Tractor Sizing The Right Size for the Job?

[philc]

I finally got my wife to convince me that we needed a tractor to keep the field under control (rather than paying a company to come in a cut it). /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I've pretty much narrowed down the options to JD or Kubota, with Kubota being the strong favorite (depends on the local dealer and the JD one is terrific).

But before I can do anything I need to ask for a bit of advice: what size tractor should I favor?

The application is simple: twice monthly cutting of 12 acres (horse pasture and swales) which are essentially flat and treeless. A loader is not needed (had one on an old, small JD which I sold a few years ago, hence knowing the JD dealer).

I would greatly like to minimize the bi-weekly cutting time, so the cutter will be a minimum of 72" and 84" would be great if the cost were in line. So, approximately what size tractor would be optimum? I like what I see in the L30 line...

Thanks in advance ... and thanks, 80GATOR and SkyPup, for the local dealer info in another thread.

 

[Tom_H]

If all I needed was a tractor and full sized rough cutter, for cutting 12 acres, I'd just look around for a 30 or 40 year old full sized utility tractor. Any of the reputable brands which existed during that time should work fine. I'd just take which ever one happened to be available: Ford, JD, MF, Intn., whatever.

 

[MarkLeininger]

You have another option, which is to buy a decent garden tractor and pull one or two trail mowers behind it. I pull a 60" trail mower behind a 48" lawn tractor for a total cut of 9'. I mow 6 acres of pasture every week or two. You can pull two trail mowers behind a 20HP lawn tractor, which gives you about a 13' cutting width. You might want to invest in a better quality lawn tractor, I just use a Craftsman. It's rougher on your rear end riding the garden tractor, but you said your field is flat. You can also use the garden tractor around the house; a larger tractor might be too heavy for your lawn depending on conditions.

Just a thought. Parts and repairs are very expensive on real tractors. You can probably pay for a garden tractor with what the maintenance will cost you on a big tractor.

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> (rather than paying a company to come in a cut it) </font>

How much are you paying to have it done?

If you are going to mow 12 acres every 2 weeks, I would -- as suggested -- try and find an older tractor 50+ HP or more and a 15' rotary cutter. With this setup you can mow those 12 acres in less than 2 hours.

Not sure what your budget is.

Welcome to TBN. When you get a chance, please fill out your profile.

 

[penokee]

PHIL

I mowed old farm fields with a Fergie TO20 and an AC WD - using a Bush Hog. If your land is fairly level, no problem. Mine has hills, swamps, etc. and IMHO the old tractors were just geared too high for my type of work. Bush hogged with my new L3130 HST a few weeks ago and it was pure fun. Could move at a slow safe speed, reducing the chance of tip over. The old AC WD w/trip bucket was a real challenge to steer/turn with a bucket full. The power steering and 4WD are great. If the budget allows it, I would definietly recommend a new unit with all the latest safety equipment. The L3130 is a little large if you plan to mow narrow trails, around buildings, etc.

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Not to mention the fact that you might need an over-running clutch on the older tractors. I ran my brother's 60" Woods rotary cutter on my 200 and you can't shift gears until the blades stop. It's also hard to back into the corners to clean up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[philc]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. A few return comments...

A used critter is not in the cards because I really like warranties. I've bought used equipment in the past and have not been all thay lucky. The cost of new is well worth it, especially if I get a very good deal, and I'm a believer in residual value. Nothing says I have to keep it 20 years ... nothing wrong with trading it in after a lower number and getting somethine more suitable, safer, or efficient.

I've never heard of nor seen trail mowers before Mark's posting, so did a bit of research on that. I have a 24 hp garden tractor which I use for mowing around the house and, with a 60" deck, I have cut the 12 acres. Took forever and was not fun. The trail mower idea does seem, well, all that cool. And with everyone in the area having "real" tractors, you just gotta fit in a bit. Plus I have enough already sharpening 3 blades after every cut. Doubling or tripling that would run out all the spare time.

From what I hear here and elsewhere the L3130 is looking better and better. The L3430 may be a little more efficient with an 84" cutter and doesn't seem to be out of line pricewise. I don't have buildings or narrow trails to contend with like penokee mentions so that's not a problem. And if I ever need a loader it would be easy to add.

I guess my main question was whether a unit in the 30-35 hp range would be able to do the job, and I'm convinced of that now.

 

[philc]

Well taking advantage of the end of year 0% financing, I ended up with an L3830 HST with the 84 inch finishing mower. Got it a few days ago and it is a gem. Has already done a few unexpected jobs.

I hope to post a photo in the next few days.

Thanks, everyone, for the great advice!