Help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader

[GreenLawnFarm]

for just a couple acres 30 hp should be fine. if you are not planning on digging up the whole property, just get a FEL to start and go from there. you don't need to try and use the tractor for everything. i use a b7800 on 8 acres with a steep slope. sometimes wish i had a larger tractor, but for only a few acres it isn't important. i wish the bucket was larger for moving light materials like mulch.

 

[jimmyj]

Your place sounds very similar to where we live. We have a Kioti CK30 HST TLB with R4's. In order of use, the FEL, manure fork, regular bucket, bale spear, box blade, boom pole.

I'd say the Kubota's are great - we would have bought Kubota but it was several thousand more for an equivalent tractor adn the dealer was not too interested in us. I'd say go with a minimum of 30hp. If you have animals just you may want one day to move round bales and if so probably you will need the size for safe loader work (even then 30hp is probably smallest). Around here nobody wants to grow hay anymore because grain is worth so much more. Small squares are getting harder to find every year and those who do have them want at least double what rounds cost.

The bobcats are most definitely underpriced right now, it would be hard to justify passing them over for the value. I also agree with the "new" if you can afford it comment. We looked for over a year (probably more than 2 really) and I found cheap used was usually "used up" and lightly used was the same price almost as new!

Remember that a good dealer is as important as the tractor. Go talk to dealers, see who has a good reputation for service. Very very important not to get stuck with a crappy dealer.

Happy hunting!

 

[AchingBack]

Just some advice: In general, when considering a major purchase; ask yourself how long you plan on using the piece of equipment. Be it a car, motorhome, or a tractor. Does the price of the object seem too high? Is it too much money? How much is too much?

Now, for example if you want to buy a Kubota or other tractor, and everything seems right, but you think an extra $4000 is a lot of money. Well, it is. But, if you plan on keeping your tractor for the next ten or twenty years, you will see that the extra investment, spread over the lifetime of use, could be pennies a day.

For example: $4k divided by 20 years, divided by 365 days per year = $.54 per day.

 

[DieselnHooters]

Good thread, the OP post was informative and the follow ups were all helpful.

Browns, in your case I'd jump on the BIL's JD 990 at that price if its got 4WD and FEL. The turfs are a minus for you for sure....you just wont manicuring lawns around the house with a machine that size, but then none of those tractors are real lawn mowers anyhow.

Try and get by with the turfs, with a tractor that size + 4wd and fel it is almost a voluntary move if you get stuck.

If it doesnt work out then switch to R1 or R4 , R4 maybe best in your case, you will still be thousands $ ahead .

I own an "economy" model myself not unlike that 990, a Kubota MX 5000 ,bought slightly used also, it maybe just a bit bigger with a few more HP.

 

[Browns329]

I really appreciate everyones responses...in my first week on the forum, I have really learned a lot!

Dieselnhooters - Thanks for the tips. My BIL's 990 is tempting, although it has a few drawbacks. I think I would be better off with hydro, especially for my wife and daughters. Hydrostatic may also have better resale in the future ??...although Deere will probably always have good resale value. Turf tires are not ideal for me. My wife is not so sure she wants to buy something from family. I cannot finance it (I have a few big expenses coming up, including a new HVAC system at the house, and trying to clear land, put up a fence, and build a barn). The 0% on some new tractors is quite tempting. If I was to get a used one, I know that the 990 was taken care of since it was new. Decisions, decisions...!!!

 

[byaffe]

Re: Please help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader

I have read through a lot of the posts, and I would like advice on selecting my 1st tractor. Here is my situation

INTENDED USE
I recently purchased 5 acres and about 3-4 acres is light woods (fairly level). I intend to use the tractor for clearing, grading, and installing fencing. Manure clean up, moving hay, etc. for some animals. Occasional snow plowing 300 foot paved driveway and gravel drives. Landscaping such as moving mulch, stone, and prepping areas for grass. I grew up working on a farm/nursery, so I may eventually plant an acre or so with trees and/or vegetables. Working on the farm, I am pretty familiar with the use of various types of tractors/loaders. I was also considering using the tractor for mowing the lawn, but I found a decent used zero turn rider so that I don't have to worry about a finishing mower on the loader. The z-rider should also be faster than a tractor for mowing.

TRACTOR SEARCH
I have been looking for a new tractor or used tractor with low hours, but there are not many nice used ones in my area (southern NJ). I definitely want 4WD, and probably hydrostatic drive. I am guessing around 30 hp. R4 tires would probably be most versatile. Skid steer QA bucket would be nice. Here are some that I have considered:

NEW
(most with hydrostatic trans, R4 tires, QA bucket)

Kubota B7800 - $14,600, 30/22 hp (leftover, ag tires)
Kubota B3200 - $17,000, 32/23 hp

Kubota L2800 - $16,700, 28/24 hp
Kubota L3400 - $19,000, 34/29 hp
Kubota L4400 - $21,400, 44/36 hp

Kubota L3240 - $21,600, 32/25 hp
Kubota L4240 - $22,900, 42/35 hp
Kubota L4740 - $24,000, 47/40 hp

John Deere 2720 - $18,700, 32/24 hp
John Deere 3320 - $23,500, 33/25 hp

New Holland T1510 - $19,500, 30/25 hp
New Holland T1520 - $20,800, 35/30 hp
New Holland Boomer 2035 $22,500, 35/29 hp

Case IH 35 $20,000 cash / $23,000 if finance program

USED

Kubota L3000 - $10,900 - 28 hp, 300 hrs, gear drive, ag tires (dealer-rental)
2006 Kubota L3400 - $13,750 - 34 hp, 30 hours, gear drive, turf tires (dealer)

2004 John Deere 4210 - $10,500 - 27/22 hp, 650 hours, hydrostatic, turf tires (local private owner)
John Deere 990 - $12,000 - 40/45 hp, 600 hours, gear drive, turf tires (brother-in-law)

New Holland TC45 - $17,000 - 45 hp, 1500 hrs, R4 tires (dealer rental)

I know this is quite a range of sizes and prices. That is why I would like some advice. The Kubota B7800 and B3200 seemed small, but I have never used a compact loader that small. The 40-45 hp tractors are probably a little bigger than I would need, but they seemed like good deals and I don't want to spend this much money on something that will be underpowered and be a disappointment. On the other hand, I don't want to pay $5,000 more for something that I won't make use of. As you can see, most of my pricing is for Kubota. I like the sloping hood on the Case IH, JD, and NH, but they seem to cost a few thousand more than the Kubotas in a similar size.

Thank you for any help!!!

Today I purchased a John Deere 3032E for $15,498.00 I was quoted $15,400.00 on a New Holland T1510 Gear Tractor. I chose the John Deere because they seem to hold their value & because of price. Also because its close to American Made as they come.

Good luck on your tractor search, I know exactly how you feel. After all they are a large investment and I want to sleep sound with my decision.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Re: Please help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader

remember you get what you pay for. I'd pay 5k more for a kubota than a mahindra. Others wouldn't, and have been happy with mahindra.

Right now Bobcat actually seems underpriced from what I've heard. Tough not to take that seriously

For our size tractors, FEL + HST is a no brainer to me. If you are mainly farming, gear drive is maybe better. But we are talking CUTs, not UTs

 

[bakerstreet46]

I hope I am in the right site. If not please direct me to one. Thanks

I just registered because I am also looking for my first tractor. My husband still has his 1967 Ford 2000 which we bush hog and do small projects with but we need another tractor (new) for expanding farm projects.
At this point I have researched for so long and so much I am now afraid to purchase and make a big $ mistake and possibly not get what I need for what I need to do or over kill with something to big and or fancy. Husband leaving the decision up to me....talk about pressure!

What I need to do:
Mowing approx. 25 acres (already have 2 bush hogs)
moving logs, downed trees, and dead stumps and hauling' logs for splitting into fire wood then to shed
moving earth, sand, gravel upkeep around house and keeping land erosion at bay
drilling post holes for new fencing and removing old posts and fencing (already have drill)
lifting and moving large household items ( used cabinets, counter tops, doors, appliances, etc)
grading gravel drive and horse trails upkeep (already have blade)
cultivating and plowing...tilling garden area that has terraces (approx. 1 to 2 acres)
would like to get mini hay baler in FUTURE for 5 acres of hay

also have subsoiler, ford scoop, fertilizer and seed spreader

Attachments would purchase with tractor:
grapple
pallet fork
tiller

Definitely want HST
FEL and QA with tractor

Looking at:
2009 Kubota L4400HST
and
New Holland 3040HST and 3045HST

Have also researched and looked at
L4740HSTplus...but I feel it is too expensive and too fancy

Need guy input to help with decision.

 

[Brahmus]

You are in the right place, but I'd say start your own thread in the forum, you'll get more advice that way. What size are the implements you have currently? When you say mow 25 acres, do you mean finish cut every couple of weeks or bush hogging a couple times a year? Where are you located, terrain? Do you have a budget you are trying to keep below. Any idea of how much time you'll spend on the tractor a year? Bigger is usually better, do you have a size restraint? Storage, trails, etc. Are you brand loyal? What dealerships do you have local and do you have a relationship with any of them? Currently it seems you can't beat the Bobcats for the price.

 

[Browns329]

Just following up ... I picked up my new Kubota L4240 yesterday!