New Purchase

[blue9steel]

I have a 40 HP (New Holland TC40) tractor. I used it on 6 acres for 10 years and now use it on 16 acres. It is definitely not too big for the property I have used it on. If anything there have been more times I wish I had more tractor. In my mind, it is the perfect size for 5 to 10 acres.


I do like the idea of the smaller tractors but after owning a bigger one, I would be disappointed. I almost bought a sub-compact but once I tested drove it, I knew it was not enough for what I wanted. From the work you are describing I think you should be looking at least at an L size tractor. Just my opinion. However, the smaller tractors are extremely nice and a lot of happy owners on here that use them. Try to take your time looking and test drive every one of them before buying. Have the dealer hook up an implement behind them and see how well the 3pt works.

Thanks for the relevant feedback, it's good to hear from someone who has been in a similar situation.

For all those who recommended I look at the L series, I'm listening. No point in coming here to ask for advice and then not paying attention to it. The two big things I need a tractor for are moving gravel and grading the road both of which would benefit from the larger frame size. One of the options I'm looking at now is buying an L Series Tractor + Zero Turn Mower. The heavier tractor to handle the jobs I need and the mower to provide greater stability while mowing on a slope due to its lower center of gravity. It seems like the L2501HST could be a pretty good value choice for the capabilities it offers.

 

[blue9steel]

I know you're L with ZT seems like a huge jump but that's also one of their higher end ZTs, it's honestly not even close to a comparison to a MMM. Doesn't look like those prices reflect NCHA discounts...

I was just trying to do a between models comparison, the NCHA discount would apply to any choice. I haven't done nearly enough ZT research, originally it wasn't really on my radar, that may not be the right one. I'm now looking at the L2501HST which is a fair bit cheaper than the L3902.

 

[scaredychicken]

Congrats.

My FIRST thought for slopes, mowing, stability etc. is VENTRAC 4520; STEINER, or POWER TRAC machines (MossRoad may have specifics for you on the power tracs)

My SECOND thought is get a Wood Chipper that is a separate unit, not PTO driven. Your power / capacity is then limited to what you buy, not what the tractor can manage. You can tow that around with a truck, ATV or whatever, while the tractor is busy with other chores

My Kubota BX does a good job around here for our needs, but you are likely needing a B series or larger, weight being a factor also. Whatever brand you choose, check out machines directly, and test for you needs. Dealership relationships and knowledge are key.

 

[dodge man]

A couple of comments. I personally like a mid mount mower but I also see a lot of hate for them. Storage space would be an issue for me storing a ZT.

People keep saying you can get a ZT for the price of a mid mount. Yes you can but it’s a lower priced one. It’s easy to spend $10k or more for a zero turn.

Stability. I owned a Kubota BX for 10 years and now own a JD 2025r, which is a smaller compact. The JD looks like it would be less stable on side slopes, it sits higher, but it is more stable than the sub compact BX. A lot of that has to with the width and the bigger tires of the JD.

I personally think a 25hp L Kubota and a zero turn would be a good choice. Keep in mind there is no right or wrong choice. Don’t overspend or over think it.

 

[blue9steel]

A couple of comments. I personally like a mid mount mower but I also see a lot of hate for them. Storage space would be an issue for me storing a ZT.

People do seem conflicted on that issue. I agree storage space could be a problem.

I personally think a 25hp L Kubota and a zero turn would be a good choice. Keep in mind there is no right or wrong choice. Don’t overspend or over think it.

I haven't ruled out a B2601 / LX2610 with a MMM as of yet, just also considering the L2501 + ZT combo as an option. Plan is to go in to the dealer tomorrow afternoon, see what they have, kick the tires and try to talk through some of the choices. Hopefully I can get a feel for both the equipment and the dealer to see if I'm ready to proceed.

On a separate note, how do folks feel about a backhoe w/thumb, indispensable tool or rarely used accessory? I haven't quite been able to figure out if I actually need one or not. FEL and Grading Scraper for sure, some kind of mowing option. Talked with the wife and we decided we could get by without a snowblower for now, just use the bucket or a blade to clear if things get to be more than the 4WD vehicles can handle.

 

[dodge man]

If your funds are endless, a backhoe with thumb would be nice. On the other hand not buying one would get you more implements, a zero turn, money in the bank etc. I’m sure if I had a backhoe I‘d use it but I always figure I’d rent a mini excavator if I needed one, the rental place is 5 miles from my house. I have yet to rent one in the 26 years we have lived here.

Size is always tough. I looked up the specs of a Kubota B2601. It’s very similar to the JD 2025r I currently own. I live on 3 acres but don’t have any horses or livestock. I can’t say that would be to small for you. I’d say if you didn’t get a backhoe and went with a mid mount 60” deck, FEL, a few implements you might get into one for $30k roughly.

 

[kenmbz]

I use it for trenching, stump removal. Planting trees.
If I had a thumb it would help move wood rounds.

I use it a lot, but have seen others where it just acts as ballast.
Need to know what jobs it would fit for you.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

One of the options I'm looking at now is buying an L Series Tractor + Zero Turn Mower. The heavier tractor to handle the jobs I need and the mower to provide greater stability while mowing on a slope due to its lower center of gravity. It seems like the L2501HST could be a pretty good value choice for the capabilities it offers.

Blue, I have a lot of experience running zero turns and I will tell you that their biggest weakness is hills. Yes they can be more stable on hills due to their lower center of gravity but they have no brakes or gear reduction like tractors do. So when they are pointed towards the downward part of a slope they can lose traction due to a shift in weight and they can run away from you. They also do not perform well in over grown grass. Zero turns perform best on flat, smooth terrain with well maintained and manicured turf.

As others have mentioned, ZT's are not cheap if you buy a good one. You are better off in my opinion buying a tractor to do it all. There are ways to deal with instability issues such as offsetting your rear wheels as some others have pointed out.

I will also reiterate what some of my fellow members here have said about looking at some other brands if they are not too far away. Right now Kubota dealers are price gouging really bad and it would behoove you to consider other options.

 

[blue9steel]

Blue, I have a lot of experience running zero turns and I will tell you that their biggest weakness is hills. Yes they can be more stable on hills due to their lower center of gravity but they have no brakes or gear reduction like tractors do. So when they are pointed towards the downward part of a slope they can lose traction due to a shift in weight and they can run away from you. They also do not perform well in over grown grass. Zero turns perform best on flat, smooth terrain with well maintained and manicured turf.

As others have mentioned, ZT's are not cheap if you buy a good one. You are better off in my opinion buying a tractor to do it all. There are ways to deal with instability issues such as offsetting your rear wheels as some others have pointed out.

Fascinating. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that tractor owners have different opinions just like any other group. Buying one machine to do it all was my original plan. I don't have any experience with ZTs either, so not much opinion yet one way or another.

I will also reiterate what some of my fellow members here have said about looking at some other brands if they are not too far away. Right now Kubota dealers are price gouging really bad and it would behoove you to consider other options.

What other brands should I look at? Are they really that different? Looks like there is a John Deere dealer about 40min away, New Holland about 30min and another Kubota dealer about 55min.

 

[rbstern]

If you have a place to park it, consider a zero turn mower for the mowable acres, instead of using the tractor with a deck. Particularly if going to be used for fence lines, around gardens, buildings, etc. I was mowing a couple of acres of lawn and roadside with a 4' rotary cutter for several years before we finally got a 54" zero turn. It's easier, faster, and the grass comes out nicer. Now I only mount the cutter for trail maintenance in the woods.

Also, for post holes: If you don't need holes larger than 8" diameter, get a one man powered auger instead of a PTO driven auger. They are a few hundred bucks, work well in most soil types, and they are easier to drag out for small projects. I have the Harbor Freight Predator model with 6" auger. It gets used all the time. No way I would swap tractor implements when I can get the job done with that. It comes out of the shed, drills a couple of holes, and is back in the shed faster than I could mount a tractor post hole implement. I've done dozens of fence posts with it. Also use it to "till" raised garden boxes in the spring.

No question, 4WD is essential, especially for that driveway upkeep. If you get a smaller tractor, get a smaller box blade for driveway upkeep. Your dealer will match it.

The big tradeoff for you is going to be slope stability of a larger frame tractor, vs. manuverability of a smaller frame tractor. That's hard for any of us to project without seeing the land. If it truly is 17 degrees...that's steep.

Tractor mounted backhoe: Pros and cons, for sure. I have one, and wouldn't be without it unless I could justify a dedicated mini excavator.