Help Me Pick Out A Model... 3.5 acres 400' driveway

[North Idaho Wolfman]

awww shoot, I just posted the new one, with property pics and all

No you didn't... HEHEHE

 

[chim]

L’s don’t have a mid pto though right? Or no? I’d prefer to not tow a mower….............................................sound like for a few more bucks the 2601 is a lot more tractor than the bx… but any input on how much less maneuverable they are as a mower than a bx?

I've posted before that the L4240 has a sharper turning radius than either the L3200 or the Ford 1210. I use it with that 7-1/2' RFM and can get close enough to everything that the trimming can be done with less than one 5AH 20V battery in my DeWalt string trimmer.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

some hole digging at first if I get one with a backhoe- I need to put in egress windows and plant some pines. Not sure after that initial bit if I'd use a backhoe much besides "toy factor", or is it one of those tools once you have you use more than you think you would? If not I could potentially rent a mini excavator for for the windows and hand dig the trees.

Howdy neighbor….Nice place you have there. If a cab is not important to you, I really like my 2501.

My place is similar in size although about 3’ish hours north of you.

I have found that my 2501 is a very good fit for the work I do. Do I wish the General Lee had more lift capacity sometimes???…..Well sure, but “overall” I think for me, it is the “Goldi-locks” tractor…..”just right"

In regard to the backhoe, my advice is to “Get it…for sure”. You hit the nail on the head with your statement in red.

Are they expensive? Yes

Is a Mini-Ex a “better digging tool”….Yes

But are tractor mounted BH’s useful?……..Hell yes…..I have used it in more situations than I care to type about.

The beautiful thing about having a BH at the ready is that you have it there at all times, so when you need it, you just jump in the seat and use it.

Non of the typical “renting nonsense/BS.” that usually goes something/exactly like this………...

1. Stop what your'e doing.
2. call 2-3 rental places to price out costs/availability
3. drive to rental place, wait for contract to be printed, read it, sign for it.
4. hook up trailer and take it back home, then unload it. (Oh yea, I forgot that the last time I rented a Mini-Ex, when I showed up, the trailer was NOT included in the rental price, so I had to rent that too.)

5. Now you are “on the clock”…….so your ass is digging as fast as you can……
6. Then it starts raining…..MF’R……too bad, keep digging, you're "on the clock".
7. Now you have to clean it for 2 hours cause it’s muddy as hell, and trailer it back.
8. Wait for Joe Suckmeoff to inspect it, then he tells you that you did not clean it good enough and wants to charge you your $100 “cleaning fee"

9. argue with Mr. Suckmeoff for 15 minutes because of “dirty tracks"
10. Now drive home, all pissed off.


OR

1. Simply back up and start digging.
2. When it starts raining, go inside and have a hamburger till it stops.
3. Finish job tomorrow, cause you started drinking after that burger…...


Could be the best 10 grand I ever spent.

Just my $ .02

 

[jimh406]

1. Simply back up and start digging.
2. When it starts raining, go inside and have a hamburger till it stops.
3. Finish job tomorrow, cause you started drinking after that burger…...


Could be the best 10 grand I ever spent.

On the other hand, I have a rear implement on almost all of the time. A Bh would have to come off/on to make the switch.

I’ve had my L2501 for a few years and have never needed a BH.

YMMV.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

On the other hand, I have a rear implement on almost all of the time. A Bh would have to come off/on to make the switch.

I’ve had my L2501 for a few years and have never needed a BH.

YMMV.

Yes sir, I see your point.

It’s sort of a “different strokes for different folks” type of thing.

Heck, I lived the first 52’ish years of my life without even having a tractor.

And had I not bought a tractor, (like none of my “city friends" have), I would be getting along just fine I’m sure.

BUT that does not negate the usefulness of having one, and I make the same/similar argument for the BH.

It’s certainly no secret here, that I am a “big fanboy” of having a BH…..

Hell, most people on this board don’t have a hoist, or a CNC plasma cutter or a Bridgport, or a lathe……..But I do, and I think they should too….

If anyone else here needs help "pissing their money away", I will PM you my phone number

 

[chim]

I can safely say that I don't want a backhoe that needs to be on and off of my tractor. I must admit to thinking about one of those sub-$3000 Chinese minidiggers though. Several have been on Fakebook locally and although most of them had fake pics and questionable sellers a few appeared to be real.

When I bought my first new tractor (B7500 in 2002) Wifey talked ME into including the FEL. The FEL is without a doubt an essential after having one. It is so quick on/off that when it isn't needed it gets left in the shed so the tractor is way more nimble. Prior to that I had an old Cub 1554 LoBoy and the ever-present Ford 1210 (between 1990 and 2002). Neither had a loader but I did get a Tractor Supply rear scoop that seemed to be everything I'd ever need. Generally if you don't have something you'll find a work-around.

My thought process is a bit like RWS's. There are tools and attachemnts in the arsenal that may not see frequent use, but they're available whenever they are needed.

 

[SDT]

You can't just drop a statement like that and not make a post saying "here's what my property is, what machine should I buy?" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land.

" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land. "

Love it!

 

[SDT]

Greetings! New guy here. I just bought my first tractor worthy home, we will be closing on it in January. I will need something to help me maintain the property. It's 3.5 acres, 400' gravel drive through woods, gentle slope on either side of the house as it's a walk out basement, but quite flat overall.

I'm thinking a B, but temped by the BX and even tempted by that other color 1025r... All while knowing I'm ignorant of what I need so I'm trying to learn. I will plan on mowing (though some have suggested I get a tractor and zero turn- I may down the road but I'm looking forward to tractor mowing), snow removal- I'm thinking 3pt snow blower. Occasional tiller work if we put in a garden, occasional driveway maintenance- is that a box blade for that? , some hole digging at first if I get one with a backhoe- I need to put in egress windows and plant some pines. Not sure after that initial bit if I'd use a backhoe much besides "toy factor", or is it one of those tools once you have you use more than you think you would? If not I could potentially rent a mini excavator for for the windows and hand dig the trees.

I do not want to underbuy and regret it. But I also am concerned if I get too big it won't be as friendly of a machine to mow on and maneuver so balance for me is key... I'm looking for input but also know I just need to go do some test drives to see and feel. Is a B going to rut a damp spring yard any worse than a BX really or no?

Not sure on budget yet... I'm selling my fast 4 seat airplane and going back to an old low and slow 2 seater to free up some budget for this new toy... I'm thinking 15-25k is what I'll have to put towards a tractor and initial setup...

Sometimes I think the BX is the right fit, then think I may be undercutting myself and should jump to a B. I think anything over a B would be overkill. I can't lie I do like the looks of the 1025r, though I can't find data, it sounds anecdotally that orange is less repair oriented than green ones...

Here are some pics of the place. No driveway pics besides arial- it's just about 400' of gravel.

Help me spend some money!

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Random comments:

Nothing larger than a B if you plan to use it to mow your lawn (not talking about fields) with a finish mower.

I do not believe that a BX is large enough for your property, given the photos. That said, if you prefer a BX, buy the 1025 (deluxe version) instead as it has position control while the BX does not. Lack of position control is a show stopper for me, even for a SCUT.

I would probably use a ZTR to mow the areas in your photos IF the ground is smooth enough for reasonable ZTR speeds without destroying your back.

Forget about the BH. Rent a mini as needed.

Dealer relationship and convenience if probably more important than just about anything else regarding Kubota vis a vis JD.

I like the LX series but you cannot touch one of those (or a diesel ZTR) for your suggested budget.

 

[SDT]

L’s don’t have a mid pto though right? Or no? I’d prefer to not tow a mower…

yea that’s what I’m putting together on Deere . That 1025 I think looks so sharp, but a good looking repair hungry tractor is not what I’m looking for.

it does sound like for a few more bucks the 2601 is a lot more tractor than the bx… but any input on how much less maneuverable they are as a mower than a bx?

Grand L tractors can be ordered with Mid PTOs, all the way up to the GL6060.

Don't know who told you that JDs are less reliable than Kubotas, but you should ignore such nonsense.