Compact right for me? Thinking of a new Deere.

[MountainMomma]

What dealers are an hour away?

A ton of them. Every brand is represented within an hour’s radius. They just are over mountain passes, which makes trailering difficult, and I guess I assumed thumbdown that they wouldn’t service me out here. (It’s a psychological aspect of our region. The mountains are the barrier between WV and VA, and they are very different communities. After all the advice so far, though, I plan to inquire about service and if I get a favorable reply, visit!)

 

[MountainMomma]

GENERAL question: is it better to buy used from a dealer because he will stand behind it, or worse because he can make it look better than it is and (necessarily) mark it up so he has a profit (as with used cars)?

 

[TSO]

Going back to your original post, if you are not mechanically inclined, then I think your best bet is to buy a new machine with a warranty, from a dealer you feel will stand by servicing the machine.

 

[Diggin It]

SOME dealers, not all, will sometimes warranty used machines that they sell. It's usually on newer machines, only a few years old, and only for a short term, maybe 90-180 days. The only way to know for sure is to ask.

Mountain roads in WV .... I found one by accident one time, weirdest road I can ever remember being on. Main thing I remember is that when I got to the bottom, I was in Ohio.

 

[ericm979]

One of the local Kubota dealers, about 45 miles away, was willing to pick up and deliver a machine for servicing for "free". And I live on a very steep narrow and twisty road in mountains known for difficult roads.

Of course their cost to do that is baked into their prices. It's probably one reason why they would not budge from list price.

 

[jayincmh]

MM - the links to the pictures are not working. I would think something in 40 hp range, 4WD and FEL with bucket. I think you may regret not getting a front end loader with the tractor. Mighty handy for a whole range of chores.

I agree with OOSIK on the fact that you might regret not getting a FEL. I felt the same, and am really glad I got the FEL. It's way MORE functional than just the bucket...Pallet forks, for example. There is a post on here somewhere that has something like 29 pages of uses for pallet forks. (best investment I've ever made! and would not have known it in advance on my own).

 

[Tractorable]

Yea, it would be a huge mistake to not get a loader.

I still use a 1952 Ford 8N like the OP so I can relate to her challenges.

Three things for a new tractor.....diesel, 4WD, and front end loader!

 

[Deere Dude]

GENERAL question: is it better to buy used from a dealer because he will stand behind it, or worse because he can make it look better than it is and (necessarily) mark it up so he has a profit (as with used cars)?

Everything has a cost. If you buy a used machine from Joe Blow and within a week the tranny or engine goes out you are on your own. A reputable dealer will generally give you at least 30 days for bugs to work out which still isn't long time unless the tractor really gets put through the paces. That is probably why I missed some deals for good tractors from a non dealers, but I rest easy knowing at least I have some recourse because I generally bite the bullet and buy new. Nobody elses problems unloaded on me.

 

[Jack Murdock]

Pictures... work for me? Dunno... just pics of my hills. Probably not that helpful.

I just traded in my 2520 and bought my first ever new tractor. I bought a 2302R with loader and front mounted 59" snowblower for $32,000. I mow about 17 acres withe brush hog, clear the 1100' driveway with the snowblower, haul firewood etc and haul manure etc for the garden. It has hst transmission with cruise control and will be the last tractor I own. With 0% financing and a generous discount I was very happy. The snow blower was about $6000

 

[MountainMomma]

All these responses are SO helpful, people!

You all have talked me into a FEL. I probably might someday like a forklift for hay bales and other tasks that I don’t understand now. What kinds of things besides digging and carrying loads do you all use your buckets for?

I just called one of the dealers, and he was pricing me a 35 hp Yanmar YT for 21K, w/front loader and 3 speed hydrostatic. He made a big deal about an automatic ... throttle? ?maybe? Can’t remember. I am SO NOT up to speed with all the terms/options. And a 10 year warranty on the power train.