Just Joined.

[TheJackal]

I've been reading some of the forum threads and I'm certain I found a good source of good advice. The wife and I just purchased additional property that adjoins our home and I'm finding that my John Deere X300 is not quite up to the tasks I am looking for as we develop this property. I am in the market for a larger tractor with more options. Ideally, I'd like at least 5 foot finish mower (6 foot would be better), box blade, possibly a front end loader for some relatively lightweight dirt work.

I am one to do lots of reading and research before dropping $$. I don't have unlimited funds and for that reason, I want to spend wisely and would prefer buying once sufficiently than more than once and finding I didn't buy large enough.

The property is relatively level and I'm able to get it mowed in around 2 hours with my X300 (42 inch) cut. I'd certainly like to reduce that time and add some capabilities to so some leveling and filling of low spots.

I appreciate finding a place with people willing to share their experiences and opinions. I look forward to being part of the group. A bit about me, I'm a pilot, musician, math professor, husband, father, grandfather, and thankful for all of the varied life adventures I've had in this journey so far. I bring you fond greetings from the northern part of Louisiana.

Ben Rushing

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Welcome!

How much property are we talking about?

If it takes 2 hours on your X300, around 3-4 acres?

What kind of small dirt work? You talking about moving top soil for a garden or ground engaging work?

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I would say based off this info is a large garden tractor like the x700 series JD's or a subcompact.

Also what is not unlimited funds? 5k, 10k, 25k ext. it helps to have a ballpark to stay in on recommendations.

 

[TheJackal]

Thanks for the welcome to the forum. I'll get my thoughts together and ask for recommendations on one of the other areas of the forum. To answer the specific questions, I've got about 2.5 acres on the property adjoining mine and another piece of property that's about 1.5 acres. The part next to me is mostly flat and the dirt work I need there is basically filling in some low spots. I'm mowing it with the X300 and cutting it at about 2.5 inches. Takes a little over 2 hours.

The other property is basically two levels, with a hill across the property in the middle sloping down from one level at the top to the lower level that adjoins a lake. It needs a bit more dirt work. I'm presently paying someone to mow it for me. What I'm being charged for that mowing is so low that it's just not worth it to load and move my X300 and then mow.

The dirt work I need on the other property is to fill some washouts and contour the hill to reduce erosion. I might need to do some leveling there as well.

As far as budget for upgrading, on the top side, I'd like to stay less than $15K. I'm not in a hurry so I've got time to do my research and, hopefully, find the right piece for the right price.

As I said, as I get better informed about things, I'll post to an appropriate thread to seek guidance and wisdom from the group.

Thanks again.

Ben

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

 

[TBN Support]

Hi Ben. Welcome to the forum!
:welcome:

You've come to a good place for research

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN...enjoy.