Libertine,
I appreciate all your comments and have taken all into consideration. I am serious, but because I live in a rural area I expect this endeavor to be somewhere between a part-time job and "odd job" type work. I expect to work the machine in the neighborhood of 400 hrs/yr. 600 would be grand.
Digesting all the comments in this forum I have realized I will not be able to accomplish everything I would like, not initially at least. I now understand that there are some jobs a CUT cannot accomplish. My thinking now is more along the lines of Dave in Ct. The footprint of something like the L4300 is not much different than the backhoes that currently operate the area. Ideally I would like to crawl through small places and leave a small impact.
I want a versatile, maneuverable, powerful CUT that can get in and out of tight spaces. When I run into jobs too big for the CUT - I will call the big guys in. Eventually I could evolve the business and get some larger used equipment, which seems more readily available in my area than CUTs.
I looked at both Kubota and NH. Unfortunately NH was well overpriced and I was not impressed with the dealers understanding of my needs. Although I really liked the layout of the TC24/TC29 series. WIth my budget I will not be able to afford all these bells and whistles.
TC24DA - 9x3 $16,300
TC24D HST - $17,445
TC30 - $16,700
TC30 HST - $18,000
These prices are for the tractor - no implements. From what I have seen on the internet these prices are extremely high. Regional pricing differences are huge!
The Kubota dealer on the otherhand understood my needs and seemed more willing to deal. They too initially thought more alone the lines of Libertine and wanted me to go big - but they are also salespeople and are supposed to convince you to go big (I was one for 18 years so I understand)
I looked at the BX23 out of curiosity and was impressed with this tight little machine. The price was competitive @ $17,200. Unfortunately the ground clearance issue scared me and I would like some more HP. My current target around 30hp.
They can put a package together for an L2800 with FEL and BH for $21,000 and I could probably talk them down a few thousand, but I am pretty firm at doing this for $17,000 or preferrably less. I am more inclined to go used if I go Kubota.
The local Jinma guy was working out of his home. Probably receiving crates from China and putting them together in his backyard. I just turned around and drove back home.
Finally I have contacted a Kioti dealer and received the following prices, all with FEL and BH.
CK20HST - $17,000
CK25HST - $19,250
LK3054XS - $19,450
Unfortunately this is about 1100 miles from my home. I would love to get on a Kioti but can't find a dealer anywhere near me.
My next course of action is to firm up some prices on the L2800 package, find a Kioti somewhere, and hit the road for a few days checking out some other NH dealers and some of the used tractors I have uncovered on ebay.
This is logical - right???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif