racin_ny 25 #1 Posted March 19, 2014 How do I justify the money to buy a new or used 30 hp 4 x 4 tractor? It seems like the larger tractors maintain their value through the years. I have 12 acres, 8 acres of woods. I cut my own firewood. I have a large garden. Up until now I have always used my fleet of Wheel Horses for all the jobs around the yard. My buddy came over with a 40 hp tractor and did the work that would take me three or four weekends in a half day. I see how nice it would be to have a big tractor I'm just having a hard time justifying the 10 - 20 K investment. Any thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #2 Posted March 19, 2014 I am not sure what chores you are looking to do with it. I purchased a 1997 Terramite mini loader backhoe set up a few years ago. At the time I had an auto 18 with an Ark 500 loader on. What I was not able to do with the auto 18 was dig with the backhoe. I looked at the used Kabotas and like you said they hold the value. I was able to get the terramite for about 5k (after some repair work) and very happy with the machine. I cannot mow or run any pto attachments with it but can use for many other things. I would look at that option. Mine has a stock Honda 20hp gas motor that runs like a champ with over 2000 hours on it. Repainted 2 August 2012.bmp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,062 #3 Posted March 19, 2014 For me it was the large variety of attachments available. I have these and am always on the lookout for more. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,062 #4 Posted March 19, 2014 And these. I likely have more but this is all I can think of right now ( some are buried under snow and ice). Makes your tractor very versatile. I would not be without mine. Cleat 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 178 #5 Posted March 19, 2014 I have a 25 hp, diesel, 4x4 compact utility with a loader, a 5 foot tiller and a 6 foot grader blade. Shortly after I got it, I sold all of my worker wheel horses except the one I mow with. I didn't use them anymore. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,062 #6 Posted March 19, 2014 What always amazes me also is how little fuel these diesels burn. I can mow my lawn with well under 1/2 the fuel that the garden tractor uses. Cleat 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racin_ny 25 #7 Posted March 21, 2014 What always amazes me also is how little fuel these diesels burn. I can mow my lawn with well under 1/2 the fuel that the garden tractor uses. Cleat What brand of Tractor is that Cleat? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,062 #8 Posted March 21, 2014 That is a Dong Feng. Made in China tractor. Runs and drives really well. Not a Kubota but less than 1/2 the price. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
