Buying Advice Need Help Deciding Which Tractor to Go With

[Slowpoke Slim]

OP,

Gotcha on the slope estimate. Here is a chart that shows slope angle in degree and percent of grade:



As you can see, a 30 to 35 degree slope is pretty serious. There are free inclinometer apps available for your smart phone that will let you measure specific spots on a slope to get degrees or percent grade of slope. Take a 6 or 8 foot long 2x4 and lay it on the slope, then place your smart phone on top of that. Spot checking various slopes around your place like that will give you a pretty good idea on what your actual slope angles are.

A 35 degree slope would take some pretty specialized equipment to traverse, let alone mow. Since your neighbor is able to traverse it without much issue, I'm speculating that your slope angles are probably much lower. A basic rule of thumb is degrees of angle is roughly half of percent of grade (not exactly, but "close enough" for rough estimating).

I had one slope on our last place (we recently bought-and-moved-house) that was 25 degrees in a couple places, and more than 20 degrees for a good portion (it was a road ditch near a storm drain culvert). That particular section I could only mow when it was completely dry, and from 20 degrees and steeper, I would only mow it straight up and straight down the slope. Thankfully there were flat "turn around" spots at both the top and bottom of the slope area. But I could mow up or down that slope in Low range on the HST, with front axle engaged, and with diff lock engaged. I would never even try to traverse this area by "side sloping" the hill.

 

[bobsaccamano41]

Consider: MT225S-25HP LS Tractor USA

I'll admit that I've never really even heard of these tractors prior to reading some of the responses here.

I went to the link but after looking through the website and a quick google search, I can't get a general price on these. Also, is this specific tractor a package deal like the BX23s in that it comes with the loader, backhoe and mower?

Thanks!

 

[bobsaccamano41]

OP,

Gotcha on the slope estimate. Here is a chart that shows slope angle in degree and percent of grade:

View attachment 667604

As you can see, a 30 to 35 degree slope is pretty serious. There are free inclinometer apps available for your smart phone that will let you measure specific spots on a slope to get degrees or percent grade of slope. Take a 6 or 8 foot long 2x4 and lay it on the slope, then place your smart phone on top of that. Spot checking various slopes around your place like that will give you a pretty good idea on what your actual slope angles are.

A 35 degree slope would take some pretty specialized equipment to traverse, let alone mow. Since your neighbor is able to traverse it without much issue, I'm speculating that your slope angles are probably much lower. A basic rule of thumb is degrees of angle is roughly half of percent of grade (not exactly, but "close enough" for rough estimating).

I had one slope on our last place (we recently bought-and-moved-house) that was 25 degrees in a couple places, and more than 20 degrees for a good portion (it was a road ditch near a storm drain culvert). That particular section I could only mow when it was completely dry, and from 20 degrees and steeper, I would only mow it straight up and straight down the slope. Thankfully there were flat "turn around" spots at both the top and bottom of the slope area. But I could mow up or down that slope in Low range on the HST, with front axle engaged, and with diff lock engaged. I would never even try to traverse this area by "side sloping" the hill.

I'd say you're probably right regarding the slope vs. grade issue. And thank you for the little diagram there. I've never seen that before and it's really helpful!

My problem has always been that I didn't have a good spot to turn around at the bottom of the hill as the tree line to the woods starts before it flattens out enough to where I could safely turn. However, there is a small clearing at the bottom, but that is where my drainage filed is for my septic. So I do not want to drive anything over that. I had spoken to the guy who installed my septic and drainage filed and asked him where the lines stop, so now it looks like I've got some area to work with where I can safely turn around at the bottom without running over my drainage lines. It is definitely steep, and I'll probably not even try it if the ground isn't completely dry, but being able to run over it with the mower a few times a month is much better than having to weed eat the whole thing every so often.

There's also some flatter areas in other sections where it's not as steep where I think I could safely run sideways and then go straight up, and basically make a bunch of big circles to get everything mowed. I also try to mow different directions every time I mow so that I don't create ruts by going over he same path over and over again. So that would be the only thing that would concern me. but again, that area isn't really seen by anyone unless you're in my backyard. Even then, it's not something I'm going to spend a great deal of time on in making it look good other than just keeping it knocked down. The front yard and the side yard from the approach side are going to be the areas I try to keep looking nice.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I'll admit that I've never really even heard of these tractors prior to reading some of the responses here.

I went to the link but after looking through the website and a quick google search, I can't get a general price on these. Also, is this specific tractor a package deal like the BX23s in that it comes with the loader, backhoe and mower?

Thanks!

They are about 5-8K less than an "orange" or "green" tractor similarly equipped in my area. I wanted an "orange" or "green" tractor/loader/BH. I joined this forum and a few of the FB pages a few years ago and after watching the comments I determined they ALL can break and any brand can have a lemon so do you want to pay more or less for those chances?

I only have 30 hrs on My LS MT240HE and I have been real happy with what it can do.

The biggest issue I see with LS is do you have a good servicing dealership within an acceptable to you distance.

MT225 isn't so much a fixed package as much as you can equip it how you want with whatever combination of FEL/MMM/BH

 

[bobsaccamano41]

They are about 5-8K less than an "orange" or "green" tractor similarly equipped in my area. I wanted an "orange" or "green" tractor/loader/BH. I joined this forum and a few of the FB pages a few years ago and after watching the comments I determined they ALL can break and any brand can have a lemon so do you want to pay more or less for those chances?

I only have 30 hrs on My LS MT240HE and I have been real happy with what it can do.

The biggest issue I see with LS is do you have a good servicing dealership within an acceptable to you distance.

MT225 isn't so much a fixed package as much as you can equip it how you want with whatever combination of FEL/MMM/BH

I looked into it and it turns out that I do have a local dealership in a neighboring town about 18 miles from my house. So I may mosey over that way after work today to take a look. I called over and they don't have the 225 in stock but do have a XJ2025, which looks to be similar to the 225. The price they quoted me with a loader and mower was right at 19, which is about 6k less than the Massey/JD/Mahindra that I've been kicking around. (The Massey I have tax figured in - so it's probably closer to 3k less than the Massey).

But I could potentially get a backhoe for the LS and end up around the same price as the Massey without it.

The one downside is that they don't have any financing through LS - zero percent for x months or otherwise. So I'd have to go to the bank to finance it, which is something I'd prefer not to do. The zero percent financing is pretty big part of my ultimate consideration. Like you stated, it looks like most of the tractors are about on par with one another and each have the chance of being a lemon. So really the big thing for me at this point is the financing options because I'm not in a position to pay cash for any tractor.

LS is missing a nice opportunity with not offering any sort of financing (at least according to my local dealer). If they had a comparable financing option to the JD/MF/Mahindra, I don't think it'd be a hard choice all things being relatively equal. (and my 4 year old has been begging me to buy a "blue tractor") haha. But I'm going to look into it and we'll see where it takes us!

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Bearsixty7]

I looked into it and it turns out that I do have a local dealership in a neighboring town about 18 miles from my house. So I may mosey over that way after work today to take a look. I called over and they don't have the 225 in stock but do have a XJ2025, which looks to be similar to the 225. The price they quoted me with a loader and mower was right at 19, which is about 6k less than the Massey/JD/Mahindra that I've been kicking around. (The Massey I have tax figured in - so it's probably closer to 3k less than the Massey).

But I could potentially get a backhoe for the LS and end up around the same price as the Massey without it.

The one downside is that they don't have any financing through LS - zero percent for x months or otherwise. So I'd have to go to the bank to finance it, which is something I'd prefer not to do. The zero percent financing is pretty big part of my ultimate consideration. Like you stated, it looks like most of the tractors are about on par with one another and each have the chance of being a lemon. So really the big thing for me at this point is the financing options because I'm not in a position to pay cash for any tractor.

LS is missing a nice opportunity with not offering any sort of financing (at least according to my local dealer). If they had a comparable financing option to the JD/MF/Mahindra, I don't think it'd be a hard choice all things being relatively equal. (and my 4 year old has been begging me to buy a "blue tractor") haha. But I'm going to look into it and we'll see where it takes us!

Thanks for the suggestion!

I suggest test driving a few for sure, what can it hurt, even ask them to bring one out for a demo. Make sure you fit on the model you need. I sat on a few at the local dealer and No way would the MT125 or the 225 work for me, too tight (I'm 6' 1" 235lbs). The 230/235/240 however fit me fine. Only thing I may change is cut 2 inches out of each direction pedal for ergonomics and comfort.

It must have recently ended, they had 3.25% for 84 months. That's what I did back in June.

 

[mred2]

I don't think LS the company has any financing. I financed mine thru a local credit union. Most all the dealers have finance companies that they work with. But check all the fine print. One dealer here, when they get you to finance the local bank, get a kick back from the bank. You will find that the 0% finance, most of the time, has an amount added to the total when you purchase. Nothing is free.

Make sure it is the tractor that you want. Part of the reason that I got LS was how well the seat fit me.

 

[RalphVa]

I've had 2 JD 2 series: 4010 (like a 2019E) and 2025R. First one for nearly 9 years and 660 hours and 2nd one now 5 years and about 320 hours. The 18.5 hp 4010 had just the right amount of hp for my bush hog and chipper/shredder duties. I only run the 2025R at 2500 rpm vs. 3000 "PTO" speed vs. having to run the 4010 at PTO speed and needing to rev it up to start the bush hog. Only need higher revs for digging loads out with the FEL.

Absolutely no problems except for the infamous explosion of the front driveshaft Ujoint on the 4010. Had the 2025R Ujoints done at 200 hours and plan to get the next job done at with another 200-400 hours on it. Know now the Ujoints aren't dry, which the one on the 4010 probably was.

Only other troubles was the turf fronts on the 4010 and breaking of the turnbuckles on it because I failed to tighten them well once.

Absolutely no problems with the 2025R. It's a gen. 1 with turning brakes. Gotta have turning brakes.

I would caution you about getting any tractor with hydraulic cooling fan underneath like the BXs used on uneven terrain or in brush.

Ralph

 

[Coboco]

If everything works out, later today or tomorrow morning I'll be attempting to purchase a Kubota L2501 HST 4x4. I've been looking at tractors and researching for almost 2 years now. Everything from reconditioned Yanmars, to Mahindras, to RK's, Kioti...you name it. I ruled out the L2501 a few months back because of comparing specs to similar sized tractors, but something in my gut keeps telling me to go with Kubota.

There are multiple Kubota dealers close by, the reputation is top notch, and considering my duties (and what I have seen in similar situations on youtube) it should be just fine. If things don't work out, I feel a lot better about trying to re-sell a Kubota than any of the other brands I have been researching. I want a tractor that is simple and massively produced. I'm a mechanic so the parts support and general info. out there on the L2501 makes me feel confident about it.

We have just under 30 hilly acres, 15-18* slopes everywhere. By no means are we trying to maintain it like a golf course lol, and I'm in no hurry to get things done so 4 ft - 5 ft implements should suffice.