Buying Advice Better Tractor vs Better System

[IslandTractor]

What will you use the tractor for?

For my uses I found a Better System, ​it is a Compact Telehandler. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...t/160568-compact-telehandler.html#post3243370

Costs more than a tractor, but will do more than a tractor. I have owned many tractors and dozers in my long lifetime, so I have a lot of experience to compare to.

It will move dirt.

View attachment 417006

It is stable with the rear end off of the ground, the front axle doesn't pivot like a tractor.

View attachment 417008

Moves trees and brush.

View attachment 417010

View attachment 417013

It does everything that I need a machine to do on our 80 acre horse ranch.

How well does it mow?:laughing:

Honestly though, I think that someone who is considering a BX TLB is not in the same price league as a telehandler. And, he can mow with it if he wants or use other 3PT attachments and a backhoe. Different kettle of fish.

 

[Xfaxman]

How well does it mow?:laughing:

Honestly though, I think that someone who is considering a BX TLB is not in the same price league as a telehandler. And, he can mow with it if he wants or use other 3PT attachments and a backhoe. Different kettle of fish.

Yep, that is why I asked what he would use it for. There are smaller compact telehandlers than mine.

It mows very well, we have a 7' brush hog.

They have finish mowers for it. Mower Attachment - Bobcat Company

And a flail mower. Flail Cutter Attachment - Bobcat Company

 

[kco]

Where is Bro Tek, I have googled and googled, still cant find their website?

Flienlow, Bro-tek's website is normally at:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

..but it is down for redesign for about one more week. You should be able to contact the owner, Richard, at bro-tek@hotmail.com.

I got immediate response when I contacted bro-tek to buy front spacers for my DK35. He responded quickly and sent the spacers the same day I ordered them. The reason I know about the website being down for one more week is because Richard called me yesterday afternoon to make sure I was happy with the spacers. That's excellent customer service.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yep, that is why I asked what he would use it for. There are smaller compact telehandlers than mine.

It mows very well, we have a 7' brush hog.

View attachment 417016

They have finish mowers for it. Mower Attachment - Bobcat Company

View attachment 417017

And a flail mower. Flail Cutter Attachment - Bobcat Company

View attachment 417022

OK, I want one. I love the idea of high output hydraulic implements on the front of a tractor/telehandler. So much nicer to be able to see what you are cutting.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Flienlow, Bro-tek's website is normally at:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

..but it is down for redesign for about one more week. You should be able to contact the owner, Richard, at bro-tek@hotmail.com.

I got immediate response when I contacted bro-tek to buy front spacers for my DK35. He responded quickly and sent the spacers the same day I ordered them. The reason I know about the website being down for one more week is because Richard called me yesterday afternoon to make sure I was happy with the spacers. That's excellent customer service.

Yes, Richard is a good guy and treats his customers right.

Harry at BXpanded is a great guy too and makes excellent products.

It's hard to go wrong with either of them. I love my ripper tooth from Bro-Tek and my Piranha toothbar from BXpanded. I intend to buy a skid plate from BXpanded for my new-to-me BX2660.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I'm 62 years old, but when I grow up (and hit the lottery), I'm gonna get me one of those compact telehandlers like Xfaxman has.

 

[Xfaxman]

I'm 62 years old, but when I grow up (and hit the lottery), I'm gonna get me one of those compact telehandlers like Xfaxman has.

Well, you are right on track. I was 69 years old when I got my first one in 2009, for $26k, With pallet forks and a 1.25 cubic yard bucket.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

If you haven't properly test driven all the different models you're looking at, you're just doing a paper study at this point, and that's sort of like dicking around. Test drives are very important, so make sure you have that covered before leaning in any direction, regardless of other factors. You could find that you absolutely hate the operator ergonomics of the Massey, for example, which makes all other points moot.

I am known by a number of people as the spreadsheet king. I almost always compare specs on purchases. I do my homework first but never rule anything out until taking a closer look. Years ago my cousin was looking for a sub compact. The specs said one thing, but the test drives determined a different winner. We were both surprised to find what we expected to go home with was at the bottom of the list.

Test out the actuation of the hydraulics, the reach of the bucket for filling a pickup, how steady they seem, how comfortable they are to operate, how easy it is to install/remove the FEL and change out attachments. Its all in the details.

 

[davrow]

Its all in the details.

Yep. I rented a BX25D for a fun weekend. But finally decided I had to have a 3 range transmission, the 2 on the BX just weren't the right ranges. So I stepped up to a slightly bigger tractor with better ground clearance for just a little bit LESS money.

 

[PapaPerk]

Yep. I rented a BX25D for a fun weekend. But finally decided I had to have a 3 range transmission, the 2 on the BX just weren't the right ranges. So I stepped up to a slightly bigger tractor with better ground clearance for just a little bit LESS money.

What did you get?