B series tractor w/backhoe

[Josh]

Hey guys, I have a ton of work to do on my hilly, rocky, property here in northern CA. I figure I have more than enough hours to justify a purchase. Even if the rent/purchase call was close, I am busy enough that I couldn't use a rental due to the spotty nature of my available time for work at home.

I need a small, 4WD loader/backhoe for 90 percent of what I will be doing. The problem is that I have only had seat time in a 580 Case and a 310 and 710 JD. I don't need anything near that big for most of what I 've got planned. My father-in-law (and others) have sold me on Kubota. My question is this: My wife has given me the OK to buy anything up to the cost of a new B 21 TLB. Since the 24/27/2910 with an aftermarket backhoe attachment would cost ballpark the same or less, would there be an advantage to buying one over the other with respect to resale value. I will probably sell the tractor after a couple of years. (I know the spec. differences, but I guess I'm looking for some "If it were me..." type of advice.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Muhammad]

In homeowner condition, well maintained, both are probably going to be very similar in terms of depreciation ... depending on the area, either might lose 10-15% after 2 years/200-400 hours. The used compact tractor market doesn't ever seem to take a hit, and the rarer finds, the homeowner machines taken care of and in near new condition, will hold their value more than others.

 

[MarkV]

Josh,

Your situation sounds like the one I was in a few years ago. The big difference is that my steep and rocky property was in N. Georgia rather than Cal./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Knowing that I would be using the backhoe more than anything else, I went with the B21 and have been amazed at how much it has done. It is not the 580 Case you used and requires smaller bites but will get the job done.

As Muhammad has said, all the Kubota’s seem to hold their values very well. I think the advantage to the B21 is the contractor market for this machine. In our area you never see used ones because there is always a plumbing company or contractor looking for one. That could be to your advantage when you get ready to sell.

The B21 is set up for TLB work with stronger hydraulics, integrated frame, better loader lift numbers, self leveling loader bucket, sloped hood, FOPS protection and a backhoe that fits very tight to the tractor. The backhoe’s tight fit offers better approach and departure angles when working on hills.

The 2710 and 2910 are great tractors and would do the job also. I would recommend a backhoe with a sub frame given your planned usage. Whichever tractor you buy, have the rear tires filled for extra stability. It made a huge difference working on hills for me.

Good luck, welcome to the forum and keep us up to date on your projects as you get going.

MarkV

 

[mdbarb]

I am also in northern CA in a similar situation and purchased a B21 and am no the least bit disapointed. I looked for a used one for two years before I gave up and bought new. People were selling old machines for new prices!
BTW lets talk before you give a certain northern CA dealer any business....

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Josh,
I think the potential for damage from miss use or abuse with the B21 is lower than the other options you are considering.
Also you might consider the lower waranty period of the B21 (1 year) I guess Kubota figures all B21's are used for commercial service /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Al

 

[hayden]

If your focus is predominantly loader and BH, I'd go for the B21 as well, and I'm a B2910 w/ BH owner. The B21/35/48 are tuned to TLB useable and are convertable to 3PH tractor use if needed. The B2410/2710/2910 are 3PH tractors that can take BH.

Peter