New Tractor Questions

[TnWV]

Hello everyone my name is Tony and I live in WV. I have been reading on this blog for a couple of years now as I have had tractor fever for a while but not the ability to purchase. I must say that I really enjoy reading these posts, the wealth of knowledge is unbelievable. I own 72 acres that I take a great deal of pride in maintaining. I have a 1979 MF150 2WD that I currently use and have been wanting to upgrade to a 50-60 HP 4WD with FEL for a while. I currently use a 5' brush hog and a Troy Built 54" rider to mow. The brush hog and mower are now about wore out. The MF150 is in great shape however. Unfortunately I cannot afford to buy a big tractor and new large mower. I finish mow about 8 acres regularly that includes both flat and some sloped land, this includes a large path to my pond and around the pond. I have been told that a ZTR would not be a good Idea to mow with due to the slopes.

So what I am thinking is that I should compromise between tractor and mower. I started out looking at the BX Kubota, the JD2305, the MF GC series, and the equivalent New Holland, all with FEL and MMM. I figure I can get a large mower and still be able to due the projects that I would use the FEL on the big tractor. Although I may still go that route, after some research I have found that I could move up to the JD2320/2520 or the B2320/2620 and have more tractor capability for not that much more money. So to get to my main question, would the bigger tractor be ok for mowing or would the weight be too much for my yard? Mowing has to be the priority, but I would like to be able to as much as possible if i am going to spend this kind of money on a machine. My land is mostly red clay. Obstructions would not be a problem as most of what I mow is open. I would be getting R4 tires either way for more traction around my pond and in the woods. I have problems with traction on my current mower so 4X4 is a must.

Also I am planning to work a new brush hog for the MF150 in the deal. I would like to go as big as possible, hopefully 7'. If I have to go to a lighter duty that is fine as my land is pretty clean as is I just need to keep it mowed. A lot of my mowing is uphill if that makes a difference. Any suggestions on what size I could use with am MF150.

I have not yet been to any dealers but have all of the major brands and several smaller brands with in 20-30 miles from me. I will hopefully start going aroung to them in about two weeks or so.

Sorry for the long post just trying to get it all out there. Any help that anyone can provide will by greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tony

 

[TripleR]

You are wise to have passed up on the BX and JD2305; both good tractors, I have one of each, but they are too small for your needs. Yes, the B2620 and JD 2520 would work, but in my opinion are really still too small. I would probably go for a dedicated mower and much bigger tractor even if you have to buy used. I have a 50 HP and the max bush hog is 7', so any hopes of the tractors mentioned pulling it seem unrealistic. Even though mine will handle a 7', I am using a 6' and honestly that is all the weight I want.

If I am too far off, I am sure someone will point it out pretty quickly. Good luck in your search.

 

[TnWV]

Thanks for the advice. I agree that I could use a much larger tractor,and would love to have one, but unfortunaltely I need something that can also mow my lawn at this time. I will eventually buy a larger tractor as well when it is a more pressing need. For now I only mow, use a tiller and do a little gravel road maintenance with a rear blade. Other than not being able use the size brush hog I would like to the MF150 does a good job. At the moment my main problem is that the mower I use to do my finish mowing is on its last leg. In five years I have racked up almost 700 hrs. I use it alot and would like to buy something that would make my regular mowing more efficient. If I'm going to splurge on a 4X4 mower with 60" deck I have found that it is not that much more to get something with a FEL, which I could really use. I'm mainly wondering if the JD2x20 or the Kubota 2x20 or equivalent would be good for mowing the lawn or if I should go a little smaller since it is mainly for mowing. Still a lot of contemplating to do and seats to sit in. Just can't really get into it for a couple more weeks and want to know as much as possible before visiting the dealers.

 

[Soundguy]

a 6' for sure would be better than 5' hoever the problem with 7' is the mower is getting real long.. lots of mass to spin up as well since it will likely be a single gearbox machine. some people like 8' dual gearbox mowers vs 7'... but at just about 40 pto hp.. you'd be pushing 8'

soundguy

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for the advice. I agree that I could use a much larger tractor,and would love to have one, but unfortunaltely I need something that can also mow my lawn at this time. I will eventually buy a larger tractor as well when it is a more pressing need. For now I only mow, use a tiller and do a little gravel road maintenance with a rear blade. Other than not being able use the size brush hog I would like to the MF150 does a good job. At the moment my main problem is that the mower I use to do my finish mowing is on its last leg. In five years I have racked up almost 700 hrs. I use it alot and would like to buy something that would make my regular mowing more efficient. If I'm going to splurge on a 4X4 mower with 60" deck I have found that it is not that much more to get something with a FEL, which I could really use. I'm mainly wondering if the JD2x20 or the Kubota 2x20 or equivalent would be good for mowing the lawn or if I should go a little smaller since it is mainly for mowing. Still a lot of contemplating to do and seats to sit in. Just can't really get into it for a couple more weeks and want to know as much as possible before visiting the dealers.

My preference for something that will do both mowing; primarily mowing and yet some tractor work is for the BX if you are only going to have one tractor a B or JD 2x20 may be a better fit for your needs/wants as it will do more tractor oriented stuff and still do a good job of mowing.

 

[RPW]

Congrats on the land. You also might look at the 5xxx series as they have the horse power but are a more basic tractor which means less $$$$ and that might help the budget. I also agree that 6' is a good compromise. I can do 25ac in less than 8 hours as long as I don't try and push things then I keep shearing bolts (gotta get a slip clutch).

Good luck.

 

[tjse9006]

Wow two Tony's from Putnam county, WV on TBN. Pretty ironic. I have a 2520 and it does everything I ask it to do. It's a good comprimize I mow with it and do some tilling and use a subsoiler and middle buster with it. The only problem I ever have is traction (R4s). It does a good job mowing but is a little heavier than the 2305 and will make ruts if your ground is a little damp. PM me if you ahve any questions. Tony 2 from Putanm

 

[TnWV]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Soundguy - If I could go to a 7' light duty brush hog with the MF150, it would be fantastic, but since I only brush hog maybe twice a year even going to 6' foot will save alot of time. Most of what I brush Hog is straight up and down, with a 2WD it is very slow moving, so any increase in brush hog size is a plus.

RPW - I would love to have a 5XXX series and when I decide to start putting up my own hay that is exactly what I will be looking for.

TripleR - If I decide to go with the smaller machine I definetly think that I like the BX better than the 2305. Still undecided about the B vs. JD 2X20. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I will get to see them in person. That will help alot in deciding what size is right for me now.

tjse9006 - Small world I guess. I definitely like the 2520 and will problably have some questions for you as I get closer to making a decision. Where do you live in Putnam County? I am in Liberty about 8 miles up Red House Hill.

All in all I think I just need to go look at all of them. I don't want to go to big because I know that a bigger tractor will come in time, but for now I just want to be able to mow while having a very usable FEL. I was weedeating this evening and could think of 1000 things that I could use a FEL for. When you have property there is always something that needs cleaned up. I love it, but it gets expensive and takes alot of time. Regardless I would never trade it for a subdivision.

Thanks everyone!

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Soundguy - If I could go to a 7' light duty brush hog with the MF150, it would be fantastic, but since I only brush hog maybe twice a year even going to 6' foot will save alot of time. Most of what I brush Hog is straight up and down, with a 2WD it is very slow moving, so any increase in brush hog size is a plus.

RPW - I would love to have a 5XXX series and when I decide to start putting up my own hay that is exactly what I will be looking for.

TripleR - If I decide to go with the smaller machine I definetly think that I like the BX better than the 2305. Still undecided about the B vs. JD 2X20. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I will get to see them in person. That will help alot in deciding what size is right for me now.

tjse9006 - Small world I guess. I definitely like the 2520 and will problably have some questions for you as I get closer to making a decision. Where do you live in Putnam County? I am in Liberty about 8 miles up Red House Hill.

All in all I think I just need to go look at all of them. I don't want to go to big because I know that a bigger tractor will come in time, but for now I just want to be able to mow while having a very usable FEL. I was weedeating this evening and could think of 1000 things that I could use a FEL for. When you have property there is always something that needs cleaned up. I love it, but it gets expensive and takes alot of time. Regardless I would never trade it for a subdivision.

Thanks everyone!

The only concern I would have with the JD2x20 would be the MMM, I would spend some time on the John Deere Forum to see if this is still a problem or ever really was with this model. I dislike the left foot braking on the John Deere, but some prefer it this way; gonna depend on what best suits your needs as both are top notch machines.

 

[tjse9006]

I live on Custer Ridge a couple of miles from Buffalo. As you stated I would try them all. It came down to three choices. Deere, Kubota, Mahindra. The dealership eliminated the Mahindra, I wouldn't buy a bolt from them. The Kubota and Deere in my eyes were about equal. I chose the Deere because the dealership seemed more willing to support me after the sale. I don't regret my decision. I think I would of be fine with the Bota but I felt the Deere dealer was top notch. They have been great so far. As stated above try em all choose what best fits your needs. TC