One Tractor To Do It All?

[WinterDeere]

I'll admit my ZTR bobs and weaves enough that I've learned to treat it like swimming, don't get on that ride within 20 minutes of eating, or you'll get a cramp. It is quite a core muscle exercise.

But I work long hours sitting at a desk all day and night, so getting out and exercising those core muscles for 90 minutes every 4th day is just what the doctor ordered, for me.

I would guess that if I had the self-control to drive my ZTR as slow as my CUT can reasonably do across a lawn (i.e. 4 mph), it'd be a much smoother ride. But I'm a g-force junkie, and just can't help but punching those levers full-forward coming out of each turn. It satisfies my inner child.

I'm probably also being unfair to the CUT, saying it can't do much more than 4 mph. That is indeed the speed I've noticed it starting to buck pretty badly offroad, but that's as it's typically configured with loader and rear ballast. If I removed that equipment to mow, given it's all weight extended out past the wheelbase, then I'm sure it could go a bit faster.

 

[Notforhire]

I'll admit my ZTR bobs and weaves enough that I've learned to treat it like swimming, don't get on that ride within 20 minutes of eating, or you'll get a cramp. It is quite a core muscle exercise.

But I work long hours sitting at a desk all day and night, so getting out and exercising those core muscles for 90 minutes every 4th day is just what the doctor ordered, for me.

I would guess that if I had the self-control to drive my ZTR as slow as my CUT can reasonably do across a lawn (i.e. 4 mph), it'd be a much smoother ride. But I'm a g-force junkie, and just can't help but punching those levers full-forward coming out of each turn. It satisfies my inner child.

I'm probably also being unfair to the CUT, saying it can't do much more than 4 mph. That is indeed the speed I've noticed it starting to buck pretty badly offroad, but that's as it's typically configured with loader and rear ballast. If I removed that equipment to mow, given it's all weight extended out past the wheelbase, then I'm sure it could go a bit faster.

Instead of a small cut how about a full size utility tractor with a rear mounted mower and a 60 inch or better Z with a suspension?
Bigger wheels make a big difference.

 

[WinterDeere]

Type and loading, as well. If you have only one machine, as the OP is aiming, then it’s going to have heavier 6-ply tires running closer to max pressure, and likely liquid ballast and/or wheel weights. That makes for an awful rough ride, compared to a CUT or UT with dedicated 4-ply turf tires, lower air pressure, and no liquid ballast.

 

[CoyPatton]

You might be surprised to find out that the orange premium you will pay is as big or bigger than the green one. Its been about 20 years since I needed a new compact tractor (something to be said for the dependability of the green ones), but back then a John Deere, with an American-made engine, was a little less than a comparable Kubota.

I think John Deere is offshoring all of the engines on their compacts now though. My 20 year old JD will likely last longer that I will, without any serious trouble. If I had to buy today, I’d take a good look at TYM or Kioti. Those might actually save you some money for comparable performance. I’m glad I bought mine back when the getting was good before the Tier IV days.

What subcompact or compact tractor did you buy 20 years ago from JD that had s US made engine.
The fact is that with the 600,700, 800, 900, 1000 & 1200 series subcompact and compact tractors—JD big entry into this market going back into the late 70’s and early 80’s were all built to JD specs by Yanmar of Japan including the engines. When JD stopped that partnership, they built the tractors that replaced these around Yanmar engines. To this time the 10, 20 & 30 series tractors still use Yanmar engines. I’m not sure about the 40 & 50 series tractors.

 

[BubbaSam]

I think John Deere is offshoring all of the engines on their compacts now though. My 20 year old JD will likely last longer that I will, without any serious trouble. If I had to buy today, I’d take a good look at TYM or Kioti. Those might actually save you some money for comparable performance. I’m glad I bought mine back when the getting was good before the Tier IV days.

I have a 2015 Kioti CK30 HST I bought new with a FEL and BH. Since then I have added with many additional pieces "addon" equipment. We have a small 13 acre farm that has had a LOT of work, and then some. Without a doubt I would call my tractor "My Best Friend". The only thing I don't use is my 3pt articulating blade, other than seasonal accessories like my 3pt tiller. I have had GREAT success with this tractor and would recommend the Kioti brand and the CK line. It's big enough, but not to big.

As far as the ORANGE lines, as someone mentioned, it has been said if you want a comfy tractor then buy a Kubota. If you want a workhorse, then buy a Kioti.

 

[TugHillDog]

Sounds like you are on the right track in terms of getting a tractor. A little food for thought in terms of zero turn vs tractor mounted belly mower....

I have roughly 4 acres of old, terraced farm land on top of an older clay ridge for a yard. While it does have trees they are very minimal. Unfortunately though, absolutely none of it is flat, smooth or level.

I mowed that yard for approximately 5 years with a 60" belly mower slung under a bx2360 before I finally got fed up and purchased a 60" zero turn. It may (likely is) different with a larger tractor but I got tired of being beaten up mowing the yard. Switching to a zero turn for mowing eliminated that frustration and cut my total mowing time in half at least. I'm able to maintain a good cut quality at a much faster rate with the zero turn.

It may be personal preference, but the other thing I found with having a belly mower on a tractor is that I really disliked leaving it mounted whenever I did any non-mowing work with the tractor.... which resulted in a 30 minute fight getting the mower off the tractor before doing dirt/brush moving work.

I would like to chime in here as well: using a tractor to mow is great for all the advantages listed, but it WILL increase mowing time. And to the point of this reply: a belly mower is a pain - both to get on/off (for reasons of being in the way) and also a sharp pain to clean. I would heartily endorse a 3pt finish mower instead.

 

[Gord Baker]

I would like some input on whether I am making a smart choice or not. I think one tractor to do my chores would be better than my current set up of mowing with a zero turn and snowplowing with an ATV. Basically, downsize from 2 machines to 1.

I mow 6 acres with a 61" zero turn mower (Ferris IS2100z with suspension and suspension seat).

I plow with an ATV with 54" snowplow (Suzuki King Quad 500).

Both do the job, but would a tractor be better suited?

I would get a compact tractor with a cab (heat and air conditioning) and a 72" belly mower. Being exposed to the elements is not exactly fun. My allergies are bad during mowing season and getting cold and wet during the plowing season is getting old quick.

The mowing area is not smooth, so mowing wide open throttle on the zero turn is not an option. So, the benefit of the zero turn being faster is not really a reality.

My acreage is wide open. No trees to maneuver. I even am considering a large 3 point attachment mower 10 ft wide or so, but I know that requires a larger tractor. I do not have the space to store (indoors) a large utility style, high HP farm tractor. Plus, I do not want such a heavy tractor to tear up the yard.

My driveway is 450 ft of gravel, so maintenance is periodically required. I have no way to perform the maintenance now and either have to borrow or rent equipment to do it. Or pay a contractor. It seems like a front end loader and box blade combination would be great to have.

I think the Kubota LX line of tractors might be a good fit for my needs. I am open to other brands/models. I do not believe in paying the John Deere green premium, so John Deere is not an option.

Has anyone went from multiple, job specific machines to a tractor that can do it all? Any regrets?

Thanks!

Choose your Kubota carefully and get the options you Need. 10' wide mower is not one of them. 6' at most. Keep your ATV and Zero turn until you are sure you don't need either.

 

[WinterDeere]

I’m not sure about the 40 & 50 series tractors.

IIRC, my 750 and 855 both had Yanmar 3-cyl diesel engines.

Never owned an x40.

 

[wolc123]

What subcompact or compact tractor did you buy 20 years ago from JD that had s US made engine.
The fact is that with the 600,700, 800, 900, 1000 & 1200 series subcompact and compact tractors—JD big entry into this market going back into the late 70’s and early 80’s were all built to JD specs by Yanmar of Japan including the engines. When JD stopped that partnership, they built the tractors that replaced these around Yanmar engines. To this time the 10, 20 & 30 series tractors still use Yanmar engines. I’m not sure about the 40 & 50 series tractors.

2005, 4120 with American made JD Powertech engine.

 

[airbiscuit]

I want your planter!