I'm not sure where to put this question, so I'm trying this forum. There is a vast array of knowledge on the rv.net forums.It's not really RV related, but It might be if I use the tractor to move the TT in my yard.I moved to a rural house with 13 acres. The house came with an early 70's David Brown tractor (built in England). I didn't know much about tractors but I have rebuilt car engines so I know how to work on motor vehicles. The tractor is hard to repair as parts are nearly impossible to get, the bucket loader appears to be a one-off custom design, etc.I am looking to buy a small-to-medium tractor (30-50hp) with a bucket loader. This wouldn't be used for crops, just for landscaping and general purpose use around the house, including moving the travel trailer as needed.If I were to buy new, what is a good brand (reasonable price and quality)? Most people around here seem to buy Kubota. Another dealer is selling the Mahindra brand (from India?) as a better value. Also diesel or gasoline? If I buy used (more likely), what is a good brand to look for for easy-to-find parts and reasonably good quality? There are some pretty old units on CL here, is it ok to buy old as long as it's a brand name?Thanks for the helpSteve

When we were looking for small tractors, I was really impressed by the (new) Cub Cadet Estate tractors with the drive-on, drive-off front bucket attachment?? Ended up with a used Kubota, however...We had a trailer ball welded onto the front part of the frame, for moving trailers around with.

Try your friendly Case/New Holland tractor dealer for David Brown parts. Case purchased David Brown.

I bought a Kubota for our 3 acre ranch...It's only 18hp, but it is more than sufficient for us.I built a square receiver for the 3 point, but can't seem to locate the images.

dshetron wrote:Try your friendly Case/New Holland tractor dealer for David Brown parts. Case purchased David Brown.Case I/H

A TT can be a 14 footer or a 40 footer which dictates the size of the tractor.Are you planning on using the bucket or the 3 point to move the tractor ??look at the later model tractors with the flat deck work station with the 3 point stick and the FEL stick next to your elbow. They also have a hood that opens up the entire front of the tractor for easy access. Older tractors the operator has to sit straddle of the tranny and 3 point stick is down by the feet. The newer tractors also have the FEL attach points on the rear and middle of the tractor vs front and mid tractor points on older models which puts more weight on the smaller front axle/steering.IMO take your pick of a orange/red or the green one. Right now they have some very low interest rates and good deals on new models.

Tractor | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

Biker1mike
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
I'd go smaller. Tire style is an issue with weight. I have agriculture tires on my 14 horse Kubota and the tires dig a trench long before the engine starts to blow black smoke. I've pulled some big trees on the PTO with that little machine.
1000 hours on a 30 year old B6200 and never had the case apart or any motor work.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2013
You really don't need 30-50 hp- that's a big tractor. I also use an 18hp John Deere which does great- the only reason for more power would be for a backhoe. Look in the 25 hp range. Do go for diesel.

I am a big fan of John Deere- mine is near 20 years old, close to 400 hours, one breakdown in the belly finish mower gear box, other than that, dead reliable.
homedad
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
I have a Kubota L3130 with a loader. I use it for woodlot management. I would stick with Kubota or John Deere based on years and years of experience. Lots of dealers, lots of parts availability and very reliable AND durable. Go to tractorbynet.com for more information than you want. The few minutes of free time you have after this site will be spent there.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2013
A TT can be a 14 footer or a 40 footer which dictates the size of the tractor.

Are you planning on using the bucket or the 3 point to move the tractor ??

look at the later model tractors with the flat deck work station with the 3 point stick and the FEL stick next to your elbow. They also have a hood that opens up the entire front of the tractor for easy access. Older tractors the operator has to sit straddle of the tranny and 3 point stick is down by the feet.

The newer tractors also have the FEL attach points on the rear and middle of the tractor vs front and mid tractor points on older models which puts more weight on the smaller front axle/steering.

IMO take your pick of a orange/red or the green one. Right now they have some very low interest rates and good deals on new models.
LostinAZ
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
dshetron wrote:
Try your friendly Case/New Holland tractor dealer for David Brown parts. Case purchased David Brown.

Case I/H
BruceMc
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2013
I bought a Kubota for our 3 acre ranch...

It's only 18hp, but it is more than sufficient for us.

I built a square receiver for the 3 point, but can't seem to locate the images.
dshetron
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
Try your friendly Case/New Holland tractor dealer for David Brown parts. Case purchased David Brown.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2013
When we were looking for small tractors, I was really impressed by the (new) Cub Cadet Estate tractors with the drive-on, drive-off front bucket attachment?? Ended up with a used Kubota, however...

We had a trailer ball welded onto the front part of the frame, for moving trailers around with.

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Tractor

38 Replies

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