Tractors, Mowers, Chippers, Trailers, Chainsaws, Generators, Driveway Erosion Control, ETC.

I've drank the Kubota orange Kool aid, and it's been very good to me so far. On 3 acres with a 720 foot long driveway. Only 72 hours on my BX TLB. Probably two thirds loader work, with the rest split between backhoe, pulling a box scraper, and pushing snow with a 5 foot plow blade. Does everything I need. You maybe interested in a bigger frame machine. Something like an L3301, or 3901. I could have picked up a friend's used but low hour L2501 with backhoe for about what I paid for my BX new. No mid PTO on the L series though. And I think too heavy for my clay based yard. Was concerned by 25hp in a machine that size as well. For what you've described though, an L series might be the ticket. Available in hydro, or geared. Fewer frills than some of the other Kubota lines, and with a manual transmission, would keep the purchase price lower.

 

If you're looking to run a rotary cutter or mower I'd say look at 30-35 horse models. 25 is plenty if you're just looking for something to handle loader work or plowing (plus it lets you skip a lot of the potential emissions headaches), but if you want an HST AND the ability to use the PTO while on the move I'd say go with at least 30hp.
I'd also recommend a compact over a sub. The lift capacities and dimensions aren't that much higher, but the castings are heavier/more rugged and the overall capability of the machine goes way up because of it.

But as far as brand goes, as has been mentioned the big names are all pretty good units in the HP range you're looking at.

 

Already have chickens, wife wants mules and goats.
1/2 the property is old field and open right around the house, the other half is primarily oak, hickory, maple, chestnut, cedar. With some old white pines along one corner.
And a pond, so im hoping that when it gets to be the end of summer next year and the pond dries up to 1/2 it's size to dig out as much as I can to make it deeper. Currently between 8-15 ft.

 

Sub has already been ruled out just on lifting capacity

 

@T-yoda, can't find the pictures I have of clearing out the driveway at my place in Kenora with the little Troybilt, after not being there all winter. Didn't get any yesterday after storm clean up either. Heres a couple from today. One before unloading it from the truck after taking it to town to dig mom out. One after unloading. I was too cold to take it off the truck last night.

 

Oh yea... always a good times clearing snow and drinking beer!!

 

Fair.
Are you looking at used equipment, or to buy new? Most of the major brands are offering 0%/84 right now, which can be a big win if you're looking at financing it. Gets a new unit down into the same monthly payment bracket as a used one.

 

Im not sure, ive only just gotten serious about looking.
But seeing some of the used prices it seems silly not to get a new one

 

Yeah, the market on the 'pre-emissions' used stuff went a little nuts a couple of years ago when it was announced what the latest EPA restrictions would entail. Around here the older stuff jumped probably 20-25%, even the smaller units that aren't really affected by it.

 

That was my thought process as well. Got my 23S for 7G's more than my neighbor paid for his used, 7 year old 25D. Not saying he over paid, but I also got the front quick coupler and hydraulic angling front blade, and box scraper included in that price difference. That, and having the full factory warranty, it was a no brainer.

 

Yeah I've been finding lots of headaches w/ the emissions stuff.
All my neighbors have different tractors too, 1-JD Compact, 1-kubota medium, 1-ford compact. Thankfully they each have said they love them and could recommend any 1 of the 3.

 

Been getting ready to convert my Cub 3240 from flange bearing wheels to boat trailer hubs and 4-lug golf cart tires and wheels. I converted a pair of spindles but needed a tube for a tire and spacers to keep the tires from rubbing.

I had trouble finding spacers that the OD wasn't too big so today I just built some. Bought a cutting board at the resale shop and cut some out of it. Broke the bead on the tire that needs a tube, sanded and painted the wheel as it had black paint sprayed half assed on it. I hope to do the conversion tomorrow.

 

What did you cut the cutting board with, jigsaw?

 

I cut the outside with my bandsaw and the inside with my jigsaw. I had a holesaw near the inside measurement but .25" too big.

 

Working on my conversion. Old bushings were worn so I put new ones in from Grainger that are .25" longer for more bearing area plus I did the poor man's power steering mod on it adding a thrust bearing on the bottom of the spindles(although it has hydraulic PS).

Had a snag when one of the seals fell into the hub bore. Either the seal was too small or the bore too big. I peened the bore with a punch and siliconed the seal to get a tight fit.

 

And done. I still need to paint the right wheel Int'l off-white but it's fine for now. The golf cart color is a greyish off white. Steering is tight and solid now. Probably much more stout with the cup and cone bearings vs flange. I needed it as it routinely has 500lbs in the bucket. Loader is 250lbs so 750lbs more than stock on the front spindles.

 

Looks great

 

Did a little tilling with my wheel horse.

 

Sweet! Maybe a set of “ag” tires in the near future?? Love gardening until the bugs and weeds take over :-/

 

I usually only mow with her. Had no till garden for last couple years wife wanted it tilled.