Analysis paralysis between LX and L
I've had a BX2680 for a year now, and it's been great, but my needs have recently changed in a few important ways, and I will need a bigger tractor. We're on ten acres, most of it open field that's been hayed by a neighboring farmer for years in a no cash barter. He's fine continuing the arrangement, so I got the BX mainly to cut and maintain a few paths around the field, general maintenance around the house, and snowplowing a half a mile of gravel driveway. BX with front blower, versa box, and 48 inch rotary cutter was fine for all that. A bit bumpy cutting the paths, but plenty of power for heavy snow, and the cutters made it through some thick stuff. Absolutely loved the front blower and the maneuverability and thought that would be it.
Now we've decided to change the 10 acres from hay field to native meadow grasses and wildflowers. At least most of it. We're doing a three year cycle of buckwheat and winter clover to clear the weeds without chemicals or tilling, and the farmer has agreed to drill seed for a fee. I will have to cut the field down before he drill seeds or pay him again to do that, and then I'll have to cut the buckwheat down again after flowering, and again before planting the clover for the winter. Same thing next year, and then once we plant all the natives, it will end up pretty thick and require brush hogging at 6-8 inches once a year for a while. Much as I love the little BX, I know this will all be too much for it.
First throught of going with an LX2620 or LX3320 because cab and front blower. But that stupid front blower is more than $8K, and the LX's are at the bottom end of what's required to brush hog ten acres of thick meadow. My friendly AI assistant says to go with a L3902 with either a 5' or 6' brush hog (though 6' could get bogged down in thick natives over the LX. But then there's the snow clearing issue. The 3902 is also big enough that I could rent a drill seeder and avoid paying the farmer altogether. He charges around $100/hr for his services on his professional equipment, but I'd still have to pay him to rent a seeder.
So I'm thinking of foregoing the blower altogether and getting a snow pusher instead for the 3902. Could always add a rear blower if I really need to, and even a third party cab to the 3902.
What choice would you make between more comfort and snow blowing with the LX, or being able to handle the 10 acres more efficiently with the 3902.