Buying Advice Another first time buyer

[woodman506]

Hello All,

I have just purchased a property with about 38 acres of land. about 5 of which is a cleared field and the remainder woodland. I would like to buy a used tractor for a few reasons.

1. to blow snow of about a 500 foot lane
2. to mow a large lawn
3. to plow & till a new garden (personal use size)
4. to some various landscaping
5. upgrade and maintain some paths/roads/trails through the wooded areas.
6. haul a wagon full of fire wood

I would like a used 4 x 4 Compact sized tractor with the ability to do all of the above mentioned.

Im thinking a cab and a front end loader with mower to start off with.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thank you in advance.

k

 

[Don87]

What dealers are close to you? And what kind of feeling do you get from these dealers?

 

[Carl_NH]

Welcome to TBN Woodman!

I would think Kioti, Kubota, or John Deere would be fine - something in the 28-40HP range would be a nice size with the land you have.

Heres 1 seems like a low hour nice condition machine 2011 Kioti Tractor - Moncton Farming Equipment For Sale - Kijiji Moncton Canada.

Heres another one
Kubota Tractor - Moncton Farming Equipment For Sale - Kijiji Moncton Canada.


If you are thinking smaller and new, the BX series like the BX25 with a backhoe is nice, but dont usually have a cab.

If you are getting into cabbed models, you will be in the low to mid $20s and then add the snowblower and it will be more.

Whats your budget?

 

[woodman506]

I haven't looked into any dealers yet, but there are at least 8 of them within a 25 mile radius of me.

Thanks for the reply

 

[woodman506]

I was thinking a bit smaller, older, less expensive..... Maybe 12-15 thousand dollar range?

Thanks for your expertise.

K

 

[Grandad4]

It's the cab that throws a wrench into your budget plans. That's about a $6k upgrade (in US $) on new compact-type equipment, so for older, used equipment it still puts several thousand on the price. An older farm utility type might fit your budget, something like this:

Massey MF245 Diesel (correct hrs reading) - New Brunswick Farming Equipment For Sale - Kijiji New Brunswick Canada.

An after-market cab with heat only and no a/c, 2wd would be absolutely typical. Of course, the older and more "used" you go, there greater the odds it needs to be worked on.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well, Woodman for that price range you are probably best to look for models like;

John Deere 790-990 series - these are good machines 1995-2003 timeframe I think - essentially Yanmar diesels and good machines - there are other models but I am not that familiar with the older JD machines

Kubota - L2500, L2800, L3450 - these are 2000-2005 models typically - the L series is a good tough tractor and most you find will probably be gear, but some later years HST was offered. If you an get HST unit that would be a good choice, nothing wrong with gear machines, but HST is just easier in the woods and tight spaces.

You will find a better selection of the Kubota and JD machines in your price range due to their time in the market, and the parts and reliability of these are good.

If you can find a 400-800 hour unit - single owner with service records that is clean that would be my preference.

 

[woodman506]

thanks for all of your input, looks like i may have to convince my wife i "need" to increase the tractor budget. There seem to be a few in the 20000 dollar price range.

thanks again

k

 

[case245]

i would look at a b series kubota the smallest is a b2320 23horse par you can get it in a stick or hydro tanny new they are 13-14k with fel add a mmm for 3k more i would buy a used blower for it and theres the 2620 and the 2920 as well the other poster think kubota makes only the L SERIES get seat time on a few different model to tell which one fits you i used a 21 hp to plow and till the ground it work vary well for that happy tractor shopping

 

[Don87]

thanks for all of your input, looks like i may have to convince my wife i "need" to increase the tractor budget. There seem to be a few in the 20000 dollar price range.

thanks again

k

There is also the option of building your own cab, many on here have done it. Here was the latest thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/263920-diy-cab-finally-decided-time.html

 

[Gary Fowler]

There is really nothing to compare with a tractor with heated AND air conditioned cab for working comfort. Problem with many of the older ones which you would have to be fairly old to get a 40-50 HP with cab for $15K. In the age bracket that you would find a tractor for the money you have budgeted, a 50 HP + or- 5HP is going to be about the smallest you will find with a cab. TODAY they are putting them on smaller and smaller tractors, I think you can even get one on a SCUT like the Kubota BX models.
Just shop around and you may run into a deal, but check the AC and heat on the cab closely along with the rest of the tractor of course. One other thing, Broken glass in a cab is extremely expensive to replace in like the Thousands rather than hundreds so dont accept one thinking that its like a windshield in a car because they rip you a new one to replace the broken glass in a tractor cab.
The other problem is with a tractor that old, there might be some issues with heat and air not functioning properly, just like a 10 year old car, they crap out on you with age. Heck sometimes they fail in just a few hours as my BIL found out with his brand new New Holland with about 20 hours on it the compressor locked up. It was warranted but the transport to the dealer cost him $200.
Check on new pricing for a small 30 HP (this is plenty large for your needs) cabbed tractor with heat and AC before shopping too much with used. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you can afford new.

 

[RobertN]

For 38 acres, I would think in the 40hp range. You may be primarily working with 5 acres, but you'll find tons of used in those other 33 acres...

I got my NH TC40D with low hours, loader, and 6' mower for $15k three years ago.

I had a great Kubota before, but it was under powered for 5 acres, with hills. But now the same size chassis has jumped from 19hp to over 30hp... It sucks to be under powered...

My wife uses the tractor frequently. She also drove one at a nursery . In addition to extra power, both of us really like the 1/2 yard loader on the current tractor...

Whatever you do, try all the tractors you can. Check out the dealer for service. You may find a you like a different tractor or dealer than you were originally considering...

 

[woodman506]

What would guys you think of this one ?

2001 Kubota - Moncton Heavy Equipment For Sale - Kijiji Moncton Canada.

Thanks

 

[Don87]

Low hour machine, average of less than 50 hours a year. No mower, some fresh paint(needs looked over carefully).

 

[Carl_NH]

Woodman,

Thats not a bad unit or price - maybe $1K high, but if you need a snowblower, and mower - like a 3PTH rear finish mower you will end up adding another $3-4K to the price. The B7500 is a nice unit, the loader is capable of lifting about 700 lbs and you will defintely need some weight on the rear, snowblower or blade to get around.

As Don poinits out new paint can be suspect, but if its just the bucket and not the rest of the machine thats probably OK.

Personally I think with 33 acres in trees and 5 to manage, you will be looking to "trade up" in a few years for a bigger machine.

Look for something with a QA bucket for adding a grapple etc and then a rear blade or snowblower in the 30-38HP range - this might cost $15-20K but would be a better long term investment.

Carl

 

[Grandad4]

Don and Carl have it about right, IMHO. The B series Kubotas are the smaller sized models and I think the larger L series is more in line with your work requirements. That said, that B7500, small though it may be, could accomplish a lot for you until your budget can accomodate something larger. Make sure it's in good condition, of course.

 

[woodman506]

What do you guys think of this one, its older but looks to be in good shape! How much would I pay for a blower & a loader for this one ? Any thoughts?

2001 Kubota B2410HSDB List $9,500 As Is Cash & Carry On Sale (Private Sale No Tax) Hall Bros. Enterprises Ltd. Norton, NB (506) 839-2442

Thank you

 

[Grandad4]

B2410 was the delux model when it was new. Nice, popular little units. That one has low hours, maybe the original owner is selling, could be a very nice unit. With used tractors, so much depends on what condition it's in... that can be more important than what make it is, and I wouldn't be afraid of an older one in top condition. You might have to add an aftermarket loader... there are some good brands... and at least you're in snow country so you have a shot at finding a blower on Craig's, etc., which could save vs. buying new. That's a private sale it says, but maybe that dealer would work something out on a loader and blower.

 

[Carl_NH]

Woodman,

I agree with Grandad4 that seems to be a nice unit in good shape. A Kubota loader is likely to be spendy $3K+ and a aftermarket like Woods maybe a bit less. I would price out the proper Kubota loader as that will aid in resale down the road.

And snowblower, you can get one used likely for $1500 range for a 50" range - just get one that clears the tracks.

So you would have maybe $15-16K in this with a blower, loader and a softcab setup.

Which brings you about $10K under the 2011 Kioti I linked to last week - but it is bigger, newer, real cab, 86 hours if I recall, so if it was my $ I would spring for a newer machine with the stuff you want.

Here's another one Kioti 35 Horse Power Tractor $17999!!! - New Brunswick Farming Equipment For Sale - Kijiji New Brunswick Canada.

If you can find a similar size Kubota with the same setup that would be good too.

 

[woodman506]

Thanks for all of your advice, i have lots to think about. and although i would enjoy a larger one, i still would like to mow a lawn with it.( i can use that as a bargaining tool for my wife's seal of approval.....) Not sure how big is too big for that.....