Just my 2 bits, but I totally agree with some of the previous posts about the tractor size versus jobs you want to do.
If you want a Sub-CUT then I think you may find that you would be wise to rent a bigger piece of equipment for a day, do the clearing, and then use the Sub-CUT for the maintaining work. The little Sub-CUTs are very cabable little machines but they are small and take small bites out of big jobs, consequently a job that would take a day with a larger unit could take a week with a Sub-CUT. All that said, a Sub-CUT is a fine choice.
I would opt for a small-frame CUT. Something one class up from what you are looking at, with engine horsepower in the 23 to 26 hp range. There are lots of good units out there that are plenty small enough to use as mowing tractors, but still just big enough to use for some of the tractoring jobs. I have a NH TC24D that would be about right, but look at the Cub 7000 series and the Kubota
B7510 or the
B7610 as well. Just about every manufacturer makes a machine in this size class.
Again, just my 2-bits, I would ONLY consider a tractor with a hydrostatic transmission unless you grew up with a gear tractor.
And as far as PRICE goes I think it is a big concern, but it should not be your MAJOR concern. If I was you (or if I was spending your money) I would look at the total cost of ownership, and that would include my time running back to the dealer for support, so I want a dealer who is reasonably close to me, and I want a dealer with a large customer base who will then have a large PARTS DEPARTMENT and a large and well established SERVICE DEPT that has a good reputation. And I want a dealer who will treat me well when I walk in the door.
Another big deal for me is a tractor that FITS ME WELL; this is very individual and some who love the fit of their JD will hate the way controls on the Kioti is laid out or visa-versa. Every tractor is a bit different, some are better for me, some are better for you. Only you should be the jugde of the best layout and fit for you.
