I guess you guys don't have much worry when it comes to underground water/sewage pipes, and, or gas, utilities. I've repaired too many sprinkler systems due to weight from commercial ZT's, and they didn't cut worth a damn either.

What about a golf cart pulling a wide reel, or tandem, possibly triangulated fly mowers?

I place emphasis on the quality of the cut, but I don't have 5 acres, yet.

You guys really have me rethinking this tractor deal.
So in looking again at listings around here the best deal I've found with the hydro trans, 4wd etc is a subcompact kubota for $10,500. And it will be too small to lift the pileings I've got for the pole barn.
The compact size with the goodies are at $13k and up.

I'm really having second thoughts, but at $5k for the tractor and $750 going into the bush hog FEL Knowing it will need hoses and possibly an aux pump, even if I spend a couple grand getting the FEL up and working, it still penciles out way better than $15k for a more modern rig with the goodies.

From this point it's what can I get done with this affordable rig vs one I just can't afford to get.

Get the biggest diesel, 4WD, hydro tractor you can afford and house. Also, buying a tractor specifically for one task may not be the best strategery. My SCUT has reduced my 'yard time' by more than half while getting twice as much work done.

With regular maintenance and not over-taxing the working limits of a tractor it will last forever, especially a Diesel engine which virtually eliminates the fuel storage problems inherent in gasoline. 10.5k for a Kubota SCUT is definitely within the ballpark. Used, category I 3-point PTO attachments are endless. A loader allasuden becomes everything from a wheelbarrow to a hoist.

IMO, a utility tractor really is an investment so give yourself a little reprise from the guilt of the up-front costs. Tractorbynet.com is an excellent resource for all things tractor. But beware, it's worse than heroin.

For example: http://www.tractorbynet.com/features/used-compact-tractor-under-5000/

Tevake another suggestion: the pilings for the pole barn are a one time deal so go rent a tractor/FEL that will do the job or hire the job out . After that buy a tractor that will do ALL the other things you want it to do . I have two John Deere garden tractors both are hydrostatic transmissions and both have aux. hydraulics . With good attachments it's amazing what can be done with these machines . I'm talking 80's vintage they are built like tanks . You might want to look into " super garden tractors " as some people call them . As an example the 400 series from JD . I specifically like the 430 as it has power steering and a diesel engine . Generally they come with a 60 " belly mower and already have four hydraulic ports up front for a blade or FEL . If you get lucky you find one with 3 point hitch and REALLY lucky to get with rear PTO . Good luck .

Tevake I don't know where in FL. you live but I randomly picked Orlando CL just for an example . I didn't find any JD but did find this Kubota . It is 4x4 but gear drive vs. hydro . Just wanted you to see the size of the machine I consider this one a step above a super garden tractor . For the price lots of wiggle room to purchase a FEL . Just a thought .


https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/grq/d/1990-kubota-b7100must-sell/6505269632.html

Or if you want to stick with a big boy take a look at this one . Has attachments , 4x4 go find a used 5 ' or 6 ' finish mower for 1,000.00 to hook up to the rear PTO and you're good to go . Just showing you examples .


https://nwga.craigslist.org/grd/d/l2550-kubota-tractor-4x4-with/6512719428.html

My JD 955 will pick up about 1000#, and easily hoisted my 16'x6"x6" posts high enough to move them into position for the 3' deep holes when we built our 100'x60' horse barn. It also lifted them in the holes to reposition them as needed. Curling/tilting the bucket will lift things too heavy for the lifting arms to pick up, so sometimes while lifting something near 1000#, I roll the bucket all the way forward, hook a chain onto the heavy item, and then roll the bucket back.

Ive got a cast concrete balustrade that need some attention. Fortunately, the individual pieces are not glued together. Each stantion weighs (I'm guessing) 300+hashtags. 5 stantions.

I'm calling in the loader and chains (straps if I can find some).

A ZT would be sitting in the barn.

Sure would! I'd grab one of my Bobcat T650s for that job and do less damage on the ground since they're wide track machines. So take that Mr fancy pants :D

Ha!

Oh yeah? I want a Toolcat 5600 so bad I'm almost gonna buy some land just to use it on, boogerhead!

I went by the local dealer yesterday to pick up a saw chain and a part for my line trimmer...made a serious mistake before I walked in. I sat on one of their big azz Scags our front....seat had better suspension than my 911 :). Dang you all...

I've had a parks maintenance contract for the last 20+ years, currently, we're running two Scag 72" & one John Deere 4x4 72" diesel. The Scags are hauling ass mowing units. The JD is for a few really steep areas. Over the years, we've replaced engines, re-welded / beefed up the the decks and they keep on trucking. We use a Walker ZTR mower on smaller accounts where we need to collect the clippings.

Steve

I paid abou $13k for my Kubota with a loader and HST. Its one of the best tool investments I’ve ever made. Unless I had a lot of extra time and money I would stay away from a 2 wheel drive tractor with a “will fit” loader. Just my 2 cents.

I know a guy that can help with the toolcat :D
Sold two of them last month. 46K was the high priced machine. OUCH!

Whatever you do, don't jump on a Ferris. Those things have full suspension. My neighbor has one and my friend in PA sells those along with the Hustler line. Both tell me those things are a smooth ride and the cut is excellent.

Well you guys are gona have a good time telling me "I told you so"
As I struggle with this old ford tractor.

I did the unthinkable and only stretched the budget by 50% to get something to work with.

Wish me luck in getting the loader mounted.

Now let the chorus begin, you did what?

Cheers Richard

You did WHAT! I've had to put Cabman on ignore, and might just have to leave PPOT entirely...I can't afford to visit here no mo!

Spoons, Z's, Tools...not to mention my reason for being here in the first place....oh yeah...this place saves me a bundle ;)

Yep, it can get dangerous around here. I just don't look at any of the motorcycle threads anymore.

Cabmando's machines are so far out there, I don't even have to give them a second thought, just smile and shake my head.

Some how I feel better having fessed up, as to what Ive done.

Cheers Richard

Sorry Tadd, for the long hi jack.

Now back to large mowers.

Cheers Richard

Before we get back to Tadd, do me a huge favor, download the manuals for your tractor and FEL. They should be available.

I am on Team Tevake...I am concerned about the FEL. If the tractor rework is reasonable, you are good to go and will be manually shifting to your hearts content for many years. :D

Just make sure you get smart on introducing a hydraulic assembly (that is all the FEL is) into your tractors hydraulic system.

Lastly, have it professionally mounted and installed: This ain't no party, this ain't no Disco...

Edit: One other thing: Your front tires will bear the brunt of the load you will be putting on the FE and transferring to the tractor. Make sure they are rated for the load, not old and properly inflated.