Beginner - Considering buying first tractor

EvanMorris · Oct 24, 2023

Hey y’all, I’m Evan and am new to the forum. I recently moved into a house on a bigger lot (around a half an acre), and given the price of new riding mowers and zero-turns, am considering getting a compact tractor. I‘ve always enjoyed vintage tractors, and found this place while doing some research. I have a couple of questions:

1. What is the smallest amount of land you’ve heard of someone mowing with a compact tractor (e.g., Cub or a Pony)?
2. Are there any particular models, besides the Cub/Pony/G trio, that would make sense for mowing and other miscellaneous tasks in a sub-one acre property?

Thanks! Please let me know if I need to move this post elsewhere.

This post was edited by EvanMorris on 10/24/2023 at 07:03 pm.

Crookedwrench · Oct 24, 2023

Enjoy any small tractor you can afford. Mow your grass with a zeroturn!

J Hamilton · Oct 24, 2023

Hello and welcome to YT. In my opinion, a Cub would be a great choice for a first tractor. Easy to use, simple and plenty of parts available for them. I have seen many still being used for mowing. Have fun with whatever you choose!

timcasbolt · Oct 24, 2023

I'm probably mowing around half an acre. My Kubota b7200 with loader is a very useful tractor. And I have mowed my yard with it, but it's a little big. My 38" zero turn does a much better job. With the loader, a rear scraper, and a 10KW pto generator I wouldn't give it up for nothing. Used to have a mounted wood splitter too.

rustred · Oct 24, 2023

After using a zero turn to cut grass I would never want to
mow with an old tractor. 1/2 an acre is not a lot to mow.
By the time u get a workable mower set up
On an old tractor u will be at a zero turn price.

buickanddeere · Oct 25, 2023

Push mower is all that is needed on a 1/2 acre. Figures out to 66ft by 330 feet . The exercise will also be good for the health .

tractorsam · Oct 25, 2023

A tractor you should not over look is a Farmall Super A,
100, 130, 140. Physically it will occupy almost the same
space as a Cub but is 4x the tractor (I know lots of
people love their cubs, I love my Super A) and can usually
be had for about the same price. I will say that it is a lot
of tractor for mowing 1/2 an acre.

Traditional Farmer · Oct 25, 2023

Allis Chalmers 720 would good.

KL in Wi · Oct 25, 2023

While I agree a tractor is kinda overkill on a 1/2 acre lot, I have an 8N ford with a 3 point finish mower. It does an excellent job but, I have 3 acres to mow.

Hobo,NC · Oct 25, 2023

If you are considering using a tractor to mow your lawn I hope its high and dry.

showcrop · Oct 25, 2023

Unless you have significant arthritis get a personal pace drive walk behind and live longer to enjoy whatever you get for a tractor. Add Ford 8N to your shopping list. There are so many of them still in use that you can get pretty much any part for them, many at your local auto parts store.

DaveBN · Oct 25, 2023

If you have trees with low hanging branches a tractor with a vertical exhaust will be a problem. A cub or cub low boy with underslung exhaust would be good and you could join your local antique tractor club. Lots of good people there.
Dave

EvanMorris · Oct 25, 2023

Honestly what inspired me to post this was seeing a 63 Cub Lo-Boy, with a belly mower, listed for $3000 on Tractorhouse. It s cheaper than any zero-turn at Lowe’s, and price-competitive with many of the riding mowers.

This post was edited by EvanMorris on 10/25/2023 at 04:52 am.

DRussell · Oct 25, 2023

Look for a Cub LoBoy 154, 184, or 185. They came with 60
inch decks and were made pretty tough. They can be
bought in nice condition for 1500-2000.

Geo-TH,In · Oct 25, 2023

My local Kubota dealer, Baine-Welker, has an ad
claiming zero interest, zero down, on compact
tractors for 84 months and $800 bonus off on
implements.

Some will say you don't get zero interest.

I say, go to your Kubota dealer and check out
their deals. Then go to your JD and New Holland
dealer.

I only have a Kubota dealer in Terre Haute that
has been in business since 1967.

Unless you have a truck and trailer to haul a
tractor, better stay with a local dealer.

In 2019 Kubota has the same ad on 0% interest on
compacts. My L3560 is under 40 hp and I bought
this Kubota. Very happy with it.

showcrop · Oct 25, 2023

(quoted from post at 05:10:50 10/25/23) My local Kubota dealer, Baine-Welker, has an ad
claiming zero interest, zero down, on compact
tractors for 84 months and $800 bonus off on
implements.

Some will say you don't get zero interest.

I say, go to your Kubota dealer and check out
their deals. Then go to your JD and New Holland
dealer.

I only have a Kubota dealer in Terre Haute that
has been in business since 1967.

Unless you have a truck and trailer to haul a
tractor, better stay with a local dealer.

In 2019 Kubota has the same ad on 0% interest on
compacts. My L3560 is under 40 hp and I bought
this Kubota. Very happy with it.

<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto165212.jpg>

Mower, loader, 0% interest, cab, AC, they are all options that you can buy to go on your new tractor.

Geo-TH,In · Oct 25, 2023

My son mows his yard in 25 minutes with this 48 inch mower.

He likes to walk instead of riding.

grandpa Love · Oct 25, 2023

Cub , cub Lo-boy, or number cub...... love
ours!

Or a vintage cub cadet riding mower

No such thing as overkill, we have 3 acres and at least a dozen tractors!

grandpa Love · Oct 25, 2023

If you do Facebook, find a good Farmall cub group! Tons of great information.

grandpa Love · Oct 25, 2023

Rusted totally full of cr*p...... a cub , Lo-boy, number cub can be bought just about anywhere in the USA, in running, cutting condition for $1500-1800. Or less

Beginner - Considering buying first tractor

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