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Mike, another thing to consider if you are buying an older tractor: make sure it has power steering. I have a 1963 Massey Ferguson and it steers well until I hook up the 6 foot finish mower - then I really have to fight the steering. Many times I have wished I had power steering. Also, power steering is a must if you have a front end loader.
One other thing I would say is there is only 99% chance the there is the perfect tractor for all your needs. I would say even you would have to admit, you would have a tough time with only 1 tractor, not saying you couldn't do it. If someone told me they had the perfect tractor I would turn and walk away. This was a very good video for someone starting out. 2 thumbs up.
The hand rubbing is part of your brand. Don't let other's change the character traits that make you unique. Keep trusting your instincts Mike.Great video.
Just an FYI for anyone interested in seeing all those other tractors, like I did :). when you get to those pics, pause the vid, bottom right corner click the gear, click playback speed, click 0.25. then play and it will slow em down so you can check em in more detail. If you want :)
Buy one level up from what you think you need and you will never be sorry. Instead of a garden tractor for my yard work I purchased a Kubota BX2200 and I am glad I did. It has saved me a ton of money over the last 18 Years. I was able to do more work in less time and without hiring help. From lawn cutting to leaf pickup, from snow removal to using a pallet fork on the 3 point hitch to move a 20kw generator to digging out rocks with a Johnny Bucket up front. It has more than paid for itself.
When We got our 3901 we got the options we wanted with it. Caution, we got third function on the rear for a down pressure auger. A must have in our rocky terrain. No problems there. Also got a third function hydro line for the front to accommodate a 4 in 1 bucket. Problem. The bucket had to be ordered and the hook up lines were a different size. After some heated discussion with the dealership, I took the tractor with bucket attached to them and they switched out the lines without any problems. The key to getting this done was me taking the tractor to them, otherwise I would still have a bucket Icouldn’t use.
Thanks Mike I was at my local Kubota dealer today and was looking at the l3301 and the l3901 and for 2300 more I can get the l3901 and I'll know I'll have enough tractor for any of my needs. Also a side note my family and I have always been John Deere people but iam choosing a Kubota for one main reason it's built here in America. Being a patriotic and a veteran they have my vote. Where the small John Deere tractor supply are made overseas.
You hit the nail on the head. L3400 did everything we needed. We moved onto 40 acres with nothing and a 1/4 mile drivway and lots of trees. Needed a industrial type backhoe.
I agree with JPHickory. I considered the hand rubbing a part of your brand too. I thought it just meant being excited to get down to the business of what the video is about. Enjoyed the video
I watched your videos and many others before I bought my first tractor. I ended up buying the cheapest one out there, a Kubota BX1880. I have a 20 acre rural property in southern CA that has lots of hills. I chose the BX over a larger tractor due to its maneuverability. Your #53 video on the right tool for the job is absolutely right. I paid 13,000 for my little Kubota. I can rent the specialized tool for a few hundred dollars to get what I need done or straightened out to where I can maintain my property effortlessly with my little tractor. I started off with a weed wacker, to a walk behind trimmer, to a riding mower, and now a tractor. My little BX has moved over 50,000 pounds of stone, mowed my property , scraped my fire line and straightened out all my ruts in only 40 hours. Also included in that time is maintaining my neighbors 20 acre property similarly and 2 miles of brush hogging along a road! If you're willing to rent the tool, you can do more with less as long as you're willing to maintain it. My kubota gets used nearly every day.
Something I learned sort of the "hard" way, was the cab option. I was trying to be as economical and cost effective as I could thinking I could tough it out blowing and pushing snow throughout the winter. (Main purpose of buying the tractor, I do snow removal in Western MA) Boy, was did I learn! Two winters later (this past winter) I bit the bullet and traded in my not even two year old Kubota L3301 for an L3560 Cab model with the bells and whistles. Lost most of my equity I had put into the first one, but it is so worth it to just bite the bullet initially and get what you really need from the get-go. Thanks Mike, for all of these videos. I enjoy them in my free time!
Thank you! Just starting to realize my dream of a hobby farm. Been dreaming of this since I was 5 or 6. I'm 46 now... I have been struggling with a tractor purchase (keep in mind, I haven't closed on the property yet...). Great video!!!
I absolutely love your videos. I found your channel while researching Kubota tractors about a week ago. I have been binge watching them since! Your presentation of the information is simple and straightforward. I do not currently own land, but hope to in the future. Your videos are helping me understand all the work involved, plus giving me inspiration to move forward. I am a lower limb amputee, and know firsthand the importance of finding and using correct tools to get the job done. This video (along with the others I have watched) has taught me a great deal. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the excellent job! As an aside, tell the “hand rubbing naysayers” to kiss off. It’s who you are, and it makes you look natural! I’m looking forward to watching all your videos.
Mike another great video, thank you. Some great advice in there especially about buying a tractor. My first tractor was a 25 hp tractor that the salesman convinced me was more than enough for my property. I explained what I wanted and what I needed to do and he convinced me to buy a smaller tractor than what I wanted. It was a great little John Deere but it seemed I was running it at its max capacity all the time. I also got it stuck in our mud here several times due to the small wheels. After one year and a lot of frustration I went and bought a 46 hp tractor and sold the little John Deere. I’m all about getting a little more tractor than you think you need because like you said, you will discover many more projects than you think you have now. Keep up the good videos. Thanks again
20 years with a chainsaw speaks for itself, doesn't it? That tells me that you maintain you equipment as well as I try to maintain mine and you do not abuse your equipment. I have owned quit a few chainsaws for 20 years but I no longer have them because I wanted some new toys. I now have 8 Stihl saws and they look as good, today, as the day I got them. My favorite is my ms-241CM.
Everyone has different needs for there property, but definitely 4 wheel drive just in case you need it because of that few times it Is Great To have 4 wheel drive!! 👊
One thing I think you forgot to mention is maneuverability. As men we always think the bigger the tractor the better. My land is about 1/2 wooded and I find it's really nice to have a tractor that can maneuver around the trees to keep it maintained properly. It's a balance between size (hp) and maneuverability.
I just entered the 21st century for tractors. I traded a 1938 Farmall F-12, a 1953 Farmall Super M and a Ford 8N for a 2017 John Deere 3025E with a loader. And I love it.
I agree with everything you said. Mine is 30HP with loader and 4x4. 72 inch finish mower, 72 inch rear blade, 80 inch wide fire wood hauler box. And I bought it used with 210 hrs on it. I paid 10K for it 5 years ago!
Mine is to big and to small about the same amount of the time so I must have gotten the right size. 26hp 4 wheel drive. something else to consider is if you will be using it anywhere that will require getting it their on a trailer and what will fit on the trailer you or a neighbor have. great video.
Good advice. 25 years ago I purchased a b7100hst. The dealer said it was big enough to handle clearing 4 acres. He was correct,do I wish I would have got a bigger one yes. A bigger tractor would have been a pain in tight spaces.
Excellent advice for the small land owner. I have 24 acres, mostly wooded with about 8 to mow, I will be doing EXACTLY what you are doing, Mike, building trails, etc. I really enjoy your channel and the fact that you are a Pennsylvanian, I was born and raised in HBG with family in western part of the state. We are down here in NC and once our dream home is complete (Feb 2018?) I will be livin the life. Until then, keep posting what you are doing so that I can live vicariously through you until our homestead is built... BTW, my brother has a Kubota and I will most likely get a 3301 or 3901, no cab, no backhoe, yes to the loader. Thanks, Mike for posting this. Very helpful.
FYI for any viewers that want a better look at the tractors in the video, you can slow down the video. On the You tube video move your cursor over the video and you will see the tool bar at the bottom. Click on the button that looks like a gear (settings). When it opens click on speed. Now click on 0.25. Enjoy
Concerning choice of tractor tires- I have R4s on my L6060 Kubota. We get a fair amount of snow here. I found the front tires to be rather skaty on compacted snow. I grooved my front tires with my grooving tool using a 3/8 dia. U shaped heating element about 3/8 deep. I cut one groove in the center of each tread down the length of each tread bar minus about an inch on each end. Definitely could feel it hook the front up! So much so that I did nearly the same grooving on the rears. I didn't want to mess with the front to rear traction balance and maybe over stress the front drive.
WOW! What a great video!! Such great points. SUPER JOB! Been back and forth between a MX5800 or M6060, and I think an MX 5800 will be plenty! I'm not getting the FEL now, as I will use this tractor mostly for mowing cleared land and the lack of a FEL will make it more maneuverable in tight spaces (I have a Kubota SVL-95 with several buckets and claw grappler for that).
I’ve watched at least 200+ of your videos and have to tell you I have no problem with the clap and hand rub at the beginning of your videos! To me it says LETS GET TO IT! It’s your trade mark and I appreciate it , because I know what follows will be sage advise, good technique and I will have learned something at the end.
I started with small old tractors and worked my way up until I found the perfect fit. I basically was a horse trader for about 5 years until I was able to dial in my needs/ wants. Thanks for the video Mike! Very well done!
I've been hunting the right tractor for a few years now. In my oversimplified analysis in regards to hp. Hp and time relate to each other. The more hp, the less time it takes. Another thing I learned is there are more subcompacts and large tractors for sale than the sweet spot compacts for my needs. Seems like folks hold on to them forever. Compacts/utilities seem to have hardly any hours and cost a bunch or lots of hours and still cost a bunch. Lol. Thanks for the info
Hey Mike. We had both tractors at our house to test at the same time. 3025e an L2501. For what we needed the 3025e was the winner. Cleaning stalls to dragging out logs. Ours is 4 wheel drive with the ag tires.
Great information......i was getting a BX2680 but I decided to go with the B2650 with a loader...grappler....bush hog...tiller...and land leveler for my gravel road.....
i live in northern maine and had wanted a tractor for a while. last winter i spent over 2 hours just trying to clean the front part of one of my houses drive way,(person living there moved out without any warning and hadnt cleared 3 storms worth of snow) after 2 hours a guy in a little bx came up and in 15 minutes he had it clear between the loader and snowblower. i was sold. spent the spring researching and shopping. went to the kubota dealer and everything he had was well outside my price range except a smaller bx. the deere dealer well unless your a farmer they wont even talk to you kioti was again outside what i wanted to spend. seen a new holland boomer 35 and knew it was the one. it is used being a 2012 and with the 64 inch snow blower my snow clearing time should be way down vs my little 28 inch walk behind that killed my back. not to mention i have transformed my yard and will be doing the same on my other house. i burn wood pellets and one of the tasks of offloading the pellets required 50 round trips. now i offload half onto another pallet and set them both right on my porch, done the quick attach bucket it awesome. have already purchased pallet forks . there is a bot of a learning curve and some things are learned by experience. will admit the first time using the snow blower will be nerve wracking as i have never operated one but ill figure it out :) good info and video
Great video. If I may put my 2. Cents of input. Always goo gear drive with a clutch in the long run its a better tractor hydro transmission are very expensive to repair usually more than the tractor is worth. Clutch bisc isn't that hard to replace .I worked at a JD dealership fort over 22 years and seen many hydro drive tractors junked due to the cost of repairs. GW
This video was incredibly helpful and perfect to describe what we might need on our 7 acres here in Vermont. Thank you so much for breaking it down like this. 💚
Excellent video Mike! The hand issue never bothered me.....My wife knows when I'm watching you-tube now that i'm now watching a (Mike) video...and leave me alone...she loves the look of the firewood and how you are there like you are doing a newscast.....Keep the videos coming my friend!! steve
Great points made. I occasionally have buyers remorse but talk myself down. Had a BX2670 that I traded in for the BX23S (for the backhoe) with a cab. Sometimes i wonder if I should have gone bigger but, for my 3.5 acres, its plenty to do what I need and I'm able to transport it easily! I do wish I would have had the 3rd function added. Also didn't get the SSQA due to it lessening the loaders lift capabilities.
Thanks Mike I just picked up my Kubota l3901 today. I'm very excited, and I've been watching your videos for the last couple months. It really helps to have people like you taking the time to do these videos.
I am almost 50 and have been beating my head against this old JD 4010 and a 9N for years. I work lots of overtime and just want to come home and jump on something and get something done without having to work on the friggin thing for 2 hours to get it running. so due in part to your videos, I bought an RK37HC with grapple and backhoe. I have a blade here that i will modify to fit the quick connect. We havent gotten much snow this year, but we have a long driveway and normally i cant get the other 2 to start in the cold all that well. I am also looking forward to doing firewood this year. Should be a lot easier on my back.
Hi Mike, When I watched this very informative video I thought of a lot of things l learned owning a few tractors over the years ( Ford 1720, New Holland TC40, New Holland TZ 25DA, New Holland 3045, and currently Kubota L47 and John Deere 1025R , the JD is being traded in as soon as my dealer has my new Kubota B2650HSDC assembled) Turf tires are much better in snow. A rear remote can be used as a loader third function if the valve handle is in a suitable location, you can also tee the line at the valve and run it to the front and back of the tractor, using only one or the other at any one time. You are talking about getting a wicked grapple from EA. I have been using a Construction Attachments 72" root grapple for about 5 years now, first on the 3045 and now the L47. While the holes in the EA does save some weight, if you are going to be moving brush, small limbs will get hung up in the holes and be annoying. Small branches are always of concern when using a grapple, they always are aiming at your grill and radiator. I suggest enhancing your grill guard by adding some expanded metal or the like for extra protection. Hope some of this info is helpful. Keep making the great videos.
Great advice. I want to expand on a few things. If you don’t do too much work under low hanging trees and a cab is an option, consider this. Canned tractors usually have air ride seats and in addition to Heat/AC radio and cup holders that keep your mug clean, they offer some safety. Safety from bees and wasp nests, from cancer causing UV rays and much safer if you give kids rides. I know, tractors aren’t toys and they are dangerous. I wouldn’t even consider letting my kids ride in an open cab but an enclosed cab, depending on what I’m doing is safely possible. Lastly, if you plan to do any kind of spraying. Herbicide, pesticide. A cab is a must IMHO. I started with an open cab, upgraded at great loss for my trade in and will never go back. My only regret was not getting it the first time. I can cut all day long in 105 degree heat in a tuxedo, step out and head to a dinner. I don’t feel beat up at the end of a hard day.
Thanks for this video; it was very instructive. I have a friend who has one the size of yours. He bought a used John Deer finish mower to pull behind and WOW does it do a beautiful job of mowing grass.
Just wanted to add some information on tire selection for your tractor. I am biased toward turf tires due to personal experience with bar and turf. My first compact had the bar tires. These narrow rugged tires will make a mess of things if you live in an area that experiences rain and poor soil drainage. They can also be useless in heavy snow especially after the night freeze has set to ice crusted snow. My current compact, also 4wd, was ordered with turf tires. I considered buying a set of the industrial tread tires for working in bad conditions. I never did get that set of tires and instead would buy a set of chains for extreme traction. The turf tire is certainly better on lawns but way better on snow than either of the two other choices. And if things get icy a set of snow chains will maintain more contact with the ground than chains on lug tires. The only reason I might buy the industrial tires is for a stronger sidewall. But where I use my tractor I don't have mud that deep where I need to be concerned with the sidewall getting cut by sharp rocks or masonry debris in the mud.
I agree with you on size Mike., Figure what you need, then buy one or two sizes bigger. Trust me, you will FIND uses you never thought you had. You will thank me for that advice.
I bought a low hour Mahindra 2540 on CL (with 6' bush hog, 6' back blade, 6' front plow) which is WAY overkill for my 2.5 acre estate. Moving my 8500 lb toy hauler travel trailer gets the tractor's attention when it picks up the tongue (1200 lb) but it moves it without an issue. We hope to buy some acreage locally or move to a different home that has at least 20 acres sometime in the future. I had a blast using the bucket and rear blade moving snow on our 3/8 mile paved private road (four other homes use it) this winter. Two neighbors have trucks with plows and it seems one or the other was plowing as soon as two inches accumulated, so I basically do the cleanup in the driveways and near mailboxes.
Mike, I have a kubota 2650 w a loader. I purchased the 3rd function kit from dealer and I installed it in about 2 hours. Very easy but get the kubota kit not an aftermarket one. Kubota kit even comes with a complete new loader lever with control buttons built in. I also have a wicked grapple (company is down the street from me) simple the BEST attachment I have!!!!!!! I really enjoy your videos and if you have any questions about 3rd function kit just ask. Marshall
Good video, thank you for sharing your experience. I was born and raised on the beach, but fell in love and got married up in your neck of the woods. We bought a farm, got some animals, are looking to raise our kids here and now start a business. Your RUclips videos are spot on for me!
think that most people are overthinking the little stuff, dont care if you scratch your ass as long as you keep up the good vids buddy, keep it real, we will keep checking it out here in nova scotia.
You may have mentioned it and I missed it, but if you do buy a loader, I would highly recommend getting the universal Skid Steer Quick Attach system. It makes changing loader attachments SO much easier. Take care,
Great video Mike! After watching your videos and the ones by GP Outdoors and Tractor Time with Tim, I ended up with a Kubota L3901. Mine has the HST transmission, FEL, backhoe with mechanical thumb, cruise control and a canopy. I also got a 5’ brush hog for mowing and the third function valve for a grapple down the road when I can afford it. So far I have used mine for mowing and stump removal and it has worked great! I really enjoy your videos……keep up the great work:)
I remember you from Tractor-by-Net, a good site for all things rural but some of the regulars on there just love to spend other's people money and newbie sometimes end up more confused then before they came in....just like you said. That was a good simple comprehensive video Mike. Greetings from Quebec
I have a Kubota G1900 diesel lawn tractor, and a Bobcat 753 skid steer (tyred) so didn't send any pics. But now I have serious tractor envy after watching this video 😎😎🇦🇺🇺🇸
Great video. One thing I would add is to make sure you get the "quick attach" on the FEL for different attachments. I almost didn't get it on my L3901 and looking back on it I would have been very disappointed.
chuckle. I'm exactly the guy you're targeting ;) Twenty acres of woodlands that we want to develop into a home/farmstead. most of it's marshy. I need to be able to move timber and do some excavation to manage the water issues. When we get animals going, may need it for moving feed/feeders, fencing. . Lots of stuff to consider. Pretty sure I need some serious loader capacity...
Great video, a lot of what you mentioned is what I did when I purchased my second tractor. I had a 18 horse John Deere and went to a 48 horse John Deere. The one oops about it was on the smaller tractor I had a belly mower and loved it, got a belly (6') mower for the new one and it's kinda of a pain because it's in the way for loader work and rear attachments. Taking it off and on takes time that I can usually mow with zero turn faster than putting it on. I mow about 6 acres but only 2 of that I can use the tractor so I tend not to use it very much. So if I would have known that I really wish I would have purchased a finishing mower for the rear. ( like the dealer tried to tell me) so dealers can be of some help because the do sell to a lot of different clientele.
The one thing I would add about a front loader is to get one with the bobcat style quick attach bucket. There are a number of different attachments you can get to go on the front end and that saves an immense amount of time changing from one to the other.
Great Video and great information. This is really helpful and you are right- Plan Ahead is a big one- you don't want to have to transport it back to the dealer to add things later. 3rd function valve is a must - grapple and snowblower need one-and also, for those in the Mid West, NE or in Canada, definitely add a Block Heater.Thanks Mike! Great stuff.
Thank you very much for your informative videos. I am in the process of emigrating to France to a 7 acre plot and although my wife does not think i have the need of a tractor I know i do!!!
Always enjoy the videos! Great ideas and suggestions. Let me add one more, shop the dealer. Ask friends and others about the dealer. Check reviews. Then go to the top three and not so much look at the tractor but how the dealer interacts. How does the dealer handle small things? Those small things indicate a professional or a person who may not have your best interest in mind. Thanks for your videos- and adjusting and learning. Part of life! 👍👍👍
Even though you put this out 2 years ago it is still very informative, we just purchased 26 acres in East TX and very much in the tractor research mode, thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
@@JakeHolder Hey Jake , hadn't purchased anything just yet as it will be a while before we move out there. My neighbor has a new Mahindra and he bush hogs for us once per year.
Thank you so much for this video! It was really instructive. My son bought a skid loader last week for $3,000. It needs a lot of work: drive motor, hydraulic pump. Expensive? Yes! But only if the machine is taken to a CAT dealer and ALL parts are CAT. But my daughter, who is permanently disabled, makes that computer hum! There is a company in TX that only rebuilds drive motors and she found one that specializes in pumps. I figure the total cost for parts will be about $12K. my son in law had a business of fixing these machines and has two or three cabinets of parts and decals. So while we need a tractor, it will not have a bucket. That is the conundrum: one piece of power equipment with a bunch of attachments or specialized equipment that can still take attachments. If you are a true mechanic then buying used and fixing makes sense. Otherwise I would buy a tractor that can take the attachments I need most. Now he has the idea of buying a two or three axle dump truck, trailer and mini-excavator. Being the majority shareholder in the business, I keep him on track! Our trucking business has grown to 8 drivers with their own equipment (subcontractors) that haul ONLY over dimensional/ over weight loads. FOCUS! New or used, the first "attachment" any owner should buy is a journal. Go through the owner's manual and put the maintenance "stuff" in the front of the journal and then log what and when you do maintenance. It will keep you out of a lot of trouble.
Thanks Mike a bunch of good info. Cracked up when you mentioned Buffalo,NY., my home town. Now I live in Florida. So time to time I can be heard making noise about the temps when pushing snow and the windchill, or mowing and the humidity.
Excellent video Mike this a real service you do with this forum! I never really noticed the hands thing, maybe because I watch a lot of professional sports and have become desensitized by all the 'crotch grabbing', nose picking, chew spitting, seat picking, etc. I want to add a few things to the discussion on tractors; when picking the front loader, capacity is one and height/reach is the other, I sized my kubota/loader combination for loading a small dump truck. The need for reach over the side and clearing the dump body side walls was important for my use. Also, I heat with wood pellets (I live in real suburbia, no woodlot and cordwood way overpriced) I can lift a full pallet to move it around the homestead. I bought the full cab because I spend hours at a time using my machine in the winter clearing snow. I purchased the L4760 new and before it left the dealership I had front and rear aux hydraulics/controls installed, this was well worth the added expense. When the tractor is new and not all greasy & muddy, and the bolting isn't all rusted and crapped up, the technicians love to do that work and while they are doing the installation(s) they get a clean and closer look at all areas. The mechanic that worked on mine noticed a few things that he upgraded that wasn't part of the factory delivery prep. Thanks for hearing me out, til the next video....
Woo hoo I made it at 3:44. I agree with the plan ahead but I would call it plan for the unplanned. Such as the third function and at least 2 rear remotes, especially at 50hp or more. Thanks for the video.
lol I rub my hands together as well. I have my entire life. I think its the adrenalin in me. when I was younger people use to say " that guy has got Juice! " I never knew what they meant but I guess it was all the adrenalin and excitement in everything I did back then. great video!
great video keep up the good work!! I meant to send you a pic of mine. I have a Kubota MX 5200 4x4 with loader and I love it. I did my homework for about 2 years before I bought mine and I was gonna go with the L 3901 But I talked to this guy that told me to buy the biggest tractor I could afford so for not a lot more money I got the mx 5200 and I love it!
Yes Mike, keep rubbing your hands, it means you're ready to work. As a beginner I just bought a Kubota MX 5200 with loader and I'm wondering how much weight I should have in the back to be safe with a full load (2300 pounds) in front. Is there a formula or a calculation to do ? Watching yours vids are a great way to learn. Thanks
Great information Mike ! Thank you very much!! I really don't understand while watching your videos for the right reasons that anyone would watch your hand movement! To each his own!!! Be safe my friend and God bless you and your family !!! Eddy
Great info, very well organized. Thank you for sharing what you have learned. As regards a cab, heat and cooling aren't the only reasons; consider yellow jackets and hornets. Some people are allergic to stings. My tractor doesn't have a cab but my excavator does. I'm in the woods with it a lot.
One thing to keep in mind is that the industrial tires perform better with a loader and its weight than the other two types. Get 4 wheel drive, get the loader, and get the R4 tires.
I just thought you clapping and rubbing your hands at the start of your videos made it look like you were rearing to go and excited about what you were about to share. Nice video. I'd love to know your opinion on using the rear remotes for the third function valve for use with a grapple if you already have em vs buying the third function valve kit for the loader. Thanks again.
Outdoors With The Morgans yes, but if you already have a tractor Sotheby's rear remotes do you think it's worth using those for the third function or would you spring for the third function kit for the loader?
I think it's better to get the third function on the loader lever one hand operation if using the rear Remote you would have to have one hand on the loader level and one hand on the real remote lever that is usually mounted on the rear fender to operate the grapple can be done but awkward and would slow you down just my opinion
Kenneth dutton yeah, I think your right. I just don't have a terrible amount of grapple work and a third function valve for the loader is kinda pricey. I just thought for only the late winter/early spring of the year when a grapple is really great to have I could do it with the rear ones, but if it's really a pain to use that way I'll have to wait a while and try to get the front one. Thanks
Mike - another very awesome video. If i might suggest, if you are a buyer with patience, the used market has some good buys. Get familiar with what you are buying and run it through some tests. You can save some money and possibly get a little more for your money.
Bigger is better. Always get a bigger tractor than you think you need. You can do a small job with a big tractor, but you can't do a big job with a small tractor! I'd also recommend getting a cab and avoiding hydrostatic transmissions if you're planning to spend more than an hour at a time in/on the tractor and plan to be running a brush hog/ rotary cutter. That said I also work on a farm and spend a few hundred hours in and on tractors every year, a cab is a must when working 8-12hrs a day, and you're putting up hay, brushhoging, and tillage work. Most any farm around where I'm at doesn't have a tractor below 60HP. Most general chore tractors are 80-140hp.
I still don't have a tractor but I'm in the market most likely will be pulling the trigger on a new Kubota BX2380or L2501 cause the loader capacity is higher and can take 5' implements, but would be happy with a BX for my few acres and needs. I'm not doing any mowing with it just to clean snow, clean out pig pen and for lifting limbed trees for cutting firewood. Thanks for all the info and tips
Portugee Prepper. L2501 is a great little tractor, if you can afford it get the third function valve with a grapple bucket, awesome for liffting and holding logs for cutting firewood.
Big gap between the BX and the L. I have a B2901 5' loader but still small enough to maneuver around my horse paddocks. Just loaded about 4 tons of stone dust today with it and happy with loader capacity
Travis Byerly not really a big gap between B and L series the L2501 is actually cheaper than there B series according to each series base model. Thanks
I STARTED WITH A KABUTA BX SERIES BUT FOUND THAT IT WAS A LITTLE SMALL. I UPGRADED TO THE B2920 AND NEVER LOOKED BACK. IT HAS GREAT POWER AND WILL TAKE THE 5FT ATTACHMENTS. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE B SERIES TRACTORS. GOOD LUCK
By the way, I was recently drooling over the RK tractors at their store in Morganton, NC when I struck up a conversation with a man that had just bought a Kubota L 3901. He was telling me that he already had buyers remorse and would trade his new Kubota even for the RK37 right now. He said he had considered the RK before making his purchase and he watches some of your newer videos about the RK. He said his big mistake was not considering the RK in more depth at the time. If he had a mulligan, he said he would definitely buy the RK now. I think with your indirect help (maybe direct), RK is starting to build a solid following and reputation.
Excellent video Mike, very helpful and informative. I am within a month of getting a tractor and you touched on some things I hadn't thought of. Many thanks from Missouri. Thanks for all the great videos.
Another thing to think about is transporting the tractor, is it staying on the property or like me, I trailer mine to my rural property and all I have is an F150 with a 16f trailer, so weight is a concern
Loved the video. I am still as lost as last year's easter egg though. I still cannot figure out which tractor is best for me. I bush hog about 25 acres on a combination of different properties. It is mostly grass and not trees. Would like to have the front end loader and the ability for other attachments. When I go to build a tractor it asks a lot of my questions that I have no clue about.
I always thought you rubbing and clapping your hands was a sign of getting down to business with your video , and I always have like the way you started your videos and I have yet to find one I don't like ! I love all the tractor photos . Thanks Mike
Great video! Just watched it twice. Is this vid aimed more at people buying new ? One thing to consider if you're a first-time buyer is your budget! Because implements aren't cheap. there are good second hand tractors and implements to get you started.
Yes there is some good used tractors out there but if your a first time buyer take someone that know something about tractors with you to look over the tractor because they can run through the hydraulics and PTO on the tractor to see if there work properly and other things that could be a costly repairs
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Link to our Facebook Page
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Great job! Thanks. Wind noise was bad at times.
Mike, another thing to consider if you are buying an older tractor: make sure it has power steering. I have a 1963 Massey Ferguson and it steers well until I hook up the 6 foot finish mower - then I really have to fight the steering. Many times I have wished I had power steering.
Also, power steering is a must if you have a front end loader.
Great showcase, Mike!
Outdoors With The Morgans in
thats like the kubota dealers does help ya for right tractor for right applications wich nice
Mike, You Rock Man! You represent a true American and what this country was meant to be! Thanks for your efforts to produce these videos!
Thanks Ron
One other thing I would say is there is only 99% chance the there is the perfect tractor for all your needs. I would say even you would have to admit, you would have a tough time with only 1 tractor, not saying you couldn't do it. If someone told me they had the perfect tractor I would turn and walk away. This was a very good video for someone starting out. 2 thumbs up.
The hand rubbing is part of your brand. Don't let other's change the character traits that make you unique. Keep trusting your instincts Mike.Great video.
Thank you
I agree.
ditto.
Just an FYI for anyone interested in seeing all those other tractors, like I did :). when you get to those pics, pause the vid, bottom right corner click the gear, click playback speed, click 0.25. then play and it will slow em down so you can check em in more detail. If you want :)
I play most videos on 1.5 speed. Get it the point quicker.
Buy one level up from what you think you need and you will never be sorry. Instead of a garden tractor for my yard work I purchased a Kubota BX2200 and I am glad I did. It has saved me a ton of money over the last 18 Years. I was able to do more work in less time and without hiring help. From lawn cutting to leaf pickup, from snow removal to using a pallet fork on the 3 point hitch to move a 20kw generator to digging out rocks with a Johnny Bucket up front. It has more than paid for itself.
When We got our 3901 we got the options we wanted with it. Caution, we got third function on the rear for a down pressure auger. A must have in our rocky terrain. No problems there. Also got a third function hydro line for the front to accommodate a 4 in 1 bucket. Problem. The bucket had to be ordered and the hook up lines were a different size. After some heated discussion with the dealership, I took the tractor with bucket attached to them and they switched out the lines without any problems. The key to getting this done was me taking the tractor to them, otherwise I would still have a bucket Icouldn’t use.
Thanks Mike I was at my local Kubota dealer today and was looking at the l3301 and the l3901 and for 2300 more I can get the l3901 and I'll know I'll have enough tractor for any of my needs. Also a side note my family and I have always been John Deere people but iam choosing a Kubota for one main reason it's built here in America. Being a patriotic and a veteran they have my vote. Where the small John Deere tractor supply are made overseas.
You hit the nail on the head. L3400 did everything we needed. We moved onto 40 acres with nothing and a 1/4 mile drivway and lots of trees. Needed a industrial type backhoe.
I agree with JPHickory. I considered the hand rubbing a part of your brand too. I thought it just meant being excited to get down to the business of what the video is about. Enjoyed the video
I watched your videos and many others before I bought my first tractor. I ended up buying the cheapest one out there, a Kubota BX1880. I have a 20 acre rural property in southern CA that has lots of hills. I chose the BX over a larger tractor due to its maneuverability. Your #53 video on the right tool for the job is absolutely right. I paid 13,000 for my little Kubota. I can rent the specialized tool for a few hundred dollars to get what I need done or straightened out to where I can maintain my property effortlessly with my little tractor. I started off with a weed wacker, to a walk behind trimmer, to a riding mower, and now a tractor. My little BX has moved over 50,000 pounds of stone, mowed my property , scraped my fire line and straightened out all my ruts in only 40 hours. Also included in that time is maintaining my neighbors 20 acre property similarly and 2 miles of brush hogging along a road! If you're willing to rent the tool, you can do more with less as long as you're willing to maintain it. My kubota gets used nearly every day.
Thats good to hear
Something I learned sort of the "hard" way, was the cab option. I was trying to be as economical and cost effective as I could thinking I could tough it out blowing and pushing snow throughout the winter. (Main purpose of buying the tractor, I do snow removal in Western MA) Boy, was did I learn! Two winters later (this past winter) I bit the bullet and traded in my not even two year old Kubota L3301 for an L3560 Cab model with the bells and whistles. Lost most of my equity I had put into the first one, but it is so worth it to just bite the bullet initially and get what you really need from the get-go. Thanks Mike, for all of these videos. I enjoy them in my free time!
Im in the same situation. Ive sold my l3301 and im looking at cabbed tractors. Im leaning toward LS based on price compared to Kubota
Thank you! Just starting to realize my dream of a hobby farm. Been dreaming of this since I was 5 or 6. I'm 46 now... I have been struggling with a tractor purchase (keep in mind, I haven't closed on the property yet...). Great video!!!
I actually sent you an e mail asking for help in purchasing a tractor. This is perfect! Thank you Mike!
I absolutely love your videos. I found your channel while researching Kubota tractors about a week ago. I have been binge watching them since! Your presentation of the information is simple and straightforward. I do not currently own land, but hope to in the future. Your videos are helping me understand all the work involved, plus giving me inspiration to move forward. I am a lower limb amputee, and know firsthand the importance of finding and using correct tools to get the job done. This video (along with the others I have watched) has taught me a great deal. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the excellent job! As an aside, tell the “hand rubbing naysayers” to kiss off. It’s who you are, and it makes you look natural! I’m looking forward to watching all your videos.
Thank you very much
Mike another great video, thank you. Some great advice in there especially about buying a tractor. My first tractor was a 25 hp tractor that the salesman convinced me was more than enough for my property. I explained what I wanted and what I needed to do and he convinced me to buy a smaller tractor than what I wanted. It was a great little John Deere but it seemed I was running it at its max capacity all the time. I also got it stuck in our mud here several times due to the small wheels. After one year and a lot of frustration I went and bought a 46 hp tractor and sold the little John Deere. I’m all about getting a little more tractor than you think you need because like you said, you will discover many more projects than you think you have now.
Keep up the good videos. Thanks again
Thanks Tom,
I’ve been looking at buying my 1st tractor soon. Thx for the available input..
20 years with a chainsaw speaks for itself, doesn't it? That tells me that you maintain you equipment as well as I try to maintain mine and you do not abuse your equipment. I have owned quit a few chainsaws for 20 years but I no longer have them because I wanted some new toys. I now have 8 Stihl saws and they look as good, today, as the day I got them. My favorite is my ms-241CM.
Everyone has different needs for there property, but definitely 4 wheel drive just in case you need it because of that few times it Is Great To have 4 wheel drive!! 👊
One thing I think you forgot to mention is maneuverability. As men we always think the bigger the tractor the better. My land is about 1/2 wooded and I find it's really nice to have a tractor that can maneuver around the trees to keep it maintained properly. It's a balance between size (hp) and maneuverability.
I just entered the 21st century for tractors. I traded a 1938 Farmall F-12, a 1953 Farmall Super M and a Ford 8N for a 2017 John Deere 3025E with a loader. And I love it.
I agree with everything you said. Mine is 30HP with loader and 4x4. 72 inch finish mower, 72 inch rear blade, 80 inch wide fire wood hauler box. And I bought it used with 210 hrs on it. I paid 10K for it 5 years ago!
Nice, How many hours now?
Outdoors With The Morgans It has 680 hrs now.
wizard1800 good deal on a used tractor!
Revisiting this video. It’s about the best tractor buying breakdown out there! Cheers Morgan’s!
Mine is to big and to small about the same amount of the time so I must have gotten the right size. 26hp 4 wheel drive. something else to consider is if you will be using it anywhere that will require getting it their on a trailer and what will fit on the trailer you or a neighbor have. great video.
Good advice. 25 years ago I purchased a b7100hst. The dealer said it was big enough to handle clearing 4 acres. He was correct,do I wish I would have got a bigger one yes. A bigger tractor would have been a pain in tight spaces.
Excellent advice for the small land owner. I have 24 acres, mostly wooded with about 8 to mow, I will be doing EXACTLY what you are doing, Mike, building trails, etc. I really enjoy your channel and the fact that you are a Pennsylvanian, I was born and raised in HBG with family in western part of the state. We are down here in NC and once our dream home is complete (Feb 2018?) I will be livin the life. Until then, keep posting what you are doing so that I can live vicariously through you until our homestead is built... BTW, my brother has a Kubota and I will most likely get a 3301 or 3901, no cab, no backhoe, yes to the loader. Thanks, Mike for posting this. Very helpful.
Thank you
FYI for any viewers that want a better look at the tractors in the video, you can slow down the video. On the You tube video move your cursor over the video and you will see the tool bar at the bottom. Click on the button that looks like a gear (settings).
When it opens click on speed. Now click on 0.25. Enjoy
Concerning choice of tractor tires- I have R4s on my L6060 Kubota. We get a fair amount of snow here. I found the front tires to be rather skaty on compacted snow. I grooved my front tires with my grooving tool using a 3/8 dia. U shaped heating element about 3/8 deep. I cut one groove in the center of each tread down the length of each tread bar minus about an inch on each end. Definitely could feel it hook the front up! So much so that I did nearly the same grooving on the rears. I didn't want to mess with the front to rear traction balance and maybe over stress the front drive.
WOW! What a great video!! Such great points. SUPER JOB! Been back and forth between a MX5800 or M6060, and I think an MX 5800 will be plenty! I'm not getting the FEL now, as I will use this tractor mostly for mowing cleared land and the lack of a FEL will make it more maneuverable in tight spaces (I have a Kubota SVL-95 with several buckets and claw grappler for that).
You can get allot more pulling and PTO power for your dollar if you skip a loader.
I’ve watched at least 200+ of your videos and have to tell you I have no problem with the clap and hand rub at the beginning of your videos! To me it says LETS GET TO IT! It’s your trade mark and I appreciate it , because I know what follows will be sage advise, good technique and I will have learned something at the end.
I started with small old tractors and worked my way up until I found the perfect fit. I basically was a horse trader for about 5 years until I was able to dial in my needs/ wants. Thanks for the video Mike! Very well done!
Thank you
I've been hunting the right tractor for a few years now. In my oversimplified analysis in regards to hp. Hp and time relate to each other. The more hp, the less time it takes. Another thing I learned is there are more subcompacts and large tractors for sale than the sweet spot compacts for my needs. Seems like folks hold on to them forever. Compacts/utilities seem to have hardly any hours and cost a bunch or lots of hours and still cost a bunch. Lol. Thanks for the info
Suggestion? Upgrade from a ford 8n. -6 acres minor mowing some firewood discing and scrape blading western New York soft terrain as well
Hey Mike. We had both tractors at our house to test at the same time. 3025e an L2501. For what we needed the 3025e was the winner. Cleaning stalls to dragging out logs. Ours is 4 wheel drive with the ag tires.
3025e is a nice unit
Great information......i was getting a BX2680 but I decided to go with the B2650 with a loader...grappler....bush hog...tiller...and land leveler for my gravel road.....
i live in northern maine and had wanted a tractor for a while. last winter i spent over 2 hours just trying to clean the front part of one of my houses drive way,(person living there moved out without any warning and hadnt cleared 3 storms worth of snow)
after 2 hours a guy in a little bx came up and in 15 minutes he had it clear between the loader and snowblower. i was sold.
spent the spring researching and shopping.
went to the kubota dealer and everything he had was well outside my price range except a smaller bx.
the deere dealer well unless your a farmer they wont even talk to you
kioti was again outside what i wanted to spend.
seen a new holland boomer 35 and knew it was the one. it is used being a 2012 and with the 64 inch snow blower my snow clearing time should be way down vs my little 28 inch walk behind that killed my back. not to mention i have transformed my yard and will be doing the same on my other house. i burn wood pellets and one of the tasks of offloading the pellets required 50 round trips. now i offload half onto another pallet and set them both right on my porch, done the quick attach bucket it awesome. have already purchased pallet forks .
there is a bot of a learning curve and some things are learned by experience. will admit the first time using the snow blower will be nerve wracking as i have never operated one but ill figure it out :)
good info and video
Great video. If I may put my 2. Cents of input. Always goo gear drive with a clutch in the long run its a better tractor hydro transmission are very expensive to repair usually more than the tractor is worth. Clutch bisc isn't that hard to replace .I worked at a JD dealership fort over 22 years and seen many hydro drive tractors junked due to the cost of repairs. GW
This video was incredibly helpful and perfect to describe what we might need on our 7 acres here in Vermont. Thank you so much for breaking it down like this. 💚
Good deal, glad it was helpful and good luck to you!
Excellent video Mike! The hand issue never bothered me.....My wife knows when I'm watching you-tube now that i'm now watching a (Mike) video...and leave me alone...she loves the look of the firewood and how you are there like you are doing a newscast.....Keep the videos coming my friend!! steve
Great points made. I occasionally have buyers remorse but talk myself down. Had a BX2670 that I traded in for the BX23S (for the backhoe) with a cab. Sometimes i wonder if I should have gone bigger but, for my 3.5 acres, its plenty to do what I need and I'm able to transport it easily! I do wish I would have had the 3rd function added. Also didn't get the SSQA due to it lessening the loaders lift capabilities.
Thanks Mike I just picked up my Kubota l3901 today. I'm very excited, and I've been watching your videos for the last couple months. It really helps to have people like you taking the time to do these videos.
I am almost 50 and have been beating my head against this old JD 4010 and a 9N for years. I work lots of overtime and just want to come home and jump on something and get something done without having to work on the friggin thing for 2 hours to get it running. so due in part to your videos, I bought an RK37HC with grapple and backhoe. I have a blade here that i will modify to fit the quick connect. We havent gotten much snow this year, but we have a long driveway and normally i cant get the other 2 to start in the cold all that well. I am also looking forward to doing firewood this year. Should be a lot easier on my back.
Hi Mike, When I watched this very informative video I thought of a lot of things l learned owning a few tractors over the years ( Ford 1720, New Holland TC40, New Holland TZ 25DA, New Holland 3045, and currently Kubota L47 and John Deere 1025R , the JD is being traded in as soon as my dealer has my new Kubota B2650HSDC assembled) Turf tires are much better in snow. A rear remote can be used as a loader third function if the valve handle is in a suitable location, you can also tee the line at the valve and run it to the front and back of the tractor, using only one or the other at any one time. You are talking about getting a wicked grapple from EA. I have been using a Construction Attachments 72" root grapple for about 5 years now, first on the 3045 and now the L47. While the holes in the EA does save some weight, if you are going to be moving brush, small limbs will get hung up in the holes and be annoying. Small branches are always of concern when using a grapple, they always are aiming at your grill and radiator. I suggest enhancing your grill guard by adding some expanded metal or the like for extra protection. Hope some of this info is helpful. Keep making the great videos.
Great comment, thanks
Great advice. I want to expand on a few things. If you don’t do too much work under low hanging trees and a cab is an option, consider this. Canned tractors usually have air ride seats and in addition to Heat/AC radio and cup holders that keep your mug clean, they offer some safety. Safety from bees and wasp nests, from cancer causing UV rays and much safer if you give kids rides. I know, tractors aren’t toys and they are dangerous. I wouldn’t even consider letting my kids ride in an open cab but an enclosed cab, depending on what I’m doing is safely possible. Lastly, if you plan to do any kind of spraying. Herbicide, pesticide. A cab is a must IMHO. I started with an open cab, upgraded at great loss for my trade in and will never go back. My only regret was not getting it the first time. I can cut all day long in 105 degree heat in a tuxedo, step out and head to a dinner. I don’t feel beat up at the end of a hard day.
Thanks for this video; it was very instructive. I have a friend who has one the size of yours. He bought a used John Deer finish mower to pull behind and WOW does it do a beautiful job of mowing grass.
Just wanted to add some information on tire selection for your tractor. I am biased toward turf tires due to personal experience with bar and turf. My first compact had the bar tires. These narrow rugged tires will make a mess of things if you live in an area that experiences rain and poor soil drainage. They can also be useless in heavy snow especially after the night freeze has set to ice crusted snow. My current compact, also 4wd, was ordered with turf tires. I considered buying a set of the industrial tread tires for working in bad conditions. I never did get that set of tires and instead would buy a set of chains for extreme traction. The turf tire is certainly better on lawns but way better on snow than either of the two other choices. And if things get icy a set of snow chains will maintain more contact with the ground than chains on lug tires. The only reason I might buy the industrial tires is for a stronger sidewall. But where I use my tractor I don't have mud that deep where I need to be concerned with the sidewall getting cut by sharp rocks or masonry debris in the mud.
Great points
I agree with you on size Mike., Figure what you need, then buy one or two sizes bigger. Trust me, you will FIND uses you never thought you had. You will thank me for that advice.
I bought a low hour Mahindra 2540 on CL (with 6' bush hog, 6' back blade, 6' front plow) which is WAY overkill for my 2.5 acre estate. Moving my 8500 lb toy hauler travel trailer gets the tractor's attention when it picks up the tongue (1200 lb) but it moves it without an issue. We hope to buy some acreage locally or move to a different home that has at least 20 acres sometime in the future. I had a blast using the bucket and rear blade moving snow on our 3/8 mile paved private road (four other homes use it) this winter. Two neighbors have trucks with plows and it seems one or the other was plowing as soon as two inches accumulated, so I basically do the cleanup in the driveways and near mailboxes.
Haha creepy hand rubbing..lol
I do the same thing when I'm excited about something. Thanks mike
You made some great points here. This video will be very useful to someone that has been scratching their head on their tractor needs.
Appreciate it
Mike, I have a kubota 2650 w a loader. I purchased the 3rd function kit from dealer and I installed it in about 2 hours. Very easy but get the kubota kit not an aftermarket one. Kubota kit even comes with a complete new loader lever with control buttons built in. I also have a wicked grapple (company is down the street from me) simple the BEST attachment I have!!!!!!!
I really enjoy your videos and if you have any questions about 3rd function kit just ask.
Marshall
Thanks, shoot me an email when you have time and I may do that outdoorswiththemorgans@gmail.com
Good video, thank you for sharing your experience. I was born and raised on the beach, but fell in love and got married up in your neck of the woods. We bought a farm, got some animals, are looking to raise our kids here and now start a business. Your RUclips videos are spot on for me!
think that most people are overthinking the little stuff, dont care if you scratch your ass as long as you keep up the good vids buddy, keep it real, we will keep checking it out here in nova scotia.
You may have mentioned it and I missed it, but if you do buy a loader, I would highly recommend getting the universal Skid Steer Quick Attach system. It makes changing loader attachments SO much easier. Take care,
Good point
This man caused me to go buy a Kubota. Haha Great videos and very informative and honest view points, Thanks!
Great video, Mike - thanks for the public service that you provide!
Great video Mike!
After watching your videos and the ones by GP Outdoors and Tractor Time with Tim, I ended up with a Kubota L3901. Mine has the HST transmission, FEL, backhoe with mechanical thumb, cruise control and a canopy. I also got a 5’ brush hog for mowing and the third function valve for a grapple down the road when I can afford it.
So far I have used mine for mowing and stump removal and it has worked great!
I really enjoy your videos……keep up the great work:)
I remember you from Tractor-by-Net, a good site for all things rural but some of the regulars on there just love to spend other's people money and newbie sometimes end up more confused then before they came in....just like you said.
That was a good simple comprehensive video Mike.
Greetings from Quebec
Thank you
I have a Kubota G1900 diesel lawn tractor, and a Bobcat 753 skid steer (tyred) so didn't send any pics. But now I have serious tractor envy after watching this video 😎😎🇦🇺🇺🇸
Great video. One thing I would add is to make sure you get the "quick attach" on the FEL for different attachments. I almost didn't get it on my L3901 and looking back on it I would have been very disappointed.
Great point
chuckle. I'm exactly the guy you're targeting ;) Twenty acres of woodlands that we want to develop into a home/farmstead. most of it's marshy. I need to be able to move timber and do some excavation to manage the water issues. When we get animals going, may need it for moving feed/feeders, fencing. . Lots of stuff to consider. Pretty sure I need some serious loader capacity...
Great video, a lot of what you mentioned is what I did when I purchased my second tractor. I had a 18 horse John Deere and went to a 48 horse John Deere. The one oops about it was on the smaller tractor I had a belly mower and loved it, got a belly (6') mower for the new one and it's kinda of a pain because it's in the way for loader work and rear attachments. Taking it off and on takes time that I can usually mow with zero turn faster than putting it on. I mow about 6 acres but only 2 of that I can use the tractor so I tend not to use it very much. So if I would have known that I really wish I would have purchased a finishing mower for the rear. ( like the dealer tried to tell me) so dealers can be of some help because the do sell to a lot of different clientele.
Good info
The one thing I would add about a front loader is to get one with the bobcat style quick attach bucket. There are a number of different attachments you can get to go on the front end and that saves an immense amount of time changing from one to the other.
Good point, I should have mentioned that
Great Video and great information. This is really helpful and you are right- Plan Ahead is a big one- you don't want to have to transport it back to the dealer to add things later. 3rd function valve is a must - grapple and snowblower need one-and also, for those in the Mid West, NE or in Canada, definitely add a Block Heater.Thanks Mike! Great stuff.
One of the best viedos I have ever seen and listened to on tractor buying 101 for a small land owner.Very Very helpful THanks man.
Thanks Alfred, Glad it was helpful
Thank you very much for your informative videos. I am in the process of emigrating to France to a 7 acre plot and although my wife does not think i have the need of a tractor I know i do!!!
Tell her a tractor will help you get work done so fast that you will be able to spend more time with her!
I have about 1/8 th of an acre and I have a simplicity and I love it I ran tru a thick pile of leaves and it didn't even burp
Thanks for your time Mike, much appreciated
Never even noticed the hand rubbing, you do a great job on the videos. Ignore the haters! Keep up the good work.
Excellent advice. I’m just starting the research on my first tractor for my new acreage, and this has helped me heaps. Thanks 🍻
Always enjoy the videos! Great ideas and suggestions.
Let me add one more, shop the dealer. Ask friends and others about the dealer. Check reviews. Then go to the top three and not so much look at the tractor but how the dealer interacts. How does the dealer handle small things? Those small things indicate a professional or a person who may not have your best interest in mind.
Thanks for your videos- and adjusting and learning. Part of life! 👍👍👍
Great point
Even though you put this out 2 years ago it is still very informative, we just purchased 26 acres in East TX and very much in the tractor research mode, thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
What did you end up going with?
@@JakeHolder Hey Jake , hadn't purchased anything just yet as it will be a while before we move out there. My neighbor has a new Mahindra and he bush hogs for us once per year.
@@davidvelen9835 that’s awesome. We just purchased 28 acres and looking at the mx6000 with a cab. Was just curious if I’m going overboard haha
@@JakeHolder Oh man a cab sounds like the way to go, especially in the TX heat , let me know what you wind up going with please.
@@davidvelen9835 I sure will. Though I’m in Ohio, it gets miserably hot and freezing cold lol figured I’d make good use of the heat and air
Thank you so much for this video! It was really instructive. My son bought a skid loader last week for $3,000. It needs a lot of work: drive motor, hydraulic pump. Expensive? Yes! But only if the machine is taken to a CAT dealer and ALL parts are CAT. But my daughter, who is permanently disabled, makes that computer hum! There is a company in TX that only rebuilds drive motors and she found one that specializes in pumps. I figure the total cost for parts will be about $12K. my son in law had a business of fixing these machines and has two or three cabinets of parts and decals. So while we need a tractor, it will not have a bucket.
That is the conundrum: one piece of power equipment with a bunch of attachments or specialized equipment that can still take attachments. If you are a true mechanic then buying used and fixing makes sense. Otherwise I would buy a tractor that can take the attachments I need most. Now he has the idea of buying a two or three axle dump truck, trailer and mini-excavator. Being the majority shareholder in the business, I keep him on track! Our trucking business has grown to 8 drivers with their own equipment (subcontractors) that haul ONLY over dimensional/ over weight loads. FOCUS!
New or used, the first "attachment" any owner should buy is a journal. Go through the owner's manual and put the maintenance "stuff" in the front of the journal and then log what and when you do maintenance. It will keep you out of a lot of trouble.
Thanks Mike a bunch of good info. Cracked up when you mentioned Buffalo,NY., my home town. Now I live in Florida. So time to time I can be heard making noise about the temps when pushing snow and the windchill, or mowing and the humidity.
Excellent video Mike this a real service you do with this forum! I never really noticed the hands thing, maybe because I watch a lot of professional sports and have become desensitized by all the 'crotch grabbing', nose picking, chew spitting, seat picking, etc.
I want to add a few things to the discussion on tractors; when picking the front loader, capacity is one and height/reach is the other, I sized my kubota/loader combination for loading a small dump truck. The need for reach over the side and clearing the dump body side walls was important for my use. Also, I heat with wood pellets (I live in real suburbia, no woodlot and cordwood way overpriced) I can lift a full pallet to move it around the homestead. I bought the full cab because I spend hours at a time using my machine in the winter clearing snow. I purchased the L4760 new and before it left the dealership I had front and rear aux hydraulics/controls installed, this was well worth the added expense. When the tractor is new and not all greasy & muddy, and the bolting isn't all rusted and crapped up, the technicians love to do that work and while they are doing the installation(s) they get a clean and closer look at all areas. The mechanic that worked on mine noticed a few things that he upgraded that wasn't part of the factory delivery prep.
Thanks for hearing me out, til the next video....
Woo hoo I made it at 3:44. I agree with the plan ahead but I would call it plan for the unplanned. Such as the third function and at least 2 rear remotes, especially at 50hp or more. Thanks for the video.
True, I keep thinking of things to do with the tractor that I never considered
lol I rub my hands together as well. I have my entire life. I think its the adrenalin in me. when I was younger people use to say " that guy has got Juice! " I never knew what they meant but I guess it was all the adrenalin and excitement in everything I did back then. great video!
great video keep up the good work!! I meant to send you a pic of mine. I have a Kubota MX 5200 4x4 with loader and I love it. I did my homework for about 2 years before I bought mine and I was gonna go with the L 3901 But I talked to this guy that told me to buy the biggest tractor I could afford so for not a lot more money I got the mx 5200 and I love it!
Actually I should have done the same thing really
Yes Mike, keep rubbing your hands, it means you're ready to work. As a beginner I just bought a Kubota MX 5200 with loader and I'm wondering how much weight I should have in the back to be safe with a full load (2300 pounds) in front. Is there a formula or a calculation to do ? Watching yours vids are a great way to learn. Thanks
I noted most tractors were Kubota and JD. I swim upstream and prefer Mahindra, even though they are heavy and not very slick looking.
Great information Mike ! Thank you very much!! I really don't understand while watching your videos for the right reasons that anyone would watch your hand movement! To each his own!!! Be safe my friend and God bless you and your family !!! Eddy
Thanks Ray
One thing bad I dislike about some brands of tractors is emmission control
Great info, very well organized. Thank you for sharing what you have learned. As regards a cab, heat and cooling aren't the only reasons; consider yellow jackets and hornets. Some people are allergic to stings. My tractor doesn't have a cab but my excavator does. I'm in the woods with it a lot.
Good Point
One thing to keep in mind is that the industrial tires perform better with a loader and its weight than the other two types. Get 4 wheel drive, get the loader, and get the R4 tires.
I just thought you clapping and rubbing your hands at the start of your videos made it look like you were rearing to go and excited about what you were about to share. Nice video. I'd love to know your opinion on using the rear remotes for the third function valve for use with a grapple if you already have em vs buying the third function valve kit for the loader. Thanks again.
I think it's best to get them when you get the tractor, just my opinion but it gives you more flexibility later when buying attachments.
Outdoors With The Morgans yes, but if you already have a tractor Sotheby's rear remotes do you think it's worth using those for the third function or would you spring for the third function kit for the loader?
I think it's better to get the third function on the loader lever one hand operation if using the rear Remote you would have to have one hand on the loader level and one hand on the real remote lever that is usually mounted on the rear fender to operate the grapple can be done but awkward and would slow you down just my opinion
Kenneth dutton yeah, I think your right. I just don't have a terrible amount of grapple work and a third function valve for the loader is kinda pricey. I just thought for only the late winter/early spring of the year when a grapple is really great to have I could do it with the rear ones, but if it's really a pain to use that way I'll have to wait a while and try to get the front one. Thanks
Mike - another very awesome video. If i might suggest, if you are a buyer with patience, the used market has some good buys. Get familiar with what you are buying and run it through some tests. You can save some money and possibly get a little more for your money.
Good advice
LOL, I did not notice about the hand rub, now I am going to watch another after this.
Mike I've been watching you for a long time now. I personally miss the hand rubbing lol
Bigger is better. Always get a bigger tractor than you think you need. You can do a small job with a big tractor, but you can't do a big job with a small tractor!
I'd also recommend getting a cab and avoiding hydrostatic transmissions if you're planning to spend more than an hour at a time in/on the tractor and plan to be running a brush hog/ rotary cutter. That said I also work on a farm and spend a few hundred hours in and on tractors every year, a cab is a must when working 8-12hrs a day, and you're putting up hay, brushhoging, and tillage work. Most any farm around where I'm at doesn't have a tractor below 60HP. Most general chore tractors are 80-140hp.
I still don't have a tractor but I'm in the market most likely will be pulling the trigger on a new Kubota BX2380or L2501 cause the loader capacity is higher and can take 5' implements, but would be happy with a BX for my few acres and needs. I'm not doing any mowing with it just to clean snow, clean out pig pen and for lifting limbed trees for cutting firewood. Thanks for all the info and tips
Portugee Prepper. L2501 is a great little tractor, if you can afford it get the third function valve with a grapple bucket, awesome for liffting and holding logs for cutting firewood.
Don't overlook the B series....They do fine with the 5' implements
Big gap between the BX and the L. I have a B2901 5' loader but still small enough to maneuver around my horse paddocks. Just loaded about 4 tons of stone dust today with it and happy with loader capacity
Travis Byerly not really a big gap between B and L series the L2501 is actually cheaper than there B series according to each series base model. Thanks
I STARTED WITH A KABUTA BX SERIES BUT FOUND THAT IT WAS A LITTLE SMALL. I UPGRADED TO THE B2920 AND NEVER LOOKED BACK. IT HAS GREAT POWER AND WILL TAKE THE 5FT ATTACHMENTS. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE B SERIES TRACTORS. GOOD LUCK
Your next video might be on trailers. What type of trailer to buy and what type of vehicle is needed to haul it.
I,dont have a tractor but i enjoy the tractor videos. Wish I owned the land to have one though lol
I'm seriously considering a canopy. Good protection from sun or rain.
Yes
Can't some canopies be taken off and put back on not terribly difficult?
By the way, I was recently drooling over the RK tractors at their store in Morganton, NC when I struck up a conversation with a man that had just bought a Kubota L 3901. He was telling me that he already had buyers remorse and would trade his new Kubota even for the RK37 right now. He said he had considered the RK before making his purchase and he watches some of your newer videos about the RK. He said his big mistake was not considering the RK in more depth at the time. If he had a mulligan, he said he would definitely buy the RK now. I think with your indirect help (maybe direct), RK is starting to build a solid following and reputation.
Steve Carrigan , live here in morganton as well. I’m literally in the same spot, just nervous about the service aspect of RK
Excellent video Mike, very helpful and informative. I am within a month of getting a tractor and you touched on some things I hadn't thought of. Many thanks from Missouri. Thanks for all the great videos.
Good deal! Glad it was helpful
Very informative. Thank you. whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart
Another thing to think about is transporting the tractor, is it staying on the property or like me, I trailer mine to my rural property and all I have is an F150 with a 16f trailer, so weight is a concern
Yea good point
Loved the video. I am still as lost as last year's easter egg though. I still cannot figure out which tractor is best for me. I bush hog about 25 acres on a combination of different properties. It is mostly grass and not trees. Would like to have the front end loader and the ability for other attachments. When I go to build a tractor it asks a lot of my questions that I have no clue about.
Mike your video of kubota was great thank u
Awesome video, made a lot of sense. I am purchasing my first tractor and I believe RK 24 is what i need. Thanks!
I always thought you rubbing and clapping your hands was a sign of getting down to business with your video , and I always have like the way you started your videos and I have yet to find one I don't like ! I love all the tractor photos . Thanks Mike
1DI
Great video! Just watched it twice.
Is this vid aimed more at people buying new ? One thing to consider if you're a first-time buyer is your budget! Because implements aren't cheap. there are good second hand tractors and implements to get you started.
Yes there are some great used ones. I bought new and then buy attachments over a long period of time
Yes there is some good used tractors out there but if your a first time buyer take someone that know something about tractors with you to look over the tractor because they can run through the hydraulics and PTO on the tractor to see if there work properly and other things that could be a costly repairs