Buying a CUT, I think I have narrowed down some choices

WillardinMaine · May 14, 2020

Again thank you all for your thoughtful insights.

Craigslist and FB are not producing much in the way of results for a used tractor and there is not much inventory in the local dealers. Patience is needed there.

You have me feeling a bit more comfortable on going with higher HP. I definitely have the feeling tractors should be simple machines to keep maintenance costs down, but it is 2020.

A local dealer, also about 70 miles, has an LS XG3140 with their 12 speed shuttle shift for just under 20k. I called him about it and he confirmed, but think they have it mislisted as it is 1K less than the XG3135. Believe the costs should be reversed. The Kioti dealer has the 3510 for also a bit under 20k in the manual transmission. Should be getting out to visit dealers this weekend. Those two are stretching the budget some. Any thoughts on the quality of the two? Roughly equal?

We have always used a brush hog to mow the field, but I have seen mention of using a flail mower. It is a well established field that has some roll to it, but no steepness.

greginfinity · May 14, 2020

I assume the TYM dealer you are talking about is Scott's Recreation. I am curious your thoughts about them or if you have ever been a customer there? So they don't service anything there? I posted here a week or so ago asking about TYM (maybe too provocative of a title), and it seems like the tractors should be just fine. Maybe more difficult to find parts but seems like they use a common engine platform. I am in a similar boat, don't really want to spend more that $20k, an want something to do what most here would consider light duty (moving trees, tilling, moving dirt etc). TYM seems to have a huge value, I could get a 37hp tractor with a cab and loader for $24k. I was at the local Kubota dealership and they can't even come close to that, probably $5k to $10k more. I am not sure that is worth it honestly. I think I priced out a JD and New Holland SCUT from around here with a loader and mower and they were around $18k, but much less machine. I am also unsure about snow removal, I do think a truck is better platform regardless. So after all that, I may just rent a tractor when I need one. I don't really have a place to store one anyways, so just getting one dropped off for $800 a week when I need it may be better for me.

Let me know what you find! And yes, our local craigslist is devoid of any good deals. Mostly people asking $2k off MSRP of a 10 year old tractor!

WillardinMaine · May 14, 2020

Yes, that’s the place. No direct knowledge, but have not heard the best from others. I looked at the TYM website and not much around for dealers. Put a message in through fb to the TYM distributor asking where warranty work would be done and have not heard back.

Right now number one is Bobcat CT2025 from Jordan power equipment. They are up in Bangor and down in Falmouth. Through end of month 15,300 for manual drive with a fel. Add 1K for hydrostatic. Two year number to bumper and six power train. Going to go have a look. This is the Kioti ck2610 in different paint

WillardinMaine · May 17, 2020

Thanks everyone I put down money on a Bobcat CT2025 (Kioti CK2610) with Manual transmission from Jordan Equipment in Hermon, Maine. Feel good about the price I paid. Robb was cutting their margin to help move product.

Going to post a couple questions in the Kioti section as I have time since they do not have a manual transmission in stock and will need to order. Salesman was very helpful, but the compact tractor line was new to him.

Cruiserdog · May 17, 2020

WillardinMaine said:
Again thank you all for your thoughtful insights.

Craigslist and FB are not producing much in the way of results for a used tractor and there is not much inventory in the local dealers. Patience is needed there.

You have me feeling a bit more comfortable on going with higher HP. I definitely have the feeling tractors should be simple machines to keep maintenance costs down, but it is 2020.

A local dealer, also about 70 miles, has an LS XG3140 with their 12 speed shuttle shift for just under 20k. I called him about it and he confirmed, but think they have it mislisted as it is 1K less than the XG3135. Believe the costs should be reversed. The Kioti dealer has the 3510 for also a bit under 20k in the manual transmission. Should be getting out to visit dealers this weekend. Those two are stretching the budget some. Any thoughts on the quality of the two? Roughly equal?

We have always used a brush hog to mow the field, but I have seen mention of using a flail mower. It is a well established field that has some roll to it, but no steepness.

I recently transitioned from using a finish mower AND a rotary cutter to using just a quality flail. So far very pleased. I’ve one of the Maschio Giraffe articulated units and it’s pretty slick. Not cheap, but solid and very capable.

MaineGuy1 · May 17, 2020

WillardinMaine said:
Thanks everyone I put down money on a Bobcat CT2025 (Kioti CK2610) with Manual transmission from Jordan Equipment in Hermon, Maine. Feel good about the price I paid. Robb was cutting their margin to help move product.

Going to post a couple questions in the Kioti section as I have time since they do not have a manual transmission in stock and will need to order. Salesman was very helpful, but the compact tractor line was new to him.

If you plan on doing a lot of loader work, or anything back and forth you would love the Hydro.

WillardinMaine · May 17, 2020

Thanks on the hydro thought, but good with the manual.

I think we will stick with the rotary over the flail mower, but will take a second look

3gunr · May 17, 2020

MaineGuy1 said:
If you plan on doing a lot of loader work, or anything back and forth you would love the Hydro.

I agree, I love my shuttle shift ,but age and bad knees have made me an hst guy for sure.

WillardinMaine · May 27, 2020

Came in a hundred over budget, before paying the governor. Pleased with that.

Ended up with a Bobcat ct2025 which is mostly a Kioti ck2610 in a manual transmission.

Loader is a Bobcat loader and they add in a horn and rubber floor mat.

I added a sixty inch rotary cutter, sixty inch tiller, quick attach forks, 2 extra rear pto ports and a side view mirror.

Elected not to fill tires both for garden work and because there’s wet areas we bush hog. Went with Ag tires.

Being delivered to the house around June 20th. We have borrowed family tractors for many years excited to have our own.