Hate to ask but need some help on selection.

ford8n47 · Jun 14, 2005

Yes I'm a newbee...but this site is awesome and most all of the replies for help are very knowledgeable...Here we go....I have 5.5 acres, southwest PA. 2 hillsides(not super steep) and the rest somewhat flat(4 acres). Some trees but not real tight. Driveway 350ft reddog and 2b stone. Looking for a tractor 4wd, hydro, FEL for stone, soil, yard leveling, snow removal. Mid mount deck 60-72"(I think 60 would be plenty), ? box blade(if I have a FEL with teeth do I need the blade?) to level/ rip soil. Possible tiller and backhoe later on for small digging jobs(stumps, drain lines). Turf or Industrial tires(I like turf with no fill as not to tear the yard and chains for winter). Could you guys point me in the right direction for HP and to give me a general overall view of what I need. Looking for a JD or New Holland. I just like the looks of them. Kubota and Kioti could be possible if the price is right but I don't like the orange(sorry guys). I have about 15k to spend but I'm in no hurry. New would be nice but used would be cheaper. I have all 4 dealers within 30min of home. Familiar with most tractor aspects(friend has the 47 8n) looking between 24-35hp. Any advice is appreciated. Friend told me 20hp diesel would be enough for FEL work and enough to pull the box blade. I say 30 would be better but more HP more money. Thank you all in advance.

gippolit · Jun 14, 2005

Sounds like you need a ck30hst or a ck20hst.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 14, 2005

Turf or Industrial tires(I like turf with no fill as not to tear the yard and chains for winter). Could you guys point me in the right direction for HP and to give me a general overall view of what I need . . . Mid mount deck 60-72"(I think 60 would be plenty) . . .box blade . . . possible tiller . . . possible backhoe later . . . Looking for a JD or New Holland. I just like the looks of them. Kubota and Kioti could be possible

I'd be looking at the small frame tractors in the 24hp to 26hp range because of the mower deck and the tiller, both of those can benefit from HP. The following tractors will all handle a 48" box blade.

New Holland TC24DA, which is now being replaced by the more expensive TC26DA so there are currently deals on the TC24, but only if you can find one. MMM is top quality. The loader on the NH is awesome. Price is going to stretch your budget. This may not work for you due to $$$.

The JD 4115 would also be a very nice choice. I think the JD is a bit lighter weight so that might make it a better choice for you than the TC, given your concern about your lawn. Loader is very good. MMM is top quality.

My first choice would probably be the ultra-light weight Kubota B7610, which is very light weight but still has plenty of power at 24hp. MMM is top quality. Loader is adequate. Light weight won't compact the garden soil while you till it or wear paths in the lawn. Price of the 24hp B7610 will be lower than the New Holland, and based on some info posted here on TBN is right about where a Kioti CK20 is priced, sometimes even lower, sometimes higher.

Kioti makes a CK20, which weighs about 300# more than the NH TC24 and offers only 21hp, but does offer a MMM with a marginal reputation. The loader on the CK20 is awesome. Kioti also offers a CK25, which is MUCH larger and heavier, at over 3000 pounds without a loader and no MMM deck is available for the CK25. The CK25 will handle a larger Box Blade and the loader is awesome. Given your lawn concerns I would pass on both due to weight.

johan3400 · Jun 14, 2005

you may want to consider the JD2210. I have been impressed with the versatility of this small frame tractor. I think really good for the five acre user. In our area the price would be well within your budget. Test drive some of them and see which one you like the best.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 14, 2005

you may want to consider the JD2210. I have been impressed with the versatility of this small frame tractor. 

Jim, I'll agree with you that the sub-CUTs are pretty darn impressive. I think for 5.5 acres they might be at the far upper end of their limits, but the folks who have the sub-CUT size tractors really seem to be very happy with them. One of my neighbors has been using a small Kubota for years and loves it. They are certainly worthy of consideration if the box blading needs are modest on 5+ acres. They do a great job with a mower, most are in the 23/24 hp range so they have power for the tiller too. But as the original poster is already looking at 24 to 30hp machines, I doubt he would be happy with the sub-CUTs.

Egon · Jun 14, 2005

Welcome.

Sounds like you have all your priorities down.

As we don't know where you live the snow removal could be a question.

Consider a back blade rather than box blade??

How much backhoe work? cheaper to rent?

I'd go for a tractor in the 25 HP range.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Freds · Jun 14, 2005

( As we don't know where you live the snow removal could be a question )

SW PA is what I thought I read, which is probably why he doesn't like orange /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
It's a football thing would be my guess /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rockyridgefarm · Jun 14, 2005

For used, try Machine Finder.

But get bids on new. These machines treally hold their value. Several brands are offering 0 interest financing. If you are bumping the budget that might help.

Besides we prefer to spend all your money...

Kyle_in_Tex · Jun 14, 2005

Your post almost sounds like an ad for the JD 4310, but it is a bit more than the $$$ you want to spend. Look for a used one and it could fall into your budget.

To20Chris · Jun 14, 2005

Sounds like a Kioti CK30HST would work well for you. I gotta agree with you though - I really don't care for the orange, I just don't like anything that sticks out so much on my property. Does it have to scream HEY LOOK AT ME! ? Other than the color though, the CK30 is a sweet looking machine.