Just wondering if anyone has any input... we're moving soon to a small hobby farm, where we'll be keeping a couple of horses. I've started research what sort of tractor will best suit my needs. I'm pretty sure I'll require a garden tractor in the 24-28 HP range, but I want to be sure.
Primary uses for this equipment will be A) mowing (this will be by far the biggest usage), B) pulling an arena drag or cart with materials, and C) Moving small to moderate amounts of snow. Total acreage on the farm is nearly 15 acres, but much of that is covered with woods, pasture, outbuildings, etc. Total mowing area is probably going to be less than 5 acres.
The snow-moving requirement is the one that makes me think I'll need the most tractor I can get. This would be used to move snow up to 6 inches deep, anything beyond that I would be calling a plow. A friend has told me that he doesn't think a riding tractor will really be useful at moving snow, although I'm not sure he grasps the difference in power and weight between lawn and garden tractors. If a large garden tractor ISN'T going to move snow, am I looking at more power than I need?
That being said, this tool WILL be a workhorse on the farm, as I truly can't see the need for an actual compact tractor (and don't want to incur that cost). I'd love to hear any feedback on this, feel free to make any equipment recommendations as well (I'm leaning towards Craftsman Pro and Husqvarna).
thanks a ton!
dan
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Primary uses for this equipment will be A) mowing (this will be by far the biggest usage), B) pulling an arena drag or cart with materials, and C) Moving small to moderate amounts of snow. Total acreage on the farm is nearly 15 acres, but much of that is covered with woods, pasture, outbuildings, etc. Total mowing area is probably going to be less than 5 acres.
The snow-moving requirement is the one that makes me think I'll need the most tractor I can get. This would be used to move snow up to 6 inches deep, anything beyond that I would be calling a plow. A friend has told me that he doesn't think a riding tractor will really be useful at moving snow, although I'm not sure he grasps the difference in power and weight between lawn and garden tractors. If a large garden tractor ISN'T going to move snow, am I looking at more power than I need?
That being said, this tool WILL be a workhorse on the farm, as I truly can't see the need for an actual compact tractor (and don't want to incur that cost). I'd love to hear any feedback on this, feel free to make any equipment recommendations as well (I'm leaning towards Craftsman Pro and Husqvarna).
thanks a ton!
dan
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