Buying Advice Small CUT or large SCUT Advice

[Olympus]

I just sold my JD 750 and I'm on the market for a replacement. I need a loader, hydro tranny, and independent PTO. I have a max budget of $13,500 for the tractor. I'm okay with coming up with sales tax if necessary.

I have about 4 acres of woods that I keep mowed down. I did all the heavy work of cleaning it out already so it's nice and open. I brush hog the weeds about once a month. Nothing heavy duty anyone. I also have a long gravel driveway that's uphill that I have to grade frequently. It's chat rock, so it doesn't pack well and turns into a washboard easily. But that's the extent of my daily work for a tractor. We occasionally cut down small trees and a loader would be used to push brush piles together for burning.

I know a SCUT would probably be sufficient for my needs, but I really don't want one. Compared to my 750, they just feel and look like beefy lawn mower. I'm talking about the Kubota BX models, JD 1026 models, Massey GC models, etc. I want something that's a little heavier duty if possible on the off chance that I expand to more acreage. I can't afford to be trading tractors every 5 to 8 years. I need something I can grow into if necessary.

I need some suggestions on models in the 23 to 30hp range that can be bought for $13,500 max, preferably less. If I'm spending my max budget, I want maximum HP and a larger tractor size. Right now, my top contender is the 2014 LS tractor J2023. It's bigger than other SCUTs, a lot bigger hydro pump, 1270lbs of loader capacity, 5 year warranty, for $12,200. Dollar for dollar, I've yet to find anything that has the same for better specs within $1000 of that price.

I live in ag country so there are all kinds of dealers close to me. JD, Case, Massey, New Holland, Kubota, Kioti, LS, Mahindra just off the top of my head. I really want to have an idea of what models I should be asking about and what ballpark prices are before I start shopping with dealers. I typically hate interacting with salesmen, so the more I know ahead of time, the better.

 

[s219]

Well, the next size up from BX in the Kubota lineup is the B-series, and they run small (2320), med (2620,2920), and large (3200/3300). Equivalent Deeres are the 2-series. But with front loader and HST, you will be beyond $13.5K with Deere and Kubota for sure -- more like $14-16K at least. Am not up to speed on the other brands, but I would definitely shop them myself. It will be hard to beat LS on price/value.

 

[GManBart]

I haven't spent a lot of time researching SCUT prices, but I think you're going to have to work to find anything (new) less expensive that will match the performance of the J2023H without going to a Chinese tractor like a Photon or Jinma.

You may want to look into pricing on a TYM T223HST...same size/power ballpark.

The big knock I have with the smallest SCUTs is the 2-range HST. In many ways, they could use a third range more than the bigger machines (you can get away with lugging bigger engines) but that would increase the cost.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Im not very familiar with the LS tractors but both the J series and G series look like great tractors and good value. I like the quick attach loader capability for growing into additional needs. You've got some good brands near you. Im signing up to read the discussions and learn some.

 

[Olympus]

I'm leary of the Chinese tractors. Rather not go that route.

I'm not opposed to buying used if I can get a bigger tractor for that budget that's not been abused.

 

[Gittyup]

OP sounds pretty knowledgeable. But, there just isn't much at that budget available in CUTS. Might look at Kioti CK2510, Mahindra MAX, or a BC CT225. Maybe a TYM T293. They might all exceed your budget by a few dollars though.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Its hard to find used thats low hours. I lucked out big time and found my B2620 with about 110 hours, and that was almost exclusively mowing. But if you have the time to wait a few months like I did you might find one. But you already sold your 750. Try search tempest for Craigslist and check it for for a few weeks maybe?

 

[Olympus]

OP sounds pretty knowledgeable. But, there just isn't much at that budget available in CUTS. Might look at Kioti CK2510, Mahindra MAX, or a BC CT225. Maybe a TYM T293. They might all exceed your budget by a few dollars though.

The Max 25 is out for me. A lot more expensive than the LS, same approximate size, less loader capacity, and smaller hydro pump.

The Kioti CK20 is also similar size to the LS.

I did find a local dealer who has a few of the Bobcat 225 models from 2012. He wants $14,000 for them. Now they are a true CUT size. Bigger than the J2023, Kioti CK20, and Max 25. I'm just concerned about the possibility of lack of service since Bobcat stopped producing tractors.

 

[Olympus]

Its hard to find used thats low hours. I lucked out big time and found my B2620 with about 110 hours, and that was almost exclusively mowing. But if you have the time to wait a few months like I did you might find one. But you already sold your 750. Try search tempest for Craigslist and check it for for a few weeks maybe?

I'm looking daily. There is a nice JD 3023 with loader, HST, and 250 hours for $13,500. It's a long drive away though. That model is a lot bigger than the other models I've been looking at. Definitely could grow into it. I just can't decide if I should spend my max budget on something used thats bigger or spend the same on something smaller but has warranty.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Not having warranty is a concern but one that I let go off for the savings I got. Plus no sales tax. I rolled the diced on warranty based on Kubotas reputation. Others may have ideas on LS's quality reputation and the idea of foregoing warranty.