Looking for tractor to maintain 8.5 acres in NH

[IslandTractor]

I'd certainly agree with the HST recommendation others have made. The only reason to have a geared tractor is if you are plowing soil. Someone earlier noted that three range HST is preferable and I agree. Not sure how many are still 2 range these days but while 2 ranges will get the work done there will definitely be times you'd prefer to be in the middle.

Check out Kioti CK27, CK30, CK35 and the newer versions of each which I think are labelled CK3010 etc. Tough tractors and good value. There was a Kioti dealer in Lebanon last time I checked. Also the Mahindra Max line in 25-30ish hp is excellent. LS you have already discovered and is very similar to Kioti and Mahindra. NH boomer series is pretty well thought of too. Almost forgot Massey Ferguson which is a well established brand that I believe makes some tractors in the 25-35hp range.

I'd personally stay away from the smaller Kubota B series which are excellent tractors but a bit on the light side and with comparatively "weak" FELs. If you were mostly mowing they would be great but you'll pay a premium for the Kubota name and I think the heavier tractors (Kioti, Mahindra, LS) will be better for loader and ground engagement work. Again, check the specs on loader capacities etc. If you can swing the Kubota L series those have stronger loaders.

 

[fried1765]

I'd lean more towards a 30-35 hp large SCUT/small CUT for a couple of reasons. One, they usually have more ground clearance. Two they normally have a 3-range HST transmission (HST is the smartest, safest bet for someone new to tractors), which gives you some flexibility over 2-range setups. Three, they're a bit bigger and heavier, which usually means more stability. Four, they normally have a good edge in FEL lift height and lift capacity which can come in handy, or at least mean you aren't constantly maxing out your loader, so it should cut down on wear and tear.

If you can't swing a zero turn (which would be much faster, and cut better) and rear finish mower will do a good job, but you're likely going to run into issues with tearing up the lawn (even with a SCUT) even under the best of conditions, and possibly won't be able to mow at all if it's rained recently.

I would definitely go for a snow thrower over a rear blade for your area. Blades are fast, but your driveway gets more narrow each pass you make, and you'll eventually have to use the FEL to move the banks back, which is slow. I'd look for an inverted 3pt blower which lets you drive forward.

I had really good luck with my LS (R4047H) and only sold it to buy a full-size backhoe. LS dealers are allowed to publish prices, so you can normally find a ballpark price pretty easily. Several dealers post their prices on Craigslist, like this one in my area:

LS XJ2025 tractor loader, 4wd

The OP will need a rear blade for grading his 600' driveway!
He may try to plow his driveway with a blade for the first winter, and then...he will buy a blower!
I would suggest that he get something larger than the LS XJ2025.

 

[kbsd]

The Kioti dealer is in Enfield, Twin State Tractor. He's a great guy and easy to deal with. That's where I bought mine.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

The Kioti dealer is in Enfield, Twin State Tractor. He's a great guy and easy to deal with. That's where I bought mine.

I did not have a similar experience. Very nice but neither he nor his mechanic had much knowledge of the product in my opinion.

 

[pedzola]

Good call on grading the driveway. Assume I will need to "re-gravel" it on occasion.

So one thing I'm struggling with as I look for appropriate models is a lack of pricing info available online. Not even MSRP. Mahindra and Kubota have prices but no others. Why is that?

So I think maybe these are the comparable models... Mahindra Max26XL, Kioti CK2610, Kubota B2650, MF 1726E. The LS XJ2025H seems maybe halfway between these and a sub compact. Probably more in line w/my budget though.

Any commentary? I feel like $20k really needs to be my limit, and there are several sub-compacts in this range but this next step up looks like maybe a stretch. Although again, can't really find any pricing except mahindra and kubota MSRP's.

 

[grm61]

A lot of this discussion comes down to budget and time. If you have lots of time and a small budget, a SCUT with a snow blower & FEL could handle your jobs. (I'm not recommending a SCUT, just stating that it could work)

On the other end of the spectrum, a utility tractor or large CUT (40-60hp) with turf tires like what you see on gulf courses would do a nice fast job on the lawn (as long as the mowing is unobstructed), have clearance for the woods, have a stronger FEL for those tasks and be able to move snow much faster.

Different approaches on implements are required depending on the size tractor you get. On a utility tractor, rear blades work well for snow removal because the machine has the clearance and weight to pull that off. On a SCUT, not so much, especially in NH. Think about pricing vs approach.

SCUT + mower + front mount snow blower + rear blade for gravel maintenance = x?
45 HP CUT + mower + rear blade + snow bucket = x?

If you think you need a grapple and are on a budget, it's amazing what you can do with a set of forks.

A previous poster noted that with a blade your drive will get narrower as winter progresses. Snow blower eliminates this but isn't necessary on large tractor. it's easy to drive down the side of the drive way with a bucket and trim back the piles, looks like a snow blower went through after it's done.

If I were you, I would go 40-60hp, 4wd, HST. But don't be afraid of gear if you have good knees. Hydraulic reversers are nice also.

In the end, I wouldn't recommend a SCUT due to clearance and the size of snow storm you can get in your area.

A medium frame 25-35hp CUT with turf tires, 3pt mower & FEL, rear blade or box blade would probably do a nice job for you - this is what I predict you will end up getting. It is the happy medium. What many consider the sweet spot for what you describe. Not sure if you'll want the snow blower with this size tractor or not.

A large frame 40-60hp CUT with gulf turf tires, chains for winter, 3pt mower, FEL w huge bucket (not the stock one) and rear blade will do everything with capacity to spare most the time. No snow blower needed. I love clearing snow with a large bucket on gravel. with edge tamers it picks up no gravel. Snow blowers will always throw some gravel even if you set them high it can get sucked through with the snow. Blades are IMO the hardest to set up well for gravel. Many use their back blades in reverse for gravel.

Finally, and I know you will struggle to justify this, But a dedicated mower like a zero turn or other plus a big tractor with R-4's for toughness in wood and that are cut for snow and a strong FEL is probably the best way to go and many who start out like you eventually end up with this combo.

Very good points, To the OP, don't forget to consider a Cab if this is a long term purchase.
I like to plow at night, naked, with the dome light on, gives the neighbors something to talk about.:laughing:
Seriously though, it sure does take the misery out of any kind of storm, or sweltering heat:thumbsup:

 

[airbiscuit]

Very good points, To the OP, don't forget to consider a Cab if this is a long term purchase.
I like to plow at night, naked, with the dome light on, gives the neighbors something to talk about.:laughing:
Seriously though, it sure does take the misery out of any kind of storm, or sweltering heat:thumbsup:

That's good motivation not to get stuck :laughing:

 

[grm61]

That's good motivation not to get stuck :laughing:

Yep, probably couldn't get anyone to pull me out

 

[Snowback]

Excellent advice up above. Everyone, shares great wisdom here. I had a Max 25 SCUT that worked great on 2 acres with 1 acre wooded, but I found that it was no match for 16+ acres of partially cleared woods with remaining deadfall and dense brush. Ended up with a unit that I could still tow with a half ton, but was relatively heavy and capable. The Mahindra 2538 HST with grapple and 6' implements is a suitable fit for my tract and would be enough for your needs as well I believe. It competes with the Kubota L3901 and JD 3038 E which would be good options as well. Kioti's, Branson's, New Hollands, LS etc.. in that size/HP range would work too. 35-40HP +/-. For cost calibration, in TX you can get the Mahindra 2538 HST FEL with a 5' cutter and 5' box blade for +/- $21,000 pre tax, so it might be a bit more tractor than you were considering, but very close to budget. Maybe you can get an LLC running with Timber sales tax exemption for your ag and timber purchases?

For any major tree clearing or woods reclamation work I personally would recommend hiring out an excavator and couple of guys with saws if you wanted the firewood. Maybe start by bringing in someone with a skidsteer forestry mulcher to cut your trails through the woods and then have fun with your tractor until you decide on final property utility. You could do all of that with your tractor and some chainsaws, but it would take a lot of manpower and time. (Which is great fun too if you have time to spare.)

Grapples are pretty handy when you have any measurable amount of wooded area to maintain, so you really consider one of those with a 3rd function kit. (Or at least pallet forks, or a bucket thumb as a stop gap). A grapple would be my first major accessory if I were you, (after box blade and cutter), and also get a $12 steering wheel spinner which you'll enjoy on these power steering machines while in the woods.

Most importantly in my opinion is great dealer support. That personally would be my number one factor in considering your brand choice. I have Mahindra, JD, Branson and Kubota dealers equidistant from my place <5 miles. Far and away the guys at J5 Mahindra were most helpful and always willing to wait on, and work with me. That counts when things go sideways which they might just do with any brand.

Medium size CUT examples of capability: (insert any brand comparable tractor in here as they would all be fine...)

Good luck and stay safe while operating. Watch lots of video on safe operation and check out this great forum for terrific advice and key learnings from others. TBN'ers are really a great group of guys and gals and have helped me out tremendously!

 

[airbiscuit]

So one thing I'm struggling with as I look for appropriate models is a lack of pricing info available online. Not even MSRP. Mahindra and Kubota have prices but no others. Why is that?

Any commentary? I feel like $20k really needs to be my limit, and there are several sub-compacts in this range but this next step up looks like maybe a stretch. Although again, can't really find any pricing except mahindra and kubota MSRP's.

As far as I know you can do a Build and Price on Kubota, Mahindra, John Deere, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson, but not Kioti.

It sounds like you are trying to process lots of information all at once. I would suggest that you go on a couple of field trips to dealers to look closely at CUTs in person. Hopefully, you will have a good sales person who will educate more than sell. It's one thing to read brochures and web sites, but it is another thing to sit on and operate. You will notice different things each time you do this.

I really hope you don't go with a SCUT. While they are fine machines, I think if you buy one, you will soon be thinking about trading it in on a CUT.