JD / Massey / Kubota Comparison w/prices

[Gittyup]

Matt,

I agree that a smaller tractor might would fit your needs better. Something like the CK20 or TYM T273 would be plenty big enough for your snow removal (blower would be your best option), yet small enough to easily maneuver for cutting grass (deere, kubota, et.al. don't really have tweeners like these). I really like the TYM because it's shorter than the CK20, but has 7 more HP. It's kinda like a mini CK27 - a very nice wide and low platform. But, the Kioti has better dealer support.

You certainly wouldn't need to go any bigger than a CK in the Kioti lineup. The B3030's are narrow, but do have a nice cab and front mount attachments. The JD25xx series would also work well for you, and they have a nice low profile.

I'm all for big tractors (I have a big tractor for my little lot), but when it comes to finish mowing, I prefer more nimble machines, no bigger than the CK20/TYM T273/JD2520.

 

[Matt400]

Matt,

I agree that a smaller tractor might would fit your needs better. Something like the CK20 or TYM T273 would be plenty big enough for your snow removal (blower would be your best option), yet small enough to easily maneuver for cutting grass (deere, kubota, et.al. don't really have tweeners like these). I really like the TYM because it's shorter than the CK20, but has 7 more HP. It's kinda like a mini CK27 - a very nice wide and low platform. But, the Kioti has better dealer support.

You certainly wouldn't need to go any bigger than a CK in the Kioti lineup. The B3030's are narrow, but do have a nice cab and front mount attachments. The JD25xx series would also work well for you, and they have a nice low profile.

I'm all for big tractors (I have a big tractor for my little lot), but when it comes to finish mowing, I prefer more nimble machines, no bigger than the CK20/TYM T273/JD2520.

Actually I looked into the TYM for the smallness better suited for my small mowing job, even posted about it here:
http://www.plowsite.com/showthread.php?t=97445 + it even has a cab for winter snow removal.

What de-railed me to a larger tractor was the cost of attachments. Adding a rear blower and front blade attachment drove the price up to 28K on the little T293HST with cab so I began to think... why not a larger tractor with just a pusher? Clearing the lot would take less time and clean ups during the day with lighter snows would be quicker taking me away from work less.

I just dunno... but really appreciate all the feedback, great to have this discussion 1st rather than buy into a mistake.

 

[Gittyup]

That sounds a little high to me. But, attachment costs vary widely. Besides, you don't have to buy TYM attachments. Any 3PH PTO CAT1 snowblower would fit. And any front-mount blade will cost ya for any brand tractor. They are kind a customized for the tractor make/model.

Just get the tractor with loader and cab, and then add the blower and use a rear blade. Start with the blower, then shop for a used BB, or recycle a plow and modify to attach to your FEL bucket. Used BBs are always for sale. I think you'll find once you have the blower, you won't need a push blade anyway, at least not for snow.

The TYM is the right size for you. Now just find the right price!

On the CK20, it's also a good size fit. If you want a cab, you'd have to go with an after market one, like Curtis Cab. These seem to be OK. But AC is a bit of a challenge with them, if that is a requirement. But, you could save a lot of money going this route. You could even go soft sided cab installed for the winter snow that is then easily removed in the spring. That would be better for mowing, as cabs and trees don't get a long so well. You can fold down the roll bar and mow right up under low hanging branches, if you have them.

 

[Gittyup]

Matt,

I saw on your TYM thread that you said a blower and blade would cost $8600! Man, what kind of attachments are they that they cost so much? You should be able to get a blower for less than $4000 and a blade that attached to your loader for like $1500.

Me, I'd look for a slightly used blower. Even if it came from another part of the country. You can find practically new ones for under $2000 or so. I saw a very nice Woods 60" for sale around here last week for a mere $1000. Looked brand new.

If you are patient, you can find used blades for under $200. You'd then have to modify them to fit your bucket. There are many threads on this in some of the other forums.

Really the T233 would actual fit your needs just fine too. Just go with a 48" blower. Though these are harder to find used.

 

[Gittyup]

If you really want a front mount blade. Contact MichiganIron (a dealer on TBN). They custom make them and the price is about as reasonable as any. I think there are some photos of one on a tractor in the Kioti forum. BTW, he'll sell you a Kioti too. Don't be afraid to buy long distance if it saves you lots of dough.

 

[Matt400]

Matt,

I saw on your TYM thread that you said a blower and blade would cost $8600! Man, what kind of attachments are they that they cost so much?

Here is the breakdown I got:

T293HST W/loader and Cab $20495.00
Rear rotary cutter RC20-60" $1355.00
Schulte 3 point snow blower BX-62 W/ manual chute and turner $4995.00
Snow blade 72" articulating $2695.00
Third valve for snow blade $895.00

So actually 29K without the cutter.
After looking at that price I started looking at larger tractors that I could swap a 2500.00 pusher onto so no need for all the other stuff.

I am in no hurry, snow removal is paid up for this season.
The reason I got a price for a blade is I figured it would be faster for light clean up during daily snowfalls where the blower would be needed for over the weekend deep stuff.

 

[toddol1971]

my father in law has a 7xx something JD garden tractor. Its hst 4x4 powersteering cruise etc. He's got a 6' 7 iron deck, a huge front brush and snowblower on it. He moves everybodys snow on the road he lives on. He also removes the snow at the golf course and mows 2 acres there every thursday in the summer. You could add a soft cab then remove it in the summer. I'll tell I love this machine. It is such a nice size. I think he has like 13 grand in it. He uses the blower after a huge snow or to cut paths thru the property then uses the brush for the little snows. I dont know maybe you can get a cab for it.

 

[Matt400]

my father in law has a 7xx something JD garden tractor.

Good point, those are pretty cool, I looked at those too and really like em. Never priced one out but based on msrp listed at the Deere site I could get a sub-compact like the MF GC2600, a true sub-compact and more HD.

For that matter a Kubota GR2110 is diesel, 4x4, p/s, 54" deck with an msrp of 8870.00 and has a 46" blower option. It would be great if I didn't mind moving snow on an open platform. I already do that at home with a walk behind plow and thats not too bad at 3000' elevation but up at 4000' where I work it can get deep and heavy plus plow time means time out of the shop and needs to be minimized. I think I would opt for a plow on my pick-up at work vs setting on a little tractor moving slowly with a blower.

Factors that drive me are:

• Speed of snow removal at work where 2" to 18" is common and 24" when I arrive in the morning are possible.
• Staying dry while moving initial snow fall and while going back out a couple hrs latter while at work if its still snowing.
• Mowing rough and steep 1.5 acre slope at home

 

[Matt400]

This set up to me looks fast, efficient, dry and warm but obviously overkill for a 50x150' lot. Its a 4720 and I was thinking that same thing only downsized to a tractor that could handle a 6' pusher (maybe 3320) and still be small enough to mow with either a mid-mount or 3pt. Hop in, clear things up and get back to work, done.
The one in this pic is 8'

 

[forester2]

Matt:Just my two cents worth. I have a Kubota B3030HSDC (cab unit) and live in an area with lots of snow. Has been far above my expectations with the front mount 63" blower. Plowed without a cab for over 20 years and now I can't wait for it to snow. I also mow some property with some pretty hilly terraine and the unit was top heavy until I loaded the rear tires- incredible difference having 600 more pounds on weight on the ground. Runs like a completely diiferent tractor. I think you'll find there are factory wheel spacers availible for many of these tractors to widen the stance if that make you feel better. Just priced out a new untit for a friend w/ blower for under $30K.

 

[toddol1971]

well youd be suprised how fast he can get the snow moved. It does sound like you want a tractor more than you need one (no offense meant). Is it possible to have a dedicated plow truck sitting in the shed ready to go? I'll tell you what, you can pay for alot of snow removal for 28 grand. One other thing that I meant to say earlier. These hills you have, you should drive the tractor up & down or at a slight angle. With a cab the weight will be quite high & I'd be nervous to go side hilling on a open station tractor especially a cab one. If you have the extra cash & can get a tractor then get one, there so much fun. I think anything ck27 or under with a cab would suit you perfectly.

 

[Matt400]

I have a Kubota B3030HSDC (cab unit) and live in an area with lots of snow. Has been far above my expectations with the front mount 63" blower. Plowed without a cab for over 20 years and now I can't wait for it to snow.

Did you always use blowers? Thanks for the idea on spacers & filling the tires.

I'll tell you what, you can pay for allot of snow removal for 28 grand.

So true! we have been paying for it now for 10 years and I would like to do it for my own convenience vs saving money though. Often times there is snow build up during wrk hrs that we would like cleaned off but our contract plow is out doing other properties that have not been done yet. Plus I could put the snow where "I" want it, would make a difference on our daily operations.

 

[pitt_md]

Matt,

I saw on your TYM thread that you said a blower and blade would cost $8600! Man, what kind of attachments are they that they cost so much? You should be able to get a blower for less than $4000 and a blade that attached to your loader for like $1500.

Me, I'd look for a slightly used blower. Even if it came from another part of the country. You can find practically new ones for under $2000 or so. I saw a very nice Woods 60" for sale around here last week for a mere $1000. Looked brand new.

If you are patient, you can find used blades for under $200. You'd then have to modify them to fit your bucket. There are many threads on this in some of the other forums.

Really the T233 would actual fit your needs just fine too. Just go with a 48" blower. Though these are harder to find used.

Looking for used blowers in my part of the country is like taking a walk through a junk yard. We have had a really tough winter so far and all the deals have been had it seems.

 

[Gittyup]

Looking for used blowers in my part of the country is like taking a walk through a junk yard. We have had a really tough winter so far and all the deals have been had it seems.

Yeah, wiht the snow we have now, a used blower is hard to come by, and certainly won't be at a bargain price. But, most other times, they are easy to find and pretty cheap. And if you willing to drive a few hundred miles to get a deal, that really opens up opportunities for you. Maybe more so in a boarderline area like the midatlantic where I am because you can go south and find deals on blowers, or go north and find deals on blades.

I've decided I want one, but will wait until no one else really has a great interest, say in the spring or summer, and the price is good. Saw a brand new woods 60" on Ebay last night for about $2400. Not a bad deal for a new one with the Woods name on it.