Help me pick a tractor (25-45 HP)

[Robert walker]

Only

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

only thing I would say is cab tractor. They make some in your horse power range, in the future you may be like me and wish you had.

 

[lectro88]

I can’t comment on your brand picks other than my previous boss had a smaller Kubota and loved it.
Crushed him when it was stollen from job site.
I also agree you need to look a larger tractors with F.E.L.
My take on front end loaders is they don’t pick up Near what a bobcat or excavator will.
My 28 hp excavator will easily pick up double what my 58 hp tractor will do around the sawmill.
I say this time and time again.
A FEL on a tractor is an attachment.
And that’s the weakest point on the tractor.
I see guys try and do dozer work or bobcat work with a tractor and wonder why they broke, bent or turned the unit over.
And a FEL will turn a tractor over especially with no rear ballast in a heartbeat.
Myself. I bought an 06 John Deere 4720 with FEL. And it has exceeded my expectations.
Plenty of power but the lifting on the FEL is the only shortfall. But it sure is helpful for quick nimble what I consider light work.
If you can find an older nonabused unit that solves the emissions issue.
I also have hydro trans and it has been very nice. I didn’t think I would like it. But it’s been a blessing.
Hopefully this offers some help.
Cheers

 

[dkeith45]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

This tractor might be smaller than what you are looking for, but a close friend had one several years ago and allowed me to borrow it to bush hog a section of my property and it was a really nice machine. He had a belly mower and a 4' rear mount bush hog deck for it as well as a loader. Ford 1220

 

[ksbrdmkr]

My DK 45 kioti with grapple, root scoop, forklift and bucket does for me what you are describing. Weight is up there about 5500. Also have a rear blade, box blade, 7ft brush and a 8in chipper.

 

[Walter L]

500 miles.

It’s worth the extra miles for the Kukju engine with the old style injector pump, if the regin system screws up easy bypass it is also a proven design from Cummings originally also cheaper than Kubota or John deer.
Wish i had went with that engine.

 

[billknecht]

TractorData.comhas weight and wheelbase data for just about every model ever made that you'd encounter in America.

 

[JoeTexan]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

I didn’t read all the replies but listening to your question, I’m surprised that no one (that I read) recommended a Mahindra! Mahindra is the only utility tractor on the market that doesn’t have to use DEF or any thing extra around emissions (up to 100 H.P.).
I have had a 3510 and loved it. I now have a 5145 with a third function and love it. It is quite abit heavier than the 35-40 horse (wider as well) but it’s been a great work horse. I would strongly recommend a 35-40 horse Mahindra all day and all night!!!!!

 

[ridingintexas]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[james a flanders]

I think you need at least 45 hp I run a 4520 Branson 2019 model plenty power and weight

 

[Mkoz]

Bought a CK2610 2 years ago with front aux hydraulics as well as the two rear remotes. Also bought the Kioto grapple. Very happy with everything. Only issue I had was with a banjo bolt for the hydraulics that broke but the Kioti dealer came out and fixed it immediately. Been great so far.
I paid 22K new, without the grapple. Came with FEL.