Help me pick a tractor (25-45 HP)

[BubbaG65]

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!

From the description the Kioti 30hp should do what you need. Check if it can handle your mower (I only ran a 5'). For clearing probably go Hydrostatic since it's easier to adjust back and forth to get to the logs / brush. Kioti has a wicked fast loader, but of course that means a bit less pulling power like lifting with the bucket etc. so consider a backhoe version if you envision a lot of stumping or trenching. Kioti tiller is kick-ass for garden prep - it is like a cloud after, you sink 6" in the loam. A note on the 20 - if it has the 2-range still - I found it too slow on low and too fast on high, so that was the main reason I went to the 30 with the 3-range

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I'm going to add my two cents in here, I agree that an mx5200, they look big in the showroom, but let me tell you mine feels small or just right on our 20 plus acres of properties.

Jeff convinced me that my L series wants weren't going to be fulfilled as well as an MX machine could fulfill them, I'm really glad I went with the bigger tractor.

 

[nytryder]

I have a Kubota 3901 and my experience is pretty much inline with what you want to do. I purchased a grapal, loader, brush hog and a box blade to go with it. It has done all I asked so far. I also have a 2 axel trailer ( 24' bobtail ) that holds it all. I tow it all with a Ford
f-150 supercrew that came with a Factory installed tow package. The engine is the 5.0 liter V-8. My trailer has brakes on both axels and trust me on this that is required. The tractor in my opinion is great for what you want but it will for sure take more time than a 50 or 60 hp tractor. I hope this helps!

 

[scootr]

When deciding what you need always buy the bigger tractor. It will do the small jobs and the bigger ones without too much stress on the machine and you will be glad you did.

 

[Williy]

There are a lot of tractors that cost less than a kubota with more
options that are standard but an option on kubota
IMHO you should try and check out as many tractors checking the
standard equipment what are options are then add options with price
of tractor you will be amazed what you will come up with

willy

 

[Egon]

For 6 acres most of the suggestions suggest an oversized tractor. Twenty five or so HP will do you just fine.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

For 6 acres most of the suggestions suggest an oversized tractor. Twenty five or so HP will do you just fine.

What thread are you reading?

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

 

[Egon]

What thread are you reading?

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

It has become very obvious I made a mistake on the post!!

 

[deezler]

L3901 is a great tractor but the loader is pretty weak, comparatively.
L3560 is an amazing machine, strong with the optional LA805, but price it out on the kubota website (with loader, bucket, 3rd function, rear remotes, tire choice) and try not to spit your coffee on the screen.

Which is what led my own search to dial in on the Kioti CK3510. They used to be even more of a bargain, but still a LOT cheaper than a Kubota with the same capacities. Nice strong loader for lifting a full IBC tote of wet firewood, or a big log with a grapple, etc.

My CK3510 has a DPF that requires regens every 40-50 hours, which in practice is no issue at all. Often times I just hope off for the 12-15 minutes or so and do some other chores, but I've also simply worked right through it when required. I can't say I've noticed the extra fuel consumption it runs through during those regens, its a very efficient machine overall and extremely reliable so far (280 hours now).

 

[JeepHead]

L3901 is a great tractor but the loader is pretty weak, comparatively.
L3560 is an amazing machine, strong with the optional LA805, but price it out on the kubota website (with loader, bucket, 3rd function, rear remotes, tire choice) and try not to spit your coffee on the screen.

Which is what led my own search to dial in on the Kioti CK3510. They used to be even more of a bargain, but still a LOT cheaper than a Kubota with the same capacities. Nice strong loader for lifting a full IBC tote of wet firewood, or a big log with a grapple, etc.

My CK3510 has a DPF that requires regens every 40-50 hours, which in practice is no issue at all. Often times I just hope off for the 12-15 minutes or so and do some other chores, but I've also simply worked right through it when required. I can't say I've noticed the extra fuel consumption it runs through during those regens, its a very efficient machine overall and extremely reliable so far (280 hours now).

$34K is what I was quoted this past October for a new 3560 with 805 loader and filled R14 tires. If you did it yourself, 2 sets of rear remotes and a 3rd function can be done for under $500 not including the cylinders. Add an extra $500 for 2 cylinders.