Okay, went to another dealer today who is approximately 50 miles closer than the one I went to a few days ago. His prices were around $1,400 more on a 300 DTC. Unfortunately neither dealer has a 300 DTC on his lot. It would have to be ordered or picked up from a dealer who has one. Have not had a chance to drive one yet. I need some opinions on the following models: 270 DTC; 300 DTC; 320 DTC; 360 DTC. Prices range from $13,000 for the 270 and go up to $16,000 for the 360. All these have a FEL, Ind. tires.
Uses: Have 10 acres (mostly flat) that I plan on building a house on by the end of Spring (starting hopefully in April, 07). The tractor will be used to assist in building, landscaping, maintaining gravel drive, fencing, finish mowing, brush cutting, and who knows what else. Once the house is built I plan on putting up a shed and I plan on doing the groundwork myself. Also, at least a couple years down the road might have some small livestock such as goats. I am leaning towards the 300 DTC because of the extra HP over the 270. It does not have as much as the 320, but the lifting capacity is quite a bit more. The 300 sits on the same chasis as the 360. 300 also has a 4 cylinder compared to a 3 cylinder. The 360 would run me approximately $1,300 more than the 300. Don't know if the extra HP is really needed for the tasks I have. I would think the 300 is plenty for what I plan on, but I would like opinions since I have never owned a tractor.
I was also looking at other brands, but the 0% for 48 months is very attractive on the Farmtracs. Supposedly this is running until stock is gone or through the end of the year. I plan on having the tractor I buy for a very, very long time so resale is not important to me.
Opinions on the listed models please.
Thanks for the help.