Buying Advice New here, would like to bounce some ideas off ya'll

[jeff9366]

Thirty-two Kubota BX tractors for sale via eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/Business-I...c=1&_salic=1&_sop=15&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&_fosrp=1

 

[shooterdon]

When I was shopping for a tractor, the used ones in my area where either old and beat up or nearly the cost of a new tractor. With a new tractor I could get very good warranty and with many dealers offering attractive financing. Dealer support counts for something too if you cannot do your own work. Nearly every used tractor will need some work...at least the ones I found. After 4 months, I gave up on buying used...but that could be a regional thing.

IMHO LS provides a lot of tractor for the $$. But you want to be sure you have a good dealer for support. I thought RK (Rural King) was a reasonable bargain as well but lack of dealer support near me took them off the list.

I started with an old JD855 that I bought from the widow of my friend. It would be about the right size for your needs. In the first few months I put $2500 into it. One thing I learned quickly is size matters. I went way bigger when I upgraded.

Look at your future needs. Both brush hogging and rototilling will require a fair amount of PTO HP. If you decide on a flail mower, look at the HP needs. BTW, I had a BH included with the JD855 and it can be a dangerous implement. It is also large. I sold it when I traded up. If I had to maintain 9 acres I would use a flail for the safety factor. You do not want anyone within 25 yards of a BH when it is in use. Unless you need a groomed lawn, the flail leaves a decent cut. For me a MMM (mid Mount Mower) is a PITA. I had one on the JD and never used it. If you must have a groomed look lawn around the house, a rider like the Husqvarna is about the same price as a MMM.

 

[buck12]

Something to think about. The used market may change in the coming weeks and months. I bought my tractor in 2008 during hard times and got a great deal on a low hour tractor and implements.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a BX....and I run out of tractor often. It doesnt look like it on paper - but a B is a pretty decent upgrade over the BX. Id recommend that at a minimum.

I also recommend buying used equipment. Ive got lots of equipment, none of it was new. I got burned on nothing and paid mere fractions of new for great low hours equipment. My BX (tractor, loader, backhoe) has 300hrs on it - gave $8800. Does the same work as a new one

Only think I can recommend when looking at used equipment - just figure a full service into the cost. You dont know when/what was done to it.....so just plan on doing all the service and plan for that, its piece of mind. I do my own work - so its just the cost of filters and fluids - usually $200 gets it covered until you start buying big equipment.

 

[dragoneggs]

I also have a BX... absolutely love it on my 1.5 acres sloped property with tight spaces. Also love my backhoe even though many call it a luxury. My back calls it a necessity.

That said with 9 flat acres I would be looking at a CUT not a SCUT or even a bit bigger depending on how much of the land you plan to be working on a regular basis. My forks have been maybe my best addition. I have maxed out the lift though on several occasions (pallets half loaded with pavers for example).

 

[kthompson]

Garden cultivation, ground clearance is very important. It would seem simple that 9 inch clearance to the ground gives you that in cultivating, not necessary. Most if not all cultivation runs some what farmers call "trail" sweeps. They plow out the tire tracks to not leave ground packed for weed seeds to sprout. As you do so the furrow the tractor runs in tends to get lowered while often the dirt is moved by the plows often called sweeps to form or enlarge the row or bed the plant is growing on. So not only is the plant growing and often much faster than you realize but the ground the tractor is on is getting lower.

Sometimes farmers in cultivating a crop taller than they wish will run a heavy plastic under the tractor to give the plant a smooth surface to slip on and help prevent tearing.

"IF" you really plan on having a large production garden (what large is depends on your time and crops) you really might do well to look for a really old style farm tractor made for cultivation. At same time if you are the design and build it yourself and have the equipment look at the old style cultivator tractor style that is much like a zero turn mower minus the deck. Look up Allis Chambers Model "G". There were some others and yes there are some of this still out there. Had one locally two years back for sale. Not speed demons but great design for cultivating. Now if your large garden is corn and potatoes not near as much need for a good cultivation tractor. Just run big sweeps "fast" and throw the dirt.

For a garden, herbicides are not as easy to use as some think. You often had such a variety of crops planted in small area you will find it hard to find a herbicide that is really safe to use effectively.

Like your vision!

 

[RalphVa]

The BX18ish has enough hp but is lacking turning brakes and clearance. I'd go to a B.

My first tractor was a JD 2 series 18.5 hp. First job I did with it was to haul 22 tons of gravel onto my tractor paths. It was fine for the 4' bush hog. Also fine for my MacKissic shredder. A GREAT snow mover with FEL and back blade. Big mulch mover with FEL and carryall half filled on the back.

Sales person sold me a 1025R (like a BX with hydraulic cooling on top where it should be). It was a lemon and not enough clearance.

Went back to a 2 series with the 2025R. Cannot get any lower hp now. A little faster FEL, and the FEL is "goof proof", too, vs. the 1025r's being capable of dumping a load accidently almost any time.

My experience.

Ralph

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

When I was trying to buy a tractor, my experience was similar to shooterdon's. In my local area, the used equipment was either almost destroyed, or it was almost equal to the cost of brand new. I also looked for several months before I gave up and bought new.

A lot depends on your local area's economy, and how much equipment is available on the used market.

I would think a sub compact would do everything you need it to, but certain tasks like mowing the acreage, will take longer because the size of the implements you're using are smaller and can cover less ground in the same time. Same goes for tilling, or even moving dirt around. If your not in a hurry, it will work. Going up in size in your case mostly just gains you speed in getting tasks done via larger sized implements. Since you're not cutting and bailing hay, or moving large hay bales, everything on your list can be done with a sub compact.