Price Check Wayward Tractor Newbie seeks advice on a used Kubota

[SemiAncientMariner]

Good Afternoon to any and all,

I have recently convinced the Mrs. that my advancing age warrants an upgrade from the pick and shovel that she has provided for me to satisfy her landscaping demands for lo these many years.

Subsequently, like a tractor seeking Diogenes, I have been searching for an honest deal that will allow me to make the most of this hard won spousal approval, and I hope to procure a worthy tractor, and an assortment of of useful implements, without going too far beyond the meager funds that "Mean Old Mrs. Mariner" has given the nod to.

As a consequence, I have found an opportunity to purchase a 4WD Kubota L2500 with an LB400 FEL, bush hog, small disk, box blade, scraper blade, "middle buster," a crippled post hole auger, and a plain old "shift it yourself" transmission for the princely sum of $11,800. (delivered)

I have yet to go take an "in person" look at it, but the tractor has 664 hours on it and I am told that it is "in very good condition."

It has a torn seat, but then - so do I.

I figure that, as long as the tears do not occur in exactly the same places, this should not be a problem, and it's seat will probably be easier to repair or replace than mine.

So, hat in hand, I come before you seeking advice and opinion upon the abilities, trustworthyness, and value of said tractor model.


Any and all input, tips, comments, cautions, wisdom, or just clever remarks will be appreciated.

I thank you for your attention.

Regards,

S.A.M.

[nybirdman]

Tooo much money!For a 12 year old rig.Used implements are cheap.When you can buy a similar sized tractor new for not much more money..keep looking.

[nybirdman]

Tooo much money!For a 12 year old rig.Used implements are cheap.When you can buy a similar sized tractor new for not much more money..keep looking. Check Used Tractors For Sale at TractorHouse.com: John deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, tractors for sale, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Kubota for similar.

[murphy1244]

What are your needs??? Don't pay for something you probally won't use.

[gumshu]

I agree with nybirdman. You may as well spend a few thousand more and buy new. You can always find used implements as needed.

[gec343]

Tooo much money!For a 12 year old rig.Used implements are cheap.When you can buy a similar sized tractor new for not much more money..keep looking.

I agree. I've been looking at used Kubota L3800's for a couple of years, and have found the price for a unit several years old is about 75% the cost of a new tractor. I've decided to buy a new L4600 4X4, probably tomorrow.

[jenkinsph]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...ver-fails.html

Way to much money, look at this current thread here for a like new Kubota alot larger than your find with 30 hours for $12.000.
I would strongly recommend you get a nice used one with the hydro tranny and power steering. Besides Tractorhouse also look at
Used Farm & Agricultural Equipment - John deere MachineFinder for more choices, most sell below the asking prices too.

[SemiAncientMariner]

Tooo much money!For a 12 year old rig.Used implements are cheap.When you can buy a similar sized tractor new for not much more money..keep looking.

Thanks for your reply Bird Man,

The tractor and loader part of the deal is just under $10K, but when you say it as "a 12 year old rig" it sounds completely different from " very good tires, over all in very good condition with only 664 hours"

My better judgment agrees with you.

I'm trying to resist the "get a tractor" enthusiasm – but it’s hard, and it gets harder every time I look at the pick & shovel.

Thanks for the well phrased reality check.

Tractor House is a great site, & I've been scanning it everyday for the past few weeks.

[SemiAncientMariner]

What are your needs??? Don't pay for something you probally won't use.

I have a long driveway to grade - uphill both ways (literally), small trees to push around, brush to mow, garden to till / plow / disk, holes to dig, rocks to move, posts to set, and a retirement to achieve.

Except for large Ag gear, if it goes on a tractor, I'll probably use it sooner or later.

[SemiAncientMariner]

I agree with nybirdman. You may as well spend a few thousand more and buy new. You can always find used implements as needed.

Thanks Gumshu,

After some level headed consideration, I agree with him too.

I have been tempted to go ahead and spring for a new one, but the Mrs. keeps bringing up petty issues like the college money we need for the kids - & so on.

Sheesh!