Decisions Decisions.

Cpenn481 · Mar 20, 2016

So I am new here and found this site while researching different tractors. I have found it very helpful. So here is my problem. I can't decide. I have 3 acres with a lot of trees. Recently I rented a cat 303 excavator and started a much needed clean up project around my place. The ice storm from a few winters back has left me with a lot of dead, fallen, and otherwise weaken trees not to mention that the woods itself is trying to take back over. There is much work still to be done and I'm positive there will be more trees falling on there own soon. I found that even though the little cat was small it would perform major feats. So with more work to be done the wife and I decided I need a tractor. We also concluded smallish is just fine as long as it has an FEL. Will still do a ton of work just might take a little longer is all. I am not new to tractors as I have been around them all my life but I don't currently own one.
So here is what I'm looking at and my thoughts on each. I'm on a max $20,000 budget but being a cheap guy if I can get by for less I will. I found a 1012 JD1026r with FEL and backhoe for 16900. I really really like the idea of having the backhoe both for the current and future projects that I can see it would be useful for. Tractor has 165 hours and great looking. Will also fit on my current 14 ft landscape trailer no problem.
Next I found a Kubota L2501DT package with 18 ft trailer FEL, bush hog, and box blade for 18900. Much larger tractor in same hp range and I believe the extra weight will make my task easier when it comes to pushing up brush. This is a new package with full warranty but it lacks the backhoe. I do really like the idea of the extra weight.
Since I can't find the 2501 with a backhoe to compare prices this is a tough decision. My trailer will handle the JD fine and I can by other implements I need rather cheaply. I don't really have a bush hog need nor do I anticipate one. Dealers for both are close by and have good reputations so that isn't an issue. So do I go JD for the hoe or do I go 2501 for the weight and package? I also like the Mahindra stuff but that dealer is 75 miles away so I ruled them out. Locally I have JD, Massey, Kubota, Kioti and New Holland. This is farm country and JD is the big deal here.

brasco426 · Mar 20, 2016

If it were me I would decide if I'm being a little ambitious with a SCUT. I have one and I really enjoy it, it makes small work of what we need it to do. I spent under 20k myself, but it took me 6 months to finally decide what fit me best. You might be fine maintaining the property with a SCUT, and beating on rental equipment for the heavier stuff. It sounds like you know exactly what you need done, but do yourself a favor you owe it to yourself to take a look at as many different manufactures as possible. One last thing, you said the woods are trying to take back over, depending on how soon you catch it you can keep that in check with a bush hog, but again I can't see what your looking at. Donnie

Cpenn481 · Mar 20, 2016

Thanks for the input. The biggest reason I even considered a SCUT is for the maintaining after the initial cleanup is over. Once I have the place back under control the SCUT is all I will need from that point on. From a mowing stand point I have numerous small "3 inch or so" post oaks and pines jumping up. The small oaks are easy to push up the pines a little tougher. The soil is very sandy which helps with that a lot. I'm trying to post some before and after pics of what I have done so far but haven't gotten that figured out yet from my IPAD

Cpenn481 · Mar 20, 2016

Oh I forgot. I have looked at alot of tractors. I like the Branson 2400 but dealer is over 100 miles away. Also like the Mahindra max 26xl but again dealer distance kept me moving. Really like the looks and construction of the New Holland Boomer 24 but dealer acted like he didn't care if I was there or not. I guess my biggest question at this point is go with a hoe or go with the heavier tractor?

brasco426 · Mar 20, 2016

I can tell you I love the scut we have here. I've moved snow banks left by the plow guy we no longer need lol, to moving a wood pile, cleaning up manure piles in the horse rings. I just got it about a month ago so I only have 7 hours on it. I got a mid mount mower for ours as well, I just didn't want anything hanging off the back. We also got a box blade to grade 2 driveways with gravel. So far it's proven to be a tremendous help have around, and no regrets. I'm looking to add a landscape rake at some point to be able to groom the riding rings. A SCUT does have its limitations but does have a lot of capability too.

brasco426 · Mar 20, 2016

Some of the best advice I've seen here and can speak from my experience is doing business with a dealer that wants your business and you are comfortable with! My dealer has been around for a long time and is growing. Has field service support, and a great service shop as well. It's building a long term relationship, those are the people who are going to be there when you need them.

Cpenn481 · Mar 20, 2016

brasco426 said:
I can tell you I love the scut we have here. I've moved snow banks left by the plow guy we no longer need lol, to moving a wood pile, cleaning up manure piles in the horse rings. I just got it about a month ago so I only have 7 hours on it. I got a mid mount mower for ours as well, I just didn't want anything hanging off the back. We also got a box blade to grade 2 driveways with gravel. So far it's proven to be a tremendous help have around, and no regrets. I'm looking to add a landscape rake at some point to be able to groom the riding rings. A SCUT does have its limitations but does have a lot of capability too.

I'm learning the capabilities and limitations pretty quickly just by watching you tube videos. Lol. I have been amazed by what can be accomplished with a scut and amazed at what some people will actually try to do that they should never have considered with it.

MF283 · Mar 20, 2016

You can do things with the back hoe to ease use on the smaller tractor, once you have everything established, it will not leave a footprint like the heavier one would.

My .02 cents
Ronnie

Cpenn481 · Mar 20, 2016

Solid input. Thanks

Tompet · Mar 20, 2016

I attached a link to Barlow's used equipment list. They are good to deal with and deliver to many areas of the country. I see a used B2920 tlb with less than 200 hours which will be under your budget. I had the same setup. Having made a couple deals with them, I have a lot of confidence they would be worth checking out.

I think you would like the small 2920 cut over scut and would be perfect for work described. Anyway, they have some used bx25's also on the scut end.

As far as the two options you listed, quite a difference between the two tractor size/build wise. The backhoe for the 2501 is the bh77 and that will easily put you over your $20k limit. The dt designation is gear not hydro.

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