Expensive Hat!

barnmedic · Oct 22, 2000

Gator and friends,
Thanks for responding. I'm getting closer to the time I'll decide which tractor to get. Do any of you live close to Indiana and how much did your respective "Big Boomers" set you back? Kind of leaning toward the TC35d to keep costs down and will probably just get the 16LA FEL and a rear grader blade to start. I may wait until next spring to start the garage/septic work. Also, did you guys check out the corresponding Kubota and John Deere models and if so what swayed you toward the New Hollands? I am leaning toward the New Holland but am not sure if I'm doing it for logical reasons. My wife and kids think it is "neater looking" ! I guess I do too.
Finally, do any of you use your tractors for part time income?
Just wondering... looking to further justify the purchase and spending more time on the tractor!
Thanks for the input,
Rob (barnmedic)

gator2 · Oct 25, 2000

Hey Rob,
Were neighbors, I live across the creek (Ohio river) here in Ky. I paid about 17,000. for the 45D w\supersteer, about 2,900. for the bucket, heavy duty, and about 7,300. for the backhoe. I'm impressed with the whole package it seems to be able to do everything I expected and more. At first I wasn't sure about the hydrostat but now I'm glad I got it, sure makes bush hogging quick when you need to back up to trim. When I tow it around it sure gets the looks. I've used it for a friend to dig his septic lines, and frost footers. May start doing some small jobs soon.

paccorti · Oct 25, 2000

Wow Gator! Sounds like you got a good deal!

Rob (barnmedic), I did look very hard at the other brands. Much like you, I lurked around this site a lot to seek advice. I strongly considered the Kubota L3010 and L3410. In my case a dealer set me up with a offer for a TC35D just slightly more expensive than a L3010. I couldn't resist! Stronger FEL, bigger engine, two speed electric switching hydro motor (in addition to hi/lo range), brakes on the proper side, 4 link bucket and super comfy ergos. Especially that seat /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I've been very pleased with mine. I'd highly recommend a NH.

Peter

barnmedic · Oct 25, 2000

Hey Guys,
Gator's great deal he got has inspired me to think I might be able to afford a backhoe after all! I searched high and low on the web and found a great salesman at Maple Mountain Equipment in Western PA. It's a long drive though unless I just buy it sight unseen like so many on this sight have done. I was quoted 17,700 for the TC35D w/ 16LA loader and R4's. Much better than here in Indy but maybe a bit higher than the dealer Gator got his from.
Can you guys tell me whether the front end loader on the bigger boomers has a position on the hydraulics where it just rests the bucket on the ground using the wieght of the loader to provide the down pressure? This would allow the front bucket to be used like a grader or rake depending on the angle of the bucket.
Also, does anyone have specs on the bigger backhoes for these units and/or recomendations as to whether to go with the frame mounted NH or with one of the aftermarket hoes?
I can't wait to join the swelling ranks of the compact tractor owners. Gator, what part of KY do you live in? I am real familiar with the Paducah area and the Louisville and Lexington areas. Have all of you bought locally? My local dealer said he didn't make any money on the boomers and was more interested in selling heavy equip. He then proceeded to quote me a price that was about 3500 dollars higher than the quote I recieved above just recently. Ah well, I'm ramblin...
Looking forward to being able to "smelling diesel in the morning! (as one of the other big boomer owners on here likes to say). Thanks to all of you for responding.
Rob (barnmedic)

chuckp · Oct 26, 2000

<font color=blue>Can you guys tell me whether the front end loader on the bigger boomers has a position on the hydraulics where it just rests the bucket on the ground using the wieght of the loader to provide the down pressure?</font color=blue>

Yes, On the 16LA FEL for the Larger Boomers, this is called the float position.