Buying Advice To buy or not to buy, that is the question...

[highland hunter]

Since you referred to purchasing a scut one other thing to consider is the factory scut tlb's are set up a little different than their counterpart scut non BH models.

I am quite sure of the following two brands as examples: if you were looking at a bx25 tlb or Massey gc1720 tlb and instead bought a bx2370 or a Massey gc1715 you can't add the factory BH to these units after the fact. You would have to buy a Woods or other aftermarket BH. Nothing wrong with that...just pointing out the option would then be different.

Get a price on a bx25 or a Massey gc1720 against their non BH counterparts (bx2370 and gc1715) with a FEL and compare the difference, I think it will be considerably less than adding an aftermarket BH to the counterpart units.

JD or some other scut's may be a different case, but on these two brands that I am familiar, I believe this is the case.


It's not the same with the CUT tractors and adding a backhoe (or not).

Interesting that these units can't be converted later as the MF is on my short list.

 

[AxleHub]

Interesting that these units can't be converted later as the MF is on my short list.

I'm told on the Massey you could convert but you'd need to install the subframe, a different set of rops, change out the seat frame to allow swivel plus the bh unit itself. But his point is if you need a bh . . Then you get a gc1720 or gc1710 and if you don't need one . . . then you get a gc1715 or gc1705. Parts are always more money than assembled items.

You'll notice I didn't use the word "want". We all want things that we don't need. Sometimes we can afford to pay more for wants and sometimes the list of needs is more important. Lol

 

[highland hunter]

To receive worthwhile input you have to tell us your expected applications for the Backhoe.

Perhaps there are realistic alternatives to the Backhoe.

With a MMM you have very little tractor ground clearance. You will probably want to remove the MMM when using the Backhoe to avoid the risk of damaging the low positioned MMM.

Forgive me, I am going to modify your expectation: I'm really looking forward to upgrading from my current Garden Tractor to something with a THREE POINT HITCH, frontend loader, MMM and snow blower.


LINK TO T-B-N ARCHIVE: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/36241-mmm-backhoe.html

Finally getting back to this request.

So currently have a relatively small lot that I have stumps to remove, drainage to improve, a driveway that needs to be re-done, a front entry that needs attention, and replacement of a rear deck/patio. This is assuming I stay long enough to complete these tasks.

As I am getting closer to retirement and finding I prefer more property for privacy, I am toying with the idea of not building on my 5 acre lot and getting something >10 acres.

I am what my wife considers a "planner". I like to have a plan for most things. Also I don't want to incur un-needed costs once I hit retirement and would rather have my equipment lined up, in place, and paid for once I have a fixed income.

So while the initial purchase may be a bit premature for my current situation I am planning or looking forward to when I get into retirement and having everything paid for ~5 years prior.

Brian

 

[big bubba]

sounds like a plan for retirement. since you are considering larger acreage, you might also look at your future tractor needs in terms of size. something you could grow into rather than having to upgrade. lots of decisions here, sounds like you're doing your homework. best regards

 

[highland hunter]

I'm told on the Massey you could convert but you'd need to install the subframe, a different set of rops, change out the seat frame to allow swivel plus the bh unit itself. But his point is if you need a bh . . Then you get a gc1720 or gc1710 and if you don't need one . . . then you get a gc1715 or gc1705. Parts are always more money than assembled items.

You'll notice I didn't use the word "want". We all want things that we don't need. Sometimes we can afford to pay more for wants and sometimes the list of needs is more important. Lol

So ultimately if my decision is to go with the BH route the time would be now as it will be much more expensive in the future than it will be now. Either due to the additional required parts and pieces or the purchase of the actual unit.

As you can see, this is why I have posed this question, as I prefer to not go through the process a second time by having not made the correct purchase the first time.

Brian

 

[highland hunter]

sounds like a plan for retirement. since you are considering larger acreage, you might also look at your future tractor needs in terms of size. something you could grow into rather than having to upgrade. lots of decisions here, sounds like you're doing your homework. best regards

Larger acreage but no additional mowable area. Looking for additional buffer between myself and neighbors, which would be preferably wooded.

 

[AxleHub]

Larger acreage but no additional mowable area. Looking for additional buffer between myself and neighbors, which would be preferably wooded.

Highland . . You mentioned the idea of planning out 5 years. I started looking at tractors in 2006 and bought in 2015. But although I learned alot and wore out numerous brochures . . Its more hobby than efficient method.

I wanted a BX 1850 at the time or a Yanmar/CC 2400. By 2015 I'd worked my way up to a desire for a bx2370 or bx2670 or the discontinued but new sc2400. And then I discovered something I'd never seen before after all those years . . a Massey GC1700 series.

Money kept me from buying in the late 2000s and early 2010s. My point is . . get what you can use when you can use it. Because products change and people conditions change. Jmho

 

[highland hunter]

Highland . . You mentioned the idea of planning out 5 years. I started looking at tractors in 2006 and bought in 2015. But although I learned alot and wore out numerous brochures . . Its more hobby than efficient method.

I wanted a BX 1850 at the time or a Yanmar/CC 2400. By 2015 I'd worked my way up to a desire for a bx2370 or bx2670 or the discontinued but new sc2400. And then I discovered something I'd never seen before after all those years . . a Massey GC1700 series.

Money kept me from buying in the late 2000s and early 2010s. My point is . . get what you can use when you can use it. Because products change and people conditions change. Jmho

Not looking for the purchase to occur 5 years from now, more likely this year or next. The plan being that all expenditures have been complete and paid for 5 years prior to entering retirement.

 

[TJP89]

I'd say that if you can afford it, go for the backhoe. It sounds like you have justification for doing so, and more will appear.

Now, you're planning for down the road. Might want to consider a bigger tractor. Look at everything you might need to do, and you may find that a SCUT is not the best option. If you needed to, you might leave the BH off, and upsize to stay in budget, if that was necessary. I know that a good SCUT TLB usually costs more than my 35HP tractor/loader setup.

 

[TJP89]

That's exactly what I do, as well as drag logs out of the woods with it.

As well as get rocks out of the way:

I think I recall that rock, oldpilgrim. If I recall, the BH did not move that thing. I think you would need something a little bit more powerful than your 35HP BH to move that.