavy application of fertilizer was applied did I need to employ the use of a bush hog, which was loaned to me by a friend. The grass was growing too quickly for the cattle to keep up, as they belong to a neighbor and aren't always on our land. I already own a Deere Z915B 48" ZTR, therefore mowing is not a huge priority for the tractor.

The property is located on a sand/dirt road. Someone else with a larger tractor maintains the "main" part of the dirt road. I would likely maintain the "side" road which is approximately 2000' in length and slightly wider than a 1-lane road.

Here is where I will stray from the "normal" questions I've read on this great forum, and perhaps throw a curve ball. I am fairly certain I will be adding a clay racetrack for 1/10th scale off-road radio control buggies. For those that aren't familiar, the clay is typically hard-packed, especially in Florida where it gets baked like a kiln in the sun and heat.

So, I would appreciate input for two scenarios. I am looking at Deere and Kubota, as both have local dealers.

Scenario 1 being the need for a tractor for minimal work around the property (hauling dirt, mulch, gravel, etc) as well as maintaining a smaller dirt road. I would also like some input as far as a spreader to apply fertilizer, insect control, etc. Looking for something that will handle a box blade without overworking it, plus any other input from you guys that you see fit to add.

Scenario 2 would be everything above, plus dealing with the hard packed clay of the race track.

Thanks in advance.

Hayseed Andy
 
   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #2  
As far as a tractor goes, I would think something in the 20-25hp probably fits your tractor needs even maintaining the road. Think Kubota 2650 or the 2601. JD the 2 series 25 hp tractor.

As far as earth work tractors are just ok at that. They are good for moving dirt point a to b using a bucket, and while you can get a back hoe etc, they are far from ideal, but then again depends on how much work and how often you plan on doing earth work for your track. May suggest a skid steer to do that sort of stuff.
 
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   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #3  
I concur with the above. 25 horsepower should be adequate for all your needs. It is also the line in the sand that the EPA drew as far as add on emissions control devices. Stay at 25 horsepower or below for simplicity and affordability. Four wheel drive can be a plus.
 
   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #4  
Hello, everyone. We are getting closer to moving into our new place and I would like to get some input for a tractor. Should be close to 6 months when we move in. It is a 10 acre pasture, fairly level with just a small slope to it. Nothing that would cause a tractor to roll over. The amount of trees on the property is minimal. 8 of the 10 acres are planned to be grazing pasture for cattle. In the years before building on the property, the cattle have kept the land very well maintained. Only twice last summer after a heavy application of fertilizer was applied did I need to employ the use of a bush hog, which was loaned to me by a friend. The grass was growing too quickly for the cattle to keep up, as they belong to a neighbor and aren't always on our land. I already own a Deere Z915B 48" ZTR, therefore mowing is not a huge priority for the tractor.

The property is located on a sand/dirt road. Someone else with a larger tractor maintains the "main" part of the dirt road. I would likely maintain the "side" road which is approximately 2000' in length and slightly wider than a 1-lane road.

Here is where I will stray from the "normal" questions I've read on this great forum, and perhaps throw a curve ball. I am fairly certain I will be adding a clay racetrack for 1/10th scale off-road radio control buggies. For those that aren't familiar, the clay is typically hard-packed, especially in Florida where it gets baked like a kiln in the sun and heat.

So, I would appreciate input for two scenarios. I am looking at Deere and Kubota, as both have local dealers.

Scenario 1 being the need for a tractor for minimal work around the property (hauling dirt, mulch, gravel, etc) as well as maintaining a smaller dirt road. I would also like some input as far as a spreader to apply fertilizer, insect control, etc. Looking for something that will handle a box blade without overworking it, plus any other input from you guys that you see fit to add.

Scenario 2 would be everything above, plus dealing with the hard packed clay of the race track.

Thanks in advance.

Hayseed Andy

Be CERTAIN to look at the Everything Attachments videos for their box and rear blades.
They make a unique heavy duty rear blade - Six Way Angle Tilt Blade, with bolt on sides.
It is not cheap, but it is absolute quality in every way!
It does not have ripper teeth like a true box blade, but is a nice combination quasi box blade/rear blade.

They also make a less expensive 6 Way Angle Tilt Blade (the one I have), and it too is the cat's axx!
It does not have the bolt on sides option though (I wish it did).

I previously used a King Kutter blade, which was a comparative POS.
My KK blade is for sale!
 
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   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #5  
As far as your track, I got to thinking. With a bucket and box blade that you will have, maintaining that time to time probably wouldnt be to bad. Then i would just rent a skid steer once or twice a year to maybe accomplish some heavy lifting.
 
   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #6  
Twenty five HP as others have said and look at as many different attachments to aid in your choice.
 
   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #7  
 
   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #8  
I concur with the above. 25 horsepower should be adequate for all your needs. It is also the line in the sand that the EPA drew as far as add on emissions control devices. Stay at 25 horsepower or below for simplicity and affordability.

Stricter Tier IV off-road diesel engine emission reduction standards phased in on dealer tractor inventory during 2009, impacting tractor prices.

Tier IV emission standards require tractor manufacturers to add or revise pollution reduction technology on new tractors generating over 19 kW power = 25.4794 horsepower.

Most manufactures meet Tier IV requirements without a Diesel Particulate Fillter up to about 27 horsepower via engine design and injection timing.

DPF is used by the majority of tractor manufactures for more powerful tractors, but not all.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures exhaust particulates (soot) in a ceramic matrix. When tractor engine runs sufficiently hot, accumulated particulates burn off periodically without operator intervention. If engine is not run continuously hot long enough to burn off particulates, diesel soot accumulates in the matrix. Once heavy soot accumulates in DPF the tractor forces soot clearance with the tractor parked and throttle open to about 2,200 rpm for about sixteen minutes, which makes the DPF REALLY HOT to burn off all accumulated soot. Burning off accumulated soot, either during operation or parked is called REGENERATION.



As far as a tractor goes, I would think something in the 20-25hp probably fits your tractor needs even maintaining the road. Think Kubota 2650 or the 2601. JD the 2 series 25 hp tractor.

I recommend a slightly heavier tractor for 2,000' road maintenance, the Kubota L2501. No DPF.

VIDEOS (2): Comparing Kubota's 26hp Compact Tractors - YouTube

L251 - YouTube


Kubota L2501


2014 - Standard L Series
Compact Utility tractor
Series next: Kubota L3301

Manufacturer: Kubota

Kubota L2501 Engine:
Kubota 1.6L 3-cyl diesel
Kubota L2501 Power:
Engine (gross): 24.8 hp [18.5 kW]
Engine (net): 23.9 hp [17.8 kW]
Gear PTO (claimed): 20.5 hp [15.3 kW]
Hydro PTO (claimed): 19 hp [14.2 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 10 gal [37.9 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Control: position control
Rear lift (at ends): 1918 lbs [870 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 1389 lbs [630 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: transmission*
live*
Clutch: overrunning dry disc
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 63.3 inches [160 cm]
Weight: 2425 to 2623 pounds
Front tire: 5-15
Rear tire: 11.2-24 (2WD)

Loader:
Loader type: Kubota LA525
Height (to pin): 94.3 inches [239 cm]
Lift to full height (at pin): 1131 lbs [513 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at pin): 1490 lbs [675 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at 500mm): 1182 lbs [536 kg]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD*
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering: power
Brakes: mechanical wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Pressure: 2205 psi [152.0 bar]
Pump flow: 5.15 gpm [19.5 lpm]
Steering flow: 3.13 gpm [11.8 lpm]


Page information:
Last update: January 2, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com
 
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   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested. #9  
I am fairly certain I will be adding a clay racetrack for 1/10th scale off-road radio control buggies. For those that aren't familiar, the clay is typically hard-packed, especially in Florida where it gets baked like a kiln in the sun and heat.

How many square feet or acres is a typical track?

I think you could construct a track fairly easily with the Loader, a heavy Box Blade sufficient for Three Point Hitch counterbalance and a heavy roller.

You would need quarried, inorganic, seed free, usually golden "construction" sand.

VENDER LINK: Lawn Rollers | Gandy
 
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   / Getting closer to needing a tractor Input requested.
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Thank you everyone for the input so far.

How many square feet or acres is a typical track?

I think you could construct a track fairly easily with the Loader, a heavy Box Blade sufficient for Three Point Hitch counterbalance and a heavy roller.

You would need quarried, inorganic, seed free, usually golden "construction" sand.

VENDER LINK: Lawn Rollers | Gandy

The track would be approximately 150' x 75'.

I also agree that keeping at or below 25HP would work as it pertains to the EPA regulations.
 

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