Suggestions for small yard and lots of FEL work?

[btb]

I have a small hilly backyard (less than 1/2acre). It is very hilly and is Bermuda grass. I will be buying a small tractor for mowing, post hole work, and FEL work. I have an addl 1/2 acre of trees that I will be cutting into to hopefully make a larger backyard. I'm a little concerned about the FEL capabilities of a BX2230, JD 2210, GC2300, etc. Can anyone shed some light on how capable these smaller units are at FEL earth work (not moving loose materials)? Mowing and FEL work are my two main uses. I know I probably don't need to buy a tractor, but I plan on using it at relatives/friends houses for various home improvement projects as well.

Thanks,


BRian

 

[MikePA]

What kind of FEL tasks do you anticipate having to do? Knowing this will help TBNers to determine if a FEL is the best attachment to perform the job.

 

[btb]

FEL work will be a mixture of light grading/topsoil removal for possible rear garage concrete driveway. Also combination of removing trees/roots/stumps and performing rough and final grading when I expand backyard into existing woods. Usually I rent or borrow a skid steer for FEL work, and I've never used a tractor for this type of work so I'm my realm when it comes to FEL work on a compact or sub-compact tractor.

 

[Av8r3400]

BX23, take it slow and enjoy. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It should be able to do all the things you have listed. Maybe the only addition would be a tooth bar for the FEL for "digging" rather than loading.

 

[btb]

Would a B2630 be overkill? What kind of price difference is there between a BX2230/BX23/B2630? Is a Backhoe necessary (that's what the BX23 is right?)

Thanks for all your help!

 

[GregJ]

The B2630 is a fairly big jump from a BX23. I have a B7500 (Now B7510) with a BH and it is the next step up in size from a BX23. If you are planning stump removal, a BH makes the job a lot easier. I use my BH all the time. The ground clearance on the B7510 is 12 inches and only 6 inches on the BX23. The FEL and BH capacities on the B7510 are about 50% greater than the BX23. This is not to understate the capabilities of the BX23. They are amazing machines. If you are looking at steps, price wise, it is probably something like this:
BX2230
BX23
B7510
B7610
B7800
B2630

I may have the B7800 and B2630 backwards, but you get the idea.....

Hope this helps,
Greg

 

[btb]

Any idea what a 7510 with FEL and BH costs? Kubota's model number setup seems confusing as compared to Deere, Nh, Case, etc. Maybe it's just me

 

[frank_f15]

1ST OF ALL Welcome to the forum /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif A lot of your questions about size and models can be answered by actually visiting the dealers and looking and trying the different models. Rule of thumb is is to buy a tractor that will fit your needs for 90% of your jobs, then rent or hire out for the other 10%. I also find the changing of model nos. confusing , this applies to all Brands in MHO /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GregJ]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Any idea what a 7510 with FEL and BH costs? )</font>

A wild guess..... 18K-20K. When I bought mine, it was around 2k more than a BX22. I think they are aggressively marketing the BX23, so the price difference is probably more now.

I totally agree with what Frank said. The best thing to do is go to a dealer, kick some tires and drive some of these different models around the lot. For me, it made my decision very simple.

Greg

 

[deereman63]

I have a 2210 with a Fel and a box blade. As I wrote in another thread I used both this weekend. I have turf tires for mowing and up till now they have spun badly in any wetness, so I purchased chains, which made a big difference. It enabled me to really bight into the mounds of earth. Now this earth had been dug out ,not by me last fall so it was not compacted. Would a toothbar make much difference I suspect so. One another general point, we are not under contract when working for ourselves so take it steady. Good luck