New Guy First Tractor

[sparkyjohn]

I am looking at buying my first tractor. After studying them all, and creating spread sheets i still don't know. They all have some good and some items missing. I am looking at the 24.9 HP tractors or so they are called. I live on 10 acres, lightly wooded. Mostly flat as its overgrown farm land. Mostly dirt then clay here in the north. I am buying this mostly as a toy. Not worried about how quick i can do something. My use will be to move some dirt to fix low spots, till some small deer food plots, move food such as beets in the winter for the deer, or whatever little task that comes along. It will be a 4x4 with a loader. After studying i have a few questions about how important some things are. It will be a hydro. Is a 3 speed really nice compared to the 2 speed. How important is weight, the Branson's seem to weigh the most. Engine C.I., the Branson 2610 71.7c.i. being the heaviest has one of the smallest engine, the Kioti CK2510 is 100c.i. while the Kubota is 68c.i. or 78c.i. depending on the 2601 or 2610. Will a smaller C.I. motor last as long, seems like it has to work harder. The Yanmar claims to have cast iron trans case, hydro pump case and front axle case, i'm guessing the others have aluminum. The tractor that seems to have most of what i like is the LS with extras i like such as tilt, soft seat with arm rest, good engine, 3 speed, mid PTO but no good dealer close by. The winner there is the Yanmar or Kubota. Since i will likely use it a few hours a year, not sure i should pay extra for the name. Is having the rear tires filled a good idea? Is it true they say always buy one bigger then you think you want? Thanks all.

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN...enjoy.

Kubota L lower end models 30hp+ should fit your needs and HST handy for loader work,also compare PTO hp among your choices.

 

[fried1765]

:welcome: to TBN...enjoy.

Kubota L lower end models 30hp+ should fit your needs and HST handy for loader work,also compare PTO hp among your choices.

Most any of the MAJOR brands will be good for you.
I have never had a new tractor. Both my 32HP New Holland FEL, and my 48 HP Kubota TLB were purchased used.
If you buy used, and are capable of basic repairs, do not concern yourself with dealer proximity.
If you buy new, you probably would be wise to have a dealer at least within 75 miles.

If buying new, and price is a MAJOR consideration, while holding on to quality as well, you might choose Branson, LS, and Yanmar.
If quality, and resale value are your major considerations, then your choices might be Kubota, and John Deere.

 

[sea2summit]

Is it true they say always buy one bigger then you think you want? Thanks all.

I would say yes, less than 10 acres maybe not but at 10 acres you'll like a bigger tractor because it doesn't take half an hour to drive across it and it will do more heavy lifting for you. I only have experience with Kubota so can't really talk about the best brand...but I'm on my fourth Kubota if that says anything. Sounds like you've narrowed it down to the B series with Kubota but I'd take a look at the L, actually pretty similar in cost and if you're making payments you probably wouldn't notice the jump. It gives you 20% more FEL capacity and LARGER TIRES which are really nice when you're not on roads (BX and B series love roads or grass, not so much off road).

 

[RjCorazza]

I am looking at buying my first tractor. After studying them all, and creating spread sheets i still don't know. They all have some good and some items missing. I am looking at the 24.9 HP tractors or so they are called....

I assume you are limiting your hp shopping because of tier4 emissions concerns? The vast majority of DPF equipped machines are problem free, including my L4060. If your needs do not require more hp, then by all means stay below 25.

3 vs 2 speed hst : Most agree that 2 speed hst transmissions will be worked 90% of the time in low, and just drive to the next task in high. I definitely prefer 3.

Weight is King in tractors. Traction and stability are improved with a properly weighted machine. Filled rears improve stability, and rear ballast for loader work.

I wouldn't agonize over engine displacement. You are not going to wear any of those engines out in your lifetime.

You should examine what actual work you want to accomplish, then spec the tractor to match. For example, do you plan on using a finish mower or brush cutter, and how much time are you willing to spend on cutting? Any specific weight you will need to lift with the loader? Tilling, snow plowing, etc?
Comparison shopping by spec is a good start, but I recommend you start visiting various dealers and try out some machines. Look smaller and larger just to get an idea on what's out there.
Lastly, (and full disclosure I like Kubota)...
I don't pay for the name. I pay for a quality tractor, good dealer support, service, and parts availability.

Have fun shopping!

 

[KennyG]

3 vs 2 speed hst : Most agree that 2 speed hst transmissions will be worked 90% of the time in low, and just drive to the next task in high. I definitely prefer 3.

I think this depends on the tractor and use. On my John Deere 2320 I use it in high 90% of the time and infrequently use low range. I mow and plow snow in high range almost all the time, going to low only for a steep hill.

 

[9973720wb19]

it's important (especially when you're first starting out) to buy from a dealer that will support and help you make the right choices...not only with the tractor but the implements as well. I've had dealers come to my property to look around and help. you can waste lots of money buying expensive implements to find out you only needed them for one job or one season.

 

[MF2604h]

I have a Mahindra emax 22 with two range hst. I run mine in high range most of the time. I use it for putting mulch and rock in and sometimes pulling a box blade.
I have my 45 hp Massey for bigger jobs.

Take a look at Mahindra and Massey if you have a dealer close. I was going to get a sub compact Massey but my wife wanted the Mahindra.
Nothing against Kubota but they are lighter and the loader won稚 move until you get the rpms up. My Mahindra works at idle.
Good luck on your search

 

[kenmbz]

Welcome to TBN and good luck on your first tractor purchase. See you're already getting good advice.
Think of the jobs you envision, and read the above responses.

 

[RjCorazza]

I think this depends on the tractor and use. On my John Deere 2320 I use it in high 90% of the time and infrequently use low range. I mow and plow snow in high range almost all the time, going to low only for a steep hill.

The op did state that his property is flat, so he may be satisfied with 2 ranges. My L4060 is 3 range with a hi/lo for each, which is really nice.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

You mentioned LS and the dealer being further away.... my dealer is over 500 miles away... never needed him for anything more than shipping filters...

They are well built machines, so much that the "name brands" use LS to make their tractors for them. LS comes with all the costly 'extras' that the others charge for, as you mentioned. I now know of 4 other LS tractor owners in our local area.... there is no local dealer.... that has to say some good things about them.

Good luck with your search / decision... get one that you feel comfortable on and operating. That is the most important part.

 

[jeff9366]

I am looking at buying my first tractor. I am looking at the 24.9 HP tractors. I live on 10 acres, lightly wooded. Mostly flat as its overgrown farm land.

I am buying this mostly as a toy. Not worried about how quick i can do something.

Shop the Kubota L2501. Ample weight and width for ten fairly level acres. No Tier IV emissions equipment.

VIDEOS: Kubota Standard L-Series. L251 L331 L391 L471 features and operation. - YouTube

Kubota B-Series vs Standard L1 Series - YouTube


When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

Kubota L2501

2014 - Standard L Series
Compact Utility tractor
Series next: Kubota L3301

Manufacturer: Kubota

Kubota L2501 Engine:
Kubota 1.6L 3-cyl diesel
Kubota L2501 Power:
Engine (gross): 24.8 hp [18.5 kW]
Engine (net): 23.9 hp [17.8 kW]
Gear PTO (claimed): 20.5 hp [15.3 kW]
Hydro PTO (claimed): 19 hp [14.2 kW]

Kubota
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
100.47 ci [1.6 L]
Rated RPM: 2200

Bore/Stroke: 3.4x3.6 inches [86 x 91 mm]
Power (gross): 24.8 hp [18.5 kW]
Fuel system: direct injection

Transmission:
Type: hydrostatic
Gears: infinite (3-range) forward and reverse

Capacity:
Fuel: 10 gal [37.9 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Control: position control
Rear lift (at ends): 1918 lbs [870 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 1389 lbs [630 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: transmission*
live*
Clutch: overrunning dry disc
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)

Dimensions
4WD Gear Weight: 2601 lbs [1179 kg]
4WD Hydro Weight: 2623 lbs [1189 kg]
Wheelbase: 63.3 inches [160 cm]
4WD Length: 106.3 inches [270 cm]
Width: 55.1 inches [139 cm]
Height (ROPS): 91.7 inches [232 cm]
4WD Ground clearance: 13.4 inches [34 cm]
Wheelbase: 63.3 inches [160 cm]

Kubota L2501 attachments:
front-end loader
Loader type: Kubota LA525
Height (to pin): 94.3 inches [239 cm]
Lift to full height (at pin): 1131 lbs [513 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at pin): 1490 lbs [675 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at 500mm): 1182 lbs [536 kg]
Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD*
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering: power
Brakes: mechanical wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Pressure: 2205 psi [152.0 bar]
Pump flow: 5.15 gpm [19.5 lpm]
Steering flow: 3.13 gpm [11.8 lpm]

Page information:
Last update: January 2, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com


LS brand tractors are good competition to Kubota. LS and Kioti keep Kubota from becoming complacent. LS has a thin dealer network. I will guess LS compact tractor market share at 1%

 

[jeff9366]

Is having the rear tires filled a good idea?

There are two reasons to "load" rear tires 50% to 75% with liquid.

1. Extra weight improves tire traction on higher horsepower tractors. A compact tractor with <26 horsepower usually has enough weight without loaded tires to maintain traction.

2. Loaded rear tires lower tractor's center-of-gravity, increasing stability. Your land is flat and most of the tractors you are shopping a fairly wide at 55" to 60". Loaded tires not necessary for stability on ten acres of flat land.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

And some of the LS specs for the comparison to the L2501:


LS XG3025 Power
Engine (gross): 24.4 hp
18.2 kW
Gear PTO (claimed): 19.2 hp
14.3 kW
Hydro PTO (claimed): 17.1 hp
12.8 kW
LS XG3025 Engine
Mitsubishi 1.3L 3-cyl diesel
Fuel tank: 7.4 gal
28.0 L
Engine details ...
Mechanical
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Differential lock: mechanical rear
Steering: power
Brakes: wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.
Transmissions: 12-speed sync shuttle
hydrostatic
Transmission details ...
Photos
No photos of the LS XG3025 are currently available. To submit yours, email it to Peter@TractorData.com. Photos may only be used with the permission of the original photographer.
Hydraulics
Type: open center
Pump flow: 7.9 gpm
29.9 lpm
Total flow: 12.5 gpm
47.3 lpm
Steering flow: 4.6 gpm
17.4 lpm
Tractor hitch
Rear Type: I
Rear lift (at ends): 1808 lbs
820 kg
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 1433 lbs
650 kg
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO: independent
Clutch: wet disc
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)
Engine RPM: 540@2509
Dimensions & Tires
Wheelbase: 66 inches
167 cm
Weight: 2434 lbs
1104 kg
Front tire: 7-14
Rear tire: 11.2-24
Full dimensions and tires ...
LS XG3025 attachments
front-end loader
backhoe
Attachment details ...

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Some engine specs:


Engine Detail
Mitsubishi S3L2
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
Displacement: 80.4 ci
1.3 L
Bore/Stroke: 3.07x3.62 inches
78 x 92 mm
Power (gross): 24.4 hp
18.2 kW
Compression: 22:1
Rated RPM: 2500
Torque: 56.3 lb-ft
76.3 Nm
Torque RPM: 2000
Starter: electric
Starter volts: 12

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Oh, and some transmission specs:


Transmission
Type: sync shuttle
Gears: 12 forward and reverse
Clutch: dry disc
Four gears in three ranges with left-hand shuttle lever. Tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to shift gears or range.
Speeds
With 11.2-24 R1 rear tires. Reverse speeds are 5% slower than forward.
XG3025 sync shuttle speeds
Transmission
Type: hydrostatic
Gears: infinite (3-range) forward and reverse
Speeds
With 11.2-24 R1 rear tires.
XG3025 hydrostatic speeds

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/010/4/2/10421-ls-xg3025-speeds1.jpg

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

You can spec out tractors all day long.....
you need to go visit multiple dealers of multiple brands... find the one that "fits" you, the one that you feel comfortable on. The one that is in your price range...

Kubota was $7000 more than LS in my area... they may be very competitive in your area... other brands may even be more affordable.

The bottom line is look around, take your time, find what is "right" for you.

 

[sparkyjohn]

I am having trouble replying, it says i can't post links till i have 3 posts. Not trying to post links. Just trying to reply to all these good comments.

 

[sparkyjohn]

A lot of good information here. Thanks all. Some questions raised. No road use, just out back. Emissions, yes i am avoiding them as i just don't think i need to go any bigger.

 

[sparkyjohn]

A lot of good information here. Thanks all. Some questions raised. No road use, just out back. Emissions, yes i am avoiding them as i just don't think i need to go any bigger.
I have visited 2 Kubota's one Yanmar, one LS and one Deere and none have asked me any details about my use. My list includes Yanmar 324@$15,400 and 424@$16,300, Branson 2510, 2610@$16,600 and maybe 2515@$17,999. LS MT225S@$16,300 and XJ2025, Kubota B2601@$17,900, LX2610H@$19,800, LX2610SU@$17,700, and L2501. Deere 2025R@$18,800 Bobcat 2025H@$16,700 and Kioti CK2510H and CX2510H and Mahindra Max25H and Max26H in no particular order. Some i have not priced yet and some i can not go see as there are none available to see. Some numbers may be missing the H but all are hydro drive.