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What Is A Good Landscaper Tractor ?

R

Ross Bryner

New User
I would like opinions out there as to what is the best 1980's to 90's tractor to be used as a landscaper tractor. (Has to be that old so I can afford it.)

I will use it on my own small acreage and do a little landscape work on the side; maybe 3 or 4 times per year. I want it to be a utility tractor in the 40 to 60 h.p. range with a front end loader and 3 pt. hitch, rear 540 pto and draw-bar and with two rear hydraulic remotes. I would use 3 pt. mounted implements like a box scraper, blade, post hole digger, 2 bottom moldboard plow and roto-tiller. Would want to be able to pull an 8 to 10 ft. wide disc and an 8 to 10 ft. wide roller harrow. And, of course, use the front end loader a whole bunch.

I grew up with International Harvester, mostly row crop tractors. I am partial to Case IH, but am open to any suggestions. I currently have a 1494 Case (David Brown) that I absolutely Do Not Like and will be selling this spring.

I appreciate any comments as to brand, type of transmission, any problem things to look out for etc...

Thanks, Ross.
 
L Series KUBOTA model l 4200 4 wheel drive with
la 680 kubota loaders will run you around 8 to 10 thousand being 10 to 12 years old...600 to 1000 hrs if you can find it used. Would do everything you stated and you would love it.
 
My neighbor had a Kubota L3600 four wheel drive that I used quite a bit, and I loved it. I had a pasture, about nine acres that I mowed regularly, the NAA used 12 gallons of gasoline, the Kubota 5 gallons of diesel.
 
I am a semi-retired landscaper with some acreage to play around on. My tractor is 4610 Ford (2wd). I "almost" bought the next size down, but was read the riot act of using loader. 4610 has a straight front axle, whereas 3910 (and 4610 SU) have swept back front axles. If I had to do it again, I would give more consideration to 4x4, but have managed very well with 2wd. You'll love having a loader...just be careful of axle configuration.

My 4610 has the synchro transmission (2 sticks/levers on column) that gives me 4R and 8F gears. I dearly love that setup compared to standard 2sticks up out of tranny.

Good luck...Rick
 
I REALLY like my MF 165 Gas. Have several tractors and this is the one I prefer. Not so big to climb on and off but it's still like 50 HP and will pull alot. I really really like it. And it always starts , no matter what. Was -6 a few weeks ago and it started right up.You can find these in the 4 to 6 thousand dollar range around here.
 
Most Land Scapers,Home Builders, Commercial Developers and others here in Arizona seem to prefer Massey-Fergusons of most any year and model from the 70's to the present. I also have seen large Golf Course Developers have Masseys in their fleet with manufactory in many countries of the world ,especially Europe and the Baltics.
 
I own a landscape business and have one of each of the tractors mentioned so far. 1992 Massey Ferguson 240 diesel with loader, used about 60% 1983 Ford 2810 diesel used about 40% and a just purchased 2003 Kubota L 3000 have yet to use. Reason for the last purchase is sometimes in my area you need a lighter tractor for final grading. For loader work a shuttle is superior, a gear trans works fine for grading and mowing. Dave
 
Ross: I have been doing lawn grading and seeding and landscape work for 15 years. Started with a Ford 1910 4 x 4 with loader. Then moved up to a Ford 1920, also 4 x 4 with loader. Much better to operate. Now have a New Holland (the new Ford) TC45A. All three are basicallly the same tractor from dimensions and engine displacement (121 cubic inch). The TC45A has a twin sister in CaseIH. In my opinion don"t get anything bigger in size. You need this size chassis to get in the smaller spaces around houses. I have yet to find a job these size/HP tractors cannot do; you just need to use some common sense. Make sure you get something with a shuttle type transmission. Super useful when loading and going back and forth in lawn work. Find yourself a good used 1920 4 x 4 and put it to work. The higher HP of the TC45A will only be used when doing PTO work like a rototiller or 5 foot bush hog mower.
 
If you're going to be using the loader a lot, it's worth considering an industrial loader tractor. It will have faster hyds., better trans. for loader work and be a lot more heavy duty. What's the best is open to a thousand different opinions. For lot's of loader work, maybe a skid steer would be a better choice and have another tractor for the other jobs? Dave
 
We"re on our fifth or sixth Kubota in 25 years doing the same thing. Don"t know why Dad started with them, but it"s worked out well. We use the loader all the time, no front end problems. Hydrostat is the way to go for lawn installations. Did it with a stick, then a GST and now HST. Very handy. Here"s my favorite place we put one in last year, wow, lots of rocks. Think the loader is getting a work out here?
tipmontrocks.jpg
 
GENTLEMEN . . . MANY, MANY THANKS !!!

I am very greatful for the NUMEROUS replies to my questions. I have printed these responses out and will use your suggestions as a basis in deciding which direction I will go. I will study up on each of these tractor models (thanks to great info. on this website and other internet sources and my big handy dandy Nebraska Tractor Test Book).

You Folks Take Care and All The Best in your endeavors !!
 
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