Suggestions to narrow the hunt - 25hp, 4x4, HST - Branson, Mahindra, Kioti, JD, Ford?

[Gittyup]

There is a lot of good advice here. If it were not so pricey the Kubota B3350 is the sweetest large small CUT out there, but you could get a larger Kubota L2800 or even a L3400 for same or less $$$$$. Same goes for the CK27HST as a great value for the size.
For ground engagement a Kioti CK27 or Mahindra 3016 HST is a heck of a value.
LS Koiti, the Max 28, Yanmar, Massey, TYM, Branson all make good small CUTs.
I wanted a small strong value priced CUT not with HST, and picked up a the Max 28 as the 8F x 8F shuttle transmission was better shifting than the 3x2 gear of the Kioti. The CK2510 Kioti is a good small tractor especially the weight, and Loader and with the 2 speed HST the transmission is typical of the size. Look hard at the LS.
So do you want a larger basic tractor of a smaller more nimble small CUT as I suspect either will be similar in price?
PS your in a tough situation not having a dealer nearby. JD small CUTs are not a good Value.

What is 3x2 Kioti? The CK27 is either shuttle or hst. The CK27 shuttle is 8F/8R. The CK27 HST is 3 range. The old CK20's were 8F/2R, not shuttle. Not sure what a 2510 is.

 

[TJP89]

What is 3x2 Kioti? The CK27 is either shuttle or hst. The CK27 shuttle is 8F/8R. The CK27 HST is 3 range. The old CK20's were 8F/2R, not shuttle. Not sure what a 2510 is.

2510 is the new SCUT, MMM option on it. I have not heard of a 3 by 2 Kioti either, all small kiotis as far as I know are shuttle or HST.

 

[Gittyup]

2510 is the new SCUT, MMM option on it. I have not heard of a 3 by 2 Kioti either, all small kiotis as far as I know are shuttle or HST.

I meant tranny wise. I know it is supposed to replace the CK20, but the tractor looks much different and I have no knowledge of its particulars.

 

[ChrisintheMojave]

A used CK25 Kioti popped up I'm going to look at....

Went to the "Local" Mahindra dealer.... If money was no issue I'd get a 3016 HST. But the 28 Max looks like it would get the job done.

 

[TJP89]

I meant tranny wise. I know it is supposed to replace the CK20, but the tractor looks much different and I have no knowledge of its particulars.

It's HST only. Other than that I really don't know a whole lot about it.

 

[TJP89]

I meant tranny wise. I know it is supposed to replace the CK20, but the tractor looks much different and I have no knowledge of its particulars.

It's HST only. Other than that I really don't know a whole lot about it.

 

[Olympus]

A used CK25 Kioti popped up I'm going to look at....

Went to the "Local" Mahindra dealer.... If money was no issue I'd get a 3016 HST. But the 28 Max looks like it would get the job done.

On only 2.5 acres, the 3016 is overkill. Likely the Max 28 is also overkill. When talking about situations involving small acreage plots, bigger can actually be more of a hinderance than a help. A lot of people use SCUTs on lots that size. I would even look at SCUT size, but you can bump up to a bigger, more capable machine for less money by looking at LS J and XJ models.

 

[ChrisintheMojave]

On only 2.5 acres, the 3016 is overkill. Likely the Max 28 is also overkill. When talking about situations involving small acreage plots, bigger can actually be more of a hinderance than a help. A lot of people use SCUTs on lots that size. I would even look at SCUT size, but you can bump up to a bigger, more capable machine for less money by looking at LS J and XJ models.

3016 may well be overkill.... It just looked "the right size" for ANYTHING I could dream of doing.

 

[Gittyup]

On only 2.5 acres, the 3016 is overkill. Likely the Max 28 is also overkill. When talking about situations involving small acreage plots, bigger can actually be more of a hinderance than a help. A lot of people use SCUTs on lots that size. I would even look at SCUT size, but you can bump up to a bigger, more capable machine for less money by looking at LS J and XJ models.

Lot size has little bearing on the size of the tractor one should buy. It is the chores at hand that dictate that. I have 2.5 acres and for the chores I've done the CK25 is barely big enough. The OP should get the right tractor for planned tasks. If you need more reach, higher lift, lift more weight, hard digging, etc. get a tractor that will do what you need.

 

[Olympus]

Lot size has little bearing on the size of the tractor one should buy. It is the chores at hand that dictate that. I have 2.5 acres and for the chores I've done the CK25 is barely big enough. The OP should get the right tractor for planned tasks. If you need more reach, higher lift, lift more weight, hard digging, etc. get a tractor that will do what you need.

Without seeing the property and knowing the layout, I think you can hardly make that assumption. In fact, depending on trees, obstacles, fencing, primary residence size, outbuildings, etc, on only 2.5 acres, actually size and maneuverability ARE a factor to consider.