thinking about buying a tractor

[MAN IN BLACK]

B2650 HSTC Kubota would be my choice.Looked at the small Mahindra cab and it didn't have air conditioning.

Any other major brand would work just as good...lots of excellent machines out there besides Kubota !

 

[4570Man]

Quality of cut is pretty much the same. But as said above, much better maneuverability with a MMM...but for large lawns without obstacle, a rear mower can do the job as good. I own and operate both so I talk from my own experience. What size (hp) are you looking for.

The RFM has advantages though. Such as backing under low tree limbs, down ditches, better resale value, easier to remove and install, and easier to remove the blades to sharpen. The advantage of a MMM is less garage space required, in some cases better maneuverability, the ability to use a leaf bagger, and the ability to use another 3 point implement without removing it ( sometimes). I also own both, and am not a fan of the MMM.

 

[nybirdman]

Any other major brand would work just as good...lots of excellent machines out there besides Kubota !

What other manufacturers have mid-mount PTO,factory cab with air and hydrostatic transmission.?

 

[jeff9366]

A MMM and a RFM both work well. A RFM is less of hassle than a MMM and has a better resale value.

RFM = rear finish mower. MMM = mid mount mower or belly mower. FEL = front end loader.

I much prefer a separate mower to either option.

A zero turn mower is the usual mower of choice unless the terrain prohibits that.

MMM limits ground clearance when attached. MMM is proprietary to each tractor brand and size, therefore expensive. MMMs are rather cumbersome to mount and dismount.

Three Point Hitch mounted Finish Mowers are generic, therefore relatively inexpensive. When removed, do not limit tractor ground clearance. You have to look to the rear at first, to know where the mower is; less looking to the rear with experience.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm thinking about buying a tractor. I would be using it for yard work and snow removal on my half mile driveway.

How much snow do you get during an average winter?

If you have a lot of snow you will probably want a snow blower.

Snow Blowers come in Three Point Hitch mounted models, where you have to look to the rear, but do not require a mid-PTO; and more expensive front mounted show blowers which operate off the mid-PTO.

If you do not have too much snow most here would move snow with FEL bucket and/or a tall blade rear/angle blade on the Three Point Hitch.



KUBOTA WEB SITE: http://www.kubota.com/product/b50/b50.aspx

You can work up a MSRP price through BUILD MY KUBOTA. Dealer discounts off MSRP are 8% to 10%, sometimes a tad more in special situations.

 

[05rammer]

At times we get a ft, but that's rare. I already have a ssga 7 1/2 ft snow plow I'd use for the loader.

 

[Grandad4]

B2650 HSTC Kubota would be my choice.Looked at the small Mahindra cab and it didn't have air conditioning.

+1 If you're seeking a small cab tractor, this is arguably top of the line.

http://www.kubota.com/product/b50/b50.aspx

 

[jeff9366]

If you need a mid-PTO, get one. That is why mid-PTOs are made.

However, mid-PTO adds mechanical complexity and, facing forward, are somewhat prone to collision damage and plugging up with sap and dust.

So, if you can make choices NOT requiring a mid-PTO, do so.

 

[Mattt2778]

I have a mahindra emax 25 hst that had a mid mount mower. The mower cut great was built incredibly tough and pretty easy to install but I ended up selling it back to the dealer for half what I paid for it. I found that the 44" toro timecutter (consumer quality) zero turn that I already had cut just as fast if not faster than the 60" mmm on my emax. I can't fault the tractor or mahindra in any way, in fact the mmm cut better than my zero turn, and the tractor has power steering so it wasn't beating me up to operate it, but by the time I removed loader and installed the mmm, 10-15 minutes I found it just wasn't worth the hastle. I was also not overly enthusiastic about driving the 2500 pound tractor over my 30 year old drain field versus the 400 pound zero turn. I know that some poeple like the idea of an all in one setup but if I'm honest with myself I find sub compact and compact mowers to be inferior at cutting grass. I can't ever recall seeing a landscaper using one for said tasks.

 

[cford36]

B2650 HSTC Kubota would be my choice.Looked at the small Mahindra cab and it didn't have air conditioning.

If you have an LS dealer near you I would highly suggest looking there too. I was looking to upgrade to a factory cab. I am coming from a John Deere and recently purchased a LS 3135HC. 2 years of looking including getting to see all of them first hand at the Louisville Farm show. You want geen or orange that's fine but you will pay a premium for it. You will find you will get more for your money in an LS. Granted a 3135 will cost more than the B2650, you are talking about moving up a level in size. I initially was thinking the B2650 but decided for a little more I am getting a lot more tractor. Depends on your current or future needs. Personally I did not care for the fit and finish of the Mahindra's, but that's just my opinion.
Make a list and get out and see and drive each one. Dealership also plays are part in it. (Part of the reason I did not go back to JD)