|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,480
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,480 |
I retired and moved to the country last year. I have a long gravel driveway and I fought the snow best I could with a snowblower last winter but I’m ready to say hell with that and get a compact tractor with a blade. I would use it for spreading gravel as well. Probably something in the 25-30 hp range.
I don’t live in a very populated area and there’s only two tractor dealerships close by - one’s a Kubota, the other’s John Deere. Any advice on these two?
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,386 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,386 Likes: 1 |
Test drive them, see which you like better. For me, the forward/reverse controls on the JD were more comfortable for my size 14 feet and long legs; the Kubota was even more cramped for space than the Deere. In quire from other buyers about the quality of service from each dealer.
Dale
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 59,236 Likes: 37
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 59,236 Likes: 37 |
Look around for an older John Deere 4400 or an 855/955.
Paul
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear a sermon".... D.A.D.
Trump Won!, Sandmann Won!, Rittenhouse Won!, Suck it Liberal Fuuktards.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 10,840
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 10,840 |
I retired and moved to the country last year. I have a long gravel driveway and I fought the snow best I could with a snowblower last winter but I’m ready to say hell with that and get a compact tractor with a blade. I would use it for spreading gravel as well. Probably something in the 25-30 hp range.
I don’t live in a very populated area and there’s only two tractor dealerships close by - one’s a Kubota, the other’s John Deere. Any advice on these two? Id lean Kubota .but a John Deere great but you will pay greatly
FUGK CCP
It’s time to WAKE UP GOD BLESS THE USA WWG1WGA THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 23,686 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 23,686 Likes: 1 |
I own a John Deere 4310. Get a Kubota. The yanmar power plant in the JD is bullet proof. Too bad it’s the only thing that is. Blown lift cylinder, transmission shifter issues, wheel hub.... hydraulics aren’t smooth. Never again. As someone above said, kubotas operator ergonomics are a little funky. Guessing they’re designed more for a 115lb 5’3” guy though!
Last edited by jackmountain; 10/27/20.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,241
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,241 |
Similar situation. Somewhat long steep gravel driveway.
Used a 4 wheeler with a plow a few years, works fairly well unless you get multiple big snows, then it piles up.
Bought a John Deere 3032e with a front end loader. Upgraded from 5 ft rear blade to a 6 ft rear blade. When the blade is turned to the sides its just a bit wider than tractor. Beet juice in the rear tires and rear chains both make a big difference. Rear blade works well for snow
Front end loader helps when snow gets too deep to move it where you want it.
Also works well for gravel.
For light snows 4 wheeler is faster, but overall tractor is so much more useful.
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight." -George Washington
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 17,404 Likes: 29
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 17,404 Likes: 29 |
How much land do you have? For really big storms when our trucks got overwhelmed we used to lease a loader usually with a backhoe. If you think you might have other projects come up, you may want to consider something that could handle a modular backhoe attachment. Or a modular post hole attachment.. Etc
-OMotS
"If memory serves fails me..." Quote: ( unnamed) "been prtty deep in the cooler todaay " Television and radio are most effective when people question little and think even less.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,121
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,121 |
Both good brands, compare price, dealers and features. Both brands make lemons. Lots of good used ones out there too.
Last edited by TwoTrax; 10/27/20.
Heaven has a wall, a gate and strict immigration policy.
Hell has open borders.
Let that sink in.....
I Live for Opening Day!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066 |
I made the jump from a literal lawn tractor to a subcompact utility tractor this past spring. I went to a JD 1-series. I don't have a ton of land, but a SCUT made sense for the things I do need to do. 250' of driveway...snowblower works, but takes forever and I hate it.
1.5 acres of woods, leaves in the yard, to be chopped up, mulch to spread, brush to keep pushed back...so on and so forth.
I looked at orange and green.
Pricing things out, I found the JD to actually be a hair cheaper. What actually made the choice for me is the local Kubota dealer was more annoyed to have to get up and talk to a customer than anything. The JD dealer actually wanted to make a sale. Thus the decision was made.
Could have easily gone the other way. Yeah, the 'Bota treadle pedal is weird, but learnable. I didn't think much of it, but my lawn tractor is a Husqvarna which has a similar style pedal arrangement.
60 hrs on it so far, and I love my JD 1025. Ask me in 10 years if I still do... lol.
One big plus for Kubota...no RIO switch. The JD RIO is easily (and reversibly) able to be bypassed. The Kubota simply didn't have it, which is a good thing, IMHO.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 26,627 Likes: 20
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 26,627 Likes: 20 |
My Mahindra is a year old and needs to go back in for the second time for several warranty issues.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,072
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,072 |
I have a 25 year old Kubota L2500DT. Tough little tractor.
I know things have changed in regard to quality across all manufacturers, but I’d still vote Kubota. They hold their value extremely well. Plus, I can still get virtually any OEM part I need after 25 years.
If I were to buy new I would get an L3301 with hydrostatic transmission, R4 tires and a quick attach for the front loader.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 56,219 Likes: 25
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 56,219 Likes: 25 |
I have a Kubota BX2670. Pretty much trouble free in a warm weather locale, dunno about up north. 550 hours...change the oil and move on.
I am..........disturbed.
Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass. -Twain
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,162
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,162 |
Kubota
Whatever size you’re thinking of get a bigger one
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411 |
John Deere Model 990. 40hp.
It’s a heck of a machine compared to the Massey 210 I used to have.
Bought it with 300hrs on it, came with 6’ Bush hog, 6 1/2’ disc and 7’ grader box.
Those 6 iron weights up front are mandatory.
The degree of my privacy is no business of yours.
What we've learned from history is that we haven't learned from it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411 |
Kubota
Whatever size you’re thinking of get a bigger one Truth .
The degree of my privacy is no business of yours.
What we've learned from history is that we haven't learned from it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 59,236 Likes: 37
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 59,236 Likes: 37 |
My Mahindra is a year old and needs to go back in for the second time for several warranty issues. Little issues or what?
Paul
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear a sermon".... D.A.D.
Trump Won!, Sandmann Won!, Rittenhouse Won!, Suck it Liberal Fuuktards.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 61,201 Likes: 28
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 61,201 Likes: 28 |
These premises insured by a Sheltie in Training ,--- and Cooey.o "May the Good Lord take a likin' to you"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,411 |
The degree of my privacy is no business of yours.
What we've learned from history is that we haven't learned from it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,847 Likes: 8
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,847 Likes: 8 |
I bought a 2018 Branson 3725 last year. Had 88 hours on it. It has been a great tractor. I use primarily for the sawmill, loading logs and moving stacks of lumber.
They are Korean built, very easy to work in and a lot less money than Kubota. Mine has the hydrostatic drive.
Chronographs, bore scopes and pattern boards have broke a lot of hearts.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,898
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,898 |
I'd go kubota.
That being said our little 22horse massey has been great. 6 years of torture on 80 acres and only been in shop once.
|
|
|
|
559 members (1minute, 160user, 1234, 219 Wasp, 222Sako, 257 roberts, 61 invisible),
2,507
guests, and
1,190
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,193,788
Posts18,515,974
Members74,017
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|