Really really really want a tractor
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I bought my New Holland mainly for cleaning out the barn. Straight in,back out. The hydro was a knee/leg saver vs having gears and a clutch. I almost hate using my old IH with gears and all I use that for is planting corn and spraying. Really sucks when you get to the end of the field and reach for the hydro lever and it ain't there.
FWIW, current John Deere compact tractors are designed and assembled in Augusta, Georgia. And they have been for years, except some models were designed by Deere and made by Yanmar in Japan. I don't think any Yanmar tractors are currently offered. Parts are sourced internationally. Some models have Deere engines and some Yanmar. The last two Yamar models (3005 & 4105) are basic and don't have the hydraulic flow or lift capacity of their USA assembled counterparts. Initially there were other Yanmar Deere models: 850 through 1350 IIRC. The three compact Deeres that I have owned had Yanmar engines (bulletproof) and one tractor was Yanmar built.
Ron
Ron
I have a 1025r and love it. Only other brand I shopped was kubota as that was the only other one somewhat close by. The Deere was more expensive but I like it a whole lot more than the bx. Absolutely get the hydro! If you have good dealer support for whatever brand, go for it.
My uncle just bought a new 1025R yesterday from the same dealer I use. They’ve gone up several thousands of dollars in the 3 years since I bought mine.
My uncle just bought a new 1025R yesterday from the same dealer I use. They’ve gone up several thousands of dollars in the 3 years since I bought mine.
CatMan Fetters
ArboristSite Operative
Yanmar hydro, 24hp, just Diesel Fuel, Does everything I need it to do!
If I was going to be plowing or mowing flat open ground I'd consider geared. My land is steep and mostly wooded. Manuverability is important and the HST shines there. I'm on my second HST tractor and would not consider geared for my land and uses.
Except for a few models DPFs are pretty reliable. You have to work the machine and not let it idle for long periods. My current machine has a DPF. The last one didn't and boy is there a big difference in the air around it. I hate diesel exhaust and the old machine would have me gagging. The new one with DPF is hardly objectionable at all.
You may end up doing more with it than you planned. When I bought the current Brandon 3725 I didn't have plans to get the grapple and forestry winch. Both are super useful for moving brush and trees.
Except for a few models DPFs are pretty reliable. You have to work the machine and not let it idle for long periods. My current machine has a DPF. The last one didn't and boy is there a big difference in the air around it. I hate diesel exhaust and the old machine would have me gagging. The new one with DPF is hardly objectionable at all.
You may end up doing more with it than you planned. When I bought the current Brandon 3725 I didn't have plans to get the grapple and forestry winch. Both are super useful for moving brush and trees.
You guys have convinced me on the hydro. Now I gotta decide on the motor if I decide to go with one of those kiotis.
Wills
ArboristSite Lurker
Mahindra probably gives you more for you money than even Kioti, but when you need parts, particularly major parts that fail in-warranty, you many be looking at many months for your dealer to get them. I know at least 2 people that this has happened to, and one of them depended on his Kioti every day, in his business. He absolutely needs the tractor, and they did nothing but say the parts were on order. The thrill of the low price soon wears off when the tractor is waiting on parts.
He went down the highway to the Kubota dealer, and bought one. When the Kioti was eventually repaired, he gave it to his grandson to play around with on his farm.
I've had 2 JD tractors that have done a ton of work for me, and I can't complain. My present one is a 32 hp hydrostatic. Also just diesel fuel; no DFT. If I were to change anything, I'd go next size up, as I can only lift 1420 lb with my forks. Occasionally it would be nice to pick up more.
Sportfury70
ArboristSite Operative
I have a bobcat ct1021, it’s made by kioti. Kioti is a fantastic tractor, you won’t go wrong with it. Bobcat always has a dealer nearby, and the price was right (loader was free with financing). Mine skids big logs no problem. Tires are filled.
yes the hydro is noisy, but jeez it’s a tractor. It’s also really easy to drive. Not knocking gears or anything, worked a big new Holland pulling stumps just fine. But for tooling around trees you’ll have an easier time maneuvering with the hydro.
Sounds to me like a CT2025 or CX2510 (same tractor, one is white the other red) would work for you just fine, and probably cheaper than the next size down orange blue or green tractor.
yes the hydro is noisy, but jeez it’s a tractor. It’s also really easy to drive. Not knocking gears or anything, worked a big new Holland pulling stumps just fine. But for tooling around trees you’ll have an easier time maneuvering with the hydro.
Sounds to me like a CT2025 or CX2510 (same tractor, one is white the other red) would work for you just fine, and probably cheaper than the next size down orange blue or green tractor.
We really like our Kubota L2501 hydro, with the grapple it's the slickest thing for moving logs around.
On Monday I moved a fresh cut pine log 20 inches in diameter x 20 foot long, couldn't lift the whole thing off the ground but just grabbed it in the middle and lifted/pushed it 300 yards up to the road, then picked up one end and backed the trailer under and slid it right up.
On Monday I moved a fresh cut pine log 20 inches in diameter x 20 foot long, couldn't lift the whole thing off the ground but just grabbed it in the middle and lifted/pushed it 300 yards up to the road, then picked up one end and backed the trailer under and slid it right up.
benz66
Used to sell firewood for $5 a face cord, deliverd
As was stated before, any "brand" you see in the US is probably made by someone else. JD is a yanmar. That said, I had a yanmar JD 5500N. (75HP) It pulled a sprayer that took ~45 HP for the fan and another 5-10 HP for the 30 GPM pump. It took half as much fuel as the MF 275 or the JD 2020 gas or the JD 1530. The 1530 was about 40 hp and didn't really have enough guts to pull the sprayer. My dad bout it new in 1974 to replace the 25hp ford 8N. It was way more tractor than the ford ever wanted to be. The 5500 was like a dream. It way outpulled the MF 275 with roughly equal HP.
IMHO, buying a new tractor, unless it is working hard every day, like in a feedlot, is a waste of money. You can buy a nice IH H that is 75 years old, for around $1000 or 1500 and it will pull trailer loads of wood anywhere. If you want a loader, then yes, a newer tractor with live hydraulics is what you want. A IH super H or 300 or 350 qualifies. With a tricycle tractor you have to be careful on hillsides. Best to go straight up or down with any tractor. You can buy a lot of tractor with loader for under $5000. And if you need shiny new paint, repaint it. Most dealers will repaint in the winter for a reasonable price.
My other point is that even a ford 8N or better yet Jubilee (NAA) for 25-35 hp is built for tractor work. Buy a real tractor used, for logging and timber work. I ran over some brush with the JD5500 that I thought nothing of. The brush bent up the hydraulic filter that hangs down on the side and put me out of business for a few days until I got a new filter and fluid.
I used the 1530 with a posthole digger on the 3 point to skid logs. It pulled 20' long 36" red oak up and over the frozen ground. It also pulled a 55' long 18" white oak that was straight as an arrow up a steep hill and out, but it was touch and go. By tying the chain to the top of the posthole digger, and running the 3 point up or down I could vary the weight on the rear axle and pull way more than hooking to the drawbar. The posthole digger frame also acts as wheelie bars so the tractor can't flip over backwards. Another good pulling tractor is a case 310, because it can't climb the ring gear. It squats and pulls. They are hard to find.
a 25 HP asian tractor is good for gardening or mowing your estate. they won't handle the timber brush well. If you are clearing fencerows for firewood, then the little asian tractor would be ok running over tilled or mowed land. Depends on what you needs are.
As for me, I hauled almost all my firewood behind and IH H on a trailer. Never any problem. Parts are readily available, if you need them. Newish 23º lug tires will make a world of difference in what you can pull and what you can go through.
As alway, just my opinion, FWIW, and YMMV
IMHO, buying a new tractor, unless it is working hard every day, like in a feedlot, is a waste of money. You can buy a nice IH H that is 75 years old, for around $1000 or 1500 and it will pull trailer loads of wood anywhere. If you want a loader, then yes, a newer tractor with live hydraulics is what you want. A IH super H or 300 or 350 qualifies. With a tricycle tractor you have to be careful on hillsides. Best to go straight up or down with any tractor. You can buy a lot of tractor with loader for under $5000. And if you need shiny new paint, repaint it. Most dealers will repaint in the winter for a reasonable price.
My other point is that even a ford 8N or better yet Jubilee (NAA) for 25-35 hp is built for tractor work. Buy a real tractor used, for logging and timber work. I ran over some brush with the JD5500 that I thought nothing of. The brush bent up the hydraulic filter that hangs down on the side and put me out of business for a few days until I got a new filter and fluid.
I used the 1530 with a posthole digger on the 3 point to skid logs. It pulled 20' long 36" red oak up and over the frozen ground. It also pulled a 55' long 18" white oak that was straight as an arrow up a steep hill and out, but it was touch and go. By tying the chain to the top of the posthole digger, and running the 3 point up or down I could vary the weight on the rear axle and pull way more than hooking to the drawbar. The posthole digger frame also acts as wheelie bars so the tractor can't flip over backwards. Another good pulling tractor is a case 310, because it can't climb the ring gear. It squats and pulls. They are hard to find.
a 25 HP asian tractor is good for gardening or mowing your estate. they won't handle the timber brush well. If you are clearing fencerows for firewood, then the little asian tractor would be ok running over tilled or mowed land. Depends on what you needs are.
As for me, I hauled almost all my firewood behind and IH H on a trailer. Never any problem. Parts are readily available, if you need them. Newish 23º lug tires will make a world of difference in what you can pull and what you can go through.
As alway, just my opinion, FWIW, and YMMV
benz66
Used to sell firewood for $5 a face cord, deliverd
One other thought, if you want to skid logs with a tractor make sure the diff lock is easy to engage. One good thing about the Dubuque (2020) and Mannheim (1530) JD tractors is the diff lock is easy to use. Just kick it with your right heel. A necessity for pulling big logs. 2440, 2640, 2030, etc all have the same diff lock system. The diff lock is better then trying to control wheel spin by using the right brake.
Look for retirement/estate sales for good tractors. We got a nice IH 1086 at a retirement sale.
Look for retirement/estate sales for good tractors. We got a nice IH 1086 at a retirement sale.
I've put 1900 hours on a JD 4720 tractor in the past few years, just brush hogging, moving brush, logs and tops of trees. Since you've already decided on a hydro unit, I won't say anything other than agree with you. Some things that are essential are 4wd or front assist (when you have the heavy weight up front you HAVE TO have the 4wd engaged to steer or move - it takes a huge weight off of the rear tires) and get the hydraulics for the FEL so you can get a grapple bucket. Once you've used one you won't hardly ever take it off. An enclosed cab is mandatory for me, after seeing how dusty the tractor gets brush hogging, it's mandatory. That means A/C. With a cab it also doesn't matter if it's snowing, raining or the mosquitoes are thick enough to pick you up out of the tractor seat.
Even with the filled tires, think of getting a counterweight for the 3-point. Also, having a quick attach system for the 3-point and for the FEL sure makes life easier.
Even with the filled tires, think of getting a counterweight for the 3-point. Also, having a quick attach system for the 3-point and for the FEL sure makes life easier.
Smitty Smithsonite
ArboristSite Operative
Tractors are stupid expensive these days, even worn-out, decades-old yellow ones. Although I could've used a PTO, I needed a backhoe more than the PTO, so I snagged a '67 I/H 3414 diesel a couple years back. When I asked how many hours she had, the owner laughed! Now I see why, lol. She's got no brakes, and will scare the crap out of you as it did me the very first day on it, as I almost sent it 40' straight down to my death! Thankfully my cat-like reflexes dropped the bucket and saved my ass, lol. I've got to get on those brakes one of these days. Now I stay the hell away from ANY hills.
The more pressing issue was the GALLONS of fluid I was leaving in trails all over the lawn and my street. Managed to fix those one by one. Got a new oil pan on, and replaced 4 hydraulic hoses that blew so far, and found 3 fittings that weren't tight enough. Boy does that stuff SPRAY when you've got a 3k lb. backhoe in the air!
Frightening drive home with a 1/2 ton pickup and this ridiculously tail-heavy load! Should've loaded it backwards ... and bought a Cummins back in '07 instead of this little GM product that can't stop breaking. Thankfully I didn't have to go very far.
The more pressing issue was the GALLONS of fluid I was leaving in trails all over the lawn and my street. Managed to fix those one by one. Got a new oil pan on, and replaced 4 hydraulic hoses that blew so far, and found 3 fittings that weren't tight enough. Boy does that stuff SPRAY when you've got a 3k lb. backhoe in the air!
Frightening drive home with a 1/2 ton pickup and this ridiculously tail-heavy load! Should've loaded it backwards ... and bought a Cummins back in '07 instead of this little GM product that can't stop breaking. Thankfully I didn't have to go very far.
Regarding the comments that Kubota and JD are proud of their tractors, a quick look around you can easily find a decades old rig with either's badge on the hood quietly doing work. They have both been around a long time, have extensive dealer support throughout the country, and parts for a tractor bought 50 years ago are still easily sourced. Both brands have been around for over 125 years, its probably safe to say a tractor bought today will have parts available in another 50 years.
I'm not knocking the other brands but alot of them have come and gone over the years making any kind of dealer support or future parts acquisitions uncertain.
Have you considered buying used? New paint costs, regardless of brand. Tractors are generally boat anchor reliable so long as you buy one thats not been run into the ground. Just a thought.
I'm not knocking the other brands but alot of them have come and gone over the years making any kind of dealer support or future parts acquisitions uncertain.
Have you considered buying used? New paint costs, regardless of brand. Tractors are generally boat anchor reliable so long as you buy one thats not been run into the ground. Just a thought.
NSMaple1
Addicted to ArboristSite
What dealers do you have close by? Good ones? Dealer support is a big one. We've got Kubotas here. No issues. Just one bad sensor episode on our M6, they came and got it and brought a loaner for us to use the 3 days it was gone. I don't think they're any dearer than others brands. Especially JD. Factor in resale also, although that's a guessing game.
Sc0
ArboristSite Member
Not sure who actually makes it but Bobcat has tractors now, no DEF fluid required on some the few models that I was looking at.
I wouldn’t buy a used one now unless it was older and much cheaper. I could sell mine right now for more than what I paid for it 3 years and 207 hours ago. Used isn’t attractive when new doesn’t cost much more and in jd’s case anyway zero percent financing.
Hermio
Addicted to ArboristSite
Indeed. Hydros are safer to use in the woods also. They will come to a stop just by letting up on them. If you need to find a clutch in a hurry, you may have a rollover or be impaled by a branch.
