What tractor do I want (not need)?

[mcj115]

I'd love to hear opinions on the topic...I have ~2 acres and currently cut it with a ol' JD 316; While does the job it doesn't do well on some of the grades on the property due to having a single brake and no diff lock.

I am a fan of JD so I'd like to stick to the brand. I don't have a fixed budget but for purpose of this exercise lets say keep my ideal under 10K ( maybe a max of 12k for an ideal low hour unit). Heck I am not adverse to a 3k unit either.

My requirements....
48" to 60" deck
bagger
dual brake/diff lock
hydro
Nothing too tall/center of gravity

My wants (but not needs)
FEL
3pt/PTO
easy availability to find a front snowblower.


The common sense side of me says find a low out 425/455 and if I want/need add a FEL/3PT hitch; these options just seem so small to me. For some reason the newer x series do not appeal to me. What I want ( but don't need) is a nice sub compact/compact tractor like an old x55 series, 4000 series, or newer.


What are your thoughts about what I should look towards?

 

[chevy]

My first thought was a 1025R, until I saw you wanted dual brakes. The smallest JD compact with dual breaks is a 2025R or the older model 2320.
A 1025R is not much larger than a garden tractor, it has one brake pedal, but does apply braking to both rear wheels. It also has diff lock.
Front snow blowers are easy to find for both style tractors.

 

[MF283]

It would be cheaper to hire someone to grade it for you

 

[stuckmotor]

I only use diff lock when one of the wheels is spinning. Maybe you know something I don't.