Help deciding on tractor purchase

Charlton John · Jun 19, 2008

Thanks Rick. Based on the payment table in 5 yrs. I will ower roughly 8k and will most likely only have 300 to 400 hrs. on it and it will have never been weathered. I have a pole barn to store and knowing the way I take care of things I am sure it will be in close to mint condition so I would hope to at least break even. Hopefully I can just keep it and get over my worries I am currently having. I would like to keep it forever. At that time I could get a nice 0 turn when the property is in order and keep the tractor for snow removaql mulching my garden etc... Everyone says no matter how big of a tractor I will always find a use for it. Even if its 15 years from know when I am helping my daughters landscape their land Do you recomend loaded turfs or loaded R'4's? I dont want to ruin my grass which I do love and will be mowing roughly 1/75 acres and when done hopefully it will look like a golf course? Thanks again

wny770 · Jun 19, 2008

I live in the snow belts of western NY and blow about 400 foot of driveway with my TZ25 and woods ss52 blower. It does such a good job, I sold my 7' Lucknow I had on the back of my 60 horse oliver. I mow 3 acres of hills also. No, they are not bulldozers, but for their size I think they do well. When I purchased, I thought of a bigger machine, but I'm happy I went small. It's easy to mow near the house and barn. However, this is my story.... Maybe try a larger tractor before you commit??? Just an idea......

Charlton John · Jun 19, 2008

Thanks for the insight please see my new post in buying/pricing forum area and please comment on your thoughts to all thanks

Compact1 · Jun 19, 2008

Charlton John,

I have 3 acres and a long gravel driveway. I also mow about 1/2 of my property with my TC-33DA. I have been using my tractor for landscaping on my property for the past year and I wouldn't want anything smaller. My 33-HP tractor is small enough to go anywhere on my property and has just enough power for the heavy stuff. I guess what I'm trying to say is...the TC-30 in not too big for your property. Let us know what you decide and share your pics.

jbrumberg · Jun 20, 2008

I maintained my +12A's with an old Ford 1100 (13/11+ HP) for many years before I upgraded to my "29" (29/23+HP). I just do everything a little more quickly and efficiently now. Jay

sweep · Jun 23, 2008

Re: Help Please

Charlton John said:
I am maxing out my budget w/ the T1510 so I dont think this would be an option, what is your opinion on the size tractor and my property size. Thanks

My opinion. Rent a bobcat at $150 for a few days to level out the ground and keep you current setup. I cut almost 3 acres with an old 1995 MTD 54" cheapo $1800 tractor believe it or not-been doing it for 11 years. . If that works your should also.

Don't be getting into 8 year payments as you other post mentioned. Better keep some money for a rainy day. You post sound like your skirting $$ solvency as is (I am maxing out my budget w/ the T1510)

scuvnut · Jun 24, 2008

Re: Help Please

Charlton John said:
Thanks, For Jay I have turfs (I like my grass) for Gizmo I agree you can get a lot done with a SCUT as I have over the past year. My problems are with my slopes and full buckets. I plan on a major overhaul to the woods and wetlands which will require a lot of loader work and this will also require me going up and own these hills with full buckets.

A bit of input. I ran a TC33D for four years on my property with turf tires. I decided to get a larger tractor and purchased a TC40DA last year (needed a bit more power,a nd wanted the cushy cab with a/c and heat). Anyway, I landed a sweetheart of a deal on a four month old TC40DA that had 20 hours on it, so I could not resist. However, the new tractor had filled R4's. I had actually spent a bit of effort seeking out options to change them back to turfs. Based on what I read on TBN boards, I decided that I would try the R4's for a while before going back to turfs. Long story short, I decided not to go back to turfs. R4's are way more versatile. If you are going to be doing "major overhaul to woods and wetlands", the turfs may not cut it.

As for liking your grass, I like mine as well. Just don't cut in four wheel drive and take turns a bit more gradual and you will rarely mark your grass. To do the work you are going to do, you may like your grass, but you will love R4's.

Charlton John · Jun 24, 2008

Thanks to all for all your help over the past week. I have decided on the Kubota 2620, I will trade my N.H. TZ25DA in for this machine. I looked into loading the back tires and changing from turfs to r'4's and this will cost in my area 1300. w/ the 2620 I am getting a much bigger machine loaded industrial tires drive over MMM folding ROPS FEL, 3 SPEEDS VS. 2 A BOX BLADE AND A LANDSCAPE RAKE NEW (bUSHHOG) AND THE DEALER IS A 4 minute tractor drive insytead of 30 minutes in a car for only 100 more a month but 1 yr. less of financing based on my current TZ loan, I cant wait will sign tommorrow and have by the weekend.