New Tractor Advice for a newbie please

[DenmanBC]

Based on the most frequent advice I am getting - "buy the biggest machine you can afford", and the feedback that I likely will get more bang for the buck by skipping the expensive backhoe attachment, I am leaning toward an L series tractor with FEL, 3 function grapple, and a bush hog. Later I will likely add a box blade. Given that my primary applications are brush control (broom and heavy brambles), rough grass cutting, moving branch and small log piles, driveway maintenance on a 12 acre property, which of the L models will likely be best. A local friend and colleague has 50 acres and says I would be crazy to go less than an L4802 or L4760. That seems like a huge leap when I started think a BX or B2601 might suffice.
Thoughts?

 

[PaulL]

I don't think you need that many HP in a machine that size. I'd go bigger than an L2502 if you can, but an L3502 or L3902 should be plenty (making up model numbers here, they changed them recently and I can't be bothered to go check). I seem to recall the L4802 has a different frame size, and they don't sell a lot of them (more HP than you can sensibly use in that size machine).

The Lxx60 series are Grand-L. Fantastic machines, but probably a step too far from where you started. You could maybe justify the L4760, they can use more HP than a standard L. But again the lower HP models would also be fine.

 

[BAP]

Go to a dealer and sit on the various models and drive them if you can. See which one feels more comfortable. You can always add a backhoe later if you change your mind.

 

[DenmanBC]

I don't think you need that many HP in a machine that size. I'd go bigger than an L2502 if you can, but an L3502 or L3902 should be plenty (making up model numbers here, they changed them recently and I can't be bothered to go check). I seem to recall the L4802 has a different frame size, and they don't sell a lot of them (more HP than you can sensibly use in that size machine).

The Lxx60 series are Grand-L. Fantastic machines, but probably a step too far from where you started. You could maybe justify the L4760, they can use more HP than a standard L. But again the lower HP models would also be fine.

Cheers. Thanks again for all the thoughtful advice.

 

[DenmanBC]

As a follow-up I wanted to post my final decision. In September 2025 I purchased a new L3902 HST with FEL (with additional Piranha tooth bar), rotary cutter, box blade, and pallet forks. Sun/rain canopy and ballast filled R14's + optional grill guard protector. Very happy so far and looking forward to a busy tractor season once ground dries up a little.