HELP! Tractor size

[thedude74]

What the Woodpecker said.
I have a 25 HP Kubota 4x4 tractor. It was ok for smaller tasks. My new tractor is much more capable

 

[Woodpecker]

What the Woodpecker said.
I have a 25 HP Kubota 4x4 tractor. It was ok for smaller tasks. My new tractor is much more capableView attachment 456525

This reference to a track loader illustrates a great point! Last year I switched from a mini skid steer (aka mini track loader) to a 3510se Kioti tractor for my small arborist company. On paper it’s far more capable than the small toro Dingo it replaced. In practice the mini was far more useable even for doing chores around my homestead.

While being able to bring the pto mounted 9” chipper into remote access locations for my tree business has been a game changer for me, I find that the tractor is less useful in many other tasks than the mini skid was. For example It’s downright frustrating to use the FEL on the tractor compared to the skid steer. I regret that trade off every time I use the tractor. Don’t get me wrong this isn’t a knock on the tractor. The Kioti 3510se is a high quality piece of equipment, but this illustrates how important use case is. In an ideal world I’d be able to afford both types of machines.

Tractors are great and mostly evolved to be used with rear engagement implements (I.e. pto driven mowers, plows, etc.) if your mowing/tilling open field there isn’t much that can beat a good tractor.

Even the higher hp compact tractors make for poor backhoe use. Rent a small excavator For those chores. For primarily front end loader use (FEL) the track loader is going to be a superior choice most of the time. I’d also rather make post holes with a track loader every day of the week. Or even better install a no dig fence.

Long story short @Jusgunn3 how are you planning on using the equipment?

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Will you be mowing the entire 25 acres ? If so I wouldn’t want to do that with a 25-40hp machine. That’ll take quite some time. You’ll be using a 5-6’ mower. If the going is good and you can go 5mph that’s roughly 3 acres per hour with a 6’ mower. I have a Deere 2038r and a 6’ brush hog and it fills its shorts. It’s more of a 5’ machine but I got a smoking deal on the mower so off I go nice and slow.

The other activities will also benefit from having a larger machine as well. More lifting capacity and stability when using the loader and 3pt stuff will come with a larger machine.

I have that Deere compact tractor as well as Bobcat S300 and S185 skid steers and a number of other larger tractors from 55-550hp on the farm and that little Deere is one of the most handy things ever. I’ll use it for anything it’ll do before jumping in the skid loader even if it takes a little longer than using the skid loader.

If you plan to put a belly mower under the tractor you can only go so large but if you don’t I’d go into that 55-60hp area in a heartbeat. I’m quite brand loyal but having a good dealer close by is more important than getting hung up on one brand or another.

I actually am surprised how much my 2025r will do, I’m thinking about adding some wheel spacers because the only thing is it feels a little tippy with cab and rhe 4’ wide rear wheel spacing. Like anything it’s a trade off, narrow for driving between trees ect but not as stable with loader on hills. I’m sure having a full cab on mine doesn’t help with top heavy but nice for blowing snow. Another thing to think on is what you want for attachments, the 1025/2025 r both come with mid pto and the 3033,3039 and 3046 need one installed for extra money. The 25 hp down is no emissions but John Deere won’t put air in the cab because of the power drain on engine they claim but kubota will. Mine has lifted 24” white pine logs 10-12’ long onto my sawmill. The brands I’d look at are ls, kioti, new holland & case which are made by LS for them but usually more money with the name on it. Honestly not a mahindra guy I know 3 people with them and they’ve all had some pretty major problems for warranty. You can always look at bobcat too if you can get a deal on one but it’s just a rebadged kioti.

 

[Ryan Browne]

I 100% agree about a skid loader (especially with tracks) being a way better loader machine. My experience with my large frame compact tractor is that it's about 80% as good as a skid loader at 50% the price. For my loader/grading work anyway. But I have a really nice box blade and hydraulic top and tilt links on my three point, so I'm not limited to what I can do with the bucket. I do think that's one of the best features of a tractor versus a skid loader. Yes, it's a bit of a compromise machine, but I can run two implements at once. Spread compost on the garden with the bucket then till it in with the tiller. Skid logs with the farmi winch and stack them with the grapple, etc.

And for some tasks, tilling, mowing, spraying, the tractor isn't a compromise, it's a better choice.

For safety and robustness though, a skid wins hands down. I'd be very skeptical of having an employee run my tractor. A skid loader can take that abuse much better.

 

[Woodpecker]

I 100% agree about a skid loader (especially with tracks) being a way better loader machine. My experience with my large frame compact tractor is that it's about 80% as good as a skid loader at 50% the price. For my loader/grading work anyway. But I have a really nice box blade and hydraulic top and tilt links on my three point, so I'm not limited to what I can do with the bucket. I do think that's one of the best features of a tractor versus a skid loader. Yes, it's a bit of a compromise machine, but I can run two implements at once. Spread compost on the garden with the bucket then till it in with the tiller. Skid logs with the farmi winch and stack them with the grapple, etc.

And for some tasks, tilling, mowing, spraying, the tractor isn't a compromise, it's a better choice.

For safety and robustness though, a skid wins hands down. I'd be very skeptical of having an employee run my tractor. A skid loader can take that abuse much better.

I think hydro top and tilt are must have for a 3pt for sure. Mowing what type of mowing? Like I said tractors evolved from primarily driving rear engagement implements. Mowing open fields yep tractor is the clear choice. Mowing lawn there are way better choices than either a tractor or skid loader. Mowing everything else a track loader with a front mounted flail mower or forestry mulcher is superior. To me this further highlights why it’s important to know what @Jusgunn3 is really needing to do with the equipment though.

 

[Ryan Browne]

I think hydro top and tilt are must have for a 3pt for sure. Mowing what type of mowing? Like I said tractors evolved from primarily driving rear engagement implements. Mowing open fields yep tractor is the clear choice. Mowing lawn there are way better choices than either a tractor or skid loader. Mowing everything else a track loader with a front mounted flail mower or forestry mulcher is superior. To me this further highlights why it’s important to know what @Jusgunn3 is really needing to do with the equipment though.

100% agree. Neither tractor or skid steer is suited for mowing the lawn. Though if you had to pick one, a tractor with industrial or turf tires would get the nod. And yes, I'm talking about fields, even with obstacles, not super heavy brush. A PTO driven mower is cheaper and more efficient at getting the power to the blades than a skid mower with a hydraulic motor. And yes, without knowing his tasks, we're shooting in the dark here.

 

[Woodpecker]

100% agree. Neither tractor or skid steer is suited for mowing the lawn. Though if you had to pick one, a tractor with industrial or turf tires would get the nod. And yes, I'm talking about fields, even with obstacles, not super heavy brush. A PTO driven mower is cheaper and more efficient at getting the power to the blades than a skid mower with a hydraulic motor. And yes, without knowing his tasks, we're shooting in the dark here.

Budget would be good too

 

[Jusgunn3]

I have several pastures that I have animals grazing on so. I need to mow all of the 25 acres. I have maybe 5-10 acres to mow. I will be using it for fencing, building up brush piles, clearing some land, etc. I think I want something that can do a little bit of everything. I know that no machine can do it all but something that is versatile. Budget would be nice to be under 50k.

 

[Squareground3691]

I have several pastures that I have animals grazing on so. I need to mow all of the 25 acres. I have maybe 5-10 acres to mow. I will be using it for fencing, building up brush piles, clearing some land, etc. I think I want something that can do a little bit of everything. I know that no machine can do it all but something that is versatile. Budget would be nice to be under 50k.

I would stay in the 40-55 HP range with that amount of work to do,

 

[Da dog man]

I just bought a Massey Ferguson 1835e last yr an absolutely love it 5yr warranty. All metal construction. Fluid filled tires 0% finance. Got way more tractor than I could have for the same money at Deere or Kubota.

 

[Bill G]

Just my humble opinion but you’re going to get more bang for your buck with the Korean tractor manufacturers. Kioti, TYM, or LS. And yes the heavier a tractor is the better. I also agree you will likely end up wanting 40+ HP for heavy work.

One of my sons that works for Deere bought a Kioti instead of a Deere a few years back. The hydraulics would leak down. They tried a few things but still the same result. It sat at the dealer waiting on parts for close to a year. It is finally back now but what a chit-show.

 

[Woodpecker]

One of my sons that works for Deere bought a Kioti instead of a Deere a few years back. The hydraulics would leak down. They tried a few things but still the same result. It sat at the dealer waiting on parts for close to a year. It is finally back now but what a chit-show.

Yeah I’ve heard you tell that story before Bill. Mines been good. I’ve also heard many other happy customers tell their stories about them. I’ve also heard plenty of other folks tell their share of horror stories about Deere, and Kubota, and, and, and… let’s not turn this into a brand war. Copy?

 

[redneckhillbilly]

not sure if this still applies with modern tractors because of how much power is being made in such smaller units, but general rule of thumb is not to pull implaments wider than the rear tires.

 

[Dustin4185]

Thanks all for the reply’s, I am going to look at this one on Monday. Let me know your thoughts on this one.

Almost new Mahindra tractor and attachments - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

TAKING OFFERS!! Located in Anderson, Ca. near Hawes Farms. Paid about $63,000. Asking $45,000. Because of a motor vehicle collision where a texting driver planted his large truck inside the bed of...

redding.craigslist.org

Beware of Mahindra or other brands like Branson, TYM, Kioti, etc. What inevitably happens is the dealer drops them for the next big budget brand and then you are stuck dealing with TractorBob or some other website trying to source parts. Thats if you do your own wrenching. My technician has a Mahindra, parts are high and sometimes NLA. Deere, Kubota, and Case/New Holland are the only ones I would look at and I would lean towards an orange one! Like saws, the dealer support means a lot.

 

[jblnut]

I actually am surprised how much my 2025r will do, I’m thinking about adding some wheel spacers because the only thing is it feels a little tippy with cab and rhe 4’ wide rear wheel spacing. Like anything it’s a trade off, narrow for driving between trees ect but not as stable with loader on hills. I’m sure having a full cab on mine doesn’t help with top heavy but nice for blowing snow. Another thing to think on is what you want for attachments, the 1025/2025 r both come with mid pto and the 3033,3039 and 3046 need one installed for extra money. The 25 hp down is no emissions but John Deere won’t put air in the cab because of the power drain on engine they claim but kubota will. Mine has lifted 24” white pine logs 10-12’ long onto my sawmill. The brands I’d look at are ls, kioti, new holland & case which are made by LS for them but usually more money with the name on it. Honestly not a mahindra guy I know 3 people with them and they’ve all had some pretty major problems for warranty. You can always look at bobcat too if you can get a deal on one but it’s just a rebadged kioti.

The mid mower was close to an $8k add when all was said and done on my 2038r. Looking back I may have invested in a large zero turn instead but then I wouldn’t have gotten the tractor as I started shopping for a large zero turn and decided to get a more versatile machine. Looking back I should have spend the extra money and gone up to the 3046r. The physical dimensions are almost identical but the loader and 3pt lift capacities are substantially higher on the 3r vs my 2r.

I did a $0 down, 0% for 84 months deal when I purchased the 2038r, loader, pallet forks, 72” auto connect mid mower and pallet fork grapple. Total was just shy of $44k.

not sure if this still applies with modern tractors because of how much power is being made in such smaller units, but general rule of thumb is not to pull implements wider than the rear tires.

Agreed on the smaller tractors but not at all once they get over that 40hp area. I pull a 60’ digger behind my Deere 9420. It’s weighted to 42,000lbs and set at 550hp. It’s a big green freight train lol.

 

[Ryan Browne]

Beware of Mahindra or other brands like Branson, TYM, Kioti, etc. What inevitably happens is the dealer drops them for the next big budget brand and then you are stuck dealing with TractorBob or some other website trying to source parts. Thats if you do your own wrenching. My technician has a Mahindra, parts are high and sometimes NLA. Deere, Kubota, and Case/New Holland are the only ones I would look at and I would lean towards an orange one! Like saws, the dealer support means a lot.
[/QUOTE]

Agreed, with some exceptions, and that's why shopping the dealer is very important. When I shopped for a kioti, I liked the tractors but the closest dealer only had a few machines and a pretty limited service department. Though I'll admit, that was ten years ago and they're still carrying the brand. And I'm sure people had similar reservations about Hyundai and Kia. Also, it's worth noting that Case/NH do a lot of rebadging. My New Holland is a Shibaura, which they dropped in factor of LS, who currently make their compacts. In another 15 years, who knows who will be making them.

 

[Jusgunn3]

Thanks, all. I might be searching for a kubota.

 

[jblnut]

Thanks, all. I might be searching for a kubota.

As others have mentioned go for what is supported well near you. I have a Kubota dealer 15 miles away and a Deere dealer 20 miles away. I don’t like the hydro pedal on the Kubota but love that they all have a regular skid steer quick attach on the loader from the factory. I like a few things about the Deere better but ultimately it came down to support. The Deere dealer has been great to work with for the last 30yrs and the Kubota dealer is smushed in with a CNH dealer and those guys don’t seem to know if they’re coming or going some days. At least that’s how it’s been the last few times we’ve needed something for our red stuff it was a major pain in the rump to get support outside of business hours. I told the parts manager that tractors have lights so we can work in the dark and their building’s all have lights inside so they can find me parts in the dark. That went over well and ended with me running 5hrs away to a different dealer group that answered on a Saturday at 8pm and met me at their shop to get the parts I needed for my combine. Not a brand hate thing at all, just a local dealer group being hard to work with that happens to deal with red and orange so I’ve been leaning green lately. It’s all expensive so get what can be supported by people you like.

 

[Bill G]

Yeah I’ve heard you tell that story before Bill. Mines been good. I’ve also heard many other happy customers tell their stories about them. I’ve also heard plenty of other folks tell their share of horror stories about Deere, and Kubota, and, and, and… let’s not turn this into a brand war. Copy?

Well it is what has occurred here......no story needed.
I have never owned a Deere tractor nor a Kubota of any sort.
I do not see that changing anytime soon either.

 

[Bill G]

not sure if this still applies with modern tractors because of how much power is being made in such smaller units, but general rule of thumb is not to pull implaments wider than the rear tires.

Well not quite...............