Buy or rent when needed?

[varmint]

Two barely informed observations: I have a '87 Kubota B8200 with only 600 hours, and couldn't be happier with it FOR MY NEEDS, which means maintaining about 750' of gravel drive, moving snow, digging post holes, and lifting the occasional heavy thing. I wish I had a small bush hog, since I have an area over our septic field which I cut back once a year, and this year the rental place where I always get a self-propelled brush cutter hasn't been able to get the machine (fairly new!) fixed to rent for 6 months or so. Any other rental place that has one is too far away to be practical for me. But, having a bush hog sitting around 364 1/2 days a year isn't appealing.

 

[paulharvey]

There used to be a semi local (50 miles) massey dealer who rented implements. I think it was like $150 for a 5ft bushhog for a weekend. About same for a 6 ft box blade. The problem is, you could buy a used one for two week ends worth of rent.

 

[jeff9366]

The only tractor I have looked at was a Kubota B series and the step seemed to flex when I stepped up on it.

The only model in the 'B' series with a step is the 14" ground clearance B3300SU tractor/loader package. The step does flex. It is designed to flex a bit so debris you hit in the woods will slide off and go under the rear wheel. With its signature 14" ground clearance, the B3300SU tends to be purchased for work in the woods more than other 'B' models. (High ground clearance also gives a wonderful flat-floor operating station.)

I am 220 pounds and have used the step while holding a five gallon can of diesel fuel without a problem since February 2012.

Pancho

 

[GManBart]

There used to be a semi local (50 miles) massey dealer who rented implements. I think it was like $150 for a 5ft bushhog for a weekend. About same for a 6 ft box blade. The problem is, you could buy a used one for two week ends worth of rent.

For $500 or so you can find a pretty nice 5ft brush cutter. I've seen decent 4 footers for a bit less ($3-400), although I hear they're hard to find in some places.

 

[paulharvey]

For $500 or so you can find a pretty nice 5ft brush cutter. I've seen decent 4 footers for a bit less ($3-400), although I hear they're hard to find in some places.

I bought my 6 ft frontier box blade (missing the rippers) for $190. I bought my 4 ft ford fail mower for $150. Part of it is your area, another part of it is if I spend $500 then the lights at home get turned off, so lets just say im motivated to find good deals. Im also risk adverse (chicken maybe?) And like to buy close to scrap value, so I cant be burnt too bad. I more pointed out the rental option for implements as a way to avoid spending $2400 on a tiller that gets used 2 days per year. Also im willing to deal with ugly implements and not afraid too work on them (not a mechanic by any means, simply driven by necessity)

 

[GManBart]

Also im willing to deal with ugly implements and not afraid too work on them (not a mechanic by any means, simply driven by necessity)

I've got some ugly implements too!

 

[mhineman]

I would say that you probably do NEED a tractor. I'm not sure if you had decided what size tractor you needed. If not, then you might want to rent a couple times to get a good feel for the size you need and then look for the best deal.