70boss,
I completely agree with Gary and Pete. The B2400HSD can really handle a lot of chores. Mine has R4 tires without ballast. No ballast is a handicap in soft sand when digging with the Front End Loader. Adding ballast to the tires would help alot there and also while plowing snow.
I don't use ballast because I mow the lawn and don't want the soft sand to get pushed around-the lawn is new and is thin in most places. I have never had a traction problem (too much or too little) while working on the lawn. For me the important point is that the R4's don't leave tracks in the grass.
For plowing snow, I use a Woods rear blade, RB72, and chains on all four wheels. This is a terrific combination. But ballast in the tires with the chains would be even better.
Maintainance on the B2400HSD is fairly straight forward. It consists mostly of cleaning and changing filters and fluids at appropriate intervals.
If you have any hills, I highly recommend moving the rear wheels to their widest possible position. Compact tractors have a habit of getting a bit tipsy. If you will be working with an FEL, I think for safety's sake, you'll want at least 400 lbs hanging from the 3 pt lift. I often do serious digging, I am in the process of removing an artificial hill, so I carry about 900 pounds on the 3 pt lift. That helps with traction and tipping.
If your new to compact tractors, may I recommend the following web-sites:
http://www.mgsweb.com/tractor/index.html
http://www.mgsweb.com/tractor/hacker/hacker.htm
There, you may find some nice ideas for customizing your tractor.
enjoy,
Peter S.
