Things Are Looking Orange

[Dranrab]

Well, when you put it that that way, you're right. That size tractor certainly can do those tasks, and more. :thumbsup: :laughing:

But you have 10 acres, so I'm assuming you'll eventually be asking it to do much more. I certainly know I would. Just trying to save you some potential buyer's regret a year or two down the line. Oh, and to help a fellow TBNr spend his money, of course.

Your feedback is most assuredly welcome, that's why I posted. I knew some of the feedback would encourage me to move up in size. I have no plans of ever doing any more with my land. I bought a wooded parcel because I love to be surrounded by woods.

 

[Dranrab]

I do think a tractor that size will do those things. Although you will have to slow down mowing up hill. Also instead of getting a disk, a tiller will work much better. For a disk to cut well it needs weight. It takes HP and traction to pull a heavy disk. It will take multiple passes for sure. A small tractor can handle a PTO driven tiller nicely.

The reason I suggested looking at the next size up in HP is because I have a 25HP tractor with 19HP at the PTO. It would fade back on the hill mowing quite a bit and mine is geared, not HST. The HST will call for more HP just to move the tractor. Now mine is old and way out of warranty, so I was able to turn it up to around 30 HP. That has helped a lot but I still sometimes find myself wishing it had a little more.

From what I have seen, the price difference is very small for 50% more PTO power.

I do understand the emissions deal and like the idea of not having to worry with it. However, it is unlikely to cause to much issue if the tractor is worked correctly.

Anyway, it is just a thought and I wish you well in your search!

The price difference is indeed small. I like the smaller size for some of the work I will be doing though. The perimeter walking path is a tight wooded winding one. Smaller will definitely be better for me on that front. The land has a little elevation change, but not anything I'd call a hill.

 

[Dranrab]

One of the big questions is do you ever see yourself wanting to upgrade or change tractors? The high level argument is typical of a current Toyota (Kubota) vs Hyundai (Kyoti) argument. While there is a history of Toyota (Kubota) having better quality, if you look at current consumer reports the Hyundai does well against the Toyota and you typically get a better price with the Hyundai or better features. One of the big points of the Toyota is the resale value! That is the same with the Kubota. Owners of both will tell you that their tractor is better but the point that can't be argued is the resale of Kubota is higher... Just a thought.

That's a great analogy and I have thought of these two machines in that exact way.

 

[goeduck]

It's been around for a while, but it's always nice to bring it up when a guy wants a half ton and the gang tries to put him into a Frieghtliner.

I am missing the problem here

 

[Threepoint]

Your feedback is most assuredly welcome, that's why I posted. I knew some of the feedback would encourage me to move up in size. I have no plans of ever doing any more with my land. I bought a wooded parcel because I love to be surrounded by woods.

Sounds like you're thinking it out a lot, and will make the right decision for you. So our work is pretty much done here.

I'll just leave you with one other thought. Whatever you get, make sure you factor in adding a 3rd function hydraulic kit and a grapple either now or later, as another post mentions. I bet you'll end up wanting one.

I and my neighbors have a lot of woods too. Heavy thunderstorms, derachos, and the occasional hurricane can leave a lot of downed debris and timber. Even short of that, invasive species like Chinese Grape vines can canopy healthy trees. Russian Olive can crowd things out. Other vegetation can overtake trails and spaces in between pretty quickly. Having a grapple that's sized well for the tractor and application can pay for itself pretty quickly.