Advice on Compact W/Loader

[Frank DeForrest]

Looking for some opinions. I've got a 60 acres of which 50/50 is woods/open field. My neighbor cuts hay off of 20, the rest I handle with a Cub Zero Turn and Ford 3600 w/ 6ft Caroni flail.
Now Im looking for a 30 +/-horse 4x4 w/loader (backhoe would be nice, but not necessary) for driveway maintenance and whatever else comes up.
Im not wanting new,I'm sorta fond of older stuff (realize parts sourcing can be a hassle) and I'm trying to stay under $15k
I'd really like to find a Ford 1920 to match the 3600 but none to be found with loaders.
Locally there is a nice looking Ford 1720 w/loader and box blade (no shuttle shift) but seems high at $12,500.
Got a dealer in the area with some used JD's; 955 w/loader for $10,000, 790 w/loader and backhoe for $15,000 and a Cub Cadet 7530 w/loader for $8000.
Feel free to tell me I'm nuts or offer suggestions. I respect the tribal knowledge on this forum

 

[RoyJackson]

This one:

970 w/loader and backhoe for $15,000

would be the most capable of the ones you've listed

 

[shooterdon]

Why not add a box blade to the 3600 for your road maintenance? I do not have a box blade (wish I did but cannot justify it). I get by with a back blade and rake. I never use the FEL for road maintenance but I am that talented either.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

This one:
would be the most capable of the ones you've listed

Sorry Roy, I was mistaken, its a 790 not a 970.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Why not add a box blade to the 3600 for your road maintenance? I do not have a box blade (wish I did but cannot justify it). I get by with a back blade and rake. I never use the FEL for road maintenance but I am that talented either.

Well you're not wrong to suggest that as the most practical option, but I do have other uses in mind that only a loader can satisfy

 

[dodge man]

I looked up the specs on the JD's, both would be decent tractors if in good shape. I think both would handle you flail just fine also.

 

[crashz]

The 955 is hydro and would be a really nice machine. The 790 is great, but it has a crash box transmission and would not be as fun for loader work (I had the predecessor the 770). Also, check the 3pt hitch capacity, as the 790 may have the HP to run your flail mower, it may not pick it up though. I know my 770 could only lift about 800lbs at 24" out.

 

[hks003]

Have you looked at any other brands? I bought a 2014 LS G3038 (38 HP) 4x4 with loader and bush hog for $12,500 just over a year ago. It's been a work horse for sure. The well known ford's, New Holland's, Deere, and Kubota's, even the older ones, seem to be priced much higher, especially in the used market. You'll see people on here warning others about lower resale as a reason not to buy LS, Kioti, Branson, etc. as new, but if you're buying used, use those lower resale values to your advantage.

 

[Frank DeForrest]

Flail mower weighs #716 and I'll keep the 3600 for pulling it, but it would be nice to know if the 3600 goes down I'd have a back up.
And yes Im considering other/all brands, just commenting on what Ive seen locally in my price range.

 

[fried1765]

Flail mower weighs #716 and I'll keep the 3600 for pulling it, but it would be nice to know if the 3600 goes down I'd have a back up.
And yes Im considering other/all brands, just commenting on what Ive seen locally in my price range.

If you can find a Ford 1920 with low hours, and in good condition it seems like it would be perfect for your needs.
I have the 1920, with 4 wheel drive, shuttle shift, and Ford loader.
It is my backup/light duty machine, and I love it!
I bought mine used with 1025 hours.
If it is a really clean one with low hours, you might expect to spend up to 14K.
I bought mine for $9,500, but then spent 6K to make it look like new.
Too much money?....probably.....but it is my little Ford sweetheart.