Recent content by deereman75

It's not just the tractor. It's the dealer network, parts availability, long term support, long term likelihood of still having a dealer, ect ect ect Daewoo/Doosan (the parent of kioti) makes a fine machine. Where they fall down is on long term support. The kioti tractors haven't been around...

What make and model of backhoe is this? Different companies have different cylinders.

I have no response to that. The only reason someone buys other than Deere or Kubota in the compact market is because it's either all they can afford or because the dealer is enough better than the competition to be worth the shortcomings. Half my fleet here is orphaned or less than desirable...

Now I'm thinking about building one of these to fit on my payloader.... I could rip out decent size trees with that

Loaders on old ag tractors are almost universally a nightmare to remove. Even the so called "quick attach" ones are only "quick attach" in that that aren't permanently attached. Personally I won't remove one without either a bigger loader or a yard forklift. If your thoughts are removing it...

I'd be inclined to just buy the right parts and get it done, then it should last you a very long time. Usually when I see someone put a cheap box on instead of having the original rebuilt, they usually come back to get their original done after blowing apart the cheap one.... I've done a fair...

Just look at the carmaking industry. Would you rather keep striking for your share until your job moves to Mexico, or have a still well paid non union job that actually exists?

The sub-26hp machines such as the BX series and the small B series without emissions systems still have mechanical fuel injection. I was just looking at a 2021 BX23s with a mechanical pump yesterday.

I can and have welded water jackets before. Usually on engines from vintage things that can't be replaced. Done right it can be successful. I am not sure I would consider it a DIY job though.

If you went to a local hydraulic repair shop they'd almost certainly have those fittings in stock. I would have them in my shop at least, and I'd sell you one for $5 and you'd have it right away. Also I'd caution to take the cylinder apart before welding it on. Both to prevent overheating any...

And it should also be remembered that there is a BIG difference between wheel rolling with a large payloader or a motor scraper, and a compact tractor.

That is exactly the point. Rather than being greedy maybe the unions should focus on ensuring that their jobs will still exist in another 10-20 years.

Or they lay off everyone and open another factory outside of the US to get away from the unions.

The other thing I would personally add is skip the mower attachment, and spend the little bit extra to get a standalone zero turn. I got a lightly used Kubota 54" zero turn (a trade in from the dealer) for about what a 3pt finish mower costs. Having previously mowed everything with an 84"...

The only two brands I would consider are Deere and Kubota. You spend more up front but they hold their value. You can buy a brand new Kubota, use it for a few years, and sell it with 2-300 hours for about the same as you paid for it today. One of the Chinese/Korean/Indian brands you are...