Only need a small one with a scoop and bush hog for odd jobs around the camp

Man....did you just open up a can of worms.

Yessir! I might as well get it started. You can't go wrong with a John Deere.

Haha I have to do something to stir it up a little . I’m looking at a Deere sub compact 1025

A buddy of mine has the 2032R and he loves it. They're kinda pricey though but then again, they all are.

Branson

Kubota

How small?

How big is your camp property? What all would you need/like it to be able to do?

Maybe think used or refurbished?

John Deer will stand behind all their equipment except their manure spreader.

Check Mahindra out

The best tractor for the money is;
the one that is paid for.
does what you need it to do.
has easy access to parts and or service.
supported by a good local dealer.

Color paint makes little difference.

Define small tractor
35hp or less, or under 65hp, or under 100hp.

How much weight do you need to lift with the FEL?

If you aren't experienced with tractors talking with member Navasot would be a good idea.

Someone else's

I have a John Deere 3038e. That dude is a work horse. I probably run it a little harder than it was meant but it just keeps on grinding. I've been very impressed with it's power for a small tractor. So far no issues that I didn't cause

My advice would be: Buy bigger than you think you will need. I have a 60hp workmaster and a 5065 deere cab tractor. I regret not buying the 75 when I bought the new one.

X2 go with a Kubooty!

We have a 70 horse kubota m6800 , except for oil changes, and rebuilt the hydraulic cylinders that tractor is bullet proof.

Ditto what is in quote. Just like a boat go bigger than what meets your current needs.

"A little tractor can do little jobs, a big tractor can do all jobs."

I found out the hard way bought a 35 hp Kubota, had to sell and got a 52 hp with a bucket much happerier now.
Made money selling the smaller one so no issue there. Take care of it and park in barn if possible to maintain value.

also how fast do you want to work? A lot of the smaller to medium size (25-40 hp) tractors will do pretty much of what most people need for a small job tractor, the larger the hp, typically the faster you can do things. GPM flow rates usually go up with more hp also, again, speed of hydraulics.
I'm a fan of Kubota but I have a "good" local dealer(s) where I can get parts and service if needed. That in itself speaks volumes for whatever brand you opt to go with, a good dealer interface is HUGE to most people.

I won't speak ill of all the other brands, they have good point and bad points to all of them. Its just Kubota has been a solid performer for me for over 30 years and multiple tractors and sizes without any major issues.

Best bang for the buck is:

Kioti
Mahindra
Bransom

Check out all their models in your size/price range and see which one you like best.

The best advice already given here is to call on Navasot. He is the resident expert.

I have a 50 hp Kubota and have not had a single issue in my 5 years of ownership. Really, most of the brands are going to do what you need and pretty reliably. JD, Kubota, Mahindra, Kioti, TYM, NH, and even Bobcat now is back into the utility tractor space - best news, shopping is fun!

Buy an older used tractor in good mechanical condition, dont worry about faded paint or scratches/dents. That is the best one for the money.

A very wise man.

Define scoop!

I could have bought any 50 HP tractor I wanted. I bought Mahinda couple years back. Its seems to be what I like. Also lots of dealers.

My second would have more than likely been a Kubota.

I have a 15+ year old JD, 40 HP, bought new. About 35 hp; don’t really remember. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it. I use it as a utility tractor but also put in food plots. No complaints other than the plastics on my rocky place.

Best advice I got when I started looking? A tractor without a FEL is only half a tractor. A FEL without 4wd is useless. Don’t get turf tires.

I would stay away from the Chinese made junk or non name brands.. No way to get parts or repairs.

Yep!