New Cub vs. Used MF?

123MS1 · Oct 8, 2005

I need the favor of some advice. I know very little if anything about tractors but need one to work both mine and my father inlaws lots (12 acres total). We plan on bush hogging and cleaning up with a box blade and such. My delima is finding a cheap new or used tractor for this job. I ran across a used MF 1020 2wd no power steering, turf tires, with 500 hours in great (mint) condition with a finishing mower for about 5,000 and a new Cub Cadet 7200 4wd power steering 20 HP diesel, ag tires adn 25 hours for 8500 (from dealer). The difference is about 12-13 years and about 4 grand after I buy a bush hog and box blade. What would you do? I am looking at a great older buy vs a newer tractor with potentially less problems. As I said I am new and know next to nothing. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!!

gamble77 · Oct 8, 2005

The 4wd and power steering would seal the deal for me. Plust obviously the age of the machines makes a difference. I would just drive both of them and see which one you feel more "confident" in, so that way you can sleep well at night knowing you made the best decision for you.

YaleVahere · Oct 8, 2005

I'm sorry, Do you mean a 5200 series for the Cub? the 7000 series has a 30hp diesel and cost well over $12000 new. If it's a 5254D then that's still a pretty good price, with a 23 hp motor. If it is the 7000 than you'd better jump on that one quick. That's a heck of a deal.

DmansPadge · Oct 8, 2005

I always say the newer the better. But when it comes to tractors... thats not always the case. Tractors are built to last and generally... they do! Power steering and 4wd are important features. I would also recommend looking at one with a front end loader. With 12 acres... you would find countless uses for it.

Regardless of brand.. I would look for something in the 25-35hp range with a front end loader (FEL). Attachments can always be bought later on down the road when the need presents itself.

ducati996 · Oct 8, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm sorry, Do you mean a 5200 series for the Cub? the 7000 series has a 30hp diesel and cost well over $12000 new. If it's a 5254D then that's still a pretty good price, with a 23 hp motor. If it is the 7000 than you'd better jump on that one quick. That's a heck of a deal.
)</font>

You have the models confused...it is a 20HP heck someone on this site gave a review for it--and its on this site /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Review of 7200

MajMac392 · Oct 9, 2005

I agree with the rest of the comments on this site. Although I looked and looked for a 'clean' used tractor when I bought they weren't to be had for a reasonable amount of money. At the time being a non-tractor newbie I didn't trust myself to by a $8-12K piece of equipment and not get stuck with something I didn't know about. That said, I am a little confused about the Cub model number, 7200? They used to have a 7200 series 7-9 years ago, (I have a 7234), and the 7200 was a 20HP model in either 2 or 4 WD. That is a tough little tractor but a smaller frame than the 723, 726, or 727 series. I believe with that much land the larger you can afford in the 25-30HP range, with 4WD and FEL would be a better fit. You will find the FEL unequaled in its use and the 4WD is almost a must in a smaller tractor. Most of us didn't want to pay to much but better to pay a little more and get a warranty, new tractor than something that may give you trouble. If you read some of the posts I think the consensus is that a 2WD is not normally the best investment especially for resale 'unless' that is all you need to use. i.e. flat ground, just mowing, light pulling, etc. In a larger tractor the 2WD might be fine but in a CUT the 4WD is almost a must. Let us know what you end up with.

YaleVahere · Oct 9, 2005

Sorry ducati996,
I guess I misunderstood the word NEW. I thought maybe a 2004 or 2005 model is what he was talking about. My Bad. Oh, and by the way That review is for a 7 year old tractor.

Outlander1 · Oct 9, 2005

The Cub 7200 is the gear version of the HST 7205. 20 HP Mitsu. Can't be any newer than 2002 maybe early 2003. They make a great giant lawnmower. I have the 7205 and it's somewhat capable but I'm glad I have my Allis D15 for the serious stuff. As a giant lawnmower I could not ask for more!

123MS1 · Oct 9, 2005

OP poster here. You were right. It is not new, 2005 or 6 but the dealer has one they have not sold yet and are taking a heavy discount on the tractor. I appreciate the input and have not decided on what to buy. There are some options for a few grand more in the kubota line L2800 but as I said I was looking to stay on the small investment side of things. Thanks again and I look forward to coming back online and talking about my new or used tractor!