I am getting ready to take the plunge and buy a compact tractor to help me maintain my property. I have less than 5 acres. Following shoulder surgery I find that I can't lift and dig like I used to. I'm hoping a compact tractor will help with some of those jobs around my property. I'm looking for a machine with a loader and small backhoe. I'd like to add a posthole digger later. I have 2 Kubota and a Kioti dealers within 50 miles of home. I've also found a Mahindra dealer and an LS dealer about 60 miles away. I was originally looking at the Kubota BX25(23 HP) but I'm worried that I'll be sorry I didn't buy a larger tractor down the road. I've also looked at Kubota B2920 (29 HP), Kioti CK20S (22HP), Mahindra 2216 (22HP) and 2516 (25HP)(which I really liked) and an LS S3010 (28.5HP). In spite of the different HP capacities, the tractors are close in price. I've compared these models against each other and they seem comparable except for weight (the Kubotas are lighter ). This is a big purchase and I don't want to get it wrong. I don't know much about the Kioti, Mahindra and LS brands except what the dealers have said. Can anyone give me some advice about what I should consider before I buy? Thanks!
Buying Advice Need some compact tractor buying recomendations
- Thread starter Badger65
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wallace
Veteran Member, Approved Advertiser
The Mahindra 2516 is a slammer of a machine!
1,000lbs plus lifting capacity small platform tractor.
I think if you are going to spend a little more and get out of the subcompact tractor category. The 2516 Mahindra is the way to go.
The Kioti CK20 is underpowered for its weight. I have sold lots of CK20 and now Bobcat CT122's but I do tell my customers that the use of high range will likely never happen.
1,000lbs plus lifting capacity small platform tractor.
I think if you are going to spend a little more and get out of the subcompact tractor category. The 2516 Mahindra is the way to go.
The Kioti CK20 is underpowered for its weight. I have sold lots of CK20 and now Bobcat CT122's but I do tell my customers that the use of high range will likely never happen.
dmay
Gold Member
What tractor chores are going to occur on your 5 acres? What will be the tractors primary use? Will it be used year round, summer, winter? What other equipment do you have like riding lawn mowers or snowblowers?
How often do you plan to use a backhoe and posthole digger? If you just need to put in a fence, hire a fence crew for this one time job and save your money (and shoulder).
How often do you plan to use a backhoe and posthole digger? If you just need to put in a fence, hire a fence crew for this one time job and save your money (and shoulder).
I will be using the tractor all year as I may eventually add a mower and snow blower. Right now I have both a lawn tractor (getting old) and a snow blower. I will use the tractor to help with digging holes for tree planting, to dig drainage ditches, to help in the build of two stone retaining walls (carrying the blocks etc.), to maintain my driveway, move mulch for our extensive gardens and yes, I will be putting in two fences. I'm sure a tractor will come in handy for other chores as well.
Badger65 You will hear get the biggest machine you can afford, which is good advice. I have a Kubota B2710 which I purchased in 02 with FEL, BH, box scraper, and brush cutter. I have since added a landscape rake, power grader, chipper, and grapple. I can only speak for the Kubota but my little 27 horse has been plenty good for me. When I purchased I had no idea of all the uses I would need it for, and originally I wanted a post hole digger. Never thought I would need a roto tiller but now I'm in the market for one. I would start with the basics the FEL and BH are indespensable, for some of the projects you got listed. You will think of many other uses, and some you may have the wife talk you out of:laughing: I would do the same start with what you need and as projects come and go so won't implement purchases.
flusher
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Considering your shoulder situation, I'd concentrate first on which implements you'll need and how you'll get them connected to the 3-pt hitch without causing a problem with your shoulder. I'd start with Deltahook
3 point hitch | 3 point quick hitch | 3 point tractor hitch | The Deltahook
It's pricy, but so are visits to the ER and OR.
Trying to connect a heavy implement like a brush hog to a standard 3-point hitch can be a chore. I generally have to use a 5-ft steel pry bar to get the pins aligned close enough that I can kick the lower arms onto the implement hitch.
As far as tractor brands, I've owned two new tractors in my life--a 2005 Kubota B7510HST with the LA302 FEL and a 2008 Mahindra 5525 with the ML250 FEL. The 7510 is 21 hp engine/17 hp pto while the 5525 is 54 hp engine/45 hp pto. I'd recommend either one based on my experience.
Don87
Elite Member
The Delta Hook looks good. Until you get into the application of it.
Each implement will need one of those attachments hooked to it from the outset, or ya need 2 people to switch it(according to the video) wth each implement change, which kinda defeats the purpose, or gives an astronomical cost if one has several implements. The standard 'Quick Hitch' may be a better idea.
Each implement will need one of those attachments hooked to it from the outset, or ya need 2 people to switch it(according to the video) wth each implement change, which kinda defeats the purpose, or gives an astronomical cost if one has several implements. The standard 'Quick Hitch' may be a better idea.
Don87
Elite Member
Careful thought will need to be given to the highlighted section also. A lot of 'compact' tractors cannot be purchased with a 'belly mower', like your lawn tractor has. (the BX25 is a subcompact)
Be careful before you buy.......look at everything, and get it as a package up front.
brewdog
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Badger65,
I'd probably not choose something smaller than 30-35HP (diesel) 4wd and not less than 1000 lb lift on the Front end loader. You can do amazing things with these new compact 4wd machines. You need to think about rear lift capacity, will you be using a brush hog? Always look for the heavier frame tractors and check the weight of each one you look at. If the tractor doesn't come with the weight on the frame, I guarantee you will need to spend more $ for weight. Heavier frame machines seem to last longer. A bare tractor in that size should weight 2,500 lbs, then add the FEL or another 800 lbs, then get the rear tires filled with non corrosive liquid, add another 600 lbs. This additional weight will make digging into a dirt or gravel pile much easier and will save time. A 7.5 foot back hoe is the smallest I would go for that size. I like the New Holland TC1520 or TC1510. Proven affordable machines. They play a lot of games with Horsepower these days. I look for naturally aspirated engine HP not Turbo Horsepower. I'm not fond of Turbo's although a lot of guys swear by them. Make sure you look hard at the front loader design, if its built light, chances are it will spring or bend. Make sure the brand you choose will be around a while, because you will probably have it for while. Enjoy the search, it should be fun as well as a real learning experience. You will be amazed at the deals you can find when they realize you are ready to spend the $ right away.
I'd probably not choose something smaller than 30-35HP (diesel) 4wd and not less than 1000 lb lift on the Front end loader. You can do amazing things with these new compact 4wd machines. You need to think about rear lift capacity, will you be using a brush hog? Always look for the heavier frame tractors and check the weight of each one you look at. If the tractor doesn't come with the weight on the frame, I guarantee you will need to spend more $ for weight. Heavier frame machines seem to last longer. A bare tractor in that size should weight 2,500 lbs, then add the FEL or another 800 lbs, then get the rear tires filled with non corrosive liquid, add another 600 lbs. This additional weight will make digging into a dirt or gravel pile much easier and will save time. A 7.5 foot back hoe is the smallest I would go for that size. I like the New Holland TC1520 or TC1510. Proven affordable machines. They play a lot of games with Horsepower these days. I look for naturally aspirated engine HP not Turbo Horsepower. I'm not fond of Turbo's although a lot of guys swear by them. Make sure you look hard at the front loader design, if its built light, chances are it will spring or bend. Make sure the brand you choose will be around a while, because you will probably have it for while. Enjoy the search, it should be fun as well as a real learning experience. You will be amazed at the deals you can find when they realize you are ready to spend the $ right away.
Gittyup
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At least go with a CUT. The SCUTS are too light for serious loader/backhoe work, and can be challenged with a post hole digger due to height of 3PH. The do, however, make for good snow machines and OK mowers. If Wallace recommends the Mahindra over BC's of similar HP, that's something to take seriously as he sells both. However, I would recommend the BC CT235 or the Kioti CK35. Definitely HST. Here you get weight, HP, and hydraulic flow better than just about anyting else in it's class. Don't buy too small and regret it.
As for mowing, It sounds like you may have alot of obstacles to mow around. If so, then get yourself a good purpose built finish mower separate from the tractor. The problem with CUT tractors and mowing, where there is a lot to mow around and under, is that the tractor is too big. Roll bar in the way. Too long. Too wide. Doesn't steer sharp enough. Too heavy. A slight mis-steer and you've done some real damage to whatever you hit. The SCUTS address these issues to some degree. But, they really do compromise performance of all tasks so as to be a one do-it-all machine. But for me, I like the JD all-wheel steer machines for mowing. Hard to beat. Then I have a CUT that has the beef to do real tractor work.
As for mowing, It sounds like you may have alot of obstacles to mow around. If so, then get yourself a good purpose built finish mower separate from the tractor. The problem with CUT tractors and mowing, where there is a lot to mow around and under, is that the tractor is too big. Roll bar in the way. Too long. Too wide. Doesn't steer sharp enough. Too heavy. A slight mis-steer and you've done some real damage to whatever you hit. The SCUTS address these issues to some degree. But, they really do compromise performance of all tasks so as to be a one do-it-all machine. But for me, I like the JD all-wheel steer machines for mowing. Hard to beat. Then I have a CUT that has the beef to do real tractor work.
DennisFolsom
Gold Member
If a front-mounted snowblower is high on your wish list, be sure that you get a tractor that will take one. (Not all of them will.) Make sure it has a mid PTO. Price the setup with the snowblower, even if you don't buy it in the initial purchase. That way, you know 1) if you can get a front mounted snowblower for it, and 2) about how much it will cost.
A friend of mine bought a Bobcat CT335, which he likes, but found he could not get a mid PTO for it. (Maybe they are available now, but weren't when he checked).
A friend of mine bought a Bobcat CT335, which he likes, but found he could not get a mid PTO for it. (Maybe they are available now, but weren't when he checked).
