New Member seeking Tractor Recommendations

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

Greetings from Central Florida!

We found our dream property of approx. 10 acres in sunny, sandy, central Florida! Hurray!

Now, to make it a home...We have a pond with a steep incline and lots of brush, about 2 acres cleared for yard and play area for kids, and garden. After rototilling, I plan to put in deep well and use vertical towers for my veggies.

I would like recommendations for a tractor which I will mow regularly around the pond area and need to use infrequently to move wood chips, debris, etc. I would like to do most of the work rather than my husband so I need something easy to handle and easier/inexpensive to work on. My budget is limited at $5k.

Someone had recommended the Gravely L as it is walk behind with 30" bushog because in his opinion, it is easier to handle and has various attachments and easier to repair.

Any other suggestions?

Ed of all trades · Jul 28, 2013

Welcome, I would say BCS, they are more able to do different things, I don't know how to spell gurillo but they are about the same thing but cheaper.

newbury · Jul 28, 2013

Welcome aboard!

New or used?
Can you or your husband "fix" a used one if need be?

5K is a pretty limited budget for a 4 wheel tractor which would be useful on 10 acres. Walking behind a 2 wheeler to the opposite side of the property and back in the Florida sun could be a deterrent to getting things done.

My Grandfather had a Gravely walk behind in Vermont. It was great but never went more than 100 yards from the house.

A quick search on Tractorhouse shows up a number of Kubota's (I'm biased) in Florida for under $10K (and a few under $5K).

Example:
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7353173
1999 KUBOTA B7300HSD $9.5K
757 hours (which isn't much for a Kubota)

Good running unit, 4WD, with 4' Finishing Mower, 4' Bushhog, 4' Disc, 4' Box Blade, Boom pole,

/edit - that's about $2K of attachments

Look around for a while.

LOT's of SCUT's have low hours and sell at a good discount and in good condition when the owner decides to move up to a bigger tractor.

The B7610 in my sig I got as a package with the box blade, FEL AND the trailer in 2009 for $11.5K.

I figure I paid about $8.5K for the tractor and FEL.

Larro Darro · Jul 28, 2013

Welcome from NW Florida. Like Newbury, I think $5K is going to limit you to less tractor than you need for your lot size. I got very, very lucky, but I got my B7500 w/ 100 hours on it, along with a 4' bush hog, 5' tiller, box-blade, middle buster, 4' cultivator, lift boom and a trailer to haul it all in for $7.5K. This kind of deal is rare, but you can still find good deals out there.

Or you could look at even bigger, and older tractors. Look around for a while to see what is out there before you take the plunge.

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

I would like to limit the price as I anticipate using it primarily for clearing around the pond. Bigger jobs, I think it would be wiser to either rent equipment or hire out as I wouldn't want equipment not used enough to justify cost right now with four in college.

I'd rather not have my husband responsible for repairs as it is primarily my desire for this property and lifestyle than his. He prefers to spend his time otherwise.

The amount is very limited, so I am anticipating used, sound piece of equipment. A great concern that I have is a tractor overturning on the incline. We have a dear friend meet an untimely death (a month after his marriage) that way so I would like something that can handle the slope around the pond.

I will look into Kubota. I don't mind the heat as long as I can get an EARLY start, in fact, I freeze below 70'!

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

Thanks for the quick reply! Sounds like you got a GREAT deal!

I appreciate you sharing your recommendations and I am doing my homework and seeking recommendations. I would rather think slowly than spend quickly.

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

Larro Darro said:
Welcome from NW Florida. Like Newbury, I think $5K is going to limit you to less tractor than you need for your lot size. I got very, very lucky, but I got my B7500 w/ 100 hours on it, along with a 4' bush hog, 5' tiller, box-blade, middle buster, 4' cultivator, lift boom and a trailer to haul it all in for $7.5K. This kind of deal is rare, but you can still find good deals out there.

Or you could look at even bigger, and older tractors. Look around for a while to see what is out there before you take the plunge.

I have been looking at Craigslist, Ebay TBN classifieds, any other suggestions?

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

Ed of all trades said:
Welcome, I would say BCS, they are more able to do different things, I don't know how to spell gurillo but they are about the same thing but cheaper.

Thanks for the quick reply Ed of all trades! I will look into BCS and Grillo as well.

flamom · Jul 28, 2013

I am sorry, I just realized that I should not have asked for recommendations here. I'll repost my question on other forum.

Thank you for your warm welcome! I am so glad that I can ask questions and receive quick responses! I appreciate it Ed of all trades, Newbury and Larro Darro!

wolftree · Jul 28, 2013

flamom,

"www.tractorhouse.com" is one of the best resources for finding tractors and equipment once you identify what you are searching for.

Defining the actual size of area you intend to mow will greatly help you decide on a tractor.