Buying Advice Small Tractor Purchase Advice

[postalnut25]

Hello all. I've been doing some research on tractors for my new house, and this site seems chock full of advice. Some of it is a little much for me to figure out on my own, so I thought I would post looking for advice specific to my situation.

My House: About two acres of flat prairie land just a little northeast of Metro Denver. Right now there is just weeds, and a big driveway. I have about a 50'x50' concrete parking area and about 400' of concrete driveway.

Future plans include landscaping, putting in buffalo grass, land work for small projects (one retaining wall, one culvert install, and site work for a second detached garage), putting rock into a large drainage ditch, mowing the grass and clearing snow. Probably a small 3pt auger for installing the fence around the property. I think the only project that might need a hoe would be the culvert pipe install, so I'll probably just rent a trackhoe when that time comes.

Considerations- I would like a plow, but I think a FEL will be fine for snow removal as long as it floats. I would like 4WD and turf tires, with chains for the winter time if needed. I am open for a MMM or a rear mount finish mower, since I'll have three rail fence and clearance won't be an issue. I have a 9'x9' garage door opening for storage of the tractor, and it needs to fit in the 22' deep garage bay along with it's attachments.

Dealers- I've looked at Kioti and Kubota, because my wife really likes blaze orange. However, I am open to any brand as long as it works and I can get a decent price. I am leaning towards new, because I am a maintenance freak, and can keep up on maintenance and make something last until I die, but I don't want anybody else's problem tractor. Being in the Metro Denver area, I have a dealer for every brand within 1.5 hours, and most are even closer.

Last thought- I am open to a Zero Turn mower later on when all projects are done, but then I still need to figure out something about snow removal.

Thank you, and I look forward to suggestions to look at.

 

[RalphVa]

With flat land, the turfs should be fine in the winter. Turfs also have about the best turning grip but will tear up grass because of this grip. Also, with flat land, you don't have to worry too much about ripping away the underneath cooling fan on some of the smallest, lowest tractors. However, the smallest, lowest may not have the 3ph lift you need to get the auger out of the ground. I'd check this out on any you're looking at.

Ralph

 

[Citydude]

Hello all. I've been doing some research on tractors for my new house, and this site seems chock full of advice. Some of it is a little much for me to figure out on my own, so I thought I would post looking for advice specific to my situation. My House: About two acres of flat prairie land just a little northeast of Metro Denver. Right now there is just weeds, and a big driveway. I have about a 50'x50' concrete parking area and about 400' of concrete driveway. Future plans include landscaping, putting in buffalo grass, land work for small projects (one retaining wall, one culvert install, and site work for a second detached garage), putting rock into a large drainage ditch, mowing the grass and clearing snow. Probably a small 3pt auger for installing the fence around the property. I think the only project that might need a hoe would be the culvert pipe install, so I'll probably just rent a trackhoe when that time comes. Considerations- I would like a plow, but I think a FEL will be fine for snow removal as long as it floats. I would like 4WD and turf tires, with chains for the winter time if needed. I am open for a MMM or a rear mount finish mower, since I'll have three rail fence and clearance won't be an issue. I have a 9'x9' garage door opening for storage of the tractor, and it needs to fit in the 22' deep garage bay along with it's attachments. Dealers- I've looked at Kioti and Kubota, because my wife really likes blaze orange. However, I am open to any brand as long as it works and I can get a decent price. I am leaning towards new, because I am a maintenance freak, and can keep up on maintenance and make something last until I die, but I don't want anybody else's problem tractor. Being in the Metro Denver area, I have a dealer for every brand within 1.5 hours, and most are even closer. Last thought- I am open to a Zero Turn mower later on when all projects are done, but then I still need to figure out something about snow removal. Thank you, and I look forward to suggestions to look at.

Hi, and welcome. How much area were you planning on mowing and what size of mower were you thinking of?

 

[Olympus]

Also take a look at the LS brand. They give the most bang for your buck. Kioti is also another great choice.

I think a tractor with a rear finish mower would be your best bet for your property. You'll find endless uses for a tractor and loader.

 

[Olympus]

We got a lot of snow this year and my LS really did great. I use the front bucket in float mode and curl the lip of the bucket up about 2 inches. This let me push the bulk of the snow in front of me and at the same time I used a rear grader blade to scrape that last 2 inches as I went.

 

[Texas Dawg]

Most all the major manufactures make a good machine. What it seems to come down to more then what brand is the best, is what is the price for what I want? Finally from most of the treads on here, even more than the brand and price is the reputation of the dealer. Almost every brand on here has a thread complaining about it being junk and they would never buy another "Brand X" tractor. The recurring theme with almost all of them was their dealer did a really poor job of handling their complaint. Do your research on your local dealers and their reputation. That as much or more than brand or price should be your final deciding factor.

 

[davesl708]

As Texas Dawg mention the dealer is important.

Also, consider used. I bought my BX when it was nine years old. Three years and 200hrs later have no regrets.
It came with MMM, FEL, rear blade and 5ft rototiller. Very low price and all work well. Use it to clear small trees, move rocks, tilled the yard for reseeding and pushing snow.

 

[DKCDKC]

Most all the major manufactures make a good machine. What it seems to come down to more then what brand is the best, is what is the price for what I want? Finally from most of the treads on here, even more than the brand and price is the reputation of the dealer. Almost every brand on here has a thread complaining about it being junk and they would never buy another "Brand X" tractor. The recurring theme with almost all of them was their dealer did a really poor job of handling their complaint. Do your research on your local dealers and their reputation. That as much or more than brand or price should be your final deciding factor.

What he said. A good dealer is crucial.

 

[nybirdman]

For snow removal;a lot depends on your average snow fall per year.If it is over 100" you may want to consider a front mounted snow blower.

 

[postalnut25]

I like the float feature on the loader bucket. I think that would be effective for the snow removal. I'm thinking the blade and loader will be the best option. I don't think a snowblower would get enough use to justify the extra cost and the extra room it would take up in the garage.