What is the best tractor for needs?

CurtisB · Sep 16, 2007

I have an almost 3yr old Kubota B7610 with 225 hours which I am debating trading. Tractor is in good shape. Anyway, I am trying to figure out what the best bet for me would be given my current land.

We bought a place here in Northern Minnesota. We have 24 acres with a 1/4 mile driveway. I have roughly 5 acres of finish mowing to do which is mostly open, one area has alot of Oak trees to go around. I have alot of cleaning to do around here and about 15 acres or so of pasture which I need to take care of. I will continue to have alot of the normal tractor duties such as taking care of driveway, mowing, spraying, snowblowing, etc.

I currently use the 7610 for all duties with a 60" MMM for mowing, 60" rear blower for snow which I am not fond of and the loader which I would like to see have a little higher lift and more capacity.

I am leaning towards either a B3030 cab model with 60" MMM and loader or GL3240 or 3540 cab with 724 loader. If I went the bigger tractor route I would probably end up getting a Dixon ZTR for mowing duties. I want a front blower either way I go.

So, with this list of duties and property size, which approach would you guys take. I really like the 7610 but I would like to have some more of the deluxe features and a little more loader capacity.

Thanks.

john_bud · Sep 17, 2007

The 3540 would be hard to beat. The B3030 isn't that much of a step up and in my opinion, wouldn't be worth paying for. The 3540 is a big step up in all areas.

Have you done the math on just keeping the 7610 for mowing chores? Can't have too many tractors, only too many to store inside....

jb

ihookem · Sep 17, 2007

Truth is your tractor for mowing is hard to beat. I go through this every time I'm a little under powered when brush hogging alfalfa and weeds. (just a few more ponies and I'd be happy.) But then up grading from a 7510 to a 7800 would set me back 6-7 grand and I would not be able to enjoy a small tractor good for 95% of my needs. I have 235 hrs. and really have not absolutely needed more power. Is getting done 10-15% faster worth loosing all that money? I decidd to just be happy with what I have. I really wish I would have gotten a 7610 though, same size, 15% more power.

Nik · Sep 17, 2007

Having owned or operated a BX23, B2410, Massey 1233, GrandL 3710, NHTC33, I would go with the grand L series setup and a ZTR. For Minnesota I would definitley get a cab tractor. The grand L series are a great tractor and I enjoy working with my brother's GL 3710 HST on his 20 acre farm. The larger tractor gives a smoother ride and the FEL is very capable of heavy loads particularly when using a fork lift attachment on front.

Nik · Sep 17, 2007

I own an Exmark 54" ZTR and mow 1.5 acres. Before I used a B2410 with 60" RFM. The ZTR does the job in 70% of the time as the tractor. I would recommend the best seat for your ZTR. I went with an upgraded suspension seat and it makes the ride a lot less bumpy.

Lanse · Sep 18, 2007

I got my B3030 with a cab and love it. Do it, you wont look back...

Double Orange · Sep 18, 2007

If you want a cab, don't go with the L3240. Step up to at least a 3540. But don't go to my salesmen. I walked in looking to trade up to a L3540 and ended up with a L 5240. It's an ego thing I guess!!

CurtisB · Sep 20, 2007

The more and more I look this over the more and more I wonder if I should just stick with what I have. If I was to buy a ZTR it would be a Kubota, I really like the new Z326 with 60" deck but at $10500 it is quite pricey. I refuse to step down to a gasser for mowing my ummmm, somewhere around 5-7 acres of grass. The gas prices alone with break the bank I think!

A nice GL3540 and ZD326 would sure be sweet. Best of both worlds although I have never owned a ZTR before and some people sure say they ride rough. My 7610 rides rough mowing, hope it can't be much worse...

Curtis