I have been asked by a family member to assist in looking for a tractor for the property they are about to acquire. The property is 4.27 acres and is 99% untouched. Over half of the property is open 'prairie' and brush. The tractor is going to be used for everything, from mowing, to clearing, to possibly even grading in preparation for building their house. I was searching on CL and found this:

http://indianapolis.craigsl.../grd/3281756876.html

1997 Cub Cadet 7235 - 4WD Hydro
23hp, Mitsubishi 1.2L, 3 cyl diesel 550hrs
1635lb lift 3 point capacity, 2370lb tractor weight dry, just had regular service, always been garage kept
Rear 540 PTO and Mid 2000 PTO for implements or belly mower; very strong little tractor that is very reliable and easy to use
$6000 for tractor only $7250 for tractor and all attachments: 6' 3 point scraper blade, 6' finish mower, 5' bush hog, & two accessory forks

















I did a little research on my own and from what I can tell, this particular tractor is fairly reliable and everyone that has one is impressed with its power output. The vast majority of stuff that I've read says it's a great tractor, but is on the expensive side to fix when stuff breaks. Does anyone have any experience with this tractor and have any pointers on what to look for if I go to look at it?

I don't know anything about tractors beyond what I've read in the last 2 days. Is this a good deal, or are there better deals out there?

Needs a front end loader and $2000 in tires. Those turf tires will be no good for anything but mowing the lawn. I'd suggest an older, cheaper geared tractor with ag tires and loader

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1986 SE Aero coupe.

3.4 DOHC swap is complete and running, now just have to finish the rest of the car...

Yeah, I would look for something more "tractor" and less lawnmower. An older one would work... if it has been maintained. I second the loader.

quote Originally posted by tesmith66: Needs a front end loader and $2000 in tires. Those turf tires will be no good for anything but mowing the lawn. I'd suggest an older, cheaper geared tractor with ag tires and loader

Yeah, we've been talking about a loader, and after it's all said and done in about a year and a half, it's primary job function will be simple yard work with clearing and cleaning the remaining acreage a distant second. How would AG tires be on a regular lawn with a bush hog/finishing mower?

No pics and no other details yet, but I was given a lead on a late 80's International with a bucket, bush hog and finish mower for $3500. Currently owned by a self-employed lawnscaper, that because of the drought is getting out of the business and needs the money.

Initial thoughts?

I have a IH Cub Cadet 1450 from the mid-70's. Built like tank, tough as nails, only 14 horse but works harder and does more than any 25 horse new tractor I've looked at. All parts are available at an IH dealer, and they are the same quality as the original part from the 70's.

From my experiance the older tractors were built to last a lifetime, the newer ones, not so much.

I agree on needing a FEL (front end loader). While it may not be a requirement they are nice from dropping stone, moving snow, to spreading mulch. I don't see a problem with the turf tires, you will just need to be careful.

The tractor looks to be about the right size phyically and hp wise for a 4-5 acre plot. Are they planning on turning all the property into lawn or keeping it wild? If they want all lawn then in a few years they should thing about getting on of the zero turn mowers since they move fast and mawing 4-5 acres would take a good time every night to keep a manicured lawn.

My brother in law bought a JD 855, right abotu the same size physically and HP wise. It is a great tool to have around.

Having worked at a Cub Regret dealership, my views on them are well known here at PFF.

MJ, was it an IH dealership or the MTD-manufactured equipment?

The FEL has became a no-discussion necessity. The CC 7235 with the 4 wheel hydro-drive system, I have heard from multiple sources, does not lend itself to the use of a bucket very well.

The property will be cleared enough for the house/garage and a modest yard and a path down to, and around, the pond will be cleared as well, but that's all the large clearing that is planned. There is plans in the future to add walking trails and possibly ATV trails onto the uncleared part of the property, but that is atleast 2 years away.

Both--the dealership has been there for many decades--we worked on anything that came in the door too.

Thanks for the info, I have had great success with my 1450 Hydro, and the IH dealer near me is well stocked and relatively reasonable on the parts I have needed, and actually very knowledgeable about the tractor (the counter guy has one also).

quote The property is 4.27 acres and is 99% untouched. Over half of the property is open 'prairie' and brush. The tractor is going to be used for everything, from mowing, to clearing, to possibly even grading in preparation for building their house....The property will be cleared enough for the house/garage and a modest yard and a path down to, and around, the pond will be cleared as well, but that's all the large clearing that is planned. There is plans in the future to add walking trails and possibly ATV trails onto the uncleared part of the property, but that is at least 2 years away....... .

IMO, that tractor is indeed too light for using a fel for anything other than piddling around. Front stance is too narrow for one thing and the tractor is under powered @ 23 hp. If a fel is used on a tractor that small, you will probably need to keep a heavy implemnt of some kind on the 3 pt as a counterweight, which in my experience severely limits maneuverability in tight spaces (driving between trees, fences etc) and the added weight is hard on both wheel bearings and steering components. One implement he WILL find useful is a 4-5 ft wide landscape rake. They are light, cheap, and worth their weight in gold.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 09-21-2012).]