Comparison John Deere 2x20 vs 3x20??? 5 acres

[mach1mason]

Hello- This is my first post on this forum, so please excuse my limited tractor knowledge. I have been reading reviews on this site but would like more insite for my applications.

I just had a home built in northern Ohio. It sits on 5 acres and has a 700 ft stone driveway. The land has a large (5ft deep x 100 wide) swale with no other hills or trees as of yet. I would like feedback on what tractor would be the best purchase for my size land and applications. What horsepower is required and purchasing new vs used tractors?

1. mowing: 5 acres
2. snow removal? What is the best way to remove on stone driveway?
3. loader for landscape mulch
4. tiller for garden
5. fill pot holes in driveway
6. possibly install landscaping for house

Thanks for any info!

 

[yelbike]

What's your budget?

I'd go 2320-2520 size with fel. I would use a z turn mower instead of a mmm( faster/More fun. Wide back blade for quick snow removal and driveway maintaince. Add a blower down the road.
I have 7.5a and I feel this set up work great for me.
GO GREEN OR GO HOME!!!

 

[yelbike]

OH yeah and kk tiller.

 

[murphy1244]

Welcome to TBN, Where at in Ohio? I'm from Medina

 

[mach1mason]

Budget for tractor 20k. I was thinking the same about the zero turn, but would have to wait a couple years for the cash. My concern is about snow removal, does the 2x20 hava enough balls? Being that I would have to mow with the tractor for a couple years would you get turf or R4 tires?

 

[mach1mason]

Murhpy - Near Sandusky

 

[KennyG]

For tilling and dirt moving, you definitely want the R4s. Most of us think they are fine for mowing as long as you don't need to mow wet areas.

I've got the 2320 but I think you might want to look at the 2520 for your work. I don't think you need the 3x series and probably wouldn't want it for mowing.

 

[Martian]

2x20 definitely has what it needs to plow. A gravel drive the best thing is a snowblower, they are the most expensive option but they don't tear up the drive like the others. A 2520 with a blower and a MMM (and of course a FEL) would be pushing your budget, but I think you could make do. A box blade would be very good for leveling the drive as well.

If you really want me to spend your money I'd say a nice 3520 with a cab 300CX loader front snow blower, top n tilt, hydraulic box blade and a nice zero turn would do But then you in the neighborhood of $35k. Definitely overkill though. 2x20 would suit your needs just fine, amazing how much little machines can do now.

 

[foggy1111]

My son-in-law had a similar need....but he also has 5 acres of orchard. He bought a 2720 and 200cx loader along with a front mounted snow blower and a 5' KK tiller and a box blade and a ballast box. I believe he will buy a flail mower for the 3 point for his orchard mowing needs....and he plans to mow his lawn with a zero turn. I think this mower combination makes more sense than a deck.

I think he has a bit over 20k invested before the flail mower and zero turn. He chose the extra hp due to snow blowing wants / needs. (I thought he had enough power with the 2520, but its his decision ).

OH...he went with the turf tires.....I think they are better in snow....and no chains are needed. You dont need much traction with a tiller or a mower. (His loader work is limited.) 4WD takes care of most traction issues.

 

[yelbike]

I have turf on the 2305 and r4s on the 2320. I like the turfs better! Better on snow and ice, easier on the grass. Tilling is fine with the turfs. A local snow removal (Fargo garden hut) convinced me that turfs were better.....I agree. He sells cub cadet and operates a side business as well.

As far as the zturn mower, the mmm will cost you around 3k and you can get the z465 for about 5k. Plus you might get 500$ off for loyality. Fiance the whole thing then you have the perfect set up. Don't worry about diesel in the mower, I was told the ztracks were rated at minimum for 800hrs and you might use 50 hrs per year. It will last a long time.

Stay green!!!:D

 

[tjwoody]

Everything you mentioned can be handled by a subcompact tractor. If you want a Deere the 1026r looks like a good choice. The Kubota BXes are also sized right. I would aim for 23-26 hp. All of them can handle either fron or rear plows and snowblowers.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree that a 1026R would be a good choice for your list of jobs. With a drive over deck it makes switching from mower duty to tractor work an easy swap.

If you have to deal with steep slopes I would consider the x748 and x749 I think their better in that specific use.

 

[Deere Dude]

Unless you are narrowed down to the x2xx or x3xx series, I would consider the X748 with a 62" deck. It's 4WD diesel and would do everything you want it to. It will mow 5 acres like a shot, maybe in to 2 hours. For piles of mulch a 3 pt hitch and dirt scoop will work great. It will haul gravel & dirt quite easily. A front blade will level off more than you can imagine.

Unless you have a lot of digging to do or have need of a lot of loader work or just have your heart set on those bigger tractors, I would consider this option. I blew a 700 ft. driveway in Wisconsin for 20 years with that type of set-up. I have a 3720 with FEL also but I found the x7xx I use works better for keeping the driveway clear.

And I can mow all day long quite easily with it. You can take that sideways on a hill where the x2xx would only dream about.

 

[mach1mason]

Thanks for all the info!!
Ok... I leaning toward the 2520 with the following implements. What options should I get on the tractor and approx. cost of new vs used. (before I talk to the dealerships)

1. 72" MMM
2. Front snow blower
3. 200cx
4. turf tires
5. back blade

Will have to wait on the zero turn and tiller until I can build a barn for storage.

 

[Martian]

Thanks for all the info!!
Ok... I leaning toward the 2520 with the following implements. What options should I get on the tractor and approx. cost of new vs used. (before I talk to the dealerships)

1. 72" MMM
2. Front snow blower
3. 200cx
4. turf tires
5. back blade

Will have to wait on the zero turn and tiller until I can build a barn for storage.

I think you should really look into the price of the MMM and see if you might be able to get a zero turn. At last check they were nearly $3k, for $1k more you can have a separate machine. Just food for thought...

As for pricing got to JDs online builder, build what you would like and expect about 10-15% off of that.

 

[KennyG]

The mower plus mounting parts will be about 3K. Some people really want a mower and some would rather mow with the tractor. I went with the MMM because the way the JD decks are built, I think they will last forever with almost no maintenance. I'm trying to minimize the number of engines, tires, etc I have around the place.

Unless something has changed with pricing, get the list price on line, take about 10% off and start dealing from there.

 

[mach1mason]

what about the differences between new and used tractors? What are the primary factors with used tractors?

Also when builting a new tractor on deere.com...2520, i could not get it to come woth a FEL, availible options were only mower deck and snow blower.

 

[yelbike]

The bonus of used is lower price, extra free ad ons, no taxes.
The down side is what you don't know. Less warranty also.

 

[Martian]

I ditto what yelbike said, and don't forget about financing. Due to most people not having all the cash on hand they have to drop the price greatly in the first couple years a tractor is old, then it evens out. A 3 year old tractor may drop 25% off of sticker, but a 10 year old tractor is only about 35-40% off MSRP. If you can pay cash, and have an excellent deal on a low hour, used machine, it will benefit your pocket book a lot to not have to pay the extra.

I am a believer in new is the best... and I say that as I bought a used tractor 3 days ago. Fit my budget better (a lot better, like $25,000 cheaper) and was in good condition. Now I gotta sell my tractor though...

Deere's builder isn't always the greatest. 2520 definitely has a loader, just looked it up, went in through attachments. 200CX lists at $3,305, 200X is $2,621. I feel the extra power and quick attach/detach is worth it for the CX though.