What size tractor should I buy?

xrsrfn · Nov 9, 2014

Look at LS if there is a dealer close they have rear work light as well as two hydraulic remotes and they typically beat everyone's price. I purchased a U5020 three years ago and am very happy with it. Planning on up sizing to a XU5065 but looked at others manufactures and still LS is the one to beat. I think they are including the FEL on all their models for no charge right now. Prices I was given from Kubota dealer for equal size was almost $6000 higher and just doesnt have the fit and finished look of the LS.

Blue is the new orange :laughing:

xrsrfn · Nov 9, 2014

Look at LS if there is a dealer close they have rear work light as well as two hydraulic remotes and they typically beat everyone's price. I purchased a U5020 three years ago and am very happy with it. Planning on up sizing to a XU5065 but looked at others manufactures and still LS is the one to beat. I think they are including the FEL on all their models for no charge right now. Prices I was given from Kubota dealer for equal size was almost $6000 higher and just doesnt have the fit and finished look of the LS.

Blue is the new orange :laughing:

k0ua · Nov 9, 2014

Are you sure you want a "basic" tractor? I am not saying you don't, maybe that is what you want. But Deluxe tractors have "deluxe" features. These features are not just useless "bells and whistles" as some people think, but they are features that make you life and your tractor operation much easier, and some of them allow you to do tasks that are a major pain the the butt with a standard basic tractor or even not possible.

One example would be SSQA Skid Steer Quick Attach. This feature allows you to drop your front bucket off in seconds and install another Front End Loader mounted tool. Like pallet forks, a grapple, or hay bale spear. This is a prime example of one of those things people don't think about when they buy a basic tractor with a pin on bucket, but pay a high price later when they decide that they really need these other tools and have no way to mount them. I would never own another tractor without SSQA. My current Kioti the DK35se has this as a standard feature. So do most of the more deluxe LS tractors, and is available on even most basic tractors as an add on.

Are you OK with the basic standard transmission? If you are doing a lot of loader work, it can be fatiguing. Of course it depends on your overall stamina.

I will never own another standard transmission.. I much prefer the hydrostatic transmission. We could talk for hours about this subject, but make sure you are getting what you want, and that you fully understand all of the ramifications.

Are you young and strong, and enjoy cursing, and grunting when you hook up your 3pt. rear implements? If so you should be OK without the telescoping lower links and telescoping side sway links. I will not be without these deluxe features. Again a standard feature on my Kioti, and Most LS machines, but lacking in some of the standard models. You can retrofit a quick hitch if you get the non telescoping links and stabilizers, but keep in mind that all of your implements must then be quick hitch compatible, or you can use a set of Carters or Pat's which are a type of simplified quick hitch. But I can tell you the "standard" lower links and turnbuckle stabilizers are sure going to increase your swear word vocabulary. It did wonders for mine.

How about some rear hydraulic remotes (outlets). You may not need them, but then again you may. Many LS tractors will come with 2 standard, the more deluxe Kioti's will come with 1 standard. Many basic tractors have none. They can be useful for many things you may wish to do with hydraulic power. I am using mine for control of my grapple, and have plans for more uses when I expand the number of rear remotes. Example: an hydraulic top link.:thumbsup:

These are just some things to think about. When I started my tractor journey well over 20 years ago, I did not know to ask these questions or even think about how some of these things could make my life easier and speed up my operations. Good luck on your tractor journey.

TomSeller · Nov 9, 2014

Will mesquite grow from those root fragments? I don't have mesquite but see this from Wikipedia:

"Eradicating mesquite is difficult because the plant's bud regeneration zone can extend down to 6 in (150 mm) below ground level;[13][14] the tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the soil.[13] Some herbicides are not effective or only partially effective against mesquite. Spray techniques for removal, while effective against short-term regrowth, are expensive, costing more than $70/acre ($170/hectare) in the USA. Removing large trees requires tracked equipment; costs can approach $2,000 per acre. In Australia, several techniques are used to remove mesquite"

txcowgirl · Nov 9, 2014

Thank you everyone for all the info. I am going to leaving the tractor picking to my husband. I think he has his eye on the Ds3510 and is ok with the standard features. I will have the dealer add a remote or two (good idea) because he wants to use a root rake/grapple.

TomSeller said:
Will mesquite grow from those root fragments? I don't have mesquite but see this from Wikipedia:

"Eradicating mesquite is difficult because the plant's bud regeneration zone can extend down to 6 in (150 mm) below ground level;[13][14] the tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the soil.[13] Some herbicides are not effective or only partially effective against mesquite. Spray techniques for removal, while effective against short-term regrowth, are expensive, costing more than $70/acre ($170/hectare) in the USA. Removing large trees requires tracked equipment; costs can approach $2,000 per acre. In Australia, several techniques are used to remove mesquite"

Yes they will and seed pods from what I've been told can sit in the ground for up to 50 years before they start growing. Mesquite is great for bbq and thats about it. LOL

Poopdeck Pappy · Nov 9, 2014

+1 to what k0ua said. I agree completely.

tcreeley · Nov 9, 2014

Good prices:
RCO Tractor - Compact Tractors and Utility Tractors from LS Tractor USA and Yanmar of America on Sale Now!

LS tractors + financing

CurlyDave · Nov 9, 2014

I also agree with k0ua.

The way to save money on a tractor is to get the right one in the first place. The most expensive thing you can do is to buy too basic of a tractor -- you will take a terrible beating on resale value when you figure out the real machine you need.

I got very lucky on my first tractor. I had read TBN for a few months and was pretty convinced that I wanted a basic tractor. Fortunately, the dealer near me only ordered tractors with many upgrades for his stock, so when I went to the showroom, it was buy the loaded one or wait several months for a stripped one, and ignore the advice of the salespeople.

I got the loaded one and many years later still am more convinced every day that it was the correct decision.

For general tasks HST is much, much better than manual. And, the resale value of a non-HST tractor is much lower than the same model with HST. If you are growing row crops, manual may be acceptable, but anything else you want HST.

Extra remotes, look like a luxury when you have little experience. A few years later, you will be thankful you have them.

Another thing is to get grab hooks for 3/8" and 5/16" chain (the same hooks fit both sizes) welded on the FEL by the dealer. There were about $50 for all 3 (one in the center and one on each end). Ask the dealer to weld them on at the most common location and you will be OK.

BXman98 · Nov 10, 2014

I have got a Kubota BX2370 and that thing has done more than anyone has ever thought, its 23 horsepower and I have a mowing deck and a 5' rear blade on mine and some people say that its just a glorified lawnmower but it has more than enough power. With the 5' rear blade without a fel the blade weighs 250lbs and with the tractor in 4WD that thing can push 18 deep with no problem at about half throttle. At idle I have seen that the BX's have slow hydraulics the 3pt hitch is relatively fast but the FEL is slow at idle so you will need to throttle it up a bit for that.