The adventures of a Newbie shopping for a tractor.

[Kipper76]

I had started a thread asking for specific brand/price opinions.

I am going to start this one to document my buying adventure.

So info on what I'll be using it for/on first:

10ac, 99% clear, firm ground.

No finish mowing - have DJ riding mower for .7ac yard
Shredding
Discing/tilling a garden (1/2-1ac)
planting trees with post hole digger
Moving hay (I'd like the ability to move round bales - can the CT230 do that?)
General FEL work - I don't feel I NEED a FEL but I WANT one in case/when I NEED one

Oh, the major limiting factor.... the wife. I am willing to finance longer term to get the monthly $$ down but she just can't accept spending more than $10k on a "tool." This will take some work!

I also dont' feel I need to spend the money on HST or 4x4? Am I wrong?

I am thinking at a minimum of a 30Hp would be a good start.


Some calls already made:


I called to my "local" (~70 miles away) Bobcat dealer. He's got 2 CT230's (w/fel $13,995) and a Demo CT230 w/fel and a set of hydalic remotes $13,550 (with 23 hours on it). These prices seems a bit (~$1500) higher than I have found searching the forums. Is it regional or is this dealer trying to keep some of the rebate? $13,950 + ~$3500 FEL + $3500 rebate = about $21,000. Does the CT230 retail for $21k without these rebates??? I doubt it.

I also talked with my local (10 miles) Mahindra dealer. Got a quote on a 4025 w/fel, 6ft shredder, 6ft disc and post hole digger for $18,357. 84 mo financing gives me a payment of about $258/mo or knock $1200 for my own financing.

Need to do some leg work and call/visit Kubota, NH, and Deere. Though, I am a deal shopper and NOT loyal to a color.

----------------------------------------
Used deals. Should I consider these?

Jinma 40hp 4wd tractor w/front end loader - $9000
-Are these reliable? A little hesitant to go Jinma/Foton. Some input from owners would be greatly appreciated.

2005 KUBOTA B7800 TRACTOR - $11500
-240hrs, w/FEL & 5' mower deck. Doesn't seem too bad of a deal. Right about at my wife's threshold for $$ so that's good.

There are lots of used implements in this area. I may just shop around and buy them used for 1/2 price of new.

------------------------------------------
Any and all advice is welcome!

I know a few have responded in other threads I've posted in. Thanks!

Going to check out a used tractor dealer this afternoon. I'll report what I find. And maybe, I'll have the time to stop by the Mahindra dealer too???


Lastly, for anyone else shopping, this thread has been very helpful!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...choosing-1st-compact-tractor.html#post1712568

 

[stevem5215]

You could fit this in your price range. Without a loader for now and get that later when the wife will allow it.
Makes perfect sense to me.
Farm Pro Tractor for Sale
Farmpro and Jinma's are 100hr a year machines. If you'll use it more get something better.


Steve (with a Farmpro 2420)

 

[newbury]

Location?
Big difference in localities.
I got my ride and the stuff in my sig w/o the BH for 11.5K.

 

[Kipper76]

Location?
Big difference in localities.
I got my ride and the stuff in my sig w/o the BH for 11.5K.

Sorry, forgot to add that.

San Antonio, TX

 

[LBrown59]

I had started a thread asking for specific brand/price opinions.

I am going to start this one to document my buying adventure.

So info on what I'll be using it for/on first:

10ac, 99% clear, firm ground.

No finish mowing - have DJ riding mower for .7ac yard
Shredding
Discing/tilling a garden (1/2-1ac)
planting trees with post hole digger
Moving hay (I'd like the ability to move round bales - can the CT230 do that?)
1*General FEL work - I don't feel I NEED a FEL but I WANT one in case/when I NEED one
2*I also dont' feel I need to spend the money on HST or 4x4? Am I wrong?

1*-2*Take away the FEL HST and 4x4 and you might as well forget the tractor .

 

[westcliffe01]

Texas is a big state but you have a lot of options. I think a bigger used machine is the way to go.

RCO Tractor - Used Yanmar Tractors in Austin Texas - The World's Finest Compact Tractor On Sale Now!

Yanmar Japanese Compact Tractors | Japanese Tractor | Remanufactured Japanese Tractors | Small Tractors

Yanmar Tractor Parts, Sales, Service, and Delivery.

and of course
Construction Equipment at Machinery Trader: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case, John Deere, Volvo to search in your area.http://www.joseftractor.com/p_yanmer_tractor.html

 

[Kipper76]

Texas is a big state but you have a lot of options. I think a bigger used machine is the way to go.

RCO Tractor - Used Yanmar Tractors in Austin Texas - The World's Finest Compact Tractor On Sale Now!

Yanmar Japanese Compact Tractors | Japanese Tractor | Remanufactured Japanese Tractors | Small Tractors

Yanmar Tractor Parts, Sales, Service, and Delivery.

and of course
Construction Equipment at Machinery Trader: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case, John Deere, Volvo to search in your area.http://www.joseftractor.com/p_yanmer_tractor.html

Wow! Those would cut cost pretty quickly. Is there a "price" to pay for that though?

I'd like to hear from Jinma owners!

From joseftractor.com

"2009 Tractor Special Offers:

New 2009 Jinma LE Tractor with Loader $12,995 to $14,495:

Jinma is rapidly becoming the leader in value-priced tractors in the United States, and for good reason. The amount of new tractor you get for your dollar simply cannot be matched in any other brand of new tractor. Our Jinmas come standard with power steering, ROPS and canopy, rear hydraulic outlets, wheel weights, front weights, front end loader, deluxe seat and more. These are the very newest 2009 LE model Jinmas, priced to sell:

Jinma 354 LE - 35hp, 3 cyl, 4x4, power steer, ROPS, canopy, new loader - $12,995

Jinma 454 LE - 45hp, 4 cyl, 4x4, power steer, ROPS, canopy, new loader - $14,495"

 

[Kipper76]

Ok, so I skipped out on the used guy and ran down to Bills Tractor (Mahindra and Branson dealer). Unfortunately, I had my 2yr old daughter with me so I didn't test drive them.

Wow! That 4025 is a BIG machine! Sure looks bigger than some pic's on the internet! Not sure I need THAT much. Especially if I am trying to save a buck.

So, I looked at the 2816, 4x4, manual. Seems more like the size I'd need. They gave me a price for tractor & loader for $14,753.

Also checked out the Branson 3510i. Nice! Extra bells and whistles come standard - shuttle shift, grill guard, seemed like a nicer driving platform, draw bars on 3pt arms. More Hp, heavier, stronger 3pt and loader than 2816, though roughly the same "size." Quote of $16,500... ouch!

Oh and Branson comes with a 4yr limited and 2yr parts/labor warranty.

------------------------------------------------
So, I'm kind of a numbers guy......

-Mahindra 2816 for $14,753 @ 0% (Mahindra) for 60 months = $245.89/mo - total price $14,753

-Branson 3510i for $16,500 @ 4.99 (Branson) for 60 mo = $311.30/mo - total price w/interest =$18,677

-Bobcat CT230 for $13,950 @ 5.5%(bank) for 60 mo = $266.46/mo - total w/interest = $15,994

Seems like a no brainer. The CT230 being 4x4 and Hydro is the way to go. I need to get a quote on the 2816 HST to compare apples, no?

-------------------------------------------------
I am going to try and get out to the Bobcat dealer this week. It's 60-some miles away though.

 

[warhammer]

Try and verify a source for parts and look into the year the grey import tractors were built. They may not look like such a good deal then.

Warhammer

Wow! Those would cut cost pretty quickly. Is there a "price" to pay for that though?

I'd like to hear from Jinma owners!

From joseftractor.com

"2009 Tractor Special Offers:

New 2009 Jinma LE Tractor with Loader $12,995 to $14,495:

Jinma is rapidly becoming the leader in value-priced tractors in the United States, and for good reason. The amount of new tractor you get for your dollar simply cannot be matched in any other brand of new tractor. Our Jinmas come standard with power steering, ROPS and canopy, rear hydraulic outlets, wheel weights, front weights, front end loader, deluxe seat and more. These are the very newest 2009 LE model Jinmas, priced to sell:

Jinma 354 LE - 35hp, 3 cyl, 4x4, power steer, ROPS, canopy, new loader - $12,995

Jinma 454 LE - 45hp, 4 cyl, 4x4, power steer, ROPS, canopy, new loader - $14,495"

 

[Kipper76]

I've just burned out my eyes reading this 9 page thread. It is full of great info for anyone looking for a 30 +/- Hp machine.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/136042-your-input.html