Why are we so willing to spend other peoples money?

[Terry1040]

I happen to value frugality, planning for purchases and enjoy the 'hunt' for bargains. I do enjoy lots of toys, but don't just wake on some morning and head out to a dealer. I go out and stumble upon a lot of cool stuff and then buy it on a whim, especially if it's 'broken' or 'inop'. I like to fix up machines, equipment and other mechanical stuff and have gotten pretty good at it. Shy away from electronically controlled stuff because you can't repair it with a welder, Gorilla Glue or Duct Tape.

I wouldn't buy a $70,000 truck because a truck to me is a work, abuse, overload, beat, scratch, dog hair filled trailer pulling, stump lifting, wood hauling, cart pushing tool. It only gets waxed once or so a year and only with a coupon.

I also like frugality ! I did buy a new pickup, but I ordered it without all the extras that a dealer lot has on theirs. Hang in there !

 

[jenkinsph]

I think that is how you learn. I know I have ridden UP the price schedule and back down a few times here on TBN. It is from exploring uses and tractor solutions that you find what each end of your "needs" are...then you eventually sort out your primary applications and translate that into a defined tractor and attachments.

I have learned a huge amount about tractors, capabilities, limitations and many other related factors in working toward a purchase...and I STILL move up and down the horsepower/weight equation at least a couple of times a day

Today I learned a bit about the Kubota M series...which I had never looked at before. Looks like a lot of "value" as you move up the tractor size scale...damx...now I HAVE to get an even bigger pick-up truck and trailer! Soon I will be looking at a DuraMax Dually! TMR

I think you have the right approach look at the wide range of sizes and compare their abilities now before you buy. There are many posts and threads here lately about subcuts doing so much work. I do think these are very capable machines but do these same posters recognize how much MORE capable a larger machine is? Some people need a 20hp tractor and others need a 600hp tractor, I recommend you spend the time to figure out what fits you and your anticipated jobs before buying the wrong size tractor.

 

[rekees4300]

sketchy about how much he can spend.

That's a common problem so TBNers try to be helpful by suggesting the best solution. Best and expensive are two sides of the same coin.

 

[Sprinklerman]

Spend other peoples money doesnt hurt as much as spending your own .

 

[buickanddeere]

Too often the cheap frugal person spends more in the long run . Vs the person that went out and did it right the first time .

 

[Ed of all trades]

I am a frugal person, and I can't advise people to do what I would not. I quit posting on those threads because almost everyone is shouting spend spend spend, and my little post is lost in all of the clamor. I don't think a lot of TBN'ers would follow their own advice and that makes me sad because they are hurting people who trust them. Ed

 

[newbury]

I am a frugal person, and I can't advise people to do what I would not. I quit posting on those threads because almost everyone is shouting spend spend spend, and my little post is lost in all of the clamor. I don't think a lot of TBN'ers would follow their own advice and that makes me sad because they are hurting people who trust them. Ed

I don't think they are hurting people but I am still surprised at all those that write that there is only a little cost difference between a tractor that will meet most of your needs and one that is over the top. Most of us that are retired seem to have a fixed amount of money and a planned income stream that slightly exceeds our planned outgo.

I worked for almost 40 years in the US Army, and it always amazed me how quick a branch manager would spend someone else's money on unnecessary items while being frugal in his own branch, even though all the $$ came out of the same local budget. And what was worse was all the "stuff" that was purchased, sat unused, and was eventually surplus and sold for pennies on the dollar spent.

I figure first of all if you are retired and state

Since money is a factor (I'm not poor or rich) I'd rather not spend money on a deck right now. <snip> I don't need to get the job done in record time. I just need to have enough hp that it can be done.

and

This is essentially play time with a purpose for me. Nothing I do or can't do will make or break me out there.

that means you also are frugal and are not too concerned about getting that "new tractor" smell.

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't think they are hurting people but I am still surprised at all those that write that there is only a little cost difference between a tractor that will meet most of your needs and one that is over the top. Most of us that are retired seem to have a fixed amount of money and a planned income stream that slightly exceeds our planned outgo.

I worked for almost 40 years in the US Army, and it always amazed me how quick a branch manager would spend someone else's money on unnecessary items while being frugal in his own branch, even though all the $$ came out of the same local budget. And what was worse was all the "stuff" that was purchased, sat unused, and was eventually surplus and sold for pennies on the dollar spent.

I figure first of all if you are retired and state

and
that means you also are frugal and are not too concerned about getting that "new tractor" smell.

I have followed your posts for quite some time since I noticed you were moving to MS. My first experience with tractors started near McComb MS. so I do pay attention to your posting. Lots of retired people are drawn to the rural life after making a living in the city. I think you are finding out that rural life isn't cheap.

You started this thread because I mentioned a large compact tlb. Makes me wonder what you would have thought if someone recommended he buy a full size backhoe and a row crop tractor.

 

[Wagtail]

People who have no experience with or of tractors honestly don't realise how much they cost. It can be quite a shock, yet they have come to the decision that they need some sort of tractor + implement combination. It can be daunting and so they're asking us for help whilst not knowing what they may need or they have misconceptions of what a tractor can do.

We're an internet 'bloke over the fence' offering a neighbour advice. AND we can only advise given the initial needs described by the Poster, which at times can be like pulling teeth!

 

[4570Man]

Nobody recommend he buy a 70,000 dollar tractor at least in the thread in question. The poster said if HE was starting over that is what he would buy.