Buying Advice MMM/3phMower or garden tractor

[treman]

Hi, Im new to the forum and I'm looking for some advice. I recently purchaced a new home and find myself in need of a decent tractor. I've got my hands on an old 8n but its got some pretty new loaded r1s on it and Its causing me concern as i thought I could mow the lawn with it and now im having second thoughts. some details: Im on just over 2 acres 1/2 is turf the other half is in pasture. the turf is pretty open only a couple of trees. Im thinking of trying to replace the 8n and get something newer with live pto and live hydraulics. Ive got about 100' of gravel drive and this will double when i build my shop hopefully this year. I also want a tractor that i could do some tillage with since my fiancee is an avid gardener and this would win brownie points for me if i can make her garden plot larger. Im leaning toward JD or kubota due to the fact that there are dealers and parts available very close by. My wife to be is thinking that we should just get a garden tractor for the lawn and buy a tractor this fall after we are married with some of the wedding money. my concern is that means i have another tractor to store and maintain. Im leaning toward just replacing the 8n with one machine that could do both jobs. Any advice would be helpful. I appreciate it greatly.

 

[jenkinsph]

I am going to go against the tide here on TBN and suggest you buy something similar to my riding mower a 100 series JD, this should mow your turf in 30 minutes to an hour depending on the conditions. Then if everything works out the two of you can pick out a tractor this fall that suits your needs. I would think the 8N will suffice in the interim.

 

[Barneyhunts]

If your ground is not very rocky I would suggest a tractor similar to my Kubota BX2200, i.e., 22hp diesel 4wd, with a midmount mower(largest available) for the lawnwork, a 3 point hitch mounted rototiller for the gardening, and, if you are in a winter climate with snow removal requirements, a front mounted 2 stage snow thrower. A front end loader is especially useful if you have things to move around. I'd make a list of things you can use the machine for and try to get a package price on all the implements you need.

 

[TripleR]

A lot is going to depend on your budget and needs/wants. Your cheapest will be as jenkinsph recommends. I find the 8N leaves a lot to be desired, no live PTO, so-so 3-point hitch etc, but you have one and it will work. About any decent size mower will work for your lawn, maybe not as comfortably as a tractor, but it will work.

If money is not that big of a deal, I would recommend a good SCUT/CUT from JD or Kubota; not saying others don't make good ones, but you limited it to those two. My preference is for a BX, but opinions will vary. Good luck.

 

[Gittyup]

Keep the 8N. Then get a used JD 400 series (or similar other brand) for the lawn. These smaller GTs will be more nimble for mowing around things and close to buildings and vehicles. A lot to choose from. You need to set your budget and prioritize functionality. Other options are:

JD4100
JDx55 or x50 series (e.g. 855)
Bota BX's, 75xx series, 6200
Kioti CK20 (best buy of all these)
TYM T233/T273
MF GC2300 series

 

[jenkinsph]

Let me be clear about this.

I agree with the "future Mrs" who is open to buying a riding mower now and a "tractor" this fall. That is a very reasonable concession to make, I am single but there are alot of guys on this forum that would like to have such a reasonable wife. As I interpetted her comment she would go for a riding mower and a compact tractor too. This combination is better than one single subcompact tractor.

I could also see buying the used 425 mower(or approximation) if the right one come available.

 

[LBrown59]

Here is what I use to maintain my 2.33 acres
MY TRACTORING PICTURES. - TractorByNet.com
Any one of them will do what you ask about with ease .

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for some advice. I recently purchaced a new home and find myself in need of a decent tractor. I've got my hands on an old 8n but its got some pretty new loaded r1s on it and Its causing me concern as i thought I could mow the lawn with it and now im having second thoughts. some details: Im on just over 2 acres 1/2 is turf the other half is in pasture. the turf is pretty open only a couple of trees. Im thinking of trying to replace the 8n and get something newer with live pto and live hydraulics. Ive got about 100' of gravel drive and this will double when i build my shop hopefully this year. I also want a tractor that i could do some tillage with since my fiancee is an avid gardener and this would win brownie points for me if i can make her garden plot larger. Im leaning toward JD or kubota due to the fact that there are dealers and parts available very close by. My wife to be is thinking that we should just get a garden tractor for the lawn and buy a tractor this fall after we are married with some of the wedding money. my concern is that means i have another tractor to store and maintain. Im leaning toward just replacing the 8n with one machine that could do both jobs. Any advice would be helpful. I appreciate it greatly.

More information :
discussion cut with mower deck or separate riding mower - TractorByNet.com

one tractor vs mower + tractor - TractorByNet.com

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would keep the 8N and get a good ZTR for mowing.

Chris

 

[treman]

Thanks to all for the advise so far. not sure as to what I will do but I appreciate the input, it has been very helpful towards our decision.

 

[mostly_gas]

One option is unload the R1's on the 8N and get a 60 inch 3pt finish mower. I mowed 3 acres with an 8N and unloaded R1 with no problem for 10 years. Then you can get a nice trim mower. The wife had no problem driving the 8N.