Talk to me about compact tractors!

[Jammez]

Hi Folks

Looking for some pointers on compact tractors. We recently bought a property that sits on 4 acres of paddock/ woodland.

I’d really like a multipurpose small tractor that can be used for numerous things like

Mowing the paddock
Front loader/fork attachments
Backhoe attachment

It needs to be small enough to mow the paddock without wrecking the grass but I’d also like it to be able to lift bulk bags no more than 1t. Does such a thing exist or am I asking to much from one machine? Probably looking at a budget of £15k for something used. Been looking online at Kubota and Iseki stuff but there seems lots of choice and would like to be a bit more informed before I go and look at stuff. Any thoughts, anyone have anything they use for similar?

Edited by Jammez on Saturday 20th February 10:28

[Jammez]

Thanks for the info guys, particularly on the backhoe. What's the issue with them? I do have access to a 1.3t mini digger but was hoping the backhoe would limit me having to borrow it. I've never used a backhoe so no idea about them.

You guys have now split me between going for a more modern Kubota type tractor or going for something much older, cheaper & hopefully simple to maintain and spending more on implements!

[Jammez]

Hi Folks

After almost a year since I started this thread I've looked at various tractors & still not got anything. I'm off to look at a Kubota this weekend, it's an L series with a loader so is a wee bit bigger than I was initially looking at but it ticks all the boxes. Seems in very good condition but does anyone have any pointers on key stuff to check - it's from a seemingly reputable dealer with some good stock so hopefully the description is honest but any pointers would be great.

Cheers

James

[Jammez]

Hi Folks

I thought I'd bring the thread to a conclusion a year after I started it!

In between Christmas & New Year I went down and got this



It's a mid 90's Kubota L series. Less than 3000 hours & well looked after.

It's a little bit bigger than I was initially looking at but it means it's got a pretty decent lifting capacity on the loader. The grass tires leave hardly any damage on even wet grass & having a cab is a bonus (even has heating & a stereo!). Not used it in anger yet, just a quick whizz around the paddock. Had a mess about using the loader which is actually harder than it looks! Not like using a mini digger where you can see your bucket. With this you've no idea what's in the bucket when you lift it so the first few times I ended up moving nothing!

All in pretty happy with it

[Jammez]

The tractor is 4wd which is useful with the loader which is joystick operated. Getting the hang of it and yes I can guarantee that at some point I will whallop a gate post or the top of the shed door! Just looked at the price of the rears - that was an eye opener! I thought tires on the Range Rover were bad enough!

I’m going to be looking for a set of rear wheels with agri tires to switch over when I need a bit more grip. Got a list of little things to sort out but nothing major has played up yet. Just got an owners manual delivered and a couple of spare ignition keys ( I will loose one!)

If anyone is on the lookout for a compact I would recommend James down at Beckside Machinery, in Market Rassen. Nice bloke and has a decent selection of stuff which turns over pretty quickly.

Edited by Jammez on Saturday 8th January 19:23