Which tractor should I buy?

[Qapla]

Part of your decision will be what you will be doing in the long run.

If you think that you will be using the machine for the cleanup and then never need those features again, renting something for that may be the best idea. Then, any of the tractors you feel comfortable in with a FEL with Skid Steer type mounting would be good. I'd keep in the 30+ HP range.

However, if you think that the cleanup will be a major project that could extend long term (could take months or even years to dig up all those stumps), I would consider something like the Kubota TLB 45. It has a much better Backhoe setup then either a 3PH or a sub-frame mount. However, the loader will remove for use of the 3PH. It also has a generous sized FEL with good lift ability. The 45 is HST (the TLB 39 is gear). The M59 is also HST, but it is a much larger machine.

These machines also have a turn around seat for the BH instead of a separate seat that makes you climb on and off the tractor every time you move from the BH to the drivers seat.

Whatever you choose, make sure you test drive it first - especially since you are a large guy, make sure the seat and controls are comfortable and easy for YOU to use.

If you do go with a more traditional tractor, I would stick to a sub-frame BH (if you get one) instead of a 3PH model.

 

[not2old]

I'm 6'3" and wear size 13 boots. I've recently sat in a 2305 Deere, GC2410 Massey, CT122 Bobcat and find the smallest, the BX25 Kubota the only one with lots of room for me and my feet. My place is also less than 2 acres and this machine might be a bit small for the construction and landscaping uses, but will be more than adequate for snow and grass. Having the lowest price of the bunch helps too. I'm just procastinating on placing my order as I hate to part with money and they all cost too much. Advice from someone who has never owned a tractor.

 

[jcmseven]

In general terms, I would agree that 30ish HP would be ideal. I am a JD man, so I cannot attest to other brands that much, but in the JD line I would look at the 2320, 2520 or 3320 primarily. You could extrapolate this to a similar size/HP machine in another brand if you prefer. Of the machines I noted, only one interestingly has 30 HP, the 3320. The other two are 24.1 and 26.5 HP, respectively but offer the ability to perform the tasks you mention. Each would move snow well, power a loader well and offer you some reasonable PTO options for attachments also. They each offer a full Cat 1 rear hitch, which many sub-compacts such as the JD 2305 do not. They each are highly maneuverable machines. The 3320 would offer you the potential for more growth as it is a much heavier machine, but it also costs quite a bit more. I should also mention JD makes a 3032E and 3038E which gives one that 30+ HP in an economy type tractor that is still hydrostatic transmission. They are solid machines, and are less expensive while offering some good horsepower, but still are not cheap and their features may be outdone by similar machines in another brand. The "20" series JDs in any series compact are the higher end ones and thusly would be more expensive.

John M

 

[Loren49]

I'm not really convinced that a 30+ hp tractor is needed for a 2 acre place. It seems that it would make sense to rent or hire someone to take care of the ditched area if your tractor is not enough. My 28 hp is plenty big for my 10 wooded acres, 2 acres of meadow, and lots of snow in the winter. I can't imagine a chore on your acreage that a smaller tractor couldn't do. As I have stated before - bigger isn't always better. I feel the weight and overall size of the tractor is as important to match with your needs - not just hp.

Loren

 

[bp fick]

Bigger isn't always better, sometimes it just, well, bigger.

Many times too large a tractor isn't good. Anything that is too large or heavy has drawbacks in soil compaction, isn't good for mowing, can leave marks on grass when turning, can't negotiate tight areas like gardens or around trees. Isn't nimble enough to plow snow out from tighter areas. Sometimes the larger tractor is also difficult to store.

Once the major land projects are done, the larger tractor isn't a helpful tool.

If you are thinking daily operations and long term maintenance, it might effect your purchase decision now. I run an organic market garden operation and keep hens for egg sales and to produce fertilizer. I mow an acre of grass, plow lots of snow here in N. Michigan and garden a little over an acre. I couldn't imagine anything smaller than a B series Kubota, nor anything larger either. Just my take.

20 series Deere, small 10 series Mahindra, and many others would fit the bill as well.

 

[bp fick]

Just one further thought, FWIW. The tractor operator area has to be spacious enough for you to feel comfortable and fit your larger framed body. I noticed this was an issue you brought up on another thread. Frankly, the sub-cuts often have GREAT operator room, go figure.

Horsepower on a small gardening operation/land management is almost, almost irrelevant as these diesels have more power than they can use given their traction.

I simply cannot stress how nimbleness, being able to operate in tighter quarters is essential. Greenhouses, garden beds, garden patches, etc absolutely require the most nimble tractor you can buy. A too-large, clumsy tractor in such applications is beyond useless. YMMV

 

[jcmseven]

I mentioned the size concern in my notation earlier. As noted by others in the thread, too big is not good. I have, over the recent years, downsized my machine two times due to the fact a larger machine, though nice, could not access areas of my property safely. My current 2320 won't lift a 1500 pound rock like my 3720 would be I can bop around on places I would never take the larger machine. It is always good to side by side compare them if you can as one cannot get an adequate picture of scale in pictures often. BP Fick has a nice machine. Those Kubota B series tractors are nice sized, offer a plus 30 hp model, but are not too big and have three hydro ranges.

John M

 

[bp fick]

scappoose mentioned his size and how he didn't fit into a B3200 or similar (on another thread). My suggestion is to try the spacing on a number of tractors, including the regular B series by Kubota. If Big Orange doesn't fit you, then you'll have to look at other colors. Lots of great choices.

One little piece of advice is that on a wide open lot, test driving at a dealership, a large framed tractor vs a smaller framed tractor doesn't necessarily provide a real world environment. It's just a parking lot.

Once home, on your 2 acres, you'd have an entirely different reality. Almost wish you could rent or borrow a tractor of a similar size to what you are shopping for a few hours around your place. It would be most enlightening.

 

[Yandaddy1110]

Having 2 ac. and 4 different tractors over the years, the bx2200 that I had fit my needs perfectly. Hydro, 22hp, lotsa leg room,60''mmm, decent turning radius,and a dealer right down the road, I cant see buying a 35hp tractor to fit your size 13 foot.
Why cant a tractor seat be raised and and brought back an inch or two. I looked at my B2400s seat, it could be done with some adapting fairly easily.

 

[ModMech]

The most important factor in that size (< 40 HP) is the DEALER because every manufacturer has good offerings in this market!

My suggestion is, visit your LOCAL DEALERS, tell them what you need to do with your tractor and make it clear you are an "active buyer" with $$$ to spend but that you have a few weeks to complete your research.

Take what you like in terms of models and pricing and compare it to which DEALER seemed most interested in EARNING your business.

Saving $1k will seem foolish if you need advice or something goes wrong and the DEALER is unresponsive.

My $0.02