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Old 03-30-2017, 10:01 PM
Doublebit Doublebit is offline
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Gentlemen,
My wife and I retired a while ago and are in the process of moving to a place in the Shenandoah Valley. I have about 4.5 acres of lawn to mow, a garden to till, and about 200 yards of gravel drive to maintain. I am looking for a small tractor to take care of these chores.

Obviously a belly mower is in order. Since I will be doing some building on the place and I want to keep my back in working order, I would like a small front bucket. The tractor should be able to power a rear mounted tiller (maybe) and help with handling firewood.

I grew up on a small mountain farm but its been 30 years since I was on a tractor.Do you all have recommendations / suggestions? Thanks,

LT
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:25 PM
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JD 1025R. Can't praise it enough.

uploadimage

3 point hitch, 60 inch mower, front bucket. Mower deck and front bucket easy to take off and on. Drive the tractor over the deck to attach the mower.

I mow almost four acres, trim and maintain over 100 trees and have two driveways of over 130 feet each to take snow drifts off of when necessary.

Without the loader I never would have gotten the two 20G crocks on the top shelf nor the porch swing up in the rafters
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:33 PM
dave holl dave holl is offline
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I have a 990 JD "utility" tractor, 45hp, 3 cyl Yanmar diesel, 3 pt hitch, and front end loader. Cost approx $20,000. Don't know what I would do without it. John Deere and Kubota seem to be most popular around here. There are many models from which to choose. Enjoy the search.

Belly mowers do a great mowing job, and the newer models are easier to install than before, but they get in the way if you have to do much work with your tractor other than mowing. Working in a woods for example, or using the loader. For your mowing requirements I would recommend a 3pt mower, either a finish type or bush hog.

Other handy implements are 3pt tiller, post hole driller, grader for our long gravel drive, rear blade.

Holl's Law: You will forever regret buying too small of a tractor.
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:42 PM
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Deere 4000 series compact, 4 wheel HST Drive
Anything smaller with a loader is pushing the limits
A snow blower is nice
Look on Fastline, Tractorhouse
Deere wants and arm and leg at their dealer lots
I bought a nice 4600 off Tractorhouse in Ohio
Really a good deal.. You just have to watch the adds
Picture is my 150 HP with loader and 10 FT snow blower
Weighs 22000 lbs This is Not a compact tractor
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File Type: jpg untitled.png LOL Winter (320x240).jpg (54.0 KB, 81 views)

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Old 03-30-2017, 10:48 PM
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+1 on the John Deere compact tractor. Before relocating to Texas I was on five acres outside of Warrenton Virginia, I had a John Deere 2210, great little tractor, 54" belly mower on a mid mount PTO, rear PTO , three point hitch, loader, 4 wheel drive. Was great for cutting grass in the summer and pushing snow in the winter.
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:01 PM
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Here's an all in one deal
TractorHouse.com | 2015 JOHN DEERE 4105 For Sale
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:37 PM
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Here's my choice, a Kioti CK2610 HST with loader. I pull a 3-point finish mower (72" wide) over my 1.5 acre lawn. Additional implements include a plug aerator, post hole auger & weight to offset the loader. Kioti de-tuned their 35hp engine to meet the cat IV emission requirements without having to add any computerized fuel management doohickies so this is a simple distributed-injection design that runs real strong for 26hp. They also have monthly deals like throwing in the loader for free if you supply your own financing or $500 off if you finance thru their system. CK2610 HST Compact Tractor | Kioti Tractors
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Old 03-31-2017, 01:16 AM
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Chon Dear!
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Old 03-31-2017, 05:11 AM
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The first thing to look at is the dealer. Well established, good reputation, good service, parts availability? The best tractor in the world is useless without good support. You don't want to buy something that if it breaks down, parts or service would take months.

JMHO, but I consider Deere to be over rated and over priced.
Personally, I'd be looking hard at Kubota.

BTW: I used to fix these things for a living.
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Old 03-31-2017, 10:07 AM
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if buying new i would strongly suggest a Kubota tractor and I own two mid size john deeres, will never buy another. the john deere of today is not the one of old

as far as the lawn is concerned I would go with a zero turn mower for the grass you will find it much more efficient and much much faster than a tractor mounted mower, belly or rear
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Old 03-31-2017, 10:49 AM
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We have a JD 3025E that's been great so far, after about two years of use.

As you can see here, it's outstanding in its field, (for about two weeks now):



I blame myself not the tractor. I don't do anything half way...
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Old 03-31-2017, 11:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SC_Mike View Post
We have a JD 3025E that's been great so far, after about two years of use.

As you can see here, it's outstanding in its field, (for about two weeks now):



I blame myself not the tractor. I don't do anything half way...
Very nice job!

Get a couple friends that have drones and hook them up to the rollover bar. (ROPS) Should pull you free real easy.

PS take pictures!
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Old 03-31-2017, 11:32 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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Reminds me of a time when my dad & I went shooting. Got his station wagon stuck. Went and got the neighbor's tractor. Got that stuck. Got another tractor and stuck that one too. Got my '52 Buick to haul ropes, chains, shovels, etc. Yup, it got stuck as well.

Dug out the biggest tractor and used it to pull out the other vehicles. Had a convoy coming out of the woods that evening.

My folks wound up outside of Winchester, Virginia and my dad bought a Kubota 4x4 tractor. He used the dealer on Rt 522.
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Old 03-31-2017, 12:02 PM
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My dad bought a Kubota L3901HST 4WD a couple years ago with the FEL and rear tiller. The tiller is absolutely amazing and does a wonderful job preparing the soil to plant. The loader does pretty good, I think it would do great in good dirt but their 8 acres has rocks like you wouldn't believe. The bucket digs well until you hit a rock and forward motion just comes to a halt. Like I said, don't blame the tractor at all because the rocky land is the problem. We have been able to move some very large rocks with it. It has so far been an excellent tractor and definitely saves both time and work.

For mowing, it's hard to beat a good zero turn mower. Far faster than a tractor and does a better job with less soil compaction.
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Old 03-31-2017, 12:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebit View Post
Obviously a belly mower is in order.
No, no, no . . . a belly mower is not the obvious choice. If you plan to do other things with your tractor you will regret the belly mower. I know you can take 'em on and off, but a 3-point hitch finishing mower is much more user friendly (in my opinion). With the use of some of the other 3-point hitch implements you'll end up taking the belly mower off anyway because it gets in the way.

I have a Kubota B2710 27HP diesel 4WD with hydrostatic transmission, and although I bought it originally for mowing I find I use it for much, much more than that. For mowing I use a 3-point hitch LandPride 72" finishing mower that is easy for me to take on and off, especially with the installation of Pat's Easy Change 3-Point Hitch System on the tractor. I also run a 5' brushhog with it, a 5' box blade, and a 4' PTO tiller.

I don't have a front end loader, but I do have a 3-point hitch platform that I use to carry all kinds of stuff, mainly firewood from the main woodpile to the front porch wood rack.

Although I like my Kubota, I don't get all hung up on orange or green or blue tractor brands, just remember to buy as much tractor as you can afford, one size too big is much better than one size too small.


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Old 03-31-2017, 01:20 PM
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Oh, and for those of you not using Pat's Easy Change devices you are missing out making 3-point hitch implement changes a snap.

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Old 03-31-2017, 03:46 PM
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That's a lot of suction to break out of.
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Old 03-31-2017, 04:00 PM
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Just a thought........


lawn mowing the easy way.jpg
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Old 03-31-2017, 04:18 PM
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that's a lot of grass to keep up with .. over 200,000 sq ft .. have you thought of turning an acre into a wooded area for wild life ?? wild flowers and fruit bearing shrub like sand cherries for the birds .. some nut trees for you and the squirrels ??

Just a thought !!

EDIT : I have 88,000 sq ft of grass and with a 50 inch mower it takes me between 2 and 3 hours according to time of year and how tall the grass is .. if you get behind because of spring rain even a few days it will take twice as long to mow when you are able to .. this spring it has rained 17 days in March .. so you can see how quickly you can get behind .. ..

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Old 03-31-2017, 05:34 PM
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My Brother has a mid-sized 35 H.P. diesel Kubota 4x4 tractor with front end loader and 5' bush hog, he has a 60" zero turn Kubota (diesel) he bought for the wife to mow with, but her carpel tunnel syndrome forced him to buy a Kubota 4x4 diesel) lawn tractor also.. Lesson learned, if you are mowing pasture fields, use the largest tractor you have with a three point mower (brush or finish), so your kidneys don't get pounded!

Mowing and farm chores are your biggest concern, snow removal is way secondary!

Ivan
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Old 03-31-2017, 05:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NYlakesider View Post
Very nice job!

Get a couple friends that have drones and hook them up to the rollover bar. (ROPS) Should pull you free real easy.

PS take pictures!
Had a tractor buried in mud like that. Chained cinder blocks to the wheels and it lifted itself out
You may not have enough power to pull off that stunt
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Old 03-31-2017, 07:06 PM
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Not to hijack the thread anymore than I have but we'll try this once the ground dries out a bit more. May come in handy to the OP or anyone.

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Old 03-31-2017, 09:19 PM
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24 hp or more, 4 wheel drive, FEL, belly mower and box blade...you should be good to go. I went with a JD and it is a great piece of machinery. Choices Choices
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Old 03-31-2017, 10:40 PM
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Regarding the above video that was great how he got the tractor out of there.
Rule number one is when the ground is that wet and basically mud don't even attempt to take the tractor into that area. I have stuck my tractor up to the axles four times by getting in just soft ground. Once the shredder starts catching into the ground it real quick causes the wheels to dig in and then it is stuck. If you can't walk on the ground without your shoes sinking into the ground then don't even take your tractor in there.

I have a 2002 New Holland TC-18hp 3 cyl. diesel, 4x4 hydrostatic trans with a 4' shredder/bush hog, and a box blade. I bought it around 2008 with only 200 hours on the meter for $4500. I now have around 450 hours on it and it still is running great. I would watch for a really good used tractor like I found. I about stole my tractor for $4500. New my tractor and equipment would be around $12,000.

I have thought about getting a belly mower but as the above said it very easily could cause problems when using the three point attachments. I might get a 3pt finish mower for it someday. The belly mower from what I have read says it isn't all that quick to remove/install.

I would go with at least a 25hp compact and preferably a 35hp. Realize the smaller the tractor the less it will be able to do easily. Remember this especially when using the front bucket or a box blade. Heavy compacted dirt or even gravel/dirt mix will very possibly be more than a light tractor can handle.
I used my tractor with the box blade to level out a 12 yard load of milling which is recycled asphalt. I also used the box blade to level out 10 truck loads of fairly heavy clay mix dirt. Just these few times this tractor saved me around $1000 that outside companies wanted to do the jobs.

IMO a compact diesel tractor is the best for longevity of tractor life. Small gas engine mowers/tractors just don't have the life of a diesel IMO. Mowing and taking care of several acres will take its toll in just short time on small riding mowers. Belt drives are just not up to very heavy condition usage compared to a compact or full size tractor.

I have 25hp Cub Cadet with a 50" belly mower that is so easy to get stuck it isn't even funny. The tractor sinks a bit into the ground and then the mower catches the soft dirt and then the weight is off the tires and it is stuck that quick.

I agree a Kubota would probably be a good choice for quality, value, service and parts availability. Many dealers now offer package deals that have many options to choose from. If I was buying now I would get no smaller than a 35hp tractor with front bucket, and either a 3 pt. finish mower or shredder/bush hog, and a box blade. Remember small hp tractors are limited to the smaller implements.
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Old 04-01-2017, 09:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave201 View Post
Had a tractor buried in mud like that. Chained cinder blocks to the wheels and it lifted itself out
You may not have enough power to pull off that stunt
I have and recommend New Holland. It is 8 years old 31 HP Diesel and it does a lot of good for me. I use it for ground work/driveway repair in the good weather and snow work in the winter. It also comes in handy for putting my 16' dock sections in the water in spring and pulling in mid Sept.
(Reservoir and the water level dictates what must be done.)

As far as traction my rear wheels are filed with a 50-50 mix of windshield washer mix. That came from the dealer that way, no rusting problems and adds plenty of weight

I have plenty of weight for moving in bad/snowey ground and it also counter balances the dock sections and some of the boulders I move around with the bucket. (rated at a 1,000 lbs.)

I do have a 100# weight box (which can also be loaded with plenty of weight if necessary) I have not used the box in about 4 years. In winter due to I live on a nasty hilly 1/2 mile driveway I put chains on the back wheels. Out in low range & differential lock engaged, chains on it gets around and works real good! Has on occasion towed a vehicle or two out of the ditch down the road.
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Old 04-02-2017, 12:29 AM
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I HAD a John Deere 2305 tractor and every time I had a problem it usually cost me some big bucks. It also came with the belly mower. Got rid of it and bought a Kubota L3800 with front end loader and a bush hog. Got 4 plus acres to mow so it does the job. Great as now I don't have to climb on and off to move tree limbs, just push them out of the way and pick them up later. My L3800 is an older one so does not have the Tier 4 modifications. Which I understand you cannot run the engine below 1500 rpm in any gear unless you don't want to pay $$$ to clean out the exhaust system. At least that is what I've been told. Diesel is the way to go instead of gas. Just remember to do the additive and no problems. The only place that sells off road diesel is too far from me so pump diesel is it.
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Old 04-02-2017, 12:30 PM
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4.5 acres to mow... I think i would get a little more than a belly mower. I am a 100 hours in and zero issues with my 45 orange horses:

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Old 04-02-2017, 01:47 PM
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A word or two about a thing or two----------------

Compact? That's what I said too. The tractor guy, said, "No you don't!" I said, "Yeah, I really do." It was not to be.

I left with an M4700 Kubota (a "utility" tractor---bigger----costs about the same). Along the way, I settled the John Deere vs. Kuboto question thus: There was a virtually IDENTICAL John Deere machine---cost $4,000 more. Why? The best (and only real) reply was, "I don't know---you reckon it's the green paint?" And by the by, THAT was from a John Deere dealer---an honest one---who wanted to sell me a tractor----but who was also a realist.(!!)

I don't really recall the when of all this----it's been quite a while---coming up on a thousand hours in tractor years. Along the way-------I'm on my 3rd battery, have replaced maybe 4-5-6 hydraulic hoses (2-3 that needed it, the rest because it was easier to do it then than wait until whenever, and do the same disassembly/reassembly work all over again). I'm trying to think of any other repairs---and can't. There might have been some little electrical gizzy that I probably messed up myself. Whatever, it may have cost all of $5. It starts INSTANTLY (5 cylinder in line diesel)---has since the get-go.

It has a front end loader (which I also protested----never had to have one before) ("You'll never know how you got along without it." was the reply. He was right.(!!!!) It has 4-wheel drive---same protest/reply/outcome.(!!!!)

It has a sunshade too---now. I put my foot down that time---and left without it. I was back in about six weeks. He laughed----big time. "Now you have to pay sales tax---if you bought it with the tractor when I TOLD YOU TO---no tax."

I have a bunch more land, but use the tractor for much the same things you do----no farming work per se---the tenants tend to that. There's A BUNCH of stuff that would never have gotten done with a compact-----without waiting for the tenants to do it for me----and waiting----and waiting---and waiting. The cost was about the same as the top of the line compact---which is what I went in for in the first place.

I mow the yard with a lawn mower, I do tractor stuff with a tractor. Lawn mowers won't pull monster downed trees around. Lawn mowers won't drag recalcitrant trucks around. Lawn mowers won't push pieces of monster trees over the hillside----and like that.

I'm a happy camper---thanks to the tractor guy who had NO RESPECT whatsoever. I can hear him talking to himself to this day: "These city guys don't know NUTHIN'."

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside of note: I also left with a six foot Bush Hog. It cuts stuff down-----pretty much anything you can push over. It cuts grass like it wasn't even there-----and makes a GOD AWFUL MESS!!! It's a rotary mower---same as the typical lawn mower---except the lawn mowers have discharge chutes (or NOT)----and fling the cuttings high, wide, and handsome. Bush Hogs ain't got no discharge chutes!!! They cut the stuff--shove it over to one side---and out the back it goes---in a nice, neat row----row after row after row. I was driving down the interstate one day. They were mowing the right-of-way. There were tractors in the median with Bush-Hogs----long grass in front----short grass behind---and big messes behind. There was another tractor on the shoulder----with some weird looking contraption hooked on behind. There was long grass in front of it too---and short grass behind---and NO MESS!!. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!!!!!!!!"

It was a "flail mower"----ask Google. So---off I go to the flail mower store. I had an appointment with the sales manager. He was going to be late, but "Tom can get you started with the particulars.". "Tom" was a grizzled old guy in the shop. "I need to learn about flail mowers." "Flail mowers, huh? You must want to cut something and have it look like a golf course." "EXACTLY!!!"----and that's what it does.

And speaking of lawn mowers----and discharge chutes---and messes, if you'll stand and stare at pretty much any lawn mower---you're going to see stuff that was put there by lawn mower designers----to do a nice job of cutting grass. You are also going to see stuff that was put there by lawyers. (They're just doing their job.) The lawyer stuff is there to prevent mental midgets from killing themselves---their offspring---and their dogs and cats---and suing the pants off the lawn mower maker. Some of the lawyer stuff makes messes. Proceed accordingly.

Last edited by rct269; 04-02-2017 at 04:01 PM.
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Old 04-02-2017, 03:30 PM
hostler hostler is offline
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I've had a couple compact tractors, I can't recommend Kubota enough. I had a 32hp and a 23hp. When I bought the first one I didn't know what to get (kind of like where the OP is at), I had it norrowed between JD and Kubota, I ended up with a Kubota because I liked the fact that they make their own engines while JD subs out to whoever, depending on what model you buy. JD had plastic body panels while Kubota had metal. Kubota resale is better than JD (that's why the suggestion to buy Kubota new, because you won't save much by buying used). I'm sure I wouldn't have been disappointed with a Deere but those where a couple of the things that influenced my decision. When I bought my second tractor there was no question which dealer I was headed to.
If you will be using it predominantly for mowing a hard there's nothing wrong with a belly mower, but it you are going to constantly be removing it for other tasks then a 3pt mower is better. It really just depends on what the main use of the tractor is. Same goes for tire and transmission choices.
BTW tractors are freaking awesome.

Last edited by hostler; 04-02-2017 at 03:38 PM.
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Old 04-02-2017, 04:34 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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Originally Posted by SC_Mike View Post
Not to hijack the thread anymore than I have but we'll try this once the ground dries out a bit more. May come in handy to the OP or anyone.

Tractor Stuck, How to get it Unstuck. Brilliant! - YouTube
That's a GOOD WAY to get killed......quick.........
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:00 PM
servmgr64 servmgr64 is offline
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I have 2 Kubotas, a BX2350 for our home acreage & a L3010HST for the farm. I don't think I would trade for any other brand, they have been bulletproof. There are other very good tractors out there, as has been stated check out the dealers and be comfortable with them and choose that brand. I believe Kubota is still running 0% interest. Be sure you get a loader with your tractor I use mine more than I could have imagined. Good luck & let us know what you get.
Scott
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