BEST machine on a budget for Modern Homesteading? Tractor, CTL, SSL, MTL, Mini Excavator, Back hoe?

If you enjoy watching machines work, then this video is for you. If you are looking at buying a tractor, this video is also for you. Heck, if you are considering a skid steer, CTL, MTL, SSL or Mini Excavator this video is for you! Join us as we collaborate with Homestead How, a Modern Homesteading family from Central Wisconsin, you can visit their channel here: / @homesteadhow
In this video we've been asked by Homestead How (Kerry and Jen) for some guidance on what single machine would be their best investment for their Modern Homesteading Wisconsin farm. They are hoping to stay in a budget of $20,000. Their primary uses would be fixing, repairing and maintaining their long gravel driveway and other gravel areas on the farm, so they would need to be able to move gravel and do a lot of gravel driveway grading. Next they would like for it to be able to handle their firewood supply for heating their homestead. Lifting heavy logs, hauling logs out of the woods and handling cut firewood, as well as feeding a big firewood cutting machine. And their third major objective is to do some digging and general dirt work. They have found some buried items on their farm and would like to be able to dig, and do some dirt grading, fixing water runoff and fixing water erosion problems and more. Now, I have also added a few things in this video that they had not thought of just yet, but I believe they will have certain needs for in the future as far as a new machine goes. So... Will it be a Compact tractor? a CTL? (Compact track loader), Skid steer, MTL, Back hoe, or Mini Excavator? Each of the machines have strengths and weakness' so lets take a much closer look. And please, if you enjoy our content, hit the Like button and share our content to help us grow and subscribe to follow all of our country living adventures, Bobcat T650 skid steer (CTL) projects, Bobcat e42 Mini Excavator projects, Branson tractor projects, wildlife conservation projects, wildlife habitat improvement projects, DIY rustic home decor and much more country living adventure. Kapper Outdoors, living the dream, one acre at a time.
Equipment shown in this video:
Bobcat T650 Compact Track Loader
Kioti NX 6010 Compact tractor,
Bobcat e42 Mini Excavator,
Branson 7845c Utility tractor
John Deere 4720 compact tractor
John Deere 3320 Open station tractor
Branson 6530 Utility tractor
and more...

[@Homesteadhow]

Joe- WOW! I cannot thank you enough. This was so thorough and thoughtful of you. So many things I have not considered. I appreciate this very much. Before this, I was leaning towards a skid steer but had some doubts, but the tractor with PTO is really the way to go. That new Branson with a CAB for slightly more than my budget may be the way to go. I’m going to watch your video again with Jen and put some more thought into this. I cannot thank you enough Joe.

[@kapperoutdoors]

No problem Kerry, looking forward to a future visit, and wishing you the best on this new investment & adventure!

[@abrahamreese7318]

I realize it's kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream new movies online ?

[@raydenjax4869]

@Abraham Reese i watch on Flixzone. You can find it on google =)

[@alejandroxzavier5154]

@Rayden Jax Yup, I've been using flixzone for months myself :)

[@abrahamreese7318]

@Rayden Jax Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I really appreciate it !

[@cesarguerra8665]

WOW!!! Thank you for explaining the difference and what you suggested and why, I spent 25 years in the Army, now I am going to try my hand at a small homestead of 10 acres! I had no idea where to start for tractors, horse power etc, You provided me with more than just a base line. Thank you again!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Awesome, glad to help out when I can! Thanks for your service in the Army and best wishes on your new life adventures! All the best! Thanks.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks for everyone's input and watching! Please consider helping our channel out and Sharing this video! You can help us grow against the grain of the more highly promoted channels! We'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Good discussion on tractors and other machines.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks man, did you like my 4720? lol

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Kapper Outdoors yes I did 😁

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

extremely good upload Kapper Outdoors. I crushed the thumbs up on your video. Keep on up the awesome work.

[@paulnelson9907]

Kapper I agree 100% with you, the only thing I would add is hydraulic down pressure to the 3 point, this allows you to hold grade while cutting with a rear blade or box blade.

[@Oldsoldiersays]

thanks kap, been meaning to reach out to update, got our new place, 35 acres, with spring coming here in kentucky been looking at our first machine purchase but we're at half that budget

[@kapperoutdoors]

Awesome man congratulations! You can always find something that will be useful, even with a smaller budget! Good luck!

[@photocontrol]

I agree, a tractor would be the best suited type of machinery for their needs, options and budget.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Roger that, thanks.

[@esteve801]

Best video for tractor research so far! Subscribed!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good deal, thank you! And good luck to you! Cheers.

[@throngcleaver]

Nice comparison/explanation, and great advice!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks man, hope you can get in some dirt time soon!

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

For a homesteader I agree that the utility loader tractor with 3 point hitch and pto is the first piece of equipment to buy. If your handy wrenching and understand machinery, used will get you started at the least up front cost but repairs are expensive and when the hay has to be cut and bailed you don't have days to wait for parts to arrive. That said, what you intend to do with the farmstead is just as important. How are you going to accomplish your primary income stream. Growing you own produce and raising protein on a small scale will help make the dollars go further. Trying to support yourself on the homestead is different and you need to sit down and work a plan to accomplish your goal. A full time job with benefits, goes a long way to help set up infrastructure on the homestead, as you develop your skills. Best of luck to anyone thinking about this lifestyle.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks, I know its a lot to take in for them!

[@joegomez5807]

Another great video. You left off one important variable -safety. CTL 10 excavator 8, tractor 6. I agree with you assessment on power-anything less than 50 HP is a waste of time I had a 30 HP John Deere compact tractor and moved to a bobcat t-190 and never looked back. I feel much safer in the bobcat and rarely worry about tipping. I also found renting additional attachments easier with the bobcat The ctl is more expensive; however I justified the expense primarily due to safety and ease of renting attachments Mr Kapper is correct. Always buy a tractor with greater than 50 hp. Any thing smaller you wii regret. Go big or go home!!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Wow, great call on the oversight!!! You are right too, the tractor is the most dangerous by far!! Thanks and take care

[@moavbilly7993]

Joe...that was well thought through.....I agree with your assessment....maybe those implements that don't get as much use could be rented.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks man, even us different color machine guys can agree :) Yeah, pretty much hands down with a tractor to begin with. Have a good one man. Wet and rainy here....

[@houndsmanone4563]

All great recommendations, Kap. After Homestead How weighs these options, they can make a decision. If they can swing it, they should get the new Branson (financed) and maybe they can purchase a few implements in a bundle/package. They'll be surprised how much cheaper it will be than purchasing implements piece-by-piece. A new first-time landowner can use this video as a benchmark to help determine what's best for them. Your video clips reinforced every bullet on your list which was great. Okay, brother, time for me to get some work done. Big thumbs-up 👍!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks man, appreciate that. Hopefully some people might find it helpful.

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

you put some thought into your answers and I have to agree with everything you said. not one machine will do everything, but you can get away with one machine doing most of what you want.

[@kapperoutdoors]

yep, too bad there wasn't quite the 'perfect' mix of all of them LOL. Thanks Joey

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Very good info- hopefully they can find one that works for them!

[@carlosstrelkov6043]

how good is the mini at climbing very steep roads compared to the tractor?

[@kapperoutdoors]

A mini can climb most any driveway or trail, it's just slow. And if it gets really steep or wet you can pull yourself up it with the boom. Thanks

[@sdawg58]

Commenting to help the channel.

[@MrSprintcat]

Good video thank you. I have ? I'm moving to Vermont and have a chance to buy a caterpillar 430 d . My property has some steep hills .I wondering if the backhoe will tip over backwards going up to some of the spots I need to get to.thank you again for the video

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you I appreciate that. Best of luck with your move and future machines! Take care

[@jeffselchow5719]

Great review job Kapper.

[@lazerbeam3928]

I don’t know what the delivery charge might be, but for Homestead How take a look at LSETractor Sales in Springfield, TN. LSE sells Kioti tractors packages called “pick-five”. The packages include the tractor, trailer, plus 5 implements of your choice from a list of compatible implements that fit the tractor of your choice. Their pricing is extremely aggressive and I believe that most of the implements are Titan brand made in the USA. LSE is the top selling Kioti tractor dealer in the U.S. and Kioti includes a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty on the tractor and 5 years (or maybe its 6 years?) on the engine and drive train. I don’t own a Kioti or work for them or LSE, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about them. Kioti sales are skyrocketing in the U.S. because their price points are excellent in comparison to their competitors and apparently they are exceptional quality machines. Just an option to check out, you never know…

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good info, thanks for the heads up for Homestead How. Most Korean made lines are very good quality, they have been making machines longer than we have. Have a good one, thanks.

[@clarkwheeler8764]

Great advice Kapper. I'm in full agreement with ya....TRACTOR POWER!! I can't even imagine trying to do the things on my property without my 90hp tractor. You're also right about the horsepower--I wish I had a 110hp tractor. smh

[@kapperoutdoors]

LOL GO 110 hp!!!! smh.... :)

[@lynneperg6853]

I have to agree with suggestion to get a tractor. That pto is really important.

[@kapperoutdoors]

hoorah, thanks!

[@christhomas9837]

Very good video. The only thing I would like to add is there is a big difference between a track and wheel skid steer.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you and yes, good point. I guess I didn't go into detail on that. Appreciate it

[@SheepyHollowCanada]

Great video for information... how about snow? say 2 feet deep and frozen underneath and would be for logging in winter and summer field work... the tractor gonna make it?

[@kapperoutdoors]

Well if you had a front mounted blower it would be fine, like GP Outdoors has. He's got winter like you!

[@SheepyHollowCanada]

A lot more to consider... I wish we could own handguns like you southern folks.

[@davemi00]

Outdoors with the Morgans - is great to watch for tractor attachments. Cause they have about every attachment.

[@kapperoutdoors]

yes they sure do! LOL

[@joeblow8197]

The tractor is good at the specific things but a skid steer will do anything they could ever think of. If the budget allows, there’s an attachment for it.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Yep you are right about that! Thanks and happy new year!!

[@floridacoder]

Any opinions on PTO mounted excavators (backho) on a tractor?

[@kapperoutdoors]

Can't say, never had one. I decided on a mini excavator over a back hoe attachment based on my research. Thanks and good luck

[@tonyparris5278]

Just my thought on the backhoe attachment for a tractor save that money and rent a mini ex for a weekend when you have several jobs to do.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good idea. But I know rentals are getting very expensive for sure. Guess it would depend on how much a tractor back hoe costs. Thanks

[@bobpaterson1845]

Good review Kapper 👍 one point I disagree with is traction, if the top 2 or 3 inches of soil is greasy or muddy rubber track machines are way behind a 4wd tractor with ag tyres in my opinion 💪👍👍

[@kapperoutdoors]

Well, I've had better luck with the track machines in the same slick clay around here. They just seem to do OK. But now that I think of the Branson with AG tires I haven't gotten it stuck yet so you could be right! Thanks.

[@ffmed425]

John Deere 110 for the win! Backhoe, front end loader, 3 point hitch and pto. They can be hard to find but they are great little machines. Check out some of Dirt Perfects older videos, he had one.

[@mikethurston6595]

This was very helpful thank you. I know the video has been out for awhile now but... I was wondering if you would still pick the tractor for mountain work. I have 90 acres in the mountains FYI.

[@kapperoutdoors]

That would totally depend on the major tasks you plan to use it for. The tractor is best for using implements behind it; disc, planter, tiller, blade, box blade, etc. But if you don't plan on gardens, working up any ground, and just road work, ditch work, then a CTL/MTL might be a better fit. Good luck! Thanks.

[@najibr6712]

Thanks

[@wmnapier]

Excavator is nice but you cant farm with it.... He needs a good 40 HP tractor with front end loader with bucket. Add in a few implements like, bush hog, disc, tiller, blade or box blade, post hole digger and possibly grapple for the front end loader and a set of forks. That is one great start and will do for just 20 acres.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Agreed! But man, the Mini EX can really repair, move, and fix dirt and roads and ponds!

[@kensayre6919]

Good job Joe, but I disagree about the h,p. my 29 h.p. handles a 5 ft. grader & brush cutter. If you have large acerage and need bigger implements, than of course you will need more h.p..

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good input. Depending on how creative they might get it could make a difference having more HP. Also I recommend it for stability, like for lifting a half ton log with the loader/grapple. More hp equals more weight. Just my thoughts, but thanks.

[@brosselot1]

Awesome advice. I've been on the fence for a long time whether I should get a skid or tractor

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good luck, they are both great machines. I think the skid steer is more fun though. LOL

[@lesliesmith7312]

What about snow removal? I live in Michigan, Wisconsin's next-door neighbor, and we get snowfall a foot or two at a time in some parts of the state so digging myself out of my mile long driveway is a big deal

[@kapperoutdoors]

Yes you have a very good point there. But most any machine you get should be able to remove snow with the right implements whether it be a tractor or a skid steer. Thanks and good luck

[@kongchiu2077]

good morning It is a great review and provide clearly recommendations. I have a question and need your opinion. I bought a vacant land, and I need to open a road. my land is in a hill area. and I will plant fruit trees and run a vine yard in the future. I have 30K (Canadian dollar), based on my situation, what kind the machine is optimized option, if I want to buy? Tractor with backhoe, skid loader or mini excavator? Thanks

[@kapperoutdoors]

Building a road eliminates the tractor for the most part. In hilly terrain I'd say a mini excavator would be the best tool for building a road, mostly because of its ability to pull stumps much better than a skid steer. But a skid steer is better for grading a road, leveling dirt and moving material. Best of luck on your future projects, thanks.

[@kongchiu2077]

@@kapperoutdoors thanks for your recommendation

[@meraketmiyormusun9933]

Nice video

[@martinperuski1226]

TLB. Jack of all trades.

[@mikewawrzkiewicz3741]

Nice job I’m with you see ya Napa Mike

[@billsmith9610]

A deere 110tlb has a removable hoe and a PTO drive the same as say a Kubota L48. They have a lot more lifting capacities and you can find them with aftermarket cabs. You said a CTL for traction was an 8 i think but you forget that he wants to push snow and the tracks are not as good as wheeled and the tracks freeze in the cold and i had it happen lots when they are left out. But if it was me i would try to raise that budget to 30 grand and buy a simple compact tractor with a backhoe and the implements he wants and buy an old farm tractor that is in good shape and not some POS and use it for the grunt work like pulling logs and yanking stumps.

[@kapperoutdoors]

A lot of the bigger tractors (and maybe these back hoes?) have an 11 spline pto shaft and can't work with smaller tractor implements. Good points. I hope they can maybe up the budget some at least also.

[@RiverValleyAcres]

That’s awesome that you got to test out many different types of tractors and equipment. That definitely looks enjoyable. Keep up the awesome content I enjoy watching.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you we appreciate you being on board!

[@jmgredgreen4x428]

Good information 👍 I had a hard time deciding on a John Deere X575, X585,X595 or a 1025R/1026r for a small 4x4 sub compact/Super Garden tractor to do smaller chores and to mow the yard about two years ago. So I decided to go with a used 2004 John Deere X575 4x4 super garden tractor with 490.5 original hours on it and it came with a 54 inch John Deere mower deck and it mows and plows snow great 👍. Also I have some videos of me mowing and plowing snow on my KZbin channel if you would like to see it.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Awesome, thanks I'll check it out. So many good options that truly overlap each other on the machines!

[@kapperoutdoors]

you have some cool tractor vids, tell us what machine(s) you all have currently? Thanks

[@jmgredgreen4x428]

@@kapperoutdoors Thank you! I currently have a John Deere X575, 1996 New Holland 2120 compact tractor with loader, 1967 Craftsman 10XL garden tractor, a 1974 John Deere 110 garden tractor which is the newest addition to my equipment fleet and a 1983 Satoh Mitsubishi Beaver Three compact tractor that has 186.8 original hours. My dad has a 1986 Wheel Horse 520 HC, 1996 Toro/Wheel Horse 520H, 1994 Ford 1920 compact tractor with loader, and a 2006 John Deere 5325 4x4 with power reverser with cab and loader.

[@kadeeambrose810]

What 40hp Branson are you taking about for that kind of money?

[@kapperoutdoors]

I don't recall that was awhile ago. But I now recommend Kioti over Branson for sure. Best of luck thanks.

[@stevenpeters2593]

Great Story Joe! 👍🏻🦌🦌🦌

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you appreciate it!

[@isaacsoutdooradventures776]

I think they should get a used skid steer

[@12ozbuds]

Hey Kap at 7:52 I had to stop. Your evaluations are skewed. A tractor is the best machine for a first time prepper. The start up cost are cheaper the attachments are cheaper but the learner curve is longer. That being said once the tractor is mastered then a prepper can move on up to minis and track loaders. I am tired of beating a dead horse, forgive me. I give up.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Guess you should have watched the whole video then.... What do you think I recommended?

[@kapperoutdoors]

That's kind of a troll move right there, not watching the whole thing, but commenting out of line... :)

[@12ozbuds]

I hope by now you would realize that I have been here since the beginning. I have always supported you but sometimes you are a little off. I have done this type of work since the early seventies, back before mini ex's and skid steers. All we had was tractors and if lucky enough a backhoe. For a small operation a tractor is the best way to go because of start up cost. I am sorry if you think I am trolling you, I am not. I just want to help.

[@12ozbuds]

I will repectively say a tractor.

[@kapperoutdoors]

@@12ozbuds yes I know you've been with us since the start and we appreciate that. But I'm going to be honest, lately you've been more and more negative than what you used to be. Perhaps we're just changing and you don't enjoy it anymore, which is fine. Thank you, and as always I don't mind open discussions. I still remain open and willing to learn because that's just how I am. Maybe it doesn't come across as much.

[@memyselfandifarmer]

forks. i give this a 8.75.

[@robertrichard9460]

Great advice! Glad I’m not making that decision!

[@kapperoutdoors]

LOL I know right! Tough choices ahead! Thanks have a good one

[@richarde.6750]

Time for a Dozer............................

[@kapperoutdoors]

LOL NO!!! Too many bills now! :) But maybe a.... 'dozer blade.....' lol

[@puskabeuford8667]

🦅🇺🇸

[@GrayHawk259]

It all depends on the operator

[@kapperoutdoors]

Very true, an expert can do much better than most of of home and farm owners who learn on the fly. No doubt about that, thanks.