Hey everyone,
Thanks for the input! I am in the process of deciding what I want and or need. I usually want more than I need for sure. I know the loader will be of great use, I'm always moving things around, moving dirt, mulch, stone, etc. My shoveling days are almost over. As I said before, my back is not the best. I'm only 44, but I can't afford to injure myself. I'm self employed and have to work.
The money spent on a loader is a no-brainer. The backhoe, although expensive, sure looks like is has it's uses. I know that a lot of work can be hired out for $5000, but I prefer to do what I can on my own. If you figure labor on landscaping projects, the machine will pay for itself in time. Speaking of time, I'm sure I would own this for many years. You guys are probably right about not needing or waiting on the backhoe. Problem is, some of the projects I want to do now would benefit from the BH. I still need to have a conversation with the wife about the whole deal, just waiting for the right time.
When you buy the backhoe separately, does the swivel seat come with or is that separate? I understand they aren't cheap? Just thinking any savings buying as a TLB package. What's the suspension like on the swivel seat as opposed to the standard seat? Do you think I can negotiate a better deal by buying the whole TLB setup? The dealer did say he had a used 2305 minus the BH coming in, but if I recall the price wasn't much cheaper than new.
So, how does the 2305 w/ 62" deck cut? I generally have to cut twice with my current pos to make the lawn look good, I'm pretty particular. I think I have a 42" deck now and I have to go slow. I think the 62" deck on the 2305 would make quick work of it. How are the R4 tires on the lawn? It's often a bit soggy in areas, especially in the wet spring. I don't really want turf tires but I think there is another tire that is an all-purpose tire? Any input on the tire choices? Also, did I read somewhere that there are spacers to widen the stance? I can use all the stability I can get on the slopes.
I'm sure I will have more questions and you guys are great. I am the "wrenching" type and often use these type of forums to gain knowledge. I own a Ford Diesel Excursion and have done countless mods based on the help of guys and gals just like you. When I do buy, I'm sure I'll be on the boards quite a bit. I like to share my knowledge as I learn from experience and others.
Thanks for the words of advice, it's good to have others question the needs rather than encourage unnecessary buying. I'm sure I will over buy, I could buy an X300 series tractor to cut grass, but I also want the working capability of the FEL and BH. My choice then becomes the X700 series with a lesser loader, or a 2305 that may be a bigger "mower" than I need, but has a superior loader and BH capability and more. To be honest, I like the size of the X748, but it's really not that much smaller than the 2305. My philosophy has always been to do it right the first time. Anyway, thanks again!
Steve
1st - create a budget on paper
cost of tractor
trade(?)
fuel
maint
work to be performed (how much is your time worth)
some things to consider
if you buy the tractor what additions will you make - some companies units in the past were deadended if you did not get certain items at delivery - i believe some baby Kubotas could not become TBL's
your FEL is like an extra set of hands but it has limitations - it is good from 4" below ground level to should height, its lifting ability falls off above hood height
fuel - how many gallons of gasoline do you currently go thru
on the deer web site view the detailed stats and look for gallons/hr
my 2210 mulches about an acre/hr; trees, fence, driveway and pool get in the way and i burn less than a gallon
my fuel bill was slashed by switching fuels - and that was at $2/gal now it is $4 and i laugh at my neighbors
i would focus on FEL, 62" deck, quik attach, ballast box and 50hr maint items - fill the box with pavers, weight is easy in, easy out, makes the box easy to move without the tractor - like into a shed
i traded my 10yr old jd425 on my 2210 with no special financing and my monthly payment was $210/60mo - there was lots of funny money
there may be funny money in your cub
my 2210 and all of its parts live outside in the sun with the seat bent over the steering wheel - starts every time and the JDalloy(plastic) still holds a shine (btw i wax) and no rust issues
become handy with a wrench - save a fortune on deere service
use the search here - almost every problem you will encounter has been solved
also you can add the backhoe in the future on the 2305 - members here can talk you thru the install -the same goes with any mod
also if the size of the 2305 works for you for your primary task dont over buy - i would love a "real" 2000 series but.... the hoe costs more, the snowblower costs more, the mower costs more, some of them consume more fuel, and for my use the next size up is money lost
i would love to mow my lawn with the 7410 cab i use at the ski hill and cause tractor envy in the neighborhood but......
and then there is the WIFE factor - mine on the surface and to my face HATES the thing but when the lawn looks +1, the driveway is snow free and she doesn't need to help with the lifting work - she would NEVER part with it - and she will never admit to this fact
however if she is a true farmers wife
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER at all costs let her learn to use this tractor, especially the backhoe
because, as others can tell you, it will never be YOUR tractor
