One Tractor To Do It All?

[CH4Ohio]

If I were in your position, I think I’d take a hard look at the Rural King tractors. The RK37 and RK55. Built by TYM for RK and they come loaded with most options for the base price. (You’ll still want to add the 3rd function option.)

Look at TractorData and compare their stats (Weight, dimensions, HP, etc.) to the LX and MX. You may be surprised.

If you’re not getting a Grand L, the others all have similar standard HST features. I find the cabs of the RK comparable to the LX and MX Kubotas. The cab of a similar size Kioti tractor is nicer though.

If you do your own maintenance, I think RK offers a lot of tractor for the price. For the price difference you can keep your zero-turn. You’ll find that the tractor isn’t a better mower. But if you want to add a wide rear mower, either of these could handle one.

Just suggesting that it might be worth comparing these to the others you mentioned. Good luck with your shopping.

 

[CH4Ohio]

FYI — I prefer a belly mower and own one, but since you are mowing wide open areas, you might be better served with a wider rear finish mower. It’s also easier to drop it when not mowing and is cheaper and more versatile and easy to sell if you decide to upgrade or switch equipment.

 

[rScotty]

I wouldn't try to replace a nice mower and a tractor with one machine. There is no way my lawn is going to get along with my tractor. Totally different weight and traction.
I'd be more likely to go the other way and have more machines set up for special purposes. They all last just about forever with minimal maintenance anyway.
rScotty

 

[WinterDeere]

I'd be more likely to go the other way and have more machines set up for special purposes.

lol...

1. Guy comes to tractor site and asks about working with fewer tractors
2. Eight pages of debate
3. Final (predictable) response: "buy more tractors!"

 

[rScotty]

lol...

1. Guy comes to tractor site and asks about working with fewer tractors
2. Eight pages of debate
3. Final (predictable) response: "buy more tractors!"

Well, it's true that I lean towards tools made for specifcally for the job. But that's just me.

Look at it this way.....suppose you go to have your tractor repaired and there are two local shops to choose from.

One shop has test equipment, shop manuals, pullers, spares, and lots of special tractor tools. Diplomas hang on the walls. They offer you an estimate of time and costs.

The other shop does everything with a hammer, chisel, vise, and a selection of beat up crescent wrenchs. Last year's calendar and some fishing photos hang on the wall. They'll get to it if and when they can. But they charge less. In fact, a lot less.

Which shop are you going to leave your tractor with?

rScotty

 

[WinterDeere]

Well, it's true that I lean towards tools made for specifcally for the job. But that's just me.

I'm in total agreement with you. But that doesn't make the sequence of posts any less amusing.

 

[Ronald G]

I bought a Kubota B2620 with a belly mower, it cut great but the weight of the tractor left tire tracks, not good, had to go back to two machines.
Can't beat a zero turn for speed, but at 79 years Im not speedy anymore.
In Florida my zero turn kept sliding down into the ditch, our soil here is not stable, had to get a tractor type mower.
My opinion, there is no such thing as a single do it all tractor, mower or what ever.
If there was such a thing then companies would only make one item.
By the way, my B2620 with loader and back hoe has been the most dependable and hard working tractor I ever owned and I went through the list JD, Massey, New Holland, International. I even loan it out to the neighbors and no one has hurt it yet and this tractor doesn't sit very long it gets used at least four times a week between three neighbors. I just can't say no. I don't remember when I bought it but it's been over ten years.
Keep what you have, you wont find anything better.

 

[jacric2005]

Today I plan on using three different tractors, and then later on, the zero turn. I need all three. If I swapped implement around differently, I could by with two tractors and the zero turn, but having all three means that I can get more done, faster.

Backhoe with a grapple to clean out a bunch of debris in front of a culvert. Then clean up around the hay bale with the grapple. I'll leave the grapple on because I have several trees and branches that are down from storms.

Then the Deere with the hay spear and auger on the rear. I'll put out a bale of hay for my goats and horses. I need to do that every other week, so that's a dedicated tractor for that job. I also need to install a fence post, and that's also something I do a lot of, so I leave it on the Deere all the time.

The Massey has the dirt bucket on it right now and I need to clean up a drainage ditch with it and fill up a mud hole that's gotten out of control just inside the gate to the hay bale. Once I'm done with that, I'll remove the bucket, and the counter weight on the rear and connect the batwing. My open areas are over 2 feet tall and growing. If I get them now, the trees will just be saplings and mow easy. My goal is to mow the area around my pond and all around my property line. Then when I have time after work, I'll get the other areas and my trails.

Zero turn for our dog runs, back yard, the yards for both houses, driveway, around the hay bales and my entrance. That's every week, but usually I split it in half and get to each half each week.

I'm also clearing the land for my next section of fencing, and I need the backhoe for that. An excavator would be better, but they are terrible at hauling trees to the burn pile. The backhoe with a grapple allows me to remove the brush and trees, and haul it to the burn pile. I can put the bucket back on and haul dirt to the holes in the ground from the stumps, spread it out, pack it with my tires, and make it look like there was never a tree there.

I am pondering a second tractor to have the arena groomer on all the time, and leave the brush hog on my current JD 870. At 70, I can change implements (these are the old school, push the button with your thumb), but its a bit of a hassle and so I procrastinate sometimes.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I imagine a Deere 2025R, Kioti CX2510, LS MT225S, Kubota B, or any similar sized machine would serve you well in that regard @jacric2005.

 

[Texasmark]

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!

I think I have seen this post before or something similar.

The answer to your question is: It doesn't exist!!!! I am up to 7 tractors now for the reasons you think you can find one to do everything and looking to buy the 8th.

Suit the tractor to the job you do most and improvise on the rest of your chores.