what HP tractor do I need

[SnoFalls]

I'd agree and getting a "bigger" machine for the work ... when done, maybe trade down to a smaller machine for mow/maintenance.

Huge "manicured" lawns are pretty, but not worth it IMO. Plan for what you'll use in your landscape, what fits "naturally", and then enjoy.

I found this book very imformative. It is tailored to the pacific northwest, but I'd guess you may find a similar resource for your location.

It all comes down to what *you* want. I like small lawns I can mow with a walk behind (and plants landscaping to fit around that). Some like the huge expance of lawn (and practice their golf game). Other till and work some acres for income ...

 

[daTeacha]

I did a double take on that price, but it set me to thinking. Most of the posters here think 4wd in compacts. If you don't need 4wd, you can save a lot of money or get a bigger and stronger tractor for the same price. The small Ag tractors can be very competitive in price if you have room to use them on your land.

 

[Soundguy]

Just like the others said.. 30+ hp... and it just depends on 'how fast/ how long you want to mow. / how often..' and how much you want to spend.

If you want to mow fast.. get more hp and larger mower.. if you don't mow often... less hp.. smaller mower and take the time..

Just for ideas... a with a 10' mower i can mow 10ac in about 2.5 hrs.

I think I'd rough mow as much as possible, and finish mow whatever a lawnmower would handle.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[Big_Cajun]

Sounds like everyone is sending you in the right direction Elee24. Definitely 30 to 50 HP in my book.

BC

 

[kozak]

ELEE24,

I think Joe1 gave you the best advice. No lawn yet & you have alot of heavy work ahead of you. I would go no smaller than a 35 HP machine & if you need something smaller later you either buy a used riding lawn tractor or garden tractor. Soundguy also succinctly put it in terms of time. If you have alot of time to do landscaping & brushhogging, etc, go slightly smaller & be prepared to take up to twice as long for the tasks. Big difference in machines (NH) from 33HP to 35HP as you are comparing a Class II compact tractor with a Class III tractor. Check out the specs & of course check out the machines themselves. Dealership (if he wants your business) will go out of his way to help you make your decision based on what you indicated you will be doing.

Good Luck & Keep us Posted !! It's alot of fun buying your first machine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Vic

 

[Poncho]

A couple of questions... when you say "cleared" it sounds like no trees... if the are no trees and you won't be planting any except a few small ones around the house, then I would go with a utility tractor as opposed to a compact like the NH TC's, MF 15's etc. Also it sounds like you live North when you say maintaining driveway in the winter... snow. I think you would definately want the 4WD. If your land is "bumpy" you may also find the compacts shorter wheel bases will bounce a lot more than those with longer wheelbases. If it was me and going with a 2WD, I'd look real hard at the MF 431, Bota M4800, Mahindra 4500 etc. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[20acres]

JD5103 sounds like a good choice. Appears you just want it for keeping the land clear. No need for 4 WD really.
50HP pull about any BH with that thing. They are cheaper around here than CUT's in the 32HP range.