Decisions, decisions - I need help

[icat]

For price comparisons with payments, I found this site to be helpful. Deen Impliment
Gave me something to compare my quotes to.

Good luck. Having just been through the same basic thing, I KNOW what you're going through. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[LMTC]

Have you considered Branson? Contact us if you would like a quote.

 

[tdenny]

KennyP,

Okay I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. For most of us the loader is by far the most useful tool you can have on your tractor. With horses, I'm guessing that you'll have stalls to clean and waste to move elsewhere (see loader). I just read a thread where folks out here have used their loader to push in T-posts. Heck, I haven't used my wheelbarrow in the 14 months I've had my tractor.

I would suggest you do a search on FEL, Loader, etc. and see real testimonials from people who decided to wait and get the loader later. Most of them regret it. It will probably cost you more to do it later as well. I think you can get away with a smaller tractor (such as the BX2200, or JD 2210) and this would happily take care of all of your primary tasks and be within your price range.

Most of us would say bigger is better but I only have a 24 HP JD on my 5 acres and don't see any need for a bigger tractor. I would say that I'd have a hard time justifying having a tractor if the CFO didn't see me piddling around with a loader full of rocks, dirt, fencing, etc. all the time. Best of luck.

 

[SteveM]

Lots of good advice so far. I keep thinking that you would be happiest with a compact, not a subcompact - especially given the relatively narrow price difference - and definately get the loader. If you have some patience you can find used implements as time passes by, but tractor/loader/brush hog and a box or back blade would be the minimum to start with.

 

[Moon]

JM3's advice is right on target (as usual). One price saving's tidbit; if you can pull a rear finish mower instead of the MMM you can save a few dollars. It made a 500 buck difference to my purchase. Made it easier for me to get the FEL in my original purchase. I was considering getting the FEL a year or so after the tractor, but TBN wisdom helped me make a better decision. I got the FEL with the tractor and sure am glad I did. After using a RFM for a year now I really like it. It was a little different at first, after years of MMM'ers, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.
Moon of Ohio