Equipment Review

Just a question--is the John Deere 2305 good for anything?  I was looking at them and wondering if they  are a good choice for the money.  Our selection of tractors is very limited up here.  We have about 5 acres of mixed woodland/pasture to maintain, as well as goat pens and a long driveway.  Any comments?

Its a subcompact, more capable than you'd expect for the size machine that it is. Its a good choice providing that the low ground clearance is not a problem for the chores you'll be doing.

Better than a New Holland TZ22DA or similar ?  I found a used New Holland that is supposed to be 18 HP, but I don't know if that is gross HP or power to the PTO.  It was a much larger chassis than the 2305.

NH TZ's are about the same size as a 2305, and Kubota BX. They've been bult at 18,20,22,24, and 25 Hp at one time or another. They are very good tractors, probably the most rugged of any of the subcompacts.

All things being approximately equal, do you think the New Holland is overall a better tractor than the John Deere?  The Nh is used, but only has 180 hours on the meter;  the John Deere is brand new with warranties, etc.  I really appreciate the help.