tractor suggestions

[Anonymous Poster]

I am looking for suggestions and guidance ...

I have purchased a new home on 15 acres with a 0.3 mile gravel driveway. There are several horse corrals that have grass, the rest is wooded.

I would like to get a tractor to (1) blow snow off from the drive; (2) cut the grass in the corrals as needed, since we don't have horses; (3) periodically grade or smooth the drive; and (4) pull a trailer of kids through trails in the woods.

I've been debating between a compact tractor or a garden tractor, since budget is an issue I'm considering used equipment.

Any suggestions as far as a tractor or what type of tractor? This would be my first one.

thanks,
steve

 

[kcook]

Check out the power Trac postings interesting piece of equipment! www.power-trac.com
Kevin

 

[Bird]

Steve, for 15 acres, I'd say to forget the garden tractor and buy a compact tractor. As for which one, there are too many good choices available. Certainly nothing wrong with buying a used one if you can find one in decent condition at the right price. I'd be looking for something in the 20hp, 4WD, diesel, hydrostatic transmission range with a front end loader if I were you.

 

[RobS]

Welcome Steve, you'll probably get a unanimous vote from TBN on getting a compact over a garden tractor. They just don't compare in capabilities and versatility. If ALL you ever want to do is what you have listed, then yes a garden tractor will work. Trouble is, most of us come up with plenty of projects and other tractor uses over time.

Then there is the cost issue. Not sure what you have to spend, but you can probably find a decent used compact with enough shopping.

There is a lot more to add, but if you are serious about a compact (new or used) check out Muhammad's E-book available through this web-site. It's very thorough and covers everything from shopping to using. Also, stick with this site and ask lots of questions. There is a lot of experience to draw from.

Good luck /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but if he is on a budget a power-trac probably isn't what he's lookin' for. They look like nice machines just a little pricy. If you want high quality and a cheap price theres 2 ways to go: If you want used go with a grey market Yanmar, If you want new Go Kioti! If it is Chinese RUN as fast as you can AWAY.

 

[MChalkley]

Steve - What kind of topography are we talking about here? Is it flat or hilly? That may have an impact on what you should be considering.

As has been said, it doesn't sound like you're in the market for a garden tractor, as far as your needs are concerned. The "Big Three" in the compact tractor arena all produce excellent equipment that will do the job - visit a few dealers to get a feel for what they suggest and compare it with the advice you get here - that, along with your personal gut feeling about the dealer, should tell whether you have an interest in dealing further with them. The PowerTrac machines are, contrary to what has been stated earlier, very fairly priced, in my opinion, and definitely warrant consideration, especially if you're dealing with hilly terrain. They may be a little pricey compared to the grey market tractors mentioned, but they're also worth the difference, if the areas in which they're superior are of value to you. For that matter, in my opinion (which certainly makes it hugely debatable /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif), a gray market tractor should not be noto be considered unless you just can't afford the equipment you need any other way. The primary reason I say this is not warranty or parts availabilty, but features. Very few of the gray market tractors have the safety and efficiency features that will keep you happy with your purchase over time. Remember that a quality tractor will last you longer than you're likely to want to keep it. You're more likely to trade up to another machine because your needs have changed or you didn't make as good a selection as you could have than you are because you wore it out. Penny-pinching is fine, but not to the point that it damages the penny...

MarkC

 

[kcook]

Mark makes alot of good points, please give us some more facts about budget, terrain and another other bit of info? As price go all the main manufactures make a good product each has its good points and bad points. Power-Trac is a different machine, attachments are quick to change and the turning radius in unmatched. Again I would stay with what you can get parts for and get fixed in your area.

Kcook

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for your reply ...

The terrain I have is pretty flat. I would like to keep the costs under $10,000, preferably under $7,000 (for tractor, grass cutter, and snow blower). Eventually, I would like to get a box blade for grading the drive and a front loader for working around the property.

I looked at the Power-Trac. It is different and interesting ... but the warranty is very limited with service requiring sending it back to Virginia. Not a good deal for me if it has problems.

I greatly appreciate input and will keep watching for more advice.

Best regards,
Steve

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Steve,
It sounds like you need a Yanmar gray market tractor. Also 2wd will most liklely suite your needs. Yanmar used to make compact tractors for John Deere and still make the engines. You may want to check out yanmars in the yahoo clubs section. The cost for these used tractors with implements will fall well within your price range. I currently have a Yanmar 1510 with powershift, a bushhog and box blade (all in good condition) for sale for $4200. If you are interested or just have questions about Yanmars feel free to e-mail me at rscifre@lascofittings.com Good luck

 

[Anonymous Poster]

O.K You slammed the Yanmars. I agree that Yanmars may not have all of the features but, to save money and be able to buy alot more equipment for that money I still believe they are a very good investment. A 24hp 4wd that is built like a tank for under $5000, diesel powered and will accept "standard Implements, is a pretty good deal in my book! What's wrong with the Kioti's? They are not greys and have been here about 18 years and they offer some pretty good features for the money. Just because they a from another country doesn't mean they are "grey market". They are tough also. They outweigh most tractors in their class by 600lbs.