Help Me Pick Out A Model... 3.5 acres 400' driveway

[Huckster79]

I’ve been playing with the idea and numbers of pricing out a new one this way if 0% is offered, but I don’t buy if I can’t pay up, I’m not a payments guy….

I buy it by putting the purchase price in a boringish investment account, with the payments set to auto withdrawal through it… what’s left in the account when the tract is paid off is your discount for paying cash in a way… I was toying with maybe just 5%… so compare that cost to used… see what the price delta is and decide from there..

just a goofy thought I had as I’ve just entered the market to “join” the club… Seemed like this number typically beat the rebate for cash that showed online.

I Just bought by first tractor worthy house… So I’m here to learn. Just wanted to share that thought I had the other day of another way you can “weigh” the value of new vs used if you’re paying cash and deciding new vs used.

 

[PaulL]

I Just bought by first tractor worthy house… So I’m here to learn. Just wanted to share that thought I had the other day of another way you can “weigh” the value of new vs used if you’re paying cash and deciding new vs used.

You can't just drop a statement like that and not make a post saying "here's what my property is, what machine should I buy?" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land.

 

[jimh406]

What does your land look like as PaulL said, is it 1/2 acre or something else?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

You can't just drop a statement like that and not make a post saying "here's what my property is, what machine should I buy?" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land.

Don’t forget the “Golden Rule” __________"Pictures,……. or it never happened."

 

[Hugo Habicht]

You can't just drop a statement like that and not make a post saying "here's what my property is, what machine should I buy?" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land.

I think you want something bigger than that for 1/2 acre ...

 

[Sawdust&Shavings]

I think you want something bigger than that for 1/2 acre ...

1/2 acre…M6-141 can do it all, just saying.

 

[Huckster79]

You can't just drop a statement like that and not make a post saying "here's what my property is, what machine should I buy?" Half the fun on this site is recommending that people buy an MX for a half acre block of land.

I will do that! as I'm confused as all get out, but I won't hijack this persons thread... But yes I'm very torn on making sure I buy enough but also knowing that wanting to use it around the yard too much is likely almost as bad as too little....

I'll make an intro post, pop some popcorn and ask...

Ray

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

1/2 acre…M6-141 can do it all, just saying.

View attachment 166437

Way too small!

M8-201 is the way to go!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There @Huckster79 this in now your own thread tangent away.

 

[Huckster79]

Greetings! New guy here. I just bought my first tractor worthy home, we will be closing on it in January. I will need something to help me maintain the property. It's 3.5 acres, 400' gravel drive through woods, gentle slope on either side of the house as it's a walk out basement, but quite flat overall.

I'm thinking a B, but temped by the BX and even tempted by that other color 1025r... All while knowing I'm ignorant of what I need so I'm trying to learn. I will plan on mowing (though some have suggested I get a tractor and zero turn- I may down the road but I'm looking forward to tractor mowing), snow removal- I'm thinking 3pt snow blower. Occasional tiller work if we put in a garden, occasional driveway maintenance- is that a box blade for that? , some hole digging at first if I get one with a backhoe- I need to put in egress windows and plant some pines. Not sure after that initial bit if I'd use a backhoe much besides "toy factor", or is it one of those tools once you have you use more than you think you would? If not I could potentially rent a mini excavator for for the windows and hand dig the trees.

I do not want to underbuy and regret it. But I also am concerned if I get too big it won't be as friendly of a machine to mow on and maneuver so balance for me is key... I'm looking for input but also know I just need to go do some test drives to see and feel. Is a B going to rut a damp spring yard any worse than a BX really or no?

Not sure on budget yet... I'm selling my fast 4 seat airplane and going back to an old low and slow 2 seater to free up some budget for this new toy... I'm thinking 15-25k is what I'll have to put towards a tractor and initial setup...

Sometimes I think the BX is the right fit, then think I may be undercutting myself and should jump to a B. I think anything over a B would be overkill. I can't lie I do like the looks of the 1025r, though I can't find data, it sounds anecdotally that orange is less repair oriented than green ones...

Here are some pics of the place. No driveway pics besides arial- it's just about 400' of gravel.

Help me spend some money!

 

[Huckster79]

There @Huckster79 this in now your own thread tangent away.

awww shoot, I just posted the new one, with property pics and all

 

[chim]

Congrats, nice place. Here's an aerial shot of our 3-1/2 acres. The paved driveway is about 300' and the shorter curved driveway to the sheds is gravel. It began as 2-1/4 acres and about a dozen years ago we bought the lot next to us. I definitely wouldn't go smaller than a B series. Here's how it went for me:

When it was 2-1/4 acres the B7500 with a 5' RFM was enough for the most part. It could have handled the 3-1/2 acres but its limitations sometimes disappointed me with the original lot.

Upon acquiring the extra land, the B7500 was replaced with an L3200 ' 6' RFM / DIY cab. That worked for about 6 years until the desire to have A/C couldn't be resisted any longer. So roughly figuring that A/C would take 5 more HP, may as well add another 5HP and get a wider RFM.

That takes us to present day with the L4240 and a 7-1/2' RFM. The size and capability of this tractor also works well for clearing snow at our church and gun club with a modified 8' Fisher plow. All three of these have used R4 tires and were just fine on our yard. I believe the increased amount of tire contact as the tractors went up in size more or less balanced the pressure per square inch on the ground.

 

[Huckster79]

Congrats, nice place. Here's an aerial shot of our 3-1/2 acres. The paved driveway is about 300' and the shorter curved driveway to the sheds is gravel. It began as 2-1/4 acres and about a dozen years ago we bought the lot next to us. I definitely wouldn't go smaller than a B series. Here's how it went for me:

When it was 2-1/4 acres the B7500 with a 5' RFM was enough for the most part. It could have handled the 3-1/2 acres but its limitations sometimes disappointed me with the original lot.

Upon acquiring the extra land, the B7500 was replaced with an L3200 ' 6' RFM / DIY cab. That worked for about 6 years until the desire to have A/C couldn't be resisted any longer. So roughly figuring that A/C would take 5 more HP, may as well add another 5HP and get a wider RFM.

That takes us to present day with the L4240 and a 7-1/2' RFM. The size and capability of this tractor also works well for clearing snow at our church and gun club with a modified 8' Fisher plow. All three of these have used R4 tires and were just fine on our yard. I believe the increased amount of tire contact as the tractors went up in size more or less balanced the pressure per square inch on the ground.

Thanks! That all makes sense! Especially the tire to ground psi…. So I’d be better off getting like the b2601 with less goodies (extra implement's) to start if need be in your opinion? That BX may be a bit under gunned for what I intend?

 

[Trailrated]

B2601 or if you want flex a bit more L2501. The BX's have their place but a better choice will be a B series. I'd stay far away from Deere. They are not what they once were IMO, and just paying for the paint color.

 

[Huckster79]

B2601 or if you want flex a bit more L2501. The BX's have their place but a better choice will be a B series. I'd stay far away from Deere. They are not what they once were IMO, and just paying for the paint color.

L’s don’t have a mid pto though right? Or no? I’d prefer to not tow a mower…

yea that’s what I’m putting together on Deere . That 1025 I think looks so sharp, but a good looking repair hungry tractor is not what I’m looking for.

it does sound like for a few more bucks the 2601 is a lot more tractor than the bx… but any input on how much less maneuverable they are as a mower than a bx?

 

[Trailrated]

L’s don’t have a mid pto though right? Or no? I’d prefer to not tow a mower…

yea that’s what I’m putting together on Deere . That 1025 I think looks so sharp, but a good looking repair hungry tractor is not what I’m looking for.

it does sound like for a few more bucks the 2601 is a lot more tractor than the bx… but any input on how much less maneuverable they are as a mower than a bx?

You may be right on no mid PTO on an L. Been a while since I researched the L's. Bought my L4400 15 years ago. I have had a couple BX's and replaced my last one with a B2401. Same as a B2301 or B2601, expect the B2401 is a gear driven not Hydrostatic. Based on your pics, I feel a B series would be just fine with maneuverability around your place. Stepping up to a B will get you a stronger tractor, stronger lift capacity at the loader and PTO and more ground clearance. Everyone always wishes they got a bigger tractor..... with a BX I definitely think you'd wish you got a B.

I will say I love my B2401. Great little tractor. Strong enough for most stuff I do now and reserve my L for heavy duty stuff.

 

[Trailrated]

 

[Donystoy]

I had a b7200hst that I used for loader and bh work as well as cutting 3-5 acres. Taking the mower off and on was a pita. Best thing I did was get a zero turn for cutting grass. Bought my lx2610 without a mmm. I would certainly recommend a B series for your application. I bought the lx for the cab for blowing snow as my driveway is 4000 feet long.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day. That place looks like a park! Congratulations.

As far as a machine I think all the above would work fine. Having my had a BX and not a B, if it were me based on the pic, the first question I would ask is what planning to do with the wooded area? (It looks like it is 1/2 to 2/3 of the property). Does it need cleaned up or do you plan to heat house or building with firewood? If you plan to have a grapple or lift heavy stuff with forks, then I’d trend to the B/LX to if wanting a Mid PTO (otherwise small L is the best value for dollar and a 3pt mower much easier to take on/off and maintain IMO.). Looking about pics I don’t see any tbh ing that suggests must have a mmm.

if not need so much loader lift then I think the BX or B/LX would be fine.

honestly I do think they is a bad choice in the lot. My experience says that a BX and B run out of traction pretty quick, so far f it were me I would trend towards whichever is heaviest.

If getting a mid pto, why not a front blower? I’d think that would be much more comfortable than a 3pt. Also I am not familiar with your snow situation/location, but now is the time to decide can or open station.

my assumption is you will need to maintain that drive(or not ) so maybe need a blade or a box or a plane…for that I would be trending toward the B/LX or Small L as I think they are heavier.

Guess to me it sort of depends on your uses and how much machine you want…id suggest get a size bigger than what you think you need as I believe you will find other uses for once you have it. I d probably prefer a mid pto for the blower but I’d have to be crazy to do a mid mount mower again. (At least go to dealer and ask to take one on/off and then try a 3 pt type….i mean pull out from under and then slide back under and hook up…the technique might get easier at the u joint and shaft, but as you age flopping like a fish doesn’t get easier IMO)

maybe consider you want some forks or not…they are pretty handy.

Happy shopping.

 

[jimh406]

I think a B2601 would be the right size. It's a bit more powerful for lifting than the BX. That would be useful for pallet forks. The B provides a mid-PTO in case you decide to put a front mount snow blower on in the future. I'd probably use a finish mower, but you can also get a midmountmower.

You look through and watch https://www.youtube.com/@MyClutteredGarage to see all that is possible with a B2601. Note: he did mess up his loader once, but I think that was trying to lift in an uneven manner.

Otherwise, maybe a LX if you think you need a bit more power. Gordon Potter has quite a few videos with his cab model LX. https://www.youtube.com/@GPOutdoors. He does take his in the woods.

Do get the 20 series instead of the 10 series. They've made a few improvements to make them quieter, etc.

I have an L2501HST. It's fairly heavy, and your yard looks nice. It would probably sink quite a bit and do yard damage.