The Age Old Question: Which Tractor

[LawnSpecialties]

I am selling my TYM T474. I want more tractor and will most likely not go back to TYM.

I have had a NH TC33-DA and a NH T2200 for the past dozen years or so. They've always done me well. But they were 2004 and 2008 models and things have changed tremendously since then.

I want something in the 50-55 hp range. Hydrostatic is a must and FEL. Backhoe would be nice to have but that's optional. I know I'll never get my money's worth in a backhoe but when you need one, they're nice to have. Open cab, too.

I do lawn maintenance, light landscaping, and occasional snow plowing. The four biggest jobs for this tractor will be hauling mulch all over properties, pulling a 6' core aerator, spreading thousands of lbs. of seed and fertilizer, and doing a lot of field mowing with a 6' finish mower. 50+ hp is overkill for these tasks but my hopes are this is the last tractor I'll ever buy and I never want to wish for more power. I plan to upgrade to a 7'-8' finish mower soon. I just don't know where to go.

I'd love to hear everyone's opinions. I know this could turn into a Ford, Chevy, Ram debate and I realize that. But if there are a few tips and critiques I learn from this thread, it could save me some headaches down the road.

 

[Wagtail]

50-55hp range, eh? You're experienced enough to specify that, so, what are your over-all uses for that hp?

Generally, where are you & what terrain and/or environment are you going to be using the tractor?

 

[jeff9366]

Doing a lot of field mowing with a 6' finish mower. 50+ hp is overkill for these tasks but my hopes are this is the last tractor I'll ever buy and I never want to wish for more power. I plan to upgrade to a 7'-8' finish mower soon. I just don't know where to go.

Open cab, too. (??)

45-horsepower is the minimum power necessary to pull a 6' medium duty Rotary Cutter through long, dry grass. 50-horsepower is better.

Is your land FLAT or will you be working slopes?

Interested in a CAB tractor (+$7,000) now or wish to buy another open station tractor?

Are you ready for a de Luxe tractor, such as a Kubota 'Grand L' (+$5,000) or do you wish to buy another economy tractor? Kubota Grand L "HST+" transmission promotes tractor productivity.

One big job for this tractor will be hauling mulch all over properties

Consider an FEL SSQA 'Light Materials Bucket' with greater internal volume than standard bucket.

Backhoe would be nice to have but that's optional. I know I'll never get my money's worth in a backhoe but when you need one, they're nice to have.

Consider a <$450 bucket spade. Not much for trenching but good for many other digging applications especially planting trees and shrubs. Dismounted bucket spade requires very little space stored on your trailer. You can bolt it on when you need it.

Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

T-B-N ARCHIVE: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/328798-bucket-spade-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=

 

[rademamj1]

If your tasks really include hauling mulch and pulling an aerator, you want a lighter tractor with R3 turf tires, to prevent tire ruts everywhere. Your landscape clients do not want to see tractor tire ruts. Add in the 60" rotary cutter, and your talking 35 to 40 hp minimum to still achieve this task. Any larger horsepower and tractor weight is large enough to leave ruts on landscaped lawns even with turf tires. Look at Kubota L3301, Kioti CK3510, John Deere 3000 series and New Holland work master series. Good Luck.

 

[mred2]

You might look at the LS XR4150. I have one that is open station. With turf tires and no weights it might be ok. Can also go to 55hp. It is still a little heavy for yard work.

 

[aczlan]

Personally, if I were spreading mulch someplace where you could fit a 50 horsepower tractor in, I would want something like a Toro Workman HD (formerly the Workman 3000 series).
Much lower ground pressure and it will move a LOT of mulch (especially if you put extensions on the walls).
Used they are available for $3000-5000.



Aaron Z

 

[jjp8182]

It's probably worth looking at which dealers you have in your area, and what each is like when it comes to their customer service.

In my area I'd probably go with either a Kubota Grand L or an MX tractor since the local Kubota dealers are where I've gotten some of the more helpful and friendly interactions - and both of those Kubota lines of tractors are in that hp range and have hydrostatic transmissions.

Beyond that, it's probably worth looking at what other constraints/requirements you have for the tractor and let that drive the decision. Larger sizes for the given horsepower can handle larger implements more easily, but will come with an associated weight (which may or may not be beneficial).

When it comes to leaving ruts that's really more a result of soil conditions, overall ground pressure (which doesn't necessarily track directly with tractor weight), and the actual operations (e.g. using 4WD is more likely to tear up the ground in - especially in turns). For example I use my L3560 for mowing in my yard and it's within a few hundred pounds of many modern 50-55hp tractors and unless I do something dumb (like drive through a sloppy wet yard) I've actually had less wear and tear on the grass/yard than I have with the riding lawn mowers sold at big box stores.

Just my :2cents:

 

[crashz]

I would also look at the Kubota MX series. That would be my choice, but I really haven't shopped any of those sizes.

I'm sure you'll hear better advice on tractors, but I'd look closely at tires no matter which machine you pick. Even consider a second set in your budget. You may want Industrial tires (R4) for winter or heavy work and Turfs (R3) for the turf work. I mow my own lawn with my L2501 and the R4's do well, but turfs would likely be easier on the lawn. However, I mow other people's fields that have a lot of rocks and hidden debris and LOVE the R4's for their toughness. Or there is the new R14, which just looks awesome. Still a bit aggressive to me, but I bet it will be a snow tire dream.

Maybe I should look at a set of those R14's...