Tractor Purchase

[CincyJim]

I own 8 acres and am looking for a new or used tractor. I have some experience with JD's as I own an 855 hydro with a 50" deck. Problem is, it is 2wd and has turf tires. I am considering a new one and the Kubota B2710 seems to be a nice fit for the hilly 8 acres I own. I mainly mow 4-5 acres and bushog the rest. Need to remove some stumps, push some occasional snow around and could use some more versatility such as a rototiller. Suggestions?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[ronjhall]

Jim
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The B27-2910 and B7800 are a good choice for mowing.
I can do over 2 acres per hour with my B2910 and 72" MMM mower.
I use a 60" rotary cutter for rough cutting. It can bog down on heavy weeds though. If I cut 3 times a year it takes a lot less power.
To remove stumps I use a <font color="orange"> Kubota </font>BL4690 backhoe. In the future unless I need to plant something back in the area where I'm removing a stump I will use a stump grinder.
For tilling I have a 50" tiller. It works great on the tractor. Some use 60" tillers on this size tractor with no problems. 60" will cover tractor tread in one pass.
I remove snow with a 6 1/2' front blade mounted to the FEL. You may not need a front blade. Many do it will a rear blade with no problems.
I have seen where TBN'ers have found some good used deals on these tractors lately.
Good luck finding one.

 

[CincyJim]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you have a very nice setup. I would love to have a backhoe as I can think of a lot of uses for it but as always, the price seems high. Do you think that I should explore a Woods backhoe? I see a lot of them around.

Thanks,

 

[Soundguy]

Ag tires and weights might help that 855. It isn't a bad tractor as it is.

Course.. a 2nd tractor is always nice!

Soundguy

 

[KiotiJohn]

I would suggest either the Kioti CK25 or CK30. Great standard features, good weight and lift capacities etc. make it a good tractor to own and do what you need to do. Either will carry a 6' rotary cutter with no problems, but the CK30 will have a few more PTO HP. If HST isn't a priority, A Kioti LB3054XS may be just the ticket. It has a mechanical shuttle shift (must stop before shifting F/R shuttle lever). The CKs are avail. with synchronized shuttle (no need to stop before shifting) or HST.
The Kubotas are fine tractors as well, but many items are extra. Also, I prefer the higher weight of the Kioties as it helps utilize the available HP better. Depending on your soil, the extra weight may or may not be a problem for you. A mid mount mower (MMM) is available for the CKs with the optional mid PTO, not the 3054XS. I would prefer a rear finish mower (RFM) myself though, and these, of course will work on all the models. John

 

[LMTC]

Sorry, but I have got to see a CK25 or even a 30 use a 6 foot rotary cutter before I am going to accept that statement. Perhaps my experience is sheltered, but I would never, ever, and I do mean NEVER EVER consider a 6 foot rotary cutter on a 25hp machine. That has to be a formula for disaster. A 6 foot rotary cutter on most 30hp machines is a serious mismatch.

 

[frank_f15]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A 6 foot rotary cutter on most 30hp machines is a serious mismatch.
)</font>
Was wondering , if u consider a 6 ft cutter on a 30hp tractor, a mismatch, then u must also consider a 5ft on a 25hp tractor a mismatch. What cutters would you suggest for both these tractors?

 

[ChrisW]

I have a Kioti LK3054 for sale just north of you in Waynesville, OH. Take a look at it at: http://adcache.equipmenttraderonline.com/9/8/6/71296286.htm and call me if you are interested.

Chris

 

[Nasty135]

ChrisW, With all that's included and low hrs if I was looking it would be very tempting ... is DELIVERY included with that? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A 6 foot rotary cutter on most 30hp machines is a serious mismatch. )</font>
That may be true on some light weight models of 25/30 HP tractors, but the two CKs weigh in at over 3,000#. They have the lift capacity and enough PTO HP to run a 6' mower. Even my CK20 at 21HP could run a 5'.
What makes you say that you consider this a mismatch? It's not rocket science, if the tractor can lift it, and the PTO can turn it without a problem, then it's not a mismatch. The CKs are fairly large framed, and can handle the 6' without a problem. That said, I would prefer to use a 5' on either of them for better maneuvering, but I wouldn't hesitate to use a 6' if that's what I needed. John
EDIT: I should add that the 6' is not recommended for the Kioti CK25/30s, this is based only on my experience having used them. With extremely high and tough brush, it may be necessary to take less of a cut, but the tractor will run the mower. John

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="orange"> if the tractor can lift it, and the PTO can turn it without a problem, then it's not a mismatch </font>

Not entirely always completely true...

Disclaimer: I have a Deere 6' cutter on a Deere that they doe NOT recommend. I am definately pushing the envelope as to what will fit...

Several other factors come into play. The most dangerous position is cutting across a grade, where the cutter will want to pull the tractor sideways down slope. A cutter that can be lifted by the 3 point MAY be too heavy for this cutting. ( I always cut up or down, never accross a slope...)

There are other factors that the engineers try to figure on when matching implements. I have never had any issues on dry ground, but last night I tried to traverse a field after a monsoon. I nearly lost it several times... So differant ground conditions cvould really come into play a lot

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There are other factors that the engineers try to figure on when matching implements. I have never had any issues on dry ground, but last night I tried to traverse a field after a monsoon. I nearly lost it several times... So differant ground conditions cvould really come into play a lot )</font>
You make a very good point. I'm spoiled by the very flat land we have here in Florida, and that situation hadn't occurred to me. Of course, as you state, that type of cutting should be done up and down, not side to side, but it's not that cut and dried either. Making turns may sometimes require a little side to side that can't be avoided. If the 6' is significantly heavier, there may be a problem, but I suspect there could be a problem with even a 5' in that situation. Thanks for pointing this out. Our different situations should really dictate what we do. John

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Yup, and differant soils can make for fun...

Last night I carried some bales that are never a problem. But after our monsoons, I sure was glad my tractor has a yellow seat!!!

 

[ChrisW]

Sorry guys, I sold it last night.

Chris

 

[Keith_B]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yup, and differant soils can make for fun...

Last night I carried some bales that are never a problem. But after our monsoons, I sure was glad my tractor has a yellow seat!!! )</font>

It has been so sloppy at our place that the last few round bales I have put out with the old big blue Ford 4000 have required me to steer in the fields with the brakes as much as the steering.

While the proper bush hog sizes are rated by hp it is difficult to use hp as the only criteria when selecting the cutter and tractor combo to use. I know of a lot of N series Fords that have handled five and six foot bush hogs with relative ease, and done so for decades. These cutters are way oversized for a machine putting out 25hp and under, but they cause no problems just the same.

Nevertheless, if I am going to run a six foot bush hog I am gonna want at least a 35hp tractor. It has to work less hard to accomplish the job.

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe I am old fashooned but I still prefer breaking and disking over tilling )</font>

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What makes you say that you consider this a mismatch? )</font>

I agree.. My ex-nh1920 would run a 6' mower. And spun a 5' like no tomorrow. An ant mound would shear the pin without the rpm needle so much as vibrating.


Soundguy

 

[Kiohio]

Hmmmm,
I always prefer the side of caution over sales.
I don't condone the use of a 6' rotary behind a CK25/30.
A rare circumstance may be very flat ground and LIGHT 6' rotary, then again there is always a chance the person may move. I prefer to sleep at night peacefully and not worry about it. We have nothing but hills in our part of the country. Our recommendations for where we are: 4' for a 20, 5' for 25 and 30(unless clearing land then a 4' on the 25), 5' or 6' on the 35 (usually a 5') and 6' on the 40 and 45.

There are so many different things to take into consideration. I have heard of LB1914's running 6ft finish mowers, LK3054's with 11ft batwings....you name it.

I have a customer running a VERY heavy old JD rotary on his DK35 with no trouble, he is also VERY experienced at running equipment.
It all makes a difference in what is recommended.

KO