New Tractor

[pdpd1]

I am a new land owner of 6 acres. About 4 of it has wild grass needing mowing 2 or 3 times a year. I'm new at this, so need advise on what tractor to purchase. I would like to have the option of using a front loader on occassion. The D-110 at Home Depot seemed a bit undersized with limited options. $3500 is my budget. I'm in N. California and realize there are air quality restrictions here. Please advise.

 

[jenkinsph]

Welcome to the forum

New models with front loader capability would start around $15.000. You may wan't to look around to find an older used tractor with loader. If you forget the fel and go for a good used mower you can probably find one in your budget with some searching.

For your uses on 6 acres I would pass on the D100 series, I wouldn't recommend anything below an x310 and higher nemerical model. Much better to buy a good used but well made 400 series with a pull behind cart.

 

[Martian]

Steve took the words out of my mouth. Your Home Depot tractor is good for a 1 acre lawn with minimal gardening work.

There is no option for a front end loader on that sized machine. In fact, you will have to increase 4 series to a sub compact utility tractor in order to get a front end loader. Of course this comes at a price of about $15,000 and mentioned. If you really have to stick under $3,500 and need a FEL, used is your only option.

If you don't need a FEL, then I would agree again, the x300 series and up would be what you want. I would not recommend getting a tractor from Home Depot under any circumstance. You will eventually need parts/service for your tractor and need to take it to the dealer. If you decide you really want the D series, the JD dealer will have them at the same price.

The D100 will also not like to mow 'wild grass' which sounds like brush hogging to me. But, a x300, x500 or x700 wouldn't like to brush hog either. I'd rent a larger machine with a brush hog for these circumstances.

 

[pdpd1]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will see what's available in the used tractor market and also visit the JD showroom.

 

[couchsachraga]

You may want to check with your neighbors too - one of them (for a price) may be willing to mow that 4 acres a few times a year. While you won't get the tractor seat time, it will be far less expensive than purchasing a machine just to mow a few times a year. Then get a small machine to do the what you have around the house (well within your budget). Of course, then you miss out on all the fun... I mean work you can do with other implements and a larger machine. You will always find more projects than you think you will have once you have the machine in my experience. BUT, if all you are concerned with is finish mowing and brush hogging those 4 acres paying someone to mow might be more reasonable financial, and free time up for other endeavors. All depends on how much seat time you want I guess.