Buying Advice New to Tractors- Need Advice on choosing

[pgrovetom]

Hi Everyone... I have 10 acres in Sonoma County California and after remodeling my home and building my Solar PV system by hand, I'm looking at buying a tractor. It will be for everything from maintenance, landscaping, building projects, gardening and generally moving soil around and shaping the ground for various projects.

I can see the need for light to modest pushing dirt around, cutting and shaping, trenching, drilling holes for various posts etc.

My property is somewhat hilly and can be wet in the winter so 'm sure I need 4WD. I've been looking at the various Kubota B and L models both used and new. I'm leaning toward new as a tractor seems like something where the hours are meaningful but it could have been light work or brutal work. I first zeroed in on the the little BX25 in the Kubota catalog. It looks rather small but probably would get the job done except the bucket is 5-6 cubic feet and it says AWD. I doubt I would move lots of dirt but 5-6 cubic feet seems tiny. I'm also wondering how AWD varies from 4WD and what kind of traction does it get on wet grass over dirt?

It doesn't appear they have an auger attachment for it, but is that true? Does anyone know which Kubota ( or other brand ) would be the next step up and roughly the advantages. I've found the comparisons of models confusing and prices are hard to come by for a model with attachments. I would prefer to be knowledgeable before talking to the local dealer on models, performance and price. I've also seen one can buy from a more distant dealer and have it shipped. Any thoughts on whether a new or used makes sense form a price point of view?

Thanks for any help

Tom

 

[flusher]

Hi Everyone... I have 10 acres in Sonoma County California and after remodeling my home and building my Solar PV system by hand, I'm looking at buying a tractor. It will be for everything from maintenance, landscaping, building projects, gardening and generally moving soil around and shaping the ground for various projects.

I can see the need for light to modest pushing dirt around, cutting and shaping, trenching, drilling holes for various posts etc.

My property is somewhat hilly and can be wet in the winter so 'm sure I need 4WD. I've been looking at the various Kubota B and L models both used and new. I'm leaning toward new as a tractor seems like something where the hours are meaningful but it could have been light work or brutal work. I first zeroed in on the the little BX25 in the Kubota catalog. It looks rather small but probably would get the job done except the bucket is 5-6 cubic feet and it says AWD. I doubt I would move lots of dirt but 5-6 cubic feet seems tiny. I'm also wondering how AWD varies from 4WD and what kind of traction does it get on wet grass over dirt?

It doesn't appear they have an auger attachment for it, but is that true? Does anyone know which Kubota ( or other brand ) would be the next step up and roughly the advantages. I've found the comparisons of models confusing and prices are hard to come by for a model with attachments. I would prefer to be knowledgeable before talking to the local dealer on models, performance and price. I've also seen one can buy from a more distant dealer and have it shipped. Any thoughts on whether a new or used makes sense form a price point of view?

Thanks for any help

Tom

Don't know what your tractor budget is, but I'd check out the L-series Kubota's. My neighbor has an L4400 on his 10 acres--one sweet machine that will do all your jobs with ease. He has a 6-ft brush hog, 6-ft box blade and a nice post hole digger (PHD) that handles 12" dia augers. The bucket is 6-ft wide IIRC.

My first tractor was a 2005 Kubota B7510HST with the LA302 FEL (4-ft wide bucket, 800 lb lift) that I used for 3 years on my 10 acres. It's a great machine, but too small for hayfield work so I traded it in on a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto) with the ML250 FEL (6ft wide bucket, 2950 lb lift to 10.5ft height).

 

[RoyJackson]

Looks like any of the "B" series with 26 HP or more will do the job. That should give you a minimum of 20 PTO HP.
The B3030 looks like the choice I'd make. The "B" series tractors use standard category 1 implements (easier to find a post hole digger (another name for the auger) to buy or rent).
AWD is full time four wheel drive. 4WD is part time four wheel drive. To me, 4WD is a better way to go since you can select 2WD. There's less wear on the drivetrain in 2WD and easier on a finished lawn if you use the tractor for finish mowing (in 2WD). My tractor is 4WD (Deere calls it MFWD), but I rarely use it unless necessary (this includes light loader work).
4WD is a necessary option if you want to do serious loader work. So is ballast on the 3 Point Hitch, so see if the dealer will toss in a ballast box as part of the deal.

Wet grass is slick and I strongly recommend to limit yourself to dry conditions on slopes. This applies to any tractor you buy. The weight of the tractor (figure 2500 lbs or more with the loader installed) will leave marks on wet ground as well...this applies to slopes and level ground.

You don't indicate how much of your 10 acres is to be finish mowed. If finish mowing is a large percentage of your work and loader work is an occasional job, that will be a factor in your choice of equipment.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[RobertN]

For 10 acres I would look at somethng bigger than the BX series. I had a larger "B" series for a number of years. It was from before they really bumped the HP up on these machines. It was an excellent tractor, but 19hp was real small for all the mowing I do. I take care of my 5 acres, and my Dad's almost 8 acres.

At a minimum, I would look at the large "B" series with 27-30hp in a Kubota. Same for a John Deere, New Holland or other manufacturer. That would have the power to run a larger mower for 10 acres. And, they could run any other category-1 implement on the 3-point hitch(ie your auger).

For the acreage you are taling about, I would go directly in to the Kubota "L" series, or a similar tractor from the other manufacturers. Personally, I would look at an L3410, or a New Holland TC35(not sure of thier new model #, but I know it has changed).

I just moved up to a New Holland TC40. 40HP, HST, 1/2 yard bucket, 6' mower. I wish I would have done it years ago. My Kubota was an excellent tractor, but it took a lot for it to do all the chores I need to do. I was looking at L3410's and NH TC35, but found a good deal on the larger TC40. Wow, what a difference 40hp makes!

Before you get too far, make a list of the things you need to do. Once you have that, pass it by this forum.

Before you buy, try some tractors. I would try to at least rent a couple. Some dealers may let you demo a tractor, others will only let you drive it around thier lot. Try a few, try the HST, GST, and shuttle transmissions.

And try all the brands. Although my Kubota was a great tracor, I am really happy on this New Holland. Go try a Deere, a Mahindra, a Massey, Kioti, New Holland...

 

[Grandad4]

I guess it's obligatory for someone to point out that finding a good dealer that you can work with is just as important as what brand you choose. A good dealer, for example, will work with you to explain the different models and attachments, and give useful advice concerning your specific situation.

 

[sksmsllc]

New Holland TC 30;40;45 or 48. Can find used with low hours (less than 350) with loader for low cost vs value. Make sure you get a Front end Loader.

 

[TripleR]

Can't beat RobertN's advice. I recently went shopping for a B and came home with a Grand L. My wife and I spent a lot of time on two separate occasions researching, reading and talking to people only to wind up buying something else than what we left the house intent on buying. You just can't beat "hands on" to make a final decision. Look at all of them Kubota, John Deere, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Kioti etc.

I do own a BX and while I love it, I would not recommend it for your use.

Good luck.

 

[RalphVa]

I second Roy's recommendation of a Kubota B. The JD series starting with 2320, 2520 are a match for the Kubota B series.

The BX and the JD 2210 would not do in hilly terrain because of the under-tractor cooling fans. These can get ripped up by branches in hilly terrain. The B and the JD models (and bigger ones) have the hydraulic cooler in front of the radiator with the engine fan drawing air over both.

Ralph

 

[CharlieR]

pgrovetom, you've mentioned a BX25 which has a BH frame mounted on the rear - no provision for a 3pt hitch or at least a big PITA to swap out when needing the 3pt.
It's a really great machine but (to me) it has tiny tires and not big enough to meet your needs.
As said above, first find a good dealer (one you like), then try various machines and various makes to find one that "feels right".
You'll probably do better with a "B" series or "L" series size.
As for a BH, I'm in favor of having a towable BH 'cause it will go where a tractor can't and this frees up you tractor to do lots of other things.
I bought mine from HF for $3K delivered - lots cheaper than a tractor mounted hoe - but it may not please everyone.

Most important - have fun shopping!

 

[LBrown59]

Hi
1*I have 10 acres in Sonoma County California and after remodeling my home and building my Solar PV system by hand, I'm looking at buying a tractor.
2*I first zeroed in on the the little BX25 in the Kubota catalog.
3*It looks rather small but probably would get the job done except the bucket is 5-6 cubic feet and it says AWD.
3a*I doubt I would move lots of dirt but 5-6 cubic feet seems tiny.
4* what kind of traction does it get on wet grass over dirt?
5*It doesn't appear they have an auger attachment for it, but is that true?
6* Does anyone know which Kubota ( or other brand ) would be the next step up ?
7*I've also seen one can buy from a more distant dealer and have it shipped.
*8 Any thoughts on whether a new or used makes sense form a price point of view?

1* Would have been nice if you'd gotten the tractor first then you could have used it to help out with this.
2*The BX23 24 and 25 tractors are great machines just ask some of the many many TBN members here that own one.
3*Don't let it's looks / size fool you . Big things come in small packages.
3a*I have moved dozens of tons of dirt snow and gravel with my bucket.
4*I like the BX tractors so well that I own 3 of them .Traction is not a problem with any of them on Grass mud dirt sand or gravel.
5*You can get an auger for them but I would not buy one for a one time project/deal. Instead I would rent one or hire it done .
6*The B series is the next Class after the BX.
7*I bought 2 like that from Barlows, I strongly suggest you check them out. They come highly recommend by members of TBN.
8*The thing you have to watch with used is you don't spend more on finance charges than you saved on the tractor .

 

[LBrown59]

I first zeroed in on the the little BX25 in the Kubota catalog.
It looks rather small but probably would get the job done except the bucket is 5-6 cubic feet
which seems tiny.

My neighbor got a couple of dump truck loads of manure for his garden last week .
The other day i saw him trying to spread it with a shovel.
This morning he came over and ask me if I'd spread it on his garden for him with my BX23 so I did .
Aparently neither the tractor or the bucket looked small or tiny to him after the bout with the shovel the other day.

Re: My New BX25 ARRIVED TODAY!
As I said, you will love that BX..Moved 24 ton of limestone and 35 heaping one ton dump truck load of dirt over the last two days...Love this thing!!!
__________________
BX23TLB & RTV1100 with 72" Power Angle Plow

 

[KU Gator]

I feel your pain in the confusion trying to sort out between the various companies and even within their product line having been there. I posted the information below as an overview of the Kubota line to a similar question. Perhaps it will help although obviously a generalization.

I will talk in Kubota terms, because I know them better, but there are obviously other good brands.

The BX size Kubota is a SCUT or Sub Compact Utility Tractor. Great mower which can do a lot more than a garden tractor. HP ranges from about 18 - 26 HP. It can have a loader added plus use equipment off the 3pt hitch in the back such a rotary mower commonly called a brush hog for mowing field type grass, a rear finish mower (RFM) or have a mid mount mower (MMM or belly mower). It is small enough to into relatively confined areas such as stall areas maybe. It is limited by weight of the tractor, power of the hydaulics, and perhaps most by clearance under the tractor. But the clearance is only isssue obviously by what you would need to go over.

The B size Kubota is a CUT or Compact. Still a good mower and has the ability to still use a MMM. Also has the 3 pt hitch and power take off on the rear like the BX of course so you can use the mowers on the back as well but can use a little larger. On BX you might want to stick to a 4' rough cut mower but on a B could move up to a 5'. HP ranges from 23 to 32 HP. The tractor is a little heavier, has stronger hydraulics so can therefore handle a little bigger chores. It also has higher ground clearance so less issue with traversing in most areas.

The L size Kubota is a UT. The HP starts about 28 and goes to about 44, although I am not as familiar with it, but that's ball park. Now unless you go to the Grand L, I don't think MMM can be used, so you only have the rear mower options. As with the move from the BX to B, you are moving up in weight of the tractor and power of the hydraulics.

With that, the best thing is to go to a local dealer and sit on a few. Once you get a general feel, any dealer should let you test drive them. With minimal explaination, you should be able to at least be able to drive them around the lot. My wife had never been on a tractor when we test drove them, but was comfortable operating a BX and 2 B's as part of the decision. Even if you decide to buy used, this process will help you target what you are looking for.

Like with most thing, there are times when it will be too small and sometimes too big. Try to determine what you will be spending most of your time doing try to decide what will work best for those applications and improvise, rent or contract the other work. We bought the B size. It works for us well to do what we do most of the stuff we do and I didn't want to go to an L since I trailer it to our other property, but sometimes I wish for the L, but that is when I am clearing areas of brush. If I was in more of a hurry, I would hire someone with a bulldozer to clear it quick.

 

[ModMech]

I suggest you look at the "Why you need two tractors" thread ..... LoL!

I only wish our B2410 had a FEL, if it did, it would virtually be garanteed a place on our "farm" until it dies or is destroyed. It does EVERYTHING you need a CUT to do and most of what you need a mower and UT to do.

 

[RobertN]

I added a loader to my B8200 a couple years after I got it. I went with a Bushhog. It was a great addition. For me, it really made it a "tractor".

It was, about $3k installed though; certianly not inexpensive.

I suggest you look at the "Why you need two tractors" thread ..... LoL!

I only wish our B2410 had a FEL, if it did, it would virtually be garanteed a place on our "farm" until it dies or is destroyed. It does EVERYTHING you need a CUT to do and most of what you need a mower and UT to do.

 

[RobertN]

I would agree. My B8200 loader was pretty small. It was a LOT better than a shovel and wheel barrow. It held, a little over a wheel barrow load in the 4' bucket.

A smaller tractor will do most tasks. It just takes longer.

If I had 2-5 acres, but occasionally did something on a larger scale, a BX or equivalent would be fine. For 3-8 acres the "B" series, or NH TC29 for example, is a nice fit. Getting up to 10 acres, a "B" is ok, but a "L" or other brand equivalent is a lot nicer.

Go to a "B" or an "L", and your loader is bigger, the mower is bigger. So your BX can do great at moving a ton of gravel. A "B" could do it almost twice as fast because of the larger loader.

In my case, I got a larger tractor than planned because of the deal I got. My NH TC40DA has a 1/2 yard bucket. Wanna move some gravel and rock .

Having spent the last 12 years taking care of a 5 acre parcel, and another almost 8 acres, I would definitely want something bigger than the BX. And, bigger(at least HP wise than my old B8200. Something at least in a large "B" series, or mid "L" series. My BIL takes care of his 10 acres with an older L2850, with 34hp. That works out really nice.

My neighbor got a couple of dump truck loads of manure for his garden last week .
The other day i saw him trying to spread it with a shovel.
This morning he came over and ask me if I'd spread it on his garden for him with my BX23 so I did .
Aparently neither the tractor or the bucket looked small or tiny to him after the bout with the shovel the other day.

 

[LBrown59]

I feel your pain in the confusion trying to sort out between the various companies and even within their product line having been there. I posted the information below as an overview of the Kubota line to a similar question. Perhaps it will help although obviously a generalization.
I will talk in Kubota terms, because I know them better, but there are obviously other good brands.
The BX size Kubota is a SCUT or Sub Compact Utility Tractor. Great mower which can do a lot more than a garden tractor. HP ranges from about 18 - 26 HP. It can have a loader added plus use equipment off the 3pt hitch in the back such a rotary mower commonly called a brush hog for mowing field type grass, a rear finish mower (RFM) or have a mid mount mower (MMM or belly mower). It is small enough to into relatively confined areas such as stall areas maybe. It is limited by weight of the tractor, power of the hydaulics, and perhaps most by clearance under the tractor. But the clearance is only isssue obviously by what you would need to go over.
The B size Kubota is a CUT or Compact. Still a good mower and has the ability to still use a MMM. Also has the 3 pt hitch and power take off on the rear like the BX of course so you can use the mowers on the back as well but can use a little larger. On BX you might want to stick to a 4' rough cut mower but on a B could move up to a 5'. HP ranges from 23 to 32 HP. The tractor is a little heavier, has stronger hydraulics so can therefore handle a little bigger chores. It also has higher ground clearance so less issue with traversing in most areas.
The L size Kubota is a UT. The HP starts about 28 and goes to about 44, although I am not as familiar with it, but that's ball park. Now unless you go to the Grand L, I don't think MMM can be used, so you only have the rear mower options. As with the move from the BX to B, you are moving up in weight of the tractor and power of the hydraulics.With that, the best thing is to go to a local dealer and sit on a few. Once you get a general feel, any dealer should let you test drive them. With minimal explaination, you should be able to at least be able to drive them around the lot. My wife had never been on a tractor when we test drove them, but was comfortable operating a BX and 2 B's as part of the decision. Even if you decide to buy used, this process will help you target what you are looking for.
Like with most things, there are times when it will be too small and sometimes too big. Try to determine what you will be spending most of your time doing try to decide what will work best for those applications and improvise, rent or contract the other work. We bought the B size. It works for us well to do what we do most of the stuff we do and I didn't want to go to an L since I trailer it to our other property, but sometimes I wish for the L, but that is when I am clearing areas of brush. If I was in more of a hurry, I would hire someone with a bulldozer to clear it quick.

Good info in this post.

I suggest you look at the "Why you need two tractors" thread ..... LoL!
1*I only wish our B2410 had a FEL, if it did, it would virtually be garanteed a place on our "farm" until it dies or is destroyed. It does EVERYTHING you need a CUT to do and most of what you need a mower and UT to do.

1*I almost bought a used B 2410 with a loader back in 2004.
Got a price on a used 2002 but decided to see what a new one cost at my dealer.
That's when i saw the BX23.
It was love at first sight so I bought one from a dealer in WV.