Newbie Needs Tractor Help?

[Parker21]

I currently have a 1979 Wheel Horse C-81 lawn tractor that i use for lawn work. I would like to upgrade to something that I can still use as a lawn tractor, but would also provide snow removal. Here's the particulars: I live on 2.5 acres in Weston, CT. There is aprox 1.5 acres of lawn. My driveway is approximately 350', with short steep section of perhaps 10-12 percent grade (a rear-wheel drive vehicle will not make it up the drivaway if we get ANY snow or ice). We get on average around 35" of snow per year, although the last two years it's been closer to 60"

I'm currently paying aprox $1,200 per year for snow removal. I considered getting a plow for my truck, or a walk-behind such as the Honda HS1132, but I have space limitations (2 1/2 car garage), and cannot fit the Honda and the Wheel Horse.

Is there a good option out there, or should I just keep the wheel horse, and continue pay for plowing.

Thanks In Advance

 

[SteveH_CT]

Welcome to the board - There are several folks here from CT.

If you look through the various brand threads you'll see a lot of discussion about the various models out there. What is right for you depends on a lot of things, how much $$ you want to spend, what dealers are around you, and what your top priorities are. Besides getting a great tractor I wanted a great dealer - that was a top priority for me since I'm a very poor mechanic! I recommend you look at as many brands as possible. I've just bought a Deere 4310, but I found several brands that would have worked out just as well, Kioti and Kubota to name a couple. New Hollands look great, but the dealer near me was getting a lot of money for them. A NH comparable to the 4310 I bought was about $3000 more.

So have fun and look around - you're bound to find the right combination of dealer, price, and tractor performance.

Take Care,

 

[jimg]

So, you just want to mow and move snow? CUTS will do a lot more like loader work, grading, digging, tilling, etc. Do any of those tasks sound interesting? If not then a cost/cash flow analysis for the mowing/snow removal should give a good picture of which way to go. If so then Id rethink my task list (as well as you can) and start to visit local dealers for more info and some test rides. My place is about as big as yours and I settled on a TC24D. I'm doing improvements and need a loader for moving dirt/gravel/rocks/firewood/manure. I also need to mow, move snow, till, drag trees and grade.

 

[Golfgar4]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is there a good option out there, or should I just keep the wheel horse, and continue pay for plowing.
)</font>

Sure there's good options out there for you. You just need to go out there and find them. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Based on the limited information that you've supplied, the Kubota BX series machines or the New Holland Class I's would probably fit your needs very nicely. I think Massey now offers a similar sized machine also. Something in the 18 - 24 HP range would be a good fit.

But as Steve mentioned, take some time and review the many posts in the various forums. You can also use the search feature at the top of page when you have some specific questions to ask.


Enjoy your hunt! And welcome to TBN!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[zuiko]

A garden tractor with snowblower would do the job if you didn't have a use for a loader or backhoe. It would pay for itself in no time at all with that kind of plowing bill. If you wanted a loader and hoe, the Kubota BX22 or the MF GC2310 would be good options.

 

[jimg]

"but I have space limitations (2 1/2 car garage), and cannot fit the Honda and the Wheel Horse. "

Almost missed this...if youre short on space now youll certainly be short if you acquire a tractor and implements...unless you put them all outside.

 

[beenthere]

I recall the good 'ol days with a Wheel Horse (1968 model, and really liked it). Now I have a different breed (animal) and really like it too.

This is my son removing snow.

 

[RalphVa]

A BX1500 with an FEL for snow removal and MMM for mowing would likely fit in your limited space. You just have to look at them and do the measurements.

A Gravely with front bush hog or perhaps a 40 or 50" finish mower deck and a 48" plow with tire chains would likely handle everything. You'd have to have the steering brakes to use it for mowing and use chains to have it work for snow plowing. It's not a woman's machine.

Ralph

 

[44trxfun]

I have the MF GC2300 (2310 w/o the backhoe). It's been a great tractor, with only a few limitations, but I haven't had it all that long. Do a search for my posts or feel free to contact me for more info. I echo the advice of finding a good dealer--might be more important than which tractor you select. Good luck with your search!

 

[SacandagaBrad]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If not then a cost/cash flow analysis for the mowing/snow removal should give a good picture of which way to go. )</font>

Don't forget the resale value on the CUTs. That was somewhat of a comfort zone for me when I was trying to justify a tractor. I'm not saying you're going to buy a new machine off the lot and then decide to sell 6 months later at a profit, but your not going to lose your shirt either. There have been a lot of discussions here about selling tractors for nearly what they were bought several years prior. Proper maintenance and they should last for a long time, the CUTs are built to withstand far more than most home owners dish out.

On snow removal - I would suggest a snow blower for whatever type of machine you decide on. Especially with the steep driveway, with the blower you are not pushing load, and you don't need to keep pushing the banks back for the next storm. Nice and neat, and the snow is gone. Even my TC24, with chains and loaded tires weighing over 2800 pounds with the loader, will kick sideways with the rear blade when scraping the heavy stuff. The blower (I have a rear mount) just cuts right through anything.

I also plan to mow with my machine, although I haven't had a chance yet since I just bought it in October. I have a mid mounted mower, and with the hydrostatic drive and tight turning radius, I think (hope) it will be as easy to mow with as my Gravely.

Bottom line is there are lots of options. I prefer not needing to rely on someone coming to take care of the road (ours is private and not plowed by the town). That piece of mind is worth a lot to me. I really bought more than I need, but on morning like today, I could make very quick work of 10" of heavy snow and get on with the day. In the few months I've owned my machine, I have used it for things I never even thought of while I was trying to decide whether or not to buy. Good luck and have fun shopping.

Brad