Advise on Compact Tractor Selection

Hi everyone!

I have officially 'bought the farm!' All be it a small one, I have a farm... LOL! I am looking for a multi-purpose machine that I can use at both my home and the new farm. Our home has just under two acres of lawn with a fair amount of obstacles. The farm is just under 10 acres with about half of it open pasture. The beauty of it all is they are about 2 miles apart so I should be able to utilize the same machine for both. I would need a trailer and I have a 5.9L V-8 Durango to pull trailer and tractor.

We would obviously like to mow the lawn and field, move around materials (dirt, mulch, gravel, rocks, etc), plow a small garden area (1-2 acres at most), grade / level driveway and land. I also need to clear some trees and prepare a couple building sites for some good sized pole barns.

I really don't want to spend more than $20k and preferably less... I'll only have about 10% down and rest will be financed. Minimally need a front loader and a mower withe the tractor to start. I have looked at the following online:

Mahindra 15 Series (1815, 2015, 2415, 2615 HST & Gear) - I like what I have read and they have 0% 60 Month financing on several of these models. I cannot find pricing on line and dealers are all over the board. Weird they don't post MSRP??? I have heard they are sturdy well built machines with minimal bells and whistles. I hae also heard they utilize older 'casting' type manufacturing for axles. Heavier may not be stronger? I was quoted $16,800 for a 2415HST with loader and 60" belly mower. Is this good?

John Deere 2305 or 2320 - I saw these in person and I like them. I think I can get with 200CX loader and 62' belly mower for $15299. Seemed like the best price I could find... 0% - 36 month financing.

Kubota BX2350 and BX24 - I also saw in person... Price on 24 looked great (~$16k with a backhoe too) Seems a little chincy, so any feedback would be appreciated.  

New Holland Boomer Compact / Sub-Compact Series (TZ18DA - TZ25DA or TC23 / 26 DA) - Local dealer didn't have any, but may have some Saturday. Seems pricey too... 0% - 48 Month financing.

So I have a few questions: 

Are there any other brands / models you could recommend? Most people are saying, Buy the Deere... Buy the Deere... I'm not sold on the mean green marketing machine. I want a good value and features for my money. Quality is important as is versitility and functionality. 

Belly mower or pull behind? 

Gear or HST? Why would I chose one over the other?

Which brand offers best warranty / service?

What type of tires? Turf or R4?

Sorry for so many questions and comments... I really need to get going with something soon. Any help, opinions and guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Sam

Welcome to the forum Sam and congrats on your new farm.

It's almost 1AM where I am and I'm falling asleep at the keyboard so this particular post will be brief.  More to follow.

With 10+ acres and the chores at hand:

- I would get a larger HP machine (ie. nothing under 24 HP)

- Go with the R4 tires.

- If you're new to tractors or don't want to spend time "tinkering" with keeping it running yourself, stick with the "big 3" (JD, Kubota or New Holland)

- When mowing, it's easier with a mid-mount mower but if the 3-point hitch off the back is readily available (readily meaning backhoe not in place), it's much easier to mount a rear finish mower.

- The HST is probably your better choice.  If you're doing a lot of digging or other ground handling (heavy farming), a geared tractor is a better choice but from what you've listed, a HST will be quicker, easier and more productive.

- You didn't mention where you live, but around here, for 2 miles, you just drive the tractor from one location to the other.  Check with your local police department and/or your ordinances to see if this is viable in your area.  You can normally drive it 2 miles faster than you can strap it to a trailer.

- Dealer support and service is key.  If you don't think they can back you up/help you after the sale, it doesn't matter who made the tractor... I wouldn't buy there.

All that said, I'd probably give your listed Kubota's and NH TC class a closer look.  They're the ones I'd most likely choose under your circumstances. 

Thanks for your advise BZ... I appreciate it! I'm a pretty mechanically inclined and love to tinker. What exactly concerns you in this area outside of the Big 3?

I live in the far west suburbs of Chicago. My neighborhood is on the edge of civilization... LOL! All farmland a mile directly west of me, but alas, the boundry will soon be moving with a new subdevelopment going in. I probably could drive to the farm, but it may be tricky as the road is a litlle twisty and some of the folks drive a little too fast for their own good. 

I appreciate your insight!

Sarcsurfer:

What exactly concerns you in this area outside of the Big 3?

Nothing in particular but it's not uncommon to hear that they just need a little more attention.

 Here's my two cents., Look at the new Kubota 26 tractor-loader-backhoe/s. Nice size machine for your needs, can get a lot accomplished if needed and can get a rear finish mower.,.. Pretty much will have all angles covered, I am not familiar with the cost of a the new 26's so for me it is easy to help you spend your money.:-)