Need Tractor/Truck Recommendation

[ericm979]

If you can do the routine maintenance on cars and trucks a tractor isn't much harder. Mostly I needed larger tools and oil containers.

If you do the routine maintenance, you don't need a dealer close by. Mine's 3 hours away one way. I've been there twice in four years. Once to test drive tractors and once to pick up a used backhoe. I rented a flatbed trailer for that. The dealer ships parts (I have primarily needed filters).

With 40 acres of forest I think there's a good chance you'll be wanting to move trees in some way or another. Carrying rounds out of the woods is really hard work. There's a lot of different implements from log hitches to log arches to grapples or forestry winches. And of course there's also chains and cables. But if your trees have any size to them they get heavy and you'll need a good sized tractor to handle them. The sub compacts your dealers are showing you aren't going to be able to do much.

The emissions regs for tractors between 26 and 75hp are easier to meet than that for pickup trucks. The equipment adds less to the purchase price. There's no DEF and usually no EGR, which are the two things that have caused the most problems with diesel trucks. With the exception of a few models like the old Kubota B3350 tractor emissions systems have been reliable. And the air you and your family breaths is cleaner. I dislike the stench of unfiltered diesel exhaust and I'm happy to pay a little extra to not have to breathe it.

 

[RjCorazza]

Lots of good advice and opinions.
I would also think keeping the ZT, ditching the current truck (at least the plow), and looking at a 40hp cabbed machine in the 4000-5000 lb range. A 1/4 mile gravel drive in Vermont sounds like a lot of work to me, and you should consider your comfort while on the tractor IMHO.
I really like my Kubota L4060 cab tractor that I use primarily for much lighter snow plowing here in Maryland. Weighted rears and implements I come in at around 7000 lbs, which is important for snow plowing. The cab may be a liability if operating in tight wooded areas though.
Happy shopping!!!

 

[Username Taken]

The difference in cost between a non-EPA engine and the next step up to an EPA engine is roughly $3400.

https://apps.kubotausa.com/configurator/BuildMyKubota.aspx?pgId=1&bmId=1060&sId=125

https://apps.kubotausa.com/configurator/BuildMyKubota.aspx?pgId=1&bmId=1010&sId=125

Not all of that cost can be attributed to the EPA nonsense. Some of it is for the bigger engine

The difference between the 33HP Kubota and the 39 HP Kubota is about $2100.

https://apps.kubotausa.com/configurator/BuildMyKubota.aspx?pgId=1&bmId=1010&sId=125

So by extrapolation and using SWAG's I figure the cost of the EPA garbage to be about $1300. And that's the low end, IMO. Neither of the bigger Kubota's are turbocharged.

I'll take a check from anybody that wants to pay me for the EPA nonsense. Make it out to "Username's Fishing And Retirement Fund"

 

[ning]

Definitely go up at least a couple steps in the tractor size.
Getting a BX for what you need to do is a recipe in frustration and self recrimination... beg, borrow or steal what you need to get the right tractor the first time!
Would you consider used (idk how far this is from you) or are you relying on financing?

Check on what it takes to attach a plow to a light duty truck - around here I only see full-size trucks with plows, and I know it's a lot of extra weight on the front so I'm not sure about plowing with a tacoma or something light like that (guessing you need a lot of weight in the bed at the very least, and probably beef up the front end? what's the long-term viability of doing this?)

 

[censalata]

Ok so yesterday I went to 1 Kubota and 1 JD dealer. Today I went to a different Kubota dealer. My ideas of what I want were more refined today. Learning that I could get some kind of trench bucket or spade attachment in place of a backhoe was revolutionary. So today's Kubota dealer and I talked it all out and landed on an LX2610 which is around the same price as the B2601. When I looked at the BX23S I just knew it was so small I would be really likely to tip it over. I'm going to get the loader, box blade, and (from a 3rd party) some kind of trench bucket with grapple.

 

[dodge man]

I looked at the specs, it looks similar to the JD2025r I own, and maybe the Kubota has a little better loader. It looks like a nice tractor for your use, I wouldn‘t go any smaller.

 

[RidgeHiker]

I have a Kioti DK5010. Has been an xlnt tractor. The DK's are the more basic models which is reflected in the pricing. It is 50 hp which may be more than you need. The CK line gives more choice at less HP. There are other series as well. Might be worth checking out the Kioti dealer. If interested and negotiating price make sure they will deliver without extra cost. Also good to get with Rimguard filled rear tires to provide extra weight.

 

[RidgeHiker]

One more thing regarding Kioti. They are having their spring sale. Check under Financing section on their website. We took advantage of a great savings when we bought ours. One thing to note is that at one of the dealers we checked with did not even know about the sale package we were looking at so we went elsewhere.

 

[Username Taken]

Ok so yesterday I went to 1 Kubota and 1 JD dealer. Today I went to a different Kubota dealer. My ideas of what I want were more refined today. Learning that I could get some kind of trench bucket or spade attachment in place of a backhoe was revolutionary. So today's Kubota dealer and I talked it all out and landed on an LX2610 which is around the same price as the B2601. When I looked at the BX23S I just knew it was so small I would be really likely to tip it over. I'm going to get the loader, box blade, and (from a 3rd party) some kind of trench bucket with grapple.

Excellent choice. You're gonna love it. It has a lot of features the competition doesn't. Like a 3 range Hydro. (it matters)

Excellent choice.

There's a guy in Canada (I think) that has a nice youtube series and he just bought the LX2610 to replace the B2601. He Loves it. Tractor time with Tim just bought the LX3310 and he's a dedicated Deere-Dude. He loves it.

If I can find one at a reasonable price, that's what I'm zeroed in on and I've been shopping for 2 years. They're going up in price, however. Hope you did well.

 

[nybirdman]

Check out GP Outdoors on You Tube.Only thing I would add for Vermont is wheel spacers.