Decisions Decisions.

[Cpenn481]

So I am new here and found this site while researching different tractors. I have found it very helpful. So here is my problem. I can't decide. I have 3 acres with a lot of trees. Recently I rented a cat 303 excavator and started a much needed clean up project around my place. The ice storm from a few winters back has left me with a lot of dead, fallen, and otherwise weaken trees not to mention that the woods itself is trying to take back over. There is much work still to be done and I'm positive there will be more trees falling on there own soon. I found that even though the little cat was small it would perform major feats. So with more work to be done the wife and I decided I need a tractor. We also concluded smallish is just fine as long as it has an FEL. Will still do a ton of work just might take a little longer is all. I am not new to tractors as I have been around them all my life but I don't currently own one.
So here is what I'm looking at and my thoughts on each. I'm on a max $20,000 budget but being a cheap guy if I can get by for less I will. I found a 1012 JD1026r with FEL and backhoe for 16900. I really really like the idea of having the backhoe both for the current and future projects that I can see it would be useful for. Tractor has 165 hours and great looking. Will also fit on my current 14 ft landscape trailer no problem.
Next I found a Kubota L2501DT package with 18 ft trailer FEL, bush hog, and box blade for 18900. Much larger tractor in same hp range and I believe the extra weight will make my task easier when it comes to pushing up brush. This is a new package with full warranty but it lacks the backhoe. I do really like the idea of the extra weight.
Since I can't find the 2501 with a backhoe to compare prices this is a tough decision. My trailer will handle the JD fine and I can by other implements I need rather cheaply. I don't really have a bush hog need nor do I anticipate one. Dealers for both are close by and have good reputations so that isn't an issue. So do I go JD for the hoe or do I go 2501 for the weight and package? I also like the Mahindra stuff but that dealer is 75 miles away so I ruled them out. Locally I have JD, Massey, Kubota, Kioti and New Holland. This is farm country and JD is the big deal here.

 

[brasco426]

If it were me I would decide if I'm being a little ambitious with a SCUT. I have one and I really enjoy it, it makes small work of what we need it to do. I spent under 20k myself, but it took me 6 months to finally decide what fit me best. You might be fine maintaining the property with a SCUT, and beating on rental equipment for the heavier stuff. It sounds like you know exactly what you need done, but do yourself a favor you owe it to yourself to take a look at as many different manufactures as possible. One last thing, you said the woods are trying to take back over, depending on how soon you catch it you can keep that in check with a bush hog, but again I can't see what your looking at. Donnie

 

[Cpenn481]

Thanks for the input. The biggest reason I even considered a SCUT is for the maintaining after the initial cleanup is over. Once I have the place back under control the SCUT is all I will need from that point on. From a mowing stand point I have numerous small "3 inch or so" post oaks and pines jumping up. The small oaks are easy to push up the pines a little tougher. The soil is very sandy which helps with that a lot. I'm trying to post some before and after pics of what I have done so far but haven't gotten that figured out yet from my IPAD

 

[Cpenn481]

Oh I forgot. I have looked at alot of tractors. I like the Branson 2400 but dealer is over 100 miles away. Also like the Mahindra max 26xl but again dealer distance kept me moving. Really like the looks and construction of the New Holland Boomer 24 but dealer acted like he didn't care if I was there or not. I guess my biggest question at this point is go with a hoe or go with the heavier tractor?

 

[brasco426]

I can tell you I love the scut we have here. I've moved snow banks left by the plow guy we no longer need lol, to moving a wood pile, cleaning up manure piles in the horse rings. I just got it about a month ago so I only have 7 hours on it. I got a mid mount mower for ours as well, I just didn't want anything hanging off the back. We also got a box blade to grade 2 driveways with gravel. So far it's proven to be a tremendous help have around, and no regrets. I'm looking to add a landscape rake at some point to be able to groom the riding rings. A SCUT does have its limitations but does have a lot of capability too.

 

[brasco426]

Some of the best advice I've seen here and can speak from my experience is doing business with a dealer that wants your business and you are comfortable with! My dealer has been around for a long time and is growing. Has field service support, and a great service shop as well. It's building a long term relationship, those are the people who are going to be there when you need them.

 

[Cpenn481]

I can tell you I love the scut we have here. I've moved snow banks left by the plow guy we no longer need lol, to moving a wood pile, cleaning up manure piles in the horse rings. I just got it about a month ago so I only have 7 hours on it. I got a mid mount mower for ours as well, I just didn't want anything hanging off the back. We also got a box blade to grade 2 driveways with gravel. So far it's proven to be a tremendous help have around, and no regrets. I'm looking to add a landscape rake at some point to be able to groom the riding rings. A SCUT does have its limitations but does have a lot of capability too.

I'm learning the capabilities and limitations pretty quickly just by watching you tube videos. Lol. I have been amazed by what can be accomplished with a scut and amazed at what some people will actually try to do that they should never have considered with it.

 

[MF283]

You can do things with the back hoe to ease use on the smaller tractor, once you have everything established, it will not leave a footprint like the heavier one would.

My .02 cents
Ronnie

 

[Cpenn481]

Solid input. Thanks

 

[Tompet]

I attached a link to Barlow's used equipment list. They are good to deal with and deliver to many areas of the country. I see a used B2920 tlb with less than 200 hours which will be under your budget. I had the same setup. Having made a couple deals with them, I have a lot of confidence they would be worth checking out.

I think you would like the small 2920 cut over scut and would be perfect for work described. Anyway, they have some used bx25's also on the scut end.

As far as the two options you listed, quite a difference between the two tractor size/build wise. The backhoe for the 2501 is the bh77 and that will easily put you over your $20k limit. The dt designation is gear not hydro.

Inventory | Barlow Equipment

 

[Cpenn481]

Thanks a lot. I looked at Barlow earlier tonight after seeing it on another post. A lot of used equipment but it had no prices so I couldn't judge it. Was actually planning on calling them tomorrow just to see what they had to say. I own a small trucking company so delivery isn't a problem at all. I can always send a truck by to pick up no matter where I find it. I will try your link and see if t gets me anymore info than I found earlier. Thanks again.

 

[Tompet]

They posted prices on and off in past, but Brady Barlow mentioned there was some problem posting prices. I thought it was priced at around $18 or $19k.

if you google " kubota b2920 " under images a photo will come up with an old doghouse and goose decoy. It was the photo I posted on this site when Barlow's delivered. The company everything attachments picked up the photo for their model description. It was amusing to see my backyard as first image when that kubota model was googled.

Not trying to dissuade you from your original two choices, but I had an scut (Massey 2310tlb) and since you inferred you kind of liked the size of the L2501 over the Deere scut, I agreed and thought the used 2920 would be a step up in size with BH and budget.

Anyway, post how you make out. Good luck on your search.

 

[4570Man]

That excavator was a 7,000 pound machine. A SCUT or even a cut can't come even remotely close to matching it's ability.

 

[Cpenn481]

I appreciate all info. My 2 choices are what I have found and like at this point in the search. Biggest problem I have come across thus far is getting a backhoe on anything bigger and staying in my price range and it still be low hours. I know folks say there is no real such thing as too big but I believe there is in my case. My father in law has a 40 hp JD with bh and it would be as big as I wanted to go. I just find the under 30 hp stuff more in my budget range and property size range for maintaining after the initial project is finished. I like the one you posted for sure. I will be checking on it tomorrow.

 

[Cpenn481]

That excavator was a 7,000 pound machine. A scout or even a cut can't come even remotely close to matching it's ability.

You are absolutely right and I don't expect it too. That said I also didn't expect the excavator to pick up and walk off with 50 foot pine trees either. But it did.

 

[jeff9366]

My 2 choices are what I have found and like at this point in the search.
My father in law has a 40 hp JD with backhoe and it is as big as I want to go.
I find under 30 hp stuff in my budget range and property size range for maintenance after initial clearing.

The Deere 1026r has a two-speed HST transmission. The Deere 1026r has a Cat 1 - LIMITED Three Point Hitch. The 1026r has 25.1 hp @ 3,200 rpm from 68 cubic inches displacement.

The Kubota L2501 has a three-speed HST transmission. The L2501 has a (full) Cat 1 hitch and plenty of room in the rear to mount implements. The L2501 has 24.8 hp @ 2,200 rpm form 100 cubic inches displacement. The L2501 has more torque and will be quieter.

My own proclivity would be to omit the Backhoe from your consideration and rent the Cat 303 excavator from time to time. Will you need an excavator more than once more, once you have a tractor? After the Cat 303 you will disappointed with the power of a backhoe on either tractor.

To me, the Three Point Hitch the key component of the tractor. That is where you apply tractor power.

I trust you will burn your debris. For clearing brush and piling debris a Ratchet Rake attachment for the FEL bucket is the berries. Sold by the T-B-N store, store button in the black band at top of this page. I have used a Ratchet Rake on both my B3300SU and L3560 tractors with great satisfaction.

VIDEO: ratchet rake brush clearing - YouTube

ARCHIVE LINK: Google


Bush Hog is a key implement to keep nature from reclaiming your land. You Georgia jungle is likely similar to my Florida jungle. I generally 'Hog twice per year. I always have the complementary Ratchet Rake on the bucket when I am 'Hogging.

Either tractor will tow quite large tree trunks to a burn pile. A tractor's large rear wheels provide tremendous mechanical advantage when PULLING.

 

[Cpenn481]

Educate me please on the difference between a cat 1 limited and a regular cat 1. I know there is a lift weight difference but otherwise ignorant to the difference. Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

Educate me please on the difference between a cat 1 limited and a regular cat 1.

The T-B-N archive is your friend LINK: Google:T-B-N

The 3-Pt on an L2501 is the same size as the 3-Pt on a (1939) Ford 9N/2N/8N for which 3-Pt implements were originally designed. There is plenty of open space to make mounting implements (relatively) easy. I am 97% sure every Category 1 implement will fit a L2501 with no interference.

I was surprised when I bought a premo Ford Series 101 moldboard plow, engineered for the Ford 9N/2N/8N, that the plow beam collided with the frame of my small Kubota B3300SU even though the B3300SU has a (full) Cat 1 hitch. Live and learn.

The Series 101 plow fits behind my L-series, L3560, perfectly.

What ongoing tasks do you conjure for a $6,000 small tractor Backoe that covers the Three Point Hitch while installed?


When you are posting at 2:42 AM you have TRACTOR FEVER.

 

[Cpenn481]

The T-B-N archive is your friend LINK: Google:T-B-N

The 3-Pt on an L2501 is the same size as the 3-Pt on a (1939) Ford 9N/2N/8N for which 3-Pt implements were originally designed. There is plenty of open space to make mounting implements (relatively) easy. I am 97% sure every Category 1 implement will fit a L2501 with no interference.

I was surprised when I bought a premo Ford Series 101 moldboard plow, engineered for the Ford 9N/2N/8N, that the plow beam collided with the frame of my small Kubota B3300SU even though the B3300SU has a (full) Cat 1 hitch. Live and learn.

The Series 101 plow fits behind my L-series, L3560, perfectly.

What ongoing tasks do you conjure for a $6,000 small tractor Backoe that covers the Three Point Hitch while installed?


When you are posting at 2:42 AM you have TRACTOR FEVER.

Installation of new trees, digging up and repairing as well as installing new water lines to various out buildings, Demolition of an old goat shed, ( that's a one time project). The biggest problem with renting an excavator for these task is with what I do for a living my time at home is limited and rental equipment is not always available when I am. If I have a hoe on hand and I swing through the house for an overnight stay and get in at 2 o'clock in the afternoon I can hop on and take care of small task quickly without having to wait on a machine to get there if it's available at all. And for some small task it's cheaper to pay someone else than it is to rent and these things add up over time. Recently I had a water line bust going out to my shop. I wasn't home so my son and son in law came over and dug up 30 feet of water line by hand. If a hoe had been available their job would have been much easier and faster. Recently had an old gas line break also. Another emergency hand dig was required. I live in a very rural area and by nature we are the kind of folks that don't call that gas company to fix a propane gas line because they wouldn't come out and fix it anyway. I have also buried all electrical lines to all outbuildings. I have never had to repair any of them but you can bet your sweet fanny that day will come one day too. All that said a backhoe isn't something I will need a lot but when you do need it, it's almost a priceless commodity. My biggest fear is not getting it and then always wishing I had.

 

[Looking4new]

If it was me, I would go for the TLB, but that is only me.