New tractor advice

[JRJM]

Neewbie here, I have 2.5 mostly slight hills and valley mostly grass some woods small pond and bridges over streams in Chester county Pa. The bridges and obstacles require a 42" mower deck and I want to pull a cart with logs and tools ect. I also would like to do some small tilling for a 40' x 40' family vegetable garden. Some snow plowing and possibly some light excavating (I think probably not possible with a 42" machine). All of this would be occasional yard chores / weekend warrior stuff. Anybody have any suggestions? I would love a JD X354 with 4 wheel steer but seems to me an aerator is about the biggest chore this can handle and I don't believe it has a PTO. A 1025E doesn't have a 42" mow deck so maneuverability is an issue along with price $$$ wow! Right now I have a toro time cutter z turn, hand tools and a strong back but I'm not getting any younger! I am not a tractor expert but I know my way around an engine and have rebuilt my fair share of junk! LOL. I am sure some newbie asks this every day but any advice on what to buy is greatly appreciated? Thanks for reading

 

[JD 4520]

The JD X354 IMO is just not going to get done what you are looking to do. The biggest problem I see is people choose too small and wish they had bought bigger. You don’t have a lot of land but you have listed some big chores. It seems that you need a 25 +/- hp to mostly satisfy what you are trying to get done, but maybe not all and won’t break the bank if you are patient and wait for the right deal to come along. Don’t buy too small, I will guarantee you that you will be disappointed later on.

 

[JRJM]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know if the pressure treated bridges over my creeks will hold that monster. So you are thinking 2 machines. A 42" mower and a real tractor for the big stuff?

 

[rScotty]

Yes, the chores you are describing seem to fit a small or compact tractor rather than a large lawn tractor. 25 hp would be just about right. The reason isn't the HP so much as when you start pulling a cart or lifting and carrying loads you want to have enough weight and width to be safe.
They are expensive, but last for decades.... or longer. And although I am a huge JD fan, there are some other makes that are very good too.
Plus some very good low hr. used machines.
Keep doing your research. You may find that tractors - even midmounts - don't always make the best mowers.
If it were me, I'd keep the Toro Z turn for mowing and expand the search for a good used compact tractor with implements for all those other chores.
rScotty

 

[JRJM]

Thanks rScotty. Probably is the best way to go. Think a JD 1 series is enough machine? How about any of the other makes? I keep reading the upfront cost of a deere pays off on long term reliability and resale.

 

[JD 4520]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know if the pressure treated bridges over my creeks will hold that monster. So you are thinking 2 machines. A 42" mower and a real tractor for the big stuff?

Add the reinforced bridge supports to your project list!

RScotty did a good job of describing our similar thoughts. Study the different options and you’ll be happier once you make the decision. Keep asking questions though and you’ll generally get some good advice.

 

[JD 4520]

Thanks rScotty. Probably is the best way to go. Think a JD 1 series is enough machine? How about any of the other makes? I keep reading the upfront cost of a deere pays off on long term reliability and resale.

My answer to your question is: probably or possibly. A 2 Series or similar frame size can be better. I believe you would be very happy with a 2 but may have to explore pro’s and con’s of a 1 Series.

My son was in the same boat as you, similar property, etc. spent a year looking and decided that a 1 Series wasn’t the deal for him. Kept looking and found a great deal on a pre-owned 2 Series and couldn’t be happier.

 

[Ddh1961]

Have a look at the LS MT125. Well built tractor with good hydraulics for a fair price. LS builds a lot of New Holland’s machines as well, but of course then you pay for the NH name. I’ve heard and read good things about MT125’s.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Check out the TYM T264 or the new TYM T25. Tony's Tractor adventure on youtube has a lot of videos using his T264.

 

[Williy]

I test drove this one and ordered one the same day TLB

I would suggest that you test all the different models just
so you can get the feel of what you really want in a tractor.
This way you can get the feel of all the different options and
controls as you are the one going to pay for it and you will
have it for a long time and you want a tractor that you will
enjoy using.

willy

 

[rScotty]

Thanks rScotty. Probably is the best way to go. Think a JD 1 series is enough machine? How about any of the other makes? I keep reading the upfront cost of a deere pays off on long term reliability and resale.

I would agree that Deeres hold their resale better (and cost more, too) - but disagree that means it has any advantage of long term reliability. I don't even think those things are related. As I see it, Deere's better resale is more a matter of popularity than reliability.
Fact is that all the "premium" makes of tractors are extremely reliable. Especially so when you consider how hard they work.

JRJM, after you read through this forum for awhile I think you will find that all of the popular brands have roughly the same built in reliability. Breakdowns are about equally distributed - reading between the lines might make you think as I do that that breakdowns on your top half dozen best (and most expensive) brands have more to do with how it is used than who made it.

That said, every brand has a few lemons. That's when a dealer - rather than the - really makes a difference.

Bottom line: Reliability is probably not the main thing that you should be looking at. It will be the same with any of the premium makes.
Concentrate on features.
rScotty