I'm considering the purchase of a used Kubota tractor. I have 3 acres, one half of which is kept maintained. However, my yard is in need of significant landscaping, which is one of the reasons for the tractor. I need direction on which model I should try to purchase. I want one that will accept a loader that is large enough to move dirt, effectively. I also plan to use the loader to smooth out the dirt. I assume I'll get a 4x4 tractor. Assuming I've given enough information, what should I be looking for?
Tractor Newbie
- Thread starter GregInGA
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Figure out you maximum pay load you want to use the loader for, add say 25% or go a full size up and make your selection based on that number.
A bucket of dirt is nothing. If you don't plan on using the pto for anything then hp isn't really a consideration either. A BX would likely do the job just fine, anything larger woukd just do it faster. However what you need to consider is future projects. As in, are you planning on moving alot of stone for that landscaping? Pallets of materials such as mulch or fertilizers or concrete? Maintenance on the rest of the property with a large mower mabey?
A tractor, used or not is not an inexpensive investment. Would hate to see you undershoot and end up without enough tractor.
A bucket of dirt is nothing. If you don't plan on using the pto for anything then hp isn't really a consideration either. A BX would likely do the job just fine, anything larger woukd just do it faster. However what you need to consider is future projects. As in, are you planning on moving alot of stone for that landscaping? Pallets of materials such as mulch or fertilizers or concrete? Maintenance on the rest of the property with a large mower mabey?
A tractor, used or not is not an inexpensive investment. Would hate to see you undershoot and end up without enough tractor.
85Hokie
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
A used BX would be your best bet. WHY? -simply because they are the best and most widely available in that size tractor. It will handle all you needs.
I am sure others will chime in. I have 5 acres and mow 4. I have a B2601 TLB, MMM which is probably more than you need. My son has 2.5 acres and had a BX1860 with a loader and mmm, it seemed to do a good job for him. He just traded it in for a BX2680 and is very happy with it. Both machines have a 3 point cat 1 hitch so you have options for attachments. You didn't mention if you were looking at new or used. Kubota is running 0% financing on new but it seems they have been offering that for sometime.
It sounds like a BX would work for you which is good as their is always BX's being traded/sold. My old BX2370 was traded in for a LX2610. Mostly for the cab and backhoe, but the extra lifting is nice. Have 40 acres of which 5 acres is maintained.
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
At any given time there, are dozens of used small Kubota 4x4 tractor loaders listed for sale on the internet.
Certainly some of those must be in Georgia.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
You might consider a separate,dedicated 'mower' as well as a 'tractor'. If you have an 'all-in-one' then you'll probably have to remove the MMM when 'landscaping',then of course put it back on to cut the grass. That may be ok, even 'fun' for the first few times but gets 'old' real fast.
With 'landscaping', you may want to consider SSQA and pallet forks. great for moving skids of stuff ,like stones, pavers, bags of mulch, etc.
everyone has different land and different requirements, so best to write down what you need, as well as what you might need. Try to put a priority on pieces of equipment and 'projects'.
Neighbours 3 week 'pool install' took 9 weeks as there was only a narrow access to backyard and landscaping/pool had to be done from the far fence back to the access point...quite a 'logistical nightmare'.
While I've had my BX23S for 5 years/1100 hrs, in hindsight the B2601 series would have been better... at least for my neighbours !
With 'landscaping', you may want to consider SSQA and pallet forks. great for moving skids of stuff ,like stones, pavers, bags of mulch, etc.
everyone has different land and different requirements, so best to write down what you need, as well as what you might need. Try to put a priority on pieces of equipment and 'projects'.
Neighbours 3 week 'pool install' took 9 weeks as there was only a narrow access to backyard and landscaping/pool had to be done from the far fence back to the access point...quite a 'logistical nightmare'.
While I've had my BX23S for 5 years/1100 hrs, in hindsight the B2601 series would have been better... at least for my neighbours !
Basically any Kubota tractor will meet your specifications, it comes down to how much you want to spend, and how fast you want to work.
In that situation, I tend to fall back on rules of thumb. BX for 0.5-3 acres, and if your primary task is mowing with a bit of tractor work. B2601 from 1-5 acres, more of a balance between mowing and tractor work. LX 3-10 acres, mowing no longer the focus, but perhaps snow work or you want a cab. L for anything 3 acres and up where you don't mow.
Arguably you could be B, LX or L, depending on what duties you want beyond loader work. If it's only loader work, the L is most capable, but any of the three will do the job. BX will strictly do the job, but has a bit less ground clearance and a bit less capability - I wouldn't go there unless you specifically want to mow and/or want a tractor that your significant other will believe is really just a lawnmower with a loader on it (they're more capable than that, but your significant other will believe you).
If you'll drive the tractor into the unmanaged portion of your 3 acres - to deal with tree fall, mow trails, or just general property maintenance (perhaps getting to fence lines or tidying creeks or whatever), then you'll probably want a bigger machine than a BX, just for ground clearance and because the bigger wheels make you less likely to get stuck.
In that situation, I tend to fall back on rules of thumb. BX for 0.5-3 acres, and if your primary task is mowing with a bit of tractor work. B2601 from 1-5 acres, more of a balance between mowing and tractor work. LX 3-10 acres, mowing no longer the focus, but perhaps snow work or you want a cab. L for anything 3 acres and up where you don't mow.
Arguably you could be B, LX or L, depending on what duties you want beyond loader work. If it's only loader work, the L is most capable, but any of the three will do the job. BX will strictly do the job, but has a bit less ground clearance and a bit less capability - I wouldn't go there unless you specifically want to mow and/or want a tractor that your significant other will believe is really just a lawnmower with a loader on it (they're more capable than that, but your significant other will believe you).
If you'll drive the tractor into the unmanaged portion of your 3 acres - to deal with tree fall, mow trails, or just general property maintenance (perhaps getting to fence lines or tidying creeks or whatever), then you'll probably want a bigger machine than a BX, just for ground clearance and because the bigger wheels make you less likely to get stuck.
Elliott in GA
Well-known member
Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Where in Georgia (type of soil) are you? When you say landscape your yard, what do you mean?
Most likely the multiple suggestions for a BX are correct. The only likely question is what tools, other than a loader, do you need?
Most likely the multiple suggestions for a BX are correct. The only likely question is what tools, other than a loader, do you need?
BX sounds right, as others have mentioned. But 1.5 acres, respectfully, isn't usually tractor ownership territory. Do you want a tractor, or is it just that you think you need one?
If you are into or want to get into this tractor ownership sort of thing. It's a joy if that's what you want. Even in a tract home less than 1/2 acre, you'll find it useful.
If you just want some landscaping done and aren't mechanically minded. And are not desirous of fitting implements on a 3 point hitch and such, dealing with maintenance, greasing zerks, etc. If you prefer a computer mouse over a ball peen hammer and work gloves, you could probably just hire a landscaping company to set your property up like you want it.
Probably cheaper than buying a tractor. Even a used one.
If you are into or want to get into this tractor ownership sort of thing. It's a joy if that's what you want. Even in a tract home less than 1/2 acre, you'll find it useful.
If you just want some landscaping done and aren't mechanically minded. And are not desirous of fitting implements on a 3 point hitch and such, dealing with maintenance, greasing zerks, etc. If you prefer a computer mouse over a ball peen hammer and work gloves, you could probably just hire a landscaping company to set your property up like you want it.
Probably cheaper than buying a tractor. Even a used one.
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^^^^THIS.
I have 5+ acres. I needed something to mow about 2+ acres (rest is trees), move snow, landscape, process firewood. My B2601 works great for mowing, but is a bit bigger than necessary. It's just right for moving truckloads of dirt, stone, etc. quickly, while being small enough to maneuver around buildings and trees. It's sometimes a bit small for lifting fallen trees - but that's easily remedied with a chainsaw.
I'm well less than 1.5 acres. I had a BX, upgraded to a B. For someone with a property of that size a tractor is a want, not a need. But clearly he wants a tractor, he visited a tractor forum to ask questions!!
It's the jobs you're doing more than size of the property. But absent information about the jobs, then as above I fall back on rules of thumb. The jobs on a 0.5 acre property are probably smaller than the jobs on a 3 acre property. If he's doing driveway maintenance, snow work, moving logs with a grapple, then a bigger machine. If it's just moving a bit of dirt at the start, then mowing and general around the property duties beyond that, a BX is enough.
Having owned a BX and now a B, and knowing they're very similar price and very similar footprint, I'd always get the B. It's quite a lot more capable for not a lot more money, and gives you a lot more ground clearance.
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
I'm relativly new to Tractor'n but I think many people will advise to get a tractor WITH the FEL already on it. I have heard they can be hard to find/costly.
I have a L2501 and love it.
BTW, My advice as always is
I guess for me I sort of wonder the size and scope of the work (mainly landscaping if I understood) to be done…is this spread out over weeks months or years? Reason I ask is what plan to do with tractor after landscaping done? Plan to do anything with the balance of property? Not understanding too much, I’d tend to think a B26 TLB would be very helpful for digging/moving dirt as well as picking or lifting / moving rocks.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
re: ? Reason I ask is what plan to do with tractor after landscaping done?
'landscaping DONE '?????? hahahahahahaha........ funny guy.....
'landscaping DONE '?????? hahahahahahaha........ funny guy.....
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
If I were to ever buy another tractor, it would very likely be a B26 TLB.
Since I currently have a Ford 1920 FEL, and a Kubota L48 TLB, I have no need for the sweet little B26 TLB.
I mow with a 21HP Kawasaki powered SCAG ZT.
Just don’t make the mistake some first-time tractor buyers make…. believing a tractor with a loader can do even Light bull-dozing. You will not only be disappointed…you may also expensively damage your tractor.
Front End Loaders (FEL) can be twisted, and mounts can be seriously damaged trying to bulldoze with them.
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I wouldn't even consider an SSQA Snow Plow Blade a wise idea in a "Dozer" application.
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
A box blade is the best tool for grading/ moving dirt.
Tractors are built to pull....not push!