Help choosing a tractor

[HMarkG]

Hi all,

I'm a newbee and have been researching on this site for a few weeks regarding light tractors and I have to say this is an excellent resource - kudos to everyone...

I have 9 -10 acres in central MD (Frederick Co.) to care for. This includes mowing, garden & orchard work, dirt moving, snow removal, etc. I've been looking at the GC2300 ($15K), NH TZ24DA ($16.5K), Kubota 2230 ($14K), JD2210 ($16K) and Cub Cadet 5254D ($15K). Implements will include FEL, tiller, and 60" mmm. I'm leaning towards the 2300 mainly because of the price and the FEL capacity (the lit sez 678 lbs.)

My questions:
Are these enough tractor for the amount of land?
Is the 2300 a good choice out of the above?
Is the FEL really 678 lbs. (online lit sez 470)?
What’s the maintenance like on these?
Am I missing anything?

Any help will be most appreciated!

This seems like a great forum – I look forward to participating.

 

[jfdlaw]

First, the loader capacity is one of the great points of confusion when trying to compare machines. Some companies rate their loaders at the pin (where the bucket connects to the loader frame) and others in the middle of the bucket (19 inches in front of the bucket is sometimes used). Since the middle of the bucket is farther forward, there is less capacity. You have to make sure you are using the same measuring point when comparing.

If you im me your email address I can send you a spread sheet I prepared this spring with all the comparisons on the Sub-cuts. The Massey loader capacity is within 20-30 pounds of the Deere 2210, the Kub 2230 and the New Holland TZ. All are in the 460-480 pound area measured in the middle of the bucket.

Second, I think you would be better off with a little more tractor. I think the Kubota B7610 or the Deere 4115 or the NH TC24 would be better machines for you and would give you the loader capacity you desire.

Third, All of the tractors you mentioned are good machines and will serve you well. You just might find you need a little more tractor given what you look to do. All of them will be relatively easy to maintain and should offer you few problems after working out the initial kinks.

Of the tractors you mentioned I likes the MF and the Deere best. I'm a big guy and found them most comfortable. I like twin pedals as opposed to a treadle pedal, which had given the Deere an edge until I drove a B series Kubota. I ended up with a Kubota B2410. I particularly like the hydrolics, which are a step up from the sub-cuts and the 7610.

As you will hear many times, pick the dealer you are most comfortable with and go with the dealer. Dealer support is going to make a bigger difference than brand between the machines you mentioned.

Have fun. It's a nice problem to have.

 

[grandad]

You have hit on some great units from good manufacturers. Find the one with the features you like and a dealer you can work with.

I'd have to agree with jfdlaw that you might be happier with a little more tractor for 9-10 acres. The ones you have looked at will do everything you want, but you may find it more efficient to go for something a little bigger. Also, once you're in for a $14-15k subcompact , another $2-5k buys you a whole lot more tractor. Just love spending someone else's money /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But have fun deciding.

 

[MikeFromVA]

Howdy neighbor!

I live across the river in Loudoun County. I just moved to a new home on 7 acres and I was looking at the same set of tractors that you are now looking at. I went with a JD 4110, but every so often, I wish that I'd gone just a bit bigger (4115) in the HP area. With all that you are trying to do, I think that you will be a whole lot happier with something a little larger than a subCUT - maybe in the range of 24-30HP. I liked the JD over the Kubota for a few reasons - the positional control on the 3PH and I liked the control layout better - try each and get a feel for them. Don't get too absorbed in things like loader capacities or other stats because you will probably find that when you are actually using the tractor, you won't be able to notice the slight differences between like sized tractors.

 

[HMarkG]

Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like I need to either shake the money tree a little harder or spend more time mowing the grass.

jfdlaw - I sent you a message with my email address, if you could send me your spreadsheet, I'd be much obliged.

HMarkG