Buying Advice Tractor for 14 Acres

[hammerhead22]

I just purchased 14 acres horse farm that is relatively flat. Trying to decide on the right size tractor. I will be using a JD 513 bush hog and land pride finishing mower that was left with the property. Currently looking ay the 2520, 2720 and 3320. Leaning toward the 2720. The 3320 may be too heavy for my yard and the 2520 may not have enough HP to bush hog. Help a Novice tractor buyer.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd go with the 3320. Stout machine and buying a used one might save you some dollars.
Overall, the 3320 has more capacity. However, it might be too big if you plan on cleaning those horse stalls with it.

 

[beenthere]

I agree with Roy, and think you will be a much happier camper with the move to the 3x20 series. I have that size frame and find no problem on yard travel.
But it is your call.

 

[Todd NE WY]

It depends on if you want to continue as a horse farm. Is there a possibility of moving large bales in the future? I started with a 790 and quickly found I was under tractored for the large bales, round or square. I moved up to a 4320 and am very happy, but the large round bales will make even this loader squeal once in awhile. You mentioned mowing, if you are talking about yard mowing you will be much happier with a dedicated lawn/garden tractor for the mowing and a larger tractor for the big tasks. The maneuverablility just isnt there in the larger series.

I hope this helps some.

Todd

 

[dmay]

I just purchased 14 acres horse farm that is relatively flat. Trying to decide on the right size tractor. I will be using a JD 513 bush hog and land pride finishing mower that was left with the property. Currently looking ay the 2520, 2720 and 3320. Leaning toward the 2720. The 3320 may be too heavy for my yard and the 2520 may not have enough HP to bush hog. Help a Novice tractor buyer.

If you go 3320 then you can get a cab and a 300CX which makes the jump from 2720 much more substantial.

 

[Artesia Aggie]

I bush hog 11 acres with a 2520 and a 48" hog. Pros-Plenty of power with the hog. Cons-With 48" it takes awhile.

 

[Transit]

Something to think about is how many hours each day do you plain to spend behind the wheel? What weather conditions will you be working in? Think about something that will keep you warm in the dead of winter and cool in the summer. Consider a cab.

 

[hammerhead22]

I have narrowed my choices to the 2720 and the 2520. I am having a 2520 demo tomorrow at my home; we will see how it goes. The $2500 incentive on the 2520 is hard to pass up.

 

[Johndeere3720]

yes, the 2520 is a very good deal right now, it should do what you need it to do. :thumbsup: Either way, you will decide which you like best. :thumbsup:

 

[AKfish]

My neighbor's got a commercial kennel and a hobby horse farm on 10+ acres. He's got a 2520 AND a Bobcat 250.

'Course that 9,000+ lbs. Bobcat doesn't mow the yard or pastures!! That thing doesn't get anywhere close to grass until November when the snows on...

Heavy wet grass or tall weeds makes the 2520 puff black smoke with the LX-4 bush hog mower.

Depending upon your particular mowing chores - I would be cautious about expecting a 2520 (or possibly the 2720) to handle the 5', JD 513 mower in all conditions. You might discover that your shiny, Green 2520 will come limping back to the barn with it's butt dragging on the ground!

AKfish

 

[Verticaltrx]

I just purchased 14 acres horse farm that is relatively flat. Trying to decide on the right size tractor. I will be using a JD 513 bush hog ...

Just FYI, the 513 takes a good bit more hp to use than other similar sized bush hogs. This is due to the very enclosed deck design, it forces the material to be chopped over and over which eats up hp. We used to have one and used it on a JD 4400 CUT (35hp, 28pto hp) and it would really make that tractor struggle in tough/tall grass.

I now use an off-brand 5' bush hog that is open at the back and pull it easily in the same conditions with my little Kubota B3200, which is only 23pto hp.

Just something to think about, I would look at nothing less than the 3x20 series Deere's if that's the route you want to go.

 

[hammerhead22]

Well, I took the plunge and purchased a 2520. The price was too good to pass up.

 

[C-Range]

Congratulations Hammerhead!

I just moved up to a 2520 from a 2305 and am looking forward to using my 4Ft 413 Rotary Mower on it soon. My 2305 powered the 413 in some pretty tall growth so I'm not concerned at all about the 2520 doing the same. Of course, I realize I'm talking about a 4 footer and you are talking about a 5 footer...

Anyway, with the current incentives, I can certainly understand how your decision could have easily been swayed. I hope the 2520 will suit your needs.

 

[Nuru]

Well, I took the plunge and purchased a 2520. The price was too good to pass up.

Congrats, I was just about to recommend a the 3x20 series used with Turf Special tires so the weight of the unit is spread out more than the smaller tires I mow my yard all the time with my 3520 and it works just fine.