3K more, but is it enough tractor?

[Sysop]

No way would I give up the 2660 pounds of lift on the three point for a machine that would only lift 1808 pounds, a 1900 pound capacity front end loader sure isn't going to make up the difference... But that is me.

I'd say the biggest determining factors here should be what are his uses, how well does the Long350 already perform at said tasks, and what improvements over the Long350 would make the tasks easier/better...

If the Long does well, if some extra grunt and a lot newer is the goal, the Mahindra is more like the Long than the LS.

If he's looking for a lot newer but a different set of capabilities, the LS is a great machine.

 

[TBJolly]

Both tractors are new. As to why somebody asks about why I look at marginal machines, I'll be happy to explain...If had my druthers, I'd buy something about 50hp, AWD, FEL, decked to the nines.

But I'm an old retired man, 56 years old. I could have retired 4 years ago and chose not to. I don't owe a dime on either one of my houses or places, a note on a vehicle or a single red cent to anyone - and I haven't for several years. I know what I can spend without affecting my lifestyle. If the old Long hadn't started to aggravate the sugar out of me, I would keep it and just keep motoring on.

I'd like to have something new, something with a warranty, something I don't have to wrench on and something I can write a check for. I oscillate between what I know well (40hp 2WD machines) and what so many people tell me, when they talk about how well they like their CUTS with FEL. I value all opinions, I distill them, I look for consensus and I weigh them against what I think...Sometimes, I even change my mind.

Sorry if I bothered anybody, but I never spend big money, shooting from the hip. I gnaw a bone until there's no meat left and then a decision is made. Thanks to all of y'all for being helpful and I've got some thinking to do...

 

[TSO]

Both tractors are new. As to why somebody asks about why I look at marginal machines, I'll be happy to explain...If had my druthers, I'd buy something about 50hp, AWD, FEL, decked to the nines.

But I'm an old retired man, 56 years old. I could have retired 4 years ago and chose not to. I don't owe a dime on either one of my houses or places, a note on a vehicle or a single red cent to anyone - and I haven't for several years. I know what I can spend without affecting my lifestyle. If the old Long hadn't started to aggravate the sugar out of me, I would keep it and just keep motoring on.

I'd like to have something new, something with a warranty, something I don't have to wrench on and something I can write a check for. I oscillate between what I know well (40hp 2WD machines) and what so many people tell me, when they talk about how well they like their CUTS with FEL. I value all opinions, I distill them, I look for consensus and I weigh them against what I think...Sometimes, I even change my mind.

Sorry if I bothered anybody, but I never spend big money, shooting from the hip. I gnaw a bone until there's no meat left and then a decision is made. Thanks to all of y'all for being helpful and I've got some thinking to do...

Congratulations on retiring so young! I'm not sure if you are being funny, calling yourself old at 56... But 56 still gives you lots of time. So, I'm torn on the decision, as I'm sure you are.

In one way, I'd say that if your old Long handles all of your tasks, and if you want to replace it with something that is "new" but does the same things, then sure, why not go with another 2wd basic tractor.

But on the other hand, I typically operate differently than that. The way I see it, life is short, and if I want to get something done, I tend to spend a little more to get what I want. Granted, I'm younger than you, and I have a lot of irons in the fire still, so I might be able to get away with it. But, at 56, I'd want a tractor that not only handled the work, but handled it with ease (giving me more time for other things), and also handled it with convenience... Like a cab tractor with HST and a loader.

For example, you can get into a modern, new, around 50 HP CAB tractor with HST and loader for under $30k. I know that's more than you're budgeting for, but really not all that much more, when you consider you long term enjoyment. I know a cab was one of the best purchases I ever made, and I thank myself daily for spending the extra money on one.

Just something to consider ... With luck and hopefully health, you'll be operating that tractor for another 20+ years.

 

[Utopia Texas]

Even my tiny 17 HP Ford 1215 has FEL and 4WD. It would be pretty useless without both options.

PS- I retired at 58 and still have a lot of tread on my wheels.
Don't discount the years you have ahead.
You can be of great service to your community and folks around your area.....

 

[jenkinsph]

Congratulations on retiring so young! I'm not sure if you are being funny, calling yourself old at 56... But 56 still gives you lots of time. So, I'm torn on the decision, as I'm sure you are.

In one way, I'd say that if your old Long handles all of your tasks, and if you want to replace it with something that is "new" but does the same things, then sure, why not go with another 2wd basic tractor.

But on the other hand, I typically operate differently than that. The way I see it, life is short, and if I want to get something done, I tend to spend a little more to get what I want. Granted, I'm younger than you, and I have a lot of irons in the fire still, so I might be able to get away with it. But, at 56, I'd want a tractor that not only handled the work, but handled it with ease (giving me more time for other things), and also handled it with convenience... Like a cab tractor with HST and a loader.

For example, you can get into a modern, new, around 50 HP CAB tractor with HST and loader for under $30k. I know that's more than you're budgeting for, but really not all that much more, when you consider you long term enjoyment. I know a cab was one of the best purchases I ever made, and I thank myself daily for spending the extra money on one.

Just something to consider ... With luck and hopefully health, you'll be operating that tractor for another 20+ years.

I agree with TSO on the above for the most part.
Being a native of Louisiana I would go for mfwd for sure, and a cab. I am semi retired in that I work my tractors part time and shut down my prior hvac business this past year. I understand the idea of staying out of debt, at 61 I don't want to owe anyone anything on a note. It is hard enough to keep the monthly costs at bay heading to retirement.

The good thing about tractors though is they do seem to hold their value much better than most other equipment. This is particularly true if you buy what others want too, it seems everyone wants a fel and mfwd and lots of them want the cab too. My tractors and equipment are paid for and I enjoy using them and plan to keep using them as long as I can (really hope to wear them out). When the time comes I will sell them and put the remainder of the money in the kitty. Boats and campers depreciate at a rapid rate compared to tractors, so the cost of ownership for tractors is much lower imo.

 

[jeff9366]

I retired at 58 years, quite a few years ago. One thing for sure, aging progresses inexorably.. You should be contemplating a new tractor with as many age compensating features as possible. What you spend now on "compensating features" you will likely save in the future in tractor related medical bills.

My five must haves, which are on my Kubota L3560, but were not all on my previous two tractors, are
1) Easy Mounting of Implements
2) FEL
3) 4-WD
5) Enough weight for stability when lifting max FEL loads.