Suggestions on multi-use compact tractor 4 acres

18 years ago

I am looking at getting 3-4 of acres of land.

I will need to mow the grass.

But I will also have other things I want to do.

I will need to do fence poles and plant trees and stuff.

I have used a Ford 8N before, but I think this is a bit overkill. And I think those tires will tear the lawn up.

Any suggestions on what brand/model I should be looking for in a used tractor? I need a starting point on suggestions.

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Comments (8)

tom_nwnj
18 years ago
Loads of threads here about old tractors. Seems the big slam on the old Fords is the "overrunning clutch" - if you have something heavy running on the PTO, and you try to stop fast, you can't.

The other thing is the 6 volt electric- sometimes a little tough to start in the winter.

The upside to the "old iron" is that if you want to put it in your will for your grandkids, it will probably be running the same then as it is now.

I think the Kubota compacts are popular, and so are the JDs, but more money.
larso1
18 years ago
Of course, if you do have an over-running clutch on that Ford 8N (which does not have a live PTO) you can stop it normally since the mower blade is no longer pusing you forward. You can also put turf tires on that Ford. Or, you can get a slightly newer model 660- and 860-series Ford that looks like the old 8N but with options like LPTO. But, it is heavy and as Tom mentioned newer compact utility tractors like those from Kubota, John Deere, Ford, Massey, etc. would probably be a better choice if you have the $.
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wally2q
18 years ago
JD 2210 / 2305

Just bought one last week. Love it. You should get one too.
cherokee_140
18 years ago
Also look at an JD650, very nic little tractor, smaller then JD current offerings. My tractor came with a belly mower,4wd all for less then $5k
twosevenright
18 years ago
I have a Kubota BX-24. Comes with a hoe, and loader. I've added a mowing deck, "active" bagger, and snow plow. Love it!
butchs_hobby
18 years ago
The 2300/2310 MF or 2210/2310 JD, either would do all you'll need and probably more. Lot of good used units for sale on tractorhouse.com. Another thing to think about, is there a dealer near you? I'd favor a brand that had a dealer near me. Kubota makes some good little tractors too, I'm just not familar enough with them to know which one. For four acres those tractors are maybe a little over kill but darn they should last forever. And a post hole diggers hooks right up, just don't do like my neighbor did trying out his new 2520JD, he caught the chain link fence in the auger---took out about thirty feet before he got her stopped!
jdfanatic
18 years ago
A sub-CUT sounds like the perfect choice for you. Kubota, Deere, Cub (Yanmar), Simplicity and MF all make great machines of this category. I suggest this because mowing will be one of the primary uses for you. The sub-CUTs do a great job, but have minimal impact on your yard. There is nothing sub about their performance in other areas though.

I would be looking at the different machines out there, paying close attention to ergonomics and strength of dealership.

Cheers

JDFANATIC
peterc38
18 years ago
I'd recommend a Kubota "B" series.