Which mini tractor?

[Saw-sick Steve]

Got a fair bit of orchard and rough grass to maintain, previously used a ride on but its died and really used to struggle at times. Rather than replace it, thought I'd go for a 2nd hand mini tractor - what do peeps recommend? Kubota, Iseki, Yanmaar or Mitsubishi, and what sort of hp? Like the idea of being able to add implements as and when I can afford to, budget about 5k max.

                                                                  Ta in advance.

[woody paul]

Is it at yours or have you got to move it to site. 

[spuddog0507]

just get a proper one dont bother with the chinese stuff kubota first choice yanmar second this works 8-12 hr days 4 or 5 days a week been stood out in woodlands for last 6 years and never ailes any thing only from abuse ,

[Conor Wright]

Check out Branson tractors, korean made, have one a few years now and not a bad bit of kit, not quite a kubota but much more rugged and reliable than chinese built machines.. dealer backup is ok, here at least! Admittedly i have very few hours on it... still under 1k. I think they're good value for money.. not everyone will agree i guess!

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Worth looking at MultiOne - may well be beyond anticipated budget (but to be fair, 5k is probably a bit light for a decent unit of any description unless you’re a spanner ? expert)

 

The range of tasks you could do with a MultiOne might well pay dividends in the long term. 

 

Just an idea....

[LeeGray]

Had a little kubota 4wd with a rotovator on the back. Paid £2000 for it, used it for 2 years, otherwise laid up and un serviced. Sold it for £2500 when I decided it should go to someone who would treat it a little better. It was bombproof, and I’d highly recommend one but size implements according to hp. Also they are physically tiny so check you can fit on one first!

[Mick Dempsey]

These little Kubotas are very popular here, run a small topper etc.

 

Should get a decent one for 5k.

[Mick Dempsey]

7 hours ago, spuddog0507 said:

just get a proper one dont bother with the chinese stuff kubota first choice yanmar second this works 8-12 hr days 4 or 5 days a week been stood out in woodlands for last 6 years and never ailes any thing only from abuse ,

That’s a nice set up btw.

 

[Saw-sick Steve]

Cheers lads, some things to think about there.  Woody P - machine will be at home so no need to be moved.

 What sort of HP to go for - is 18hp sufficient, or best to go for 20+? Is 4wd essential on machines this small? 2wd fine for mowing/topping, but what if I wanted to add a rotovator?

[woody paul]

The biggest you can make best use of instead of ride on you should now how much big to go. Should reduce you time cutting grass and then have time for better things in life.