You will love having a tractor. There is a learning process no matter the brand. I think simplicity and return is key. So, the HST transmission , bucket/fel (front end loader), rear brush mower and forks would be a great start. Consider a rear quick hitch. And look for other dealers with other brands in your area. The learning process is worth it. Also, used forks may be a good deal. Just confirm attachment.
Buying Advice Questions about potential purchase, not sure where to start
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dj1701
Veteran Member
I have two tractors for my 13-acre property in NY. One is a John Deere 4320 which gets very little use, and one is a Kubota BX 2680. Had I purchased a loader with the Kubota the JD would get even less use. I think the BX would be a perfect size for you IMHO. What it can do over the little JD lawn tractor you have will amaze you.
You have to remember, bigger tractor, bigger implements for it. $$$
I went with the JD and Kubota for three reasons. One was both dealers were in my town, resale values are higher, and parts availability is greater.
If you're just starting out, smaller might be the safest route to go. Tractors can be intimidating the bigger they get. My girlfriend still won't drive the JD for that reason.
Dave
You have to remember, bigger tractor, bigger implements for it. $$$
I went with the JD and Kubota for three reasons. One was both dealers were in my town, resale values are higher, and parts availability is greater.
If you're just starting out, smaller might be the safest route to go. Tractors can be intimidating the bigger they get. My girlfriend still won't drive the JD for that reason.
Dave
WinterDeere
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Agreed. Going solo on finding and buying a $10k machine is great for home shop mechanics and those who've already owned and repaired a tractor or two, but comes with risks that increase quickly with lack of experience. I would seek local help, whether that be from an independent mechanic, local dealer, etc.
Just remember the local dealer's incentive is to move product, no matter what's wrong with it, so make sure there's recourse to deal with any problems found later. A 90 day warranty would be a good start, on a used machine.
Hey guys, do any major brands transfer warranties on newer machines? I know that became a thing with used cars about 20 years ago, with fully-transferrable manufacturer warranties.
OP
fattylumpkins
Member
Thank you for the straightforward advice. It's been very interesting to navigate the highly technical insight regarding implements and specs, in combination with advice on how to approach a used purchase. Your logic makes sense to my smooth brain on the matter. As a note, I always buy new cars, drive them like an old lady, maintain constantly, and hang on to them for a long time. It's hard to fight that instinct of "just buy it new and you're confident that no one has broken it yet."
Previous replies are correct about aptitude of mechanical assessment. I've always been a little trusting on purchases of things directly from owners, so I would definitely need to have a companion for assessment - although the list of what to look for (leaks, cracked hoses, smoke color, weird sounding / inconsistent engine sounds) but does rust matter?
An hydrostatic transmission (HST?) essentially means this is automatic gear shifting, correct? Are there any insights of whether or not the technology is viable in 2024? I know from older models of cars, HST technology was a little rough - that gear shifts caused shuttering of the transmission (I had a Ford Focus 2012 as my first car and it had a lot of serious mechanical issues with the transmission). I understand manual driving of a car in theory but I'm not experienced with it - so I was wondering if there's a preference between those. I'm not familiar if the manual / automatic terminology extends to tractors, but I'm hoping you know what I'm asking. Is there a discernible difference between this dichotomy in terms of ease of use, reliability, and potential repair / maintenance?
dodge man
Super Star Member
HST is just a form of a transmission and is the norm on subcompact and compact tractors. It’s by far the easiest to operate and is proven technology.
@WinterDeere, Yanmar's warranty is transferrable.
2manyrocks
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HST allows you to instantly vary your ground speed without shifting any gears. As long as you change the fluids and filter regularly, it may be more reliable than a traditional clutch as a practical matter. This is the transmission I'd recommend to you because you can so easily change your speed to suit conditions like slowing down due to bumpy ground or tree limbs.
ning
Elite Member
HST transmission - the engine drives the hydraulic pump, and the HST transmission uses the hydraulics to drive the wheels.
In a way it's kinda like a hybrid car, where the engine drives a generator, and the electricity powers motors for the wheels, except we're using hydraulic fluid as the middle part.
Advantages are no clutching (and no clutch to burn), very smooth power flow. Able to go forward and backward just by switching pedals. Disadvantage is a small loss of tractive power vs gear driven because of friction and pumping losses; you're not plowing and this won't be an issue.
btw your JD x350 has an HST too.
In a way it's kinda like a hybrid car, where the engine drives a generator, and the electricity powers motors for the wheels, except we're using hydraulic fluid as the middle part.
Advantages are no clutching (and no clutch to burn), very smooth power flow. Able to go forward and backward just by switching pedals. Disadvantage is a small loss of tractive power vs gear driven because of friction and pumping losses; you're not plowing and this won't be an issue.
btw your JD x350 has an HST too.
airbiscuit
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You are going to love having a tractor for your property. It sounds like this is all very new to you. You are getting a lot of good information on this thread, but you need to really need to see, touch and try to get a better understanding.
There are three dealerships within 20 miles of you. Visit each of them. Tell them about your property, and your plans for using the tractor. Tell them you are a newbie, and ask them to educate you about compact and sub-compact tractors - their features and capabilities. Ask them to give you a demonstration, and ask them to let you operate one (the tractor and the loader). Get some literature.
Do that at each dealership. You will learn more with each visit. That is just step 1. Go back again, and see if any of them are "speaking" to you (ergonomics, price, features, zen.,..). If you make several visits, you will learn more each time.
You'll keep getting advice here, but you really need to get some first hand experience.
There are three dealerships within 20 miles of you. Visit each of them. Tell them about your property, and your plans for using the tractor. Tell them you are a newbie, and ask them to educate you about compact and sub-compact tractors - their features and capabilities. Ask them to give you a demonstration, and ask them to let you operate one (the tractor and the loader). Get some literature.
Do that at each dealership. You will learn more with each visit. That is just step 1. Go back again, and see if any of them are "speaking" to you (ergonomics, price, features, zen.,..). If you make several visits, you will learn more each time.
You'll keep getting advice here, but you really need to get some first hand experience.