skip to main content

Tractor recommendations and/or critiques

15 years ago

It's time to replace the old tractor. She's all wore out and just doesn't fit the bill feature wise anymore. I need to buy a tractor that can haul round bales from the front or rear and also have a front end loader capability. I want a full size tractor frame and somewhere around 50 HP. I've always found this site to be very educational when I am in need of buying big ticket items. So, does anybody have any anecdote's, praise or condemnations on anything that has been recently bought? Thanks in advance for any responses.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

twigpig
15 years ago
I have a Kioti CK30 and I have been fairley happy with it. My brother and sister in law are really happy with it since they are borrowing right now. I don't have to pick up round bales but the Kiotis are pretty heavy for their size class so that should help to stabilize them. A DK40SE should be all you need. If you have a lot of mud and you need a lighter tractor a Kubota is an excellent tractor followed by John Deere and New Holland. You might think that the green and blue ones are made in the US because they have been around here so long but in this class size of tractor they are all made off shore. Hold onto your wallet because there aint going to be much left in it. What is more important than the brand of tractor is the quality of the dealer you buy it from. Before you plunk down all that money check around and see how the dealer treats the customers when it comes to warranty and non-warranty service. You may decide to go with a higher price if you are more comfortable with the dealer. You should probably get a quick attach front end so you can change out a bale spear and a bucket easily. There is a tractor forum somewhere on this site but they mostly talk about lawn and garden tractors. If you want to go to a site with more information about tractors than you'll ever have time to digest I suggest tractorbynet.com but be prepaired to spend a lot of time there because there are a lot of people out there asking the same question as you did and I am amazed at all of the good information that people respond with. If you are into tractors in could be addicting.
gator_rider2
15 years ago
john deere catgory II hitch. 5203 same tractor with turbo charger 4 wheel drive come in very handy if moving dirt.

Here is a link that might be useful: 5103
Related Discussions
Recommended lawn tractors
Q
Comments (3)
Well what you are looking for is a Lawn Tractor, not Riding Lawn Mower. Best Bang For the Buck is the Sears Craftsman model 28856. It is a 42 inch deck, hydrostatic Drive, 24 HP twin cylinder and cost $1700. Other Brands to look at are Top Rated Cub Cadet and John Deer but they will be much higher price.
...See More
Need recommendation for ZTR/Garden Tractor mower
Q
Comments (4)
I will have to check out that Husqvarna. The suggested retail price is only $300 more than I paid for that POS one lunger Kubota. Plus I have a really good, honest Husqvarna dealer 5 miles from my house. I have been developing a dislike for the Kubota which gets stronger every time I use it. I'm going to check out some Deeres too as I really loved my old 318 but since I am not mowing 3 acres anymore I'm not going to spend really big bucks on a tractor. Thanks.
...See More
tractor recommendations
Q
Comments (2)
IMHO, in increasing quality (and price) Big Box Stores, Sears, Private Dealers, eg. JD, Snapper, etc. This time of year, you may be able to get a deal on a machine that's still hanging around. If your two acres is level and all you're going to do is mow and drag around a small garden cart, the BB machines would work for the least money. Be aware though, most if not all aren't particuarly meant to be maintained, especially the trans. How long you expect this to last and how "handy" are you in terms of maintaining the machine are also to be considered. Good luck, Ev
...See More
Need Tractor Recommendation for Hawaii
Q
Comments (10)
The Scag Freedom Z is only about twice your budget and as stated on their web site, it's designed for "entry level commercial or estate use", which in my mind means nice smooth lawns. I admit I don't know much about them but I'm not sure it would work well in your kind of terrain, grass and situation, and I know it well as I lived in Hawaii all my life until I moved here a few years ago. Of course a Deere or Kubota garden tractor, which in my opinion is what you need, would also be twice your budget. I take it that the 15 year old Craftsman you had was used elsewhere since you've only been there two years and they don't make them like they did 15 years ago. Have you thought about buying a good used Deere or Kubota garden tractor? That would likely be within your budget. Aloha, and good luck to you.
...See More

Related Stories

FARMHOUSES Houzz Tour: A Farmhouse in the Dell

By Mary Jo Bowling

Modern style and a barn look mix in a most unusual Sonoma County home

FARM YOUR YARD 14 Crazy Places to Grow Edibles

By Annie Thornton

Some Houzzers may lack ground for gardening, but they’re never short on imagination

FURNITURE New Classic: Jamaica Bar Stool

By Becky Harris

Add a Dose of Modern Metal With Disco-Inspired Counter Seat

GARDENING GUIDES How to Use Pachysandra Responsibly in the Landscape

By Becky Harris

It's tops at covering lots of ground quickly, but be sure this low evergreen plant doesn't spread where it shouldn't

DREAM SPACES We Can Dream: Nurturing Escapes for Penning a Poem

By Susan Redman

16 picturesque hideaways built to inspire contemplation and a favorite slow art form

WOODWORKING Build Your Own Wooden Deck Chair From a Pallet — for $10!

Take the ecofriendly high road with a low-cost outdoor chair you make yourself

KITCHEN DESIGN 20 Favorite Modern Bar and Counter Stools

By Becky Harris

Settle in at the bar in style with these tall, sleek and sculptural kitchen stools

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Farmhouse Touches That Bring Homeyness to a Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Shaker cabinetry, country-store-inspired hardware, barn elements or a key piece of art will add homestead appeal to your kitchen

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Show Us Your One-of-a-Kind Chicken Coops

By Annie Thornton

Do you have a fun or stylish backyard shelter for your feathered friends? Post your pictures and stories in the Comments!

GARAGES Key Measurements for the Perfect Garage

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the dimensions that will let you fit one or more cars in your garage, plus storage and other needs

Sponsored

39 Reviews

Ohio's Kitchen Design Showroom |11x Best of Houzz 2014 - 2022

More Discussions

How to build utility room on slab under piling house?

25

How long to grind each chainsaw link while sharpening?

12

Chain saw won't run... battery problem for SURE?

11

chipper not starting

2

How to Destroy a Root Under a Shed?

8