SubCompact tractors

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Looking at getting a small tractor for what little farm I have. You guys have any tips/advice on what's good or bad? Have been looking at the Kubota BX2230 and John Deer 2305, but would be open to other ideas.

Most uses:
5 acres; half grass, half rubish that needs to be cleared
occasional stump/rubish pulling
occasional loader work

nkh

[Ron Babos]

I'd be looking for a small 3 cyl Massey diesel. Probably cheaper to buy, lots of parts around and accessories to bolt on to it. Good all around work horse. Kubota , nice but pricey? But then again I'm a welder, not a farmer.
Ron

[Jody Wittmeyer]

The Kubota and J/D are both good tractors. I think green holds it's resale value longer. If you could find an old case WC or WD with the woods belly mower, it actually does a better job of cutting. We like old things anyway. Like our old planes, very easy to maintain. Heck, most of the parts are probably interchangable <G>

[jc pacquin]

I used a Kabota some years back. It was a small one (compared to a full tractor type.) It was a deisel and it was a mowing fool. It mowed alot of grass at the airport and is still going! A buddy has a dixie chopper, expensive....but also very good mower. He uses it commercially. I have a craftsman and you need a mechanic to ride with you (like an old race car.) Bought it used so you get what you pay for.

[MikeB]

I like the little Ford Dextra (3 cylinder diesel). A little bigger than the old 8N, 9N. Kind of hard to find, but one of my friends has one I've been keeping my eye on. As a old diesel mechanic, I need smoke and noise to survive. Back in the 1970's (when I was young and ambitious) I put a three cylinder, two cycle Detroit Diesel in an International pickup, went from 11 to 22 miles per gallon with power to spare........ah, yes...smoke and noise . Right now, though, I have an International "H" that my father in law 'willed' to me.......we're the same age.....1939 models.
It's a good, cheap, all around tractor.

[jc pacquin]

years ago I bought a ford tractor, low profile, 4 banger gas and it had a woods rotary behind it. Wish I had it back. Easy to service, safe, and mowed WELL. The whole rig was 800.00 and that was because it was in very good shape with the ford just having been painted!!!! Of course I also had a1970! GTO convertible,new, 400 cu in WITH AIR and automatic. 6500.00 on the road . Saw one on barrett jackson recently for 55,000.00!Mine shifted the last time at about 90 mph and squeeked the tires!