[lostinperiphery]

I’m in the process of building a home on about 9acres somewhat hilly woods and grass., and my aging LX277 mower could likely use an upgrade to something better suited for the variety of tasks I could accomplish with a subcompact tractor. I’ve watched a ton of videos on the subcompacts, and have likely narrowed it down to a 1025r, but was hoping to get a bit of advice on a few different point. Thanks in advance for any insight!

-1023e vs 1025r: I think my biggest holdup on the 1023e is the lack of repeatability on the 3point height adjustment. I feel like that could get frustrating, or am I making a bigger deal out of it than necessary?

-model year: seems like 2017 saw the biggest changes. Doesn’t seem like anything is a dealbreaker beforehand, but I definitely like the improved placement of the 4wd selector, as I’ll probably be using it frequently. Any other noteworthy changes over the past few years that make a certain model year more appealing than those prior?

-60D vs 54D: does either provide more clearance for wheel spacers than the other? Is 60D detrimental for mowing hills? A good portion of our lawn is on a 10-12° side slope, but also has some trees/structures/fence to mow up against. While I’m not a lawn perfectionist, id like to be sure whichever deck I choose won’t be frustrating for my scenario.

-I’ll likely add liquid ballast to the tires, but is there any argument to be had against liquid filled tires, in favor of more easily removable ballast weight? Would liquid impede mowing, for example?

-pricing: I found older threads claiming that 15-18% off sticker isn’t unreasonable, but that was pre-pandemic times. In today’s world, is it still reasonable to expect dealers to come off sticker? What about second hand, is the $16-18k I’ve been seeing for a 1025r with mower and loader in the ballpark, or should I try to negotiate down?

 

[Sundancer268]

I personally like the old 4WD selector lever on my 1026R verses my Brother-in-Laws 2019 model 1025R. I also hate the new Hood Release. I do love his Mouser Cab compared to my TekTite, but my TekTite is only Serial Number 33 so quite early and there has been many improvments since mine. I don't know about liquid filled tires, I just have used the starter weights and 50# weights on each wheel like I have on my 445.

 

[myrna]

If you are going to buy new, and you should, with 0% financing the difference between a 1026 and a 1025 is just pocket change per month. Go for the 1026R and don't look back!

 

[Sundancer268]

Think you mean 1023 vis 1025R. The 1026R was last made in the states in 2012, the 1025 R replaced it in 2013.

 

[myrna]

Think you mean 1023 vis 1025R. The 1026R was last made in the states in 2012, the 1025 R replaced it in 2013.

OK, you are correct, get the 1025R and forget the 1023R because the monthly payment difference is only pocket change.

 

[Sundancer268]

And you will love the three point position control a lot better than the 1023. That is the biggest benefit and the seat but people still complain about the seat. I look at it as a tractor and not a truck. Makes the seat bearable for me.

 

[BOBL]

OK, you are correct, get the 1025R and forget the 1023R because the monthly payment difference is only pocket change.

The two (2) models are the 1023e and 1025r. I own the 1023e and have not found a reason to complain or wish that I had the few 1025 additional features that make it a 1025. 3pt depth control??? Didn't have it when I was 13, and don't need it now that I'm 70. Better seat? I put my own seat on and it's far better than what Deere puts on the 1025. It's whatever the OP wants because regardless, either of the 1 series will get the job done in style.

 

[dixie460]

My goodness, if you've decided to go with the 1 series then just get the 1025R and don't look back lol. You won't regret the position control hitch.

As for mowers, I have the 60D. My salesman informed me, while I was trying to decide between the two, that the 54 would barely clear the tires and therefore make mowing along fences and such difficult. He also said the 60 is a deeper deck which provides more lift (basically suction) and therefore a better cut. And, it was only ~ 400 bucks more. Since I was financing over 72 months I went ahead and got the 1025R + 60D with a factory installed 120R loader (NSL). I do not regret my purchase one bit.

 

[MTB98]

For 9 acres I’d be looking at a 2 if not 3 series. If you’re going with a 1 series no question the 1025>1023 hands down.

 

[c40-8w]

Position control is the only important difference between the 23 and 25. I fully agree with MTB98 however, 9 acres you need a bigger machine. I’d start at the 2025R.

 

[Gizmo2]

For 9 acres I’d be looking at a 2 if not 3 series.

X2

 

[Sundancer268]

I have 11.556 Acres and have no problems with my 1026R and 48" Brush Cutter. It is not an Estate so I am not fussy about mowing everyday, once or twice a year in the fields is more than enough and the lawn areas are cut with the 445 every couple of weeks.

 

[TPS]

My goodness, if you've decided to go with the 1 series then just get the 1025R and don't look back lol. You won't regret the position control hitch.

As for mowers, I have the 60D. My salesman informed me, while I was trying to decide between the two, that the 54 would barely clear the tires and therefore make mowing along fences and such difficult. He also said the 60 is a deeper deck which provides more lift (basically suction) and therefore a better cut. And, it was only ~ 400 bucks more. Since I was financing over 72 months I went ahead and got the 1025R + 60D with a factory installed 120R loader (NSL). I do not regret my purchase one bit.

Some great points and I agree he should go with the 1025R, especially with the current financing deals at 0% for 72 months.

Just one point — In 2020, the mower decks were redesigned so the 60D and 54D are essentially the same except for the width. This is the reason they can both accommodate the LNG brackets now. From what I’ve read, they were redesigned to bring consistency with the decks and linkages throughout the 1023E/1025R/2025R tractors. Both decks are built as 7-iron now.

For 54D decks prior to 2020, your points still stand regarding the 60D.

I ordered my 2021 1025R with the 54D as I have some storage limitations among other considerations. But, I agree if he has the land and storage to accommodate the 60D, the extra $400 is a no-brainer!

 

[Busman]

I realize you stated you were thinking 1023E vs 1025R. But for your land base and conditions you describe, I would be starting out looking at the 2025R, which is a beefed up 1025R.. bigger tires, little better lift capacity front and rear, more ground clearance. Only 2-3K more. It's what I wished I would have done, if I could have a do over.
Actually for your 9 acres... the 2032/2038R would be likely best...BUT... this would be 8-10K more on the budget, and then you put up with emission DPF etc.

Pricing is all over the place, especially nowadays, with world upheaval and what not. Depends on dealer mostly. Some will hold you ransom for retail $+ and some will discount. Will you still get 15-18% off list in todays markets?? Dunno, all you can do is ask.
Also good luck even finding a real life tractor you can actually sit on and compare side by side to another model. My dealer, who is huge and has 9 other stores in our province, has NO sub compact or compact tractors on the lot. Nada. You want a tractor.. get in line and order one and wait anywhere from 1 month to 6 months.

I'm thinking the 2025R would be the sweet spot for you and your land. At least do yourself a favour and check them out and compare to the 1023/1025.
It's what I would do.

 

[MTB98]

Actually for your 9 acres... the 2032/2038R would be likely best...BUT... this would be 8-10K more on the budget, and then you put up with emission DPF etc.
I'm thinking the 2025R would be the sweet spot for you and your land. At least do yourself a favour and check them out and compare to the 1023/1025.
It's what I would do.

My dealer brought a 2025 to my house so I could try it out before deciding. It’s good to get an idea of how small (or large) the machine feels on your property. IDK if that’s possible right now with the inventory shortages at dealers.

 

[Jimmy Walker]

10-12 degree slope is nothing serious. I'm very often traveling on sidehills 25-30 degrees. I have 1.4 inch spacers and 72lb wheel weights.

I picked the 1025 over larger models because of the lower center of gravity. I use it to take care of 10.5 acres.
I would've flipped a 2025 if I had one. It's only 1 inch wider but a whole lot taller. I'm sure it rides better though....

One reason I wouldn't want a 1023. The lack of tilt steering wheel. Sounds silly maybe but I like not having my knees touch the wheel. Also they don't have the 12V power outlet if you need a phone charger.....

 

[dixie460]

Some great point and I agree he should go with the 1025R, especially with the current financing deals at 0% for 72 months.

Just one point — In 2020, the mower decks were redesigned so the 60D and 54D are essentially the same except for the width. This is the reason they can both accommodate the LNG brackets now. From what I’ve read, they were redesigned to bring consistency with the decks and linkages throughout the 1023E/1025R/2025R tractors. Both decks are built as 7-iron now.

For 54D decks prior to 2020, your points still stand regarding the 60D.

I ordered my 2021 1025R with the 54D as I have some storage limitations among other considerations. But, I agree if he has the land and storage to accommodate the 60D, the extra $400 is a no-brainer!

Good to know, TPS, thanks!

 

[Ozo]

I suggest the 1025R and the 60D for you....and for all the reasons above.
If you had ONE, FLAT nine acre field it would be an entirely different suggestion.
Make sure you get the Load-N-Go brackets on the 60D, you will thank me later.

 

[fatback]

Did anyone mention PTO HP. 1025R has almost 3 more and you might notice running a rotary cutter or flaw mower under heavy load.

 

[Hagak]

You did not mention what tasks besides mowing you would need the machine for? In fact if anything lawn mowing is the least important aspect of a SCUT and many people argue to get a zero-turn instead of a MMM on a SCUT. But that depends on the property and how you plan to maintain it.

BUT it is important to know what you are using it for besides mowing?

Will you be doing a lot of landscaping (mulch beds, tilling, etc) and are these in confined spaces? Size of the land does not really tell us that. I have 10 acres but I can not access large portions of it with my 2038R because of obstacles (1025 would not work either).

Will you be doing snow clearing? Need a wood chipper? etc.

HP should usually not be a big factor on the machine, but if you want to use implements like a wood chipper it can determine how big a chipper you can get. I went with the 2038R cause I wanted a machine that could run a good size chipper and handle the bigger 59" snow blower without being so big that getting it around my woods would be an issue.