Seeking advice for 5 acres tractor? if so which?

[TheMadOne]

AirBiscuit...Umm.. ok.. should say that we are moving out of MN to Woodstock, IL. That may or may not get a lot of snow. We won't be getting a tractor up here - but rather down in Woodstock.

It looks like Woodstock is a bit of a crapshoot when it comes to snow. I didn't see any daily snowfall totals more than 8 inches for the past few years, other than one freak blizzard. Nothing else a scut wouldn't handle.

I got the info here: Weather History for Woodstock, IL [Illinois] for December

 

[Schmoopette]

Hi all - a followup question. How long do these tractors last? If you see a used 2001 w/ 320 hours is that a lot, or not?

 

[brasco426]

That's an open ended question. I think if it's housed well and maintained than it might not be bad. Longevity for a tractor can vary depending on how they are used and maintained. 320 hours is pretty low for a tractor especially if it's diesel. If the price is right it's worth a look see, tons of great offers from dealers on new too. When I bought, we got 750 off for purchasing 2 qualifying attachments, so we got the a hd box blade really cheap. Donnie

 

[jeff9366]

How long do these tractors last? If you see a used 2001 w/ 320 hours is that a lot, or not?

TBN surveys indicate the average residential tractor is used 80 hours per year.

Three hundred hours is practically new, if well maintained and stored inside. Outside stored for 15 years there would be more potential for repairs: weathered tires, weathered wiring and switches, rodents chewing wiring, condensed water in engine and hydraulic systems, etc.

New tractors usually have minor issues during the first 100 hours of operation.

 

[jeff9366]

We are going to be on 5 acres. Right now, the land is grass, flat or very gently sloping, and it's currently fully maintained.
The driveway is quite long, and we are where it's quite possible to get some snow every now and then.

My cousin is trying to convince me to buy a subcompact tractor.
But the sensible reasons for a subcompact tractor are snow removal and mowing, moving mulch or carving out a garden.

Does subcompact make sense?

You should be fine with a subcompact tractor unless you want to blow snow, which does not seem to be the case. Be aware that scant 9" ground clearance can be limiting on a subcompact. A mid-mount-mower (MMM) reduces ground clearance further, when attached.

You will need a mower. For 4-1/2 acres, which is a lot, I would buy a wide Three Point Hitch mounted Finish Mower. The tallest grass a Finish Mower can handle while giving a manicured look is six inches.

VIDEO: tractor finish mower - YouTube

The Front End Loader (FEL) on a tractor is wonderful for moving mulch and general landscaping. I suggest a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment which will be useful in landscaping and is good for minor driveway grading. The FEL bucket may be all you need for moving occasional, moderate snow. If you need more help moving snow you can add a Three Point Hitch mounted rear/angle blade, which is also a key implement for driveway maintenance.

VIDEO: BX rear blades - YouTube

You will want a 48" Three Point Hitch mounted, PTO powered, roto-tiller for gardening.

VIDEO: tractor rototiller - YouTube

Almost all subcompact tractors are sold with Hydrostatic (HST) transmissions. With HST you can teach your kids how to operate a tractor once they are old enough to be responsible AND SAFE.

I would not store a residential tractor outside.

There are lots of good tractor brands. However, Kubota dominates the small tractor category. Kubota's subcompacts are the "BX" series.

LINK: Sub-Compact Tractors | BX-Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation

 

[stuckmotor]

I knew one guy who was killed jumping a dirt bike and another who was paralized from the neck down. There, I've had my safety police say.

 

[Wagtail]

I knew one guy who was killed jumping a dirt bike and another who was paralized from the neck down. There, I've had my safety police say.

Ahhh, :confused2: Mate? Did you post in the correct thread?

 

[redman135]

Heed TheMadOne 's advice about the dealer. He says it better than me.
For what you want. hydro static gearbox: easy to use and forgive mistakes. AND you can put other inexperienced drivers on in reasonable saftey.
4x4 : scuts are light. you need all the traction you can get. On a tractor low down weight is your friend.
Front end loader: Makes the tractor far more useful.
Buy your tractor on the basis of what will it do each year for the next 10 years. eg a duck pond is a one-off. Use a contractor for these jobs as they have the right sized gear, then you do the landscaping to suit.
lastly, sit on the tractor and try for comfort. Do the pedals trap your feet?
Can you reach the controls comfortably?(on some you are uncomfortable)
Is the seat wide enough for you? (some seats hang you from the hips ... ouch)
Age/hours wise, A shed stored tractor is a better buy hour-for-hour. 300 hours would nor worry me.I consider 300hrs near new, especially if it lived in a shed.My 1964 MF135 was inherited from my father it had done 11700 hrs (no misprint)approx when I sold it.
Good luck in your research, and don't hesitate to ask questions. You will be amazed at the amount of knowledge on tbn.

 

[stuckmotor]

Ahhh, :confused2: Mate? Did you post in the correct thread?

The OP said someone wanted to make dirt bike jumps with his tractor. I probably should have kept quiet but the one who was killed was a friend and the one who was paralized was a good kid.

 

[BKBrown]

Check out the Ventrac line of tractors and attachments. With 5 acres, this machine will handle everything you mentioned. Ventrac has a web site with quite a bit of information.