Compact track loader... where can I get solid info and recommendations? Forums?

[fried1765]

I've settled on a tractor...

5100e with 260FEL.

I'm still looking for a truck and trailer.

I'm 'thinking' about a CTL... mainly for farm building. I'm guessing... at the outside, I would put 400hrs/yr for 2 years. This would likely be MAX, then just regular 'farm' things depending upon whether I sell it at that time.

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for machinery. I haven't had the opportunity to use it since I left the farm and went to college, but now, I've gone and purchased 84ac of prime Kentucky Bluegrass and want to build a horse farm. I'd like to do as much of the work as is reasonable all the while realizing that if I could actually work MORE at my career job... I could pay for experts to do the work on the farm. HOWEVER, it isn't what I want to do. I can't simply work another day in my career to pay for someone to do the work on the farm. I've built my practice to a ridiculous level of days off and so I'd like to use them as well as possible. I enjoy hard work... but I don't want to do it in my office any more.

So... while I recognize that professionals could do twice the work in half the time, this job of building my farm is both the goal and the reward. I want to enjoy the work and learn... but I want to do it right as well.

In so doing, I'm thinking about purchasing a CTL to get the work done, have the best chance that I do it well, and keep myself from requiring the services of a doctor along the way.

Money IS an issue... I'm not broke, but anything I can save is still a plus. But I want to do it right. I've thought about purchasing a NEW CTL... and then selling it after the work of farm building is completed. I would expect it to take 3 years, so I am planning on 6. I know, that no matter how long it takes, I am unlikely to 'stress' the machinery. I just don't have those sorts of loads and work for the machine to do. (At least I don't believe I do.) But, I've also thought about purchasing a used machine... 1st... a low hour machine... but then I've thought perhaps a higher hour less expensive machine might be just my specific ticket.

However, here are my issues... and you 'in the know' would have a a better idea about what these would mean in this context.

1st. I will have about 3 days a week and 1 week a month to do the work I need to do. So, time is a reality, and a broken machine will cut into my ability to proceed. BUT... I don't have a serious 'time line' that something has to be 'done'. So, I'm limited by availability, but not pressed by a time line.

2nd. Money is an issue... but not the only issue. I do fine, but certainly don't want to WASTE my money. But that in mind, I'm not afraid to spend it well, with a reason. I'm not in the position to have to wire my muffler back into place because of my wallet. What I'd hate, is to cut things too close, and be unable to do what I need/want to do, because I skrimped too much to get the job done.

3rd. I'm willing to work hard, but I am NOT willing to put myself into a high degree of physical harm. When I grew up, I could have jumped off a cliff and just brushed it off... I am no longer a kid, and while I'm in pretty good shape... my brain has kicked in and I realize I'm not bulletproof. Hence, the CTL and post puller rather than a chain and Jack. I want to enjoy myself as I build this farm.

4th. I'm going to get the pros on the things I really need them to do. I'm not building my house or barn... but I'd like to do what I am able on them. But I AM able to clean out the fence line and pound some posts... after I purchase a good solid post driver. I am able to break the dam and 'perhaps' even clean out the pond (if I have a CTL). I can fill sink holes... I can do what I am able and I'd like to stretch that and see what I can actually do in this build.

5th. I know that I have more brains than knowledge... and that sometimes they can get in the way. That's why I'm here... asking question after question. I love learning... and this whole thing is a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and enjoy a completely new goal and type of effort.

So, I'd like to find a forum, similar to TBN, that would help me learn about CTLs. I'd also like anything you can help me with on the subject of what to buy, new/used, why, and what I should be looking for given my goals.

I really enjoy this new opportunity to learn and do.

Been there....done that!
At 75 years of age I now know better!
Don't do as I did!
Hire ALL the heavy work out!
.....The building & barn excavation, the driveway, the pond/dam repair.
An excavating contractor, will have bigger machinery, and will get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.
I too had lots of days off each month, but give yourself the PLEASURE of playing with your machinery, rather than putting a must do work load on yourself.
Playing with machinery is great fun, if you allow it to be GREAT FUN!
By all means DO buy a tractor, or two!
I am serious about TWO tractors!
Maybe something like a 35-45HP FEL tractor , and a larger TLB.
You could buy the 35-45HP FEL new, and the larger TLB used.

 

[Xfaxman]

---------------------

I was completely onboard and enjoyed your post until I got to the part about the pond. Have you considered a backhoe? It will go a lot of places a CTL won't. I'm not against your idea of a CTL, just throwing out an idea. Would a backhoe and plumbed FEL on your tractor serve your needs? Oh, a backhoe travels much faster. I'm not sure if you plan to move much dirt or how far, but that may be something to consider as well.

I sure wouldn't consider a backhoe to do the pond that I did with my first compact telehandler. I was 69 years old and retired at the time. A contractor with a track loader wanted $150 an hour to do it. I bought a used V518 and had all the fun myself!

There was a drain pipe under the dam, so I was able to do it at my convenience, no rush, no time table.

The bucket was 7.5' wide and 1.25 cubic yard.

 

[newbury]

<snip>When I look on Machinertytrader... there are Cat 299Ds (which is one that I looked at and liked) which are selling USED for more than the local dealer quoted me for a 2016 fully spec'd new model. I don't know whether there are variables that I can't see, but the spec I asked for was only short of the Forestry equipment and XHP package.

Basically... it seems as though the residual resale value is very high on these machines. I just don't understand how some of these machines on MT can be priced above retail new prices. http://www.machinerytrader.com/listings/construction-equipment/for-sale/list/category/1072/skid-steers-track?NotFound=1&Manu=CATERPILLAR&Mdltxt=299D&mdlx=Contains&OHID=11378657&sortorder=121&SCF=False

<snip>

Have you looked elsewhere that lists SOLD PRICES versus ASKING price?

There can be a big difference in that alone.
In your machinery trader example it seems prices are a lot higher than COMPLETED auction prices from Iron Planet.

 

[Dadnatron]

I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. It is alot to think about.

fried... give me a little more about what you found. What were your problems with your 'do it yourself' projects?

I could certainly hire it complete... but then again, I could have simply purchased the 'turn key' farm, had that been my goal. But I certainly want to do what is best, and I am intrigued by your thoughts about 'larger machinery to get the job done reasonably'. What did you find? What did you expect and what was the reality? Where 'other than hire it out' could you have done it differently. I'm just shy of 30yrs younger... so my 'superman complex' is still on my mind. But I recognize there are certainly things which the pros could and WOULD do better. But... a completed project isn't my goal. The Journey is my goal.

I've worked my butt off and certainly know the value of a professional's skill and ability. But I don't want to 'hire my life out' to someone who can do each and every thing better than me.

I'm CERTAINLY not saying I can do it all. And I greatly appreciate your thoughts and experience. What I'd like is, a little more detail about what you expected... and what you found REAL. I cut about every thought I have in half... and double the time table. I've learned that over the years.

But I'd really like more info on what you found in your experiences. Details make the man... as my grandpa always told me.

 

[Dadnatron]

Have you looked elsewhere that lists SOLD PRICES versus ASKING price?

There can be a big difference in that alone.
In your machinery trader example it seems prices are a lot higher than COMPLETED auction prices from Iron Planet.

That is a point of which I have thought plenty. Asking is one thing... but they are only worth what people are willing to pay. I have not heard of 'Iron Planet' and will check it out.

Thanks for the info and thoughts

 

[Rustyiron]

Acreage is 84ac. Mostly soybean/corn fields. I have several grown in fence rows that need to be cleared. pull about 2miles of fence posts, then put in another 4 miles total fence (roughly) for perimeter and paddocks.

Have you considered a wheeled machine at all? Other than your possible pond work, you'd be fine doing your stated chores and save a considerable ammount of purchase money along with operational cost every hour along the way. Running around on 84ac. will be much more comfortable and faster with a 2 speed (wheeled) model.

 

[varmint]

Dadnatron, I get your desire to get involved, get your hands dirty, and build some of your own environment. Some folks make lots of money, and "buy" their properties, but I don't think that gives the same sense of "ownership" as spending time doing what needs doing yourself. It sure makes knowing what's done, and when more work is needed, or isn't just right much easier to comprehend compared to walking around with a contractor who's showing you his work.

Sure, there are lots of jobs that don't lend themselves to you beating yourself to accomplish, but you aren't indicating that's your plan. I haven't looked, but Tractorhouse.com is a fairly large site listing used (and new) equipment. I would imagine that models of CTL's come in all sorts of "equipped" stages, which may account for some of the prices you are seeing? Like a regular Kubota "L" vs. a "Grand L"- maybe the same size and horsepower, but the differences, details, and features that make the Grand so much more tractor make it cost more.

In any event, congratulations of taking your life in hand, and actively deciding how you want to spend time and money.

 

[Dadnatron]

Rusty...

I haven't thought of a wheeled machine. I guess... just because the entire farm is nothing more than soybean/corn fields with some tree lined draws.

I must admit, my limited knowledge would make me skeptical that they would be my best bet, but, now that you mention it, I have never really given them a chance. I just shot from the hip and 'expected' that I'd need a CTL, and therefore, I ran that direction.

The fields are 'soft' but I can drive a 4x4 easily across them. I don't know the limitations of a true skid steer... I will think about it and ask around. The only other thing I've seen in the area is a local farmer with a CTL.

But I am certainly not of the thought that 'because we've always done it this way is why I do it this way'. I think I cause a significant amount of consternation because I always ask 'Why'...

 

[fried1765]

I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. It is alot to think about.

fried... give me a little more about what you found. What were your problems with your 'do it yourself' projects?

I could certainly hire it complete... but then again, I could have simply purchased the 'turn key' farm, had that been my goal. But I certainly want to do what is best, and I am intrigued by your thoughts about 'larger machinery to get the job done reasonably'. What did you find? What did you expect and what was the reality? Where 'other than hire it out' could you have done it differently. I'm just shy of 30yrs younger... so my 'superman complex' is still on my mind. But I recognize there are certainly things which the pros could and WOULD do better. But... a completed project isn't my goal. The Journey is my goal.

I've worked my butt off and certainly know the value of a professional's skill and ability. But I don't want to 'hire my life out' to someone who can do each and every thing better than me.

I'm CERTAINLY not saying I can do it all. And I greatly appreciate your thoughts and experience. What I'd like is, a little more detail about what you expected... and what you found REAL. I cut about every thought I have in half... and double the time table. I've learned that over the years.

But I'd really like more info on what you found in your experiences. Details make the man... as my grandpa always told me.

Too many thoughts to discuss here!
I will send you a private message with my phone number.
You may call me any time.

 

[Green Power]

You should go check out Heavy Equipment Forums There are a few members from here over on there, myself included.