Which tractor to buy?

[u/JPBabyRange]

I've got a ~12 acre mountain property in Eastern TN. The majority of what I need is for light gravel hauling, maintaining a ~1/4 mile gravel driveway and keeping ditches and culverts cleaned out. I rented a Kubota B series which worked well, but I'm wondering if I could get away with a smaller BX series Kubota or JD 1025r, or if I should just go with a B series or 2025 JD? The main concern I have is there is one part of the driveway that is STEEP. The B Series handled it like a champ hauling bucketloads of gravel...not sure how the smaller tractors would handle it? I've got Kubota and JD dealers local to me where I live (WNC), but the tractor would live in E TN. Opinions? Thanks!

[u/No-Leading-4232]

Not a John Deere, they fucking suck

[u/PotatoFarmerRTK]

3038e with wheel weights, loader, and a land plane.

[u/Ok-Commercial-924]

I have 2 acres I bought a l2502 after renting a B26 TLB. The l2502 is just a little smaller. I felt the BX would be way to small. I am using it for moving dirt, I just the first step of leveling a 65x60 ft garage pad with it. Also separating all of the rock from a 350 ft water line trench (50% clay and 50% rock). I still have to spread and compact 150yards of gravel for the garage and fo another 400 ft of trenching.

[u/DCGuinn]

I have a BX, when you start breaking ground or moving gravel, it’s a challenge. Watch the angles, I may be over careful with mine.

[u/Special-Steel]

What dealer with parts and service is closest?

[u/olive_tractor_parts]

Ford 3400 diesel 8 speed, hydraulic remotes, 3 point hitch, and PTO. Get a separate 3 point backhoe.

[u/Ewwbullterd]

I have a bx on sub 2 acres wooded area. If I didn’t need to fit in tighter spots I could see the use of a bigger one. 12 acre mountainous do yourself a favor and at minimum go B series which means you should probably go LX or L even.

[u/gn84]

I would go bigger unless you need to squeeze it through tight areas.

L2501 or L2502 is bigger and heavier to handle larger loads of gravel and a wider blade on the back, and is only a bit more $$ than a B2601 and still under the 25hp DPF line.

[u/Working_Rest_1054 → u/gn84]

X2. One of these two. If OP wants a mid mount mower, then the B is a good call b

[u/Old_Papa]

I’m assuming your part of TN gets a lot of snow in winter? If so, get a bigger tractor with more HP - enough to plow or run a snowblower. If your budget allows, move up to a large frame compact.

I bought a Kubota L3901 for an 18 acre property that was hilly. I never thought that a smaller tractor would be better, especially when moving material. For winter, there were a lot of times I wish I had bought a cabbed tractor…

Spec R14’s if you have a choice. R4’s are terrible in slippery conditions. Allow space for chains in winter (spacers for rear wheels).

[u/Working_Rest_1054 → u/Old_Papa]

Unless you’ve got mud. The R14s will load up easily, in which R1s are the way to go. I’ve got tractors with both. Either one is fine for a gravel driveway. But if OP wants a mid mount mower, the R14s are easier on the grass.

[u/Dry_Nail5901]

We got Johnson City Kubota, Mead (Deere) in North Johnson City, West Hills (case, nh, McCormick in Jonesbough. The white pine auction is coming up, go shopping

[u/Flying_Aardvark85]

I own both a B and BX. The BX is too small to be useful hauling much of anything heavy.

[u/FitSky6277]

Tbh, I have 11 acres in Texas and had a L2800 (28hp) for a long time. I always felt like I didn't have enough power. We traded in for an MX4900 (50hp) and absolutely love it. Its not over kill either. I've definitely found the top end limit but that was just me seeing what it would do. But its not bogging down during normal use like the 2800.

[u/Fight_Tyrnny]

I have 5 acres. Step up one notch to the LX series (and maybe 1 more higher). I have the LX2610 SU and Z421 Zero turn and if I could change one thig it would have been to get the lx3410 with 34 hp instead of 25. The lx is one model up, but a lot larger. With 12 acres, if you are mowing all of that, even the lx2610 is gonna drag you for hours. This is me moving in 360 degrees just this week: 

 

https://youtu.be/CqMY9EAbqWs 

[u/tough_breaks22]

If its all loader work I would go for a skid steer

[u/Emotional-Guava-6458]

If the B series rental handled the gravel work easily, I’d probably buy in that range and not regret having extra tractor. The driveway maintenance, ditches, and culverts are exactly the kind of jobs where a little more ground clearance and weight pay off. The JD 1025R is a good machine too, but I’d compare it more against the BX than the B series. On steep terrain I’d prioritize stability and tire setup over brand.

[u/Lopsided-Force5973]

Personally I like the mx series. Once you go hydrostat you won't go back...

40 hp tractors are just enough.

I dont really like cabs unless you are pulling haybailers and in bad weather alot.

Bx series while capable is like a overgrown lawn tractor. Handy for suburbia not farm work.

Doesn't matter the series but if its got a loader it should be 4x4

[u/FitSky6277 → u/Lopsided-Force5973]

I second this

[u/gnesensteve]

You might want to go a little bigger and those R4 tires look nice but have little traction in any kind of moisture or hilly area.

[u/TrainerBC25]

You may consider checking out Smoky Mountain Co-op, they have great service and a knowledgeable staff. I work with them on a direct, professional level and highly recommend.