Buying Advice First tractor- Could really use input

[oldpilgrim]

based on the advice above, I'll summarize:

buy everything you see.

 

[bspeedy]

Here's a note from my local Kubota dealer about converting to SSQA retroactively: "Kubota does not have a quick coupler that fits the LA681, however ATI (in New Holland) does. They are expensive, about $800. You then need a $150 blank to weld to the back of your existing bucket to make it fit the QA. If your interested let me know and I'll firm up price and availability. Its a costly change, but your attachments down the road will be cheaper and nicer to use than clamp-on \ bolt-on options." All this, plus paying someone to cut and weld your old bucket to fit the quick attach. Even so, this is definitely number one on my list of upgrades.[/QUOTE]

A bit off the OP's topic, but there IS a Kubota SSQA adapter that is nearly an exact fit for your loader:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...bota-oem-ssqa-l4310-la681.html?highlight=Ssqa

Copy that one into your browser. My Kubota SSQA (same as the one in the post) was about 550 dollars from Kubota and was adapted with a couple washers at each mount point with no issues whatsoever in a year of usage. Just thought that might help a fellow L3710'er out.

 

[DieselnHooters]

based on the advice above, I'll summarize:

buy everything you see.

Yep, add up all the stuff some deem as ''must have'' and she will end up with a smallish tractor that's worth more than her house

 

[momof2crazygirls]

Yep, add up all the stuff some deem as ''must have'' and she will end up with a smallish tractor that's worth more than her house

Lol! Yes- it does add up. I think I am leaning towards the L2501 with bush hog and FEL. A back hoe would be awesome but I can't justify the expense. I'm trying to figure out how to post some pictures of the property but I can't seem to do it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Lol! Yes- it does add up. I think I am leaning towards the L2501 with bush hog and FEL. A back hoe would be awesome but I can't justify the expense. I'm trying to figure out how to post some pictures of the property but I can't seem to do it.

Sounds like you are making some progress. Maybe you can add a zero turn or something later. The other implements can come as needed.

 

[rScotty]

Lol! Yes- it does add up. I think I am leaning towards the L2501 with bush hog and FEL. A back hoe would be awesome but I can't justify the expense. I'm trying to figure out how to post some pictures of the property but I can't seem to do it.

A backhoe isn't just for digging. It is also convenient for lifting and placing heavy things neatly & without strain. If the backhoe bucket is equipped with a thumb it then has the ability to lift and place rocks and trees just right - nice for landscaping. We even use ours for loading and unloading the trailer.
rScotty

 

[2ndhalf]

You can do pretty much anything that you have listed with the BX it may just take you a little longer.. Bigger is not always better and especially if it is your first tractor. I would get the BX if the areas you have to box blade and bushhog are less than 4 acres. You can do pretty much anything with the BX that you could with the L series it will just take you longer due to smaller implements. Most of the guys on here don't like smaller tractors.. I happen to love mine.. It is the equivalent of the BX in a different tractor make. Use the money you save to buy a post hold digger, drag harrow, etc.

You didn't say... or may you did and i missed.. how much wooded and do you plan to clear or do anything with the woods... this my make you want a larger tractor for the loader lift capacity.

 

[BigBoyToys]

When I bought my tractor a backhoe was high on the priority list. I knew I needed to dig a monolithic slab for a new building and had a fair amount of landscaping to do. If you think you'll be needing one then buy it with the tractor. You'll be happy you did and you'll save in the long run. Other implements can be purchased as needed. As far as removing the hoe, with a dolly I can have mine off and out of the way in 5 minutes. Roll the dolly under it, lower it, pull two pins, move forward, relieve the pressure, and disconnect two hoses...Easy Peasy! :thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

I could see owning/operating a B instead of a BX in the OP's position... I really haven't heard why she would need anything bigger. For me... I have tight spaces, very steep hills that I must traverse and want to be gentle on my improved areas. Anything larger and I could not get it through some of the places I need to go... like around the back of garage, between house and fence to name two. Being able to get to all places on your property is very important to me.

 

[momof2crazygirls]

You can do pretty much anything that you have listed with the BX it may just take you a little longer.. Bigger is not always better and especially if it is your first tractor. I would get the BX if the areas you have to box blade and bushhog are less than 4 acres. You can do pretty much anything with the BX that you could with the L series it will just take you longer due to smaller implements. Most of the guys on here don't like smaller tractors.. I happen to love mine.. It is the equivalent of the BX in a different tractor make. Use the money you save to buy a post hold digger, drag harrow, etc.

You didn't say... or may you did and i missed.. how much wooded and do you plan to clear or do anything with the woods... this my make you want a larger tractor for the loader lift capacity.

I am just clearing some fence lines/cross fencing that is needed. It has just been a place for trees and brush to grow up and we don't need it. And clearing brush/saplings that have grown up around the edge of the pond. I am so torn- right now I have a gentleman doing it by hand for me and if I got a tractor it would make it even easier for him and he could move much faster.