Narrowing the field in the 20-25 HP range

Anonymous Poster · May 12, 2003

I'm new to this forum but have been scanning discussions for a few weeks. Looking for a tractor for our 10 acres, about 5 of which are field with about one and a half acres of lawn and 4 acres of woods from which I plan to haul firewood. Mostly flat terrain located in Concord, New Hampshire. Parts of the field and woods are quite wet, staying muddy for a good part of the summer. Am thinking of a B7500, MF 1423, or Kioti CK20. New Holland seems overpriced as is the John Deere. Like most, have not driven the CK20 but I like the weight and, frankly, it looks cool. Any pluses or minuses among these? R4's or turfs? - most use will be rotary mowing, garden tilling, finish mowing and possibly snow blowing. Also, one dealer has suggested that a finish mower would work in the field which has been mowed twice a year - those pesky thorn bushes that keep coming back seem to be the thickest obstacle. Thanks for any suggestions.

frank_f15 · May 12, 2003

STEVE: welcome to the forum, just a thought but have u considered moving up a bit, say a b2410? u get a few more hp and a few extra features. as far as tires go, u mention wet areas, would suggest R4's also are u going to get the fel? would also suggest that u do and get a removable toothbar for it.as far as kioti, i don't know to much about them, they look pretty nice and have heard lots of good things about them. NORTHCREEK HAS A DK45( ?) AND HE LOVES HIS. just threw tis out there for u to ponder. hope it helps! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Knight9 · May 12, 2003

Hi there,

Sounds like we have similiar property sizes and descriptions. I ended up going with a B2410 and have been pleased with the fit. It is powerful and large enough to do everything a CUT should be able to do, and yet small enough that it's still good to mow the lawn with.

As far as tires, my task requirement is like yours (mowing, rough cut mowing, snow removal etc) and I went with turfs. I've had it over two years now and had an issue with traction only a couple of times. The turfs have been great for mowing and field cutting and snow removal.

Good luck.
Kevin

hazmat · May 12, 2003

Have you checked Chappel Tractor for a price on the New Holland? I found them priced in line or even cheaper than Kubota in So. NH.

Any of the tractors you mention will do the job. If you haven't yet, time to pound the pavement & test drive. Chappel tractor has both Kubota & NH for a side by side comparison.

Suggest you buy a Rotary cutter for the field vs. a finish mower. They can be had for relatively cheap compared to having to replace your finish mower after you've abused it.

If your soil is soft & you care what your lawn looks like get the turfs. If you have clay soil or don't care about ruts get the R4's. I have both. The R4's will tear up soft soil. The turfs work well in dry dirt, not so well in the mud.

RoyJackson · May 12, 2003

"Also, one dealer has suggested that a finish mower would work in the field which has been mowed twice a year"

That really depends on how rough the field is.
You can destroy a rather expensive piece of equipment running a finish mower in rough stuff.

Anonymous Poster · May 13, 2003

I agree with hazmat.A finish mower doesn't belong in a field if there are any rocks or such.I also went to chappel and they beat everyone around pricewise.I like masseys weight better though.I would consider a little bit bigger like a tc30 size if you plan on running a rotory mower much.It will speed your mowing tasks up alot.I would go with industrials I think and take it out of 4wd when you don't need it.