This is for my mom and dad, both retired, in their mid 60s. They farm 50 acres for a hobby and also have 3 acres around the house and buildings that they maintain. They have all the usual farm equipment, probably enough to farm 500 acres! 3 IH tractors from the late 70's, early 80's, I believe? A 1086, a 986 with loader, both with cabs and an 856 no cab.
They recently (with my influence) purchased a Kubota GR2110 for mowing the grass and they really love the little diesel after 30 years of using cub cadet gassers. They have used my former BX2230 and my current BX1860 and I do believe they are now Kubota fans. Dad has never had a brand new tractor other than a lawn tractor and now might be the time.
Dad has been in the hospital for a few months and recovering slowly? We are hoping for a full recovery, but in the mean time, we have all chipped in to help out. I kept the drive cleared with an ATV and plow and the 986 with loader and back blade for the heavy snows. Mom wants to have something that she can handle if dad is not able and the above two she does not enjoy.
They want a cab and a loader, a back blade, and maybe a snow blower. They also want HST for ease of use. My first suggestion was a B3030, since it is a compact unit and I believe the smallest tractor with a factory cab. They like the idea, but are now thinking bigger? Possibly in the Grand L lineup. They are now thinking of replacing the 856 so they want a machine that can run the grain bin auger and the 5' or 6' woods rough cut mower. They have not decided on getting rid of the 856 or not yet, so the smaller machine may be sufficient.
This tractor would be for moving snow, general farm and yard utility work, mowing the ditches, and running an auger at harvest time. They do not need it for the heavy farm work, since the Big IH's are capable.
Their dealer has recommended an L4240 (I think) with the cab, loader, and lots of options? It was around $40,000 or so, but the dealer quoted around $36,000 out the door. Then he offered an excellent trade on the 856 at $11,500 which is more then the cost of ownership on that old machine.
Sounds like a heck of a machine and would be pure luxury for my very deserving hard working parents, but is it overkill?? Would an L3540 or L3240 do the trick? I am very familiar with the smaller BX series, but I do not keep up on the Bs, Ls, and Ms, so I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks, Mike
They recently (with my influence) purchased a Kubota GR2110 for mowing the grass and they really love the little diesel after 30 years of using cub cadet gassers. They have used my former BX2230 and my current BX1860 and I do believe they are now Kubota fans. Dad has never had a brand new tractor other than a lawn tractor and now might be the time.
Dad has been in the hospital for a few months and recovering slowly? We are hoping for a full recovery, but in the mean time, we have all chipped in to help out. I kept the drive cleared with an ATV and plow and the 986 with loader and back blade for the heavy snows. Mom wants to have something that she can handle if dad is not able and the above two she does not enjoy.
They want a cab and a loader, a back blade, and maybe a snow blower. They also want HST for ease of use. My first suggestion was a B3030, since it is a compact unit and I believe the smallest tractor with a factory cab. They like the idea, but are now thinking bigger? Possibly in the Grand L lineup. They are now thinking of replacing the 856 so they want a machine that can run the grain bin auger and the 5' or 6' woods rough cut mower. They have not decided on getting rid of the 856 or not yet, so the smaller machine may be sufficient.
This tractor would be for moving snow, general farm and yard utility work, mowing the ditches, and running an auger at harvest time. They do not need it for the heavy farm work, since the Big IH's are capable.
Their dealer has recommended an L4240 (I think) with the cab, loader, and lots of options? It was around $40,000 or so, but the dealer quoted around $36,000 out the door. Then he offered an excellent trade on the 856 at $11,500 which is more then the cost of ownership on that old machine.
Sounds like a heck of a machine and would be pure luxury for my very deserving hard working parents, but is it overkill?? Would an L3540 or L3240 do the trick? I am very familiar with the smaller BX series, but I do not keep up on the Bs, Ls, and Ms, so I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks, Mike
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