FEL or not (for now)

[Moon]

Hi all,
Here’s another lurker coming out. Been a frequent visitor of TBN since last November. Great site with lots of help for most tractor newbies like me. I’ve gleaned a whole lot of information from past post of all you ole pros, and learned plenty from other newbies asking questions I hadn’t even thought of yet. Cool site!!! Thanks yall!!!
Now for a little background on me. I have 50 acres, very hilly rocky terrain is SE Ohio right on the Ohio river. Mow approx 5 acres. Need something to do the mowing (#1 priority) and brush hog 3 acre flat (one steep hill away from my yard) and maintain approx 3 miles of 4 wheeler trails, and ¾ mile of oil well road (very hilly and very rutted at present; but I’ll have it dozed before do any maintaining). Also have a couple acre hill behind the house I'd like to be able to brush hog a couple times a year. I'd use a FEL for hauling rock to our river frontage to slow down erosion, and for cleaning up downed lumber, which is spread throughout 85% of the property (wooded but recently logged).

I’m set on one of the big 3 and leaning real hard toward Orange. I have to have something to accomplish the majority of the open field mowing. A 72” mid mount deck would be ideal, but I could get by with 60” if it’s a whole lot easier to remove it or attach the deck. I have a 4’ brush hog I plan to use with whatever tractor I get. My problem is cash. I’d really like to get the 2910 and either the 60” or 72” mmm, 5’ blade, 4’ or 5’ box scraper. A FEL would be really useful now, but I can do without it for a year or two if needbe. My issue is should I settle and get a B7500 or B2410 w/ FEL, mmm, blade and box. Or get the 2910 and everything but the FEL. I guessing I could get the FEL in a year or two. Today, I’m leaning toward waiting on the FEL and getting the 2910. Then I read posts of all the work accomplished by bx2200’s, b7500’s and b2410’s and think I could do with one of those.

Any advice appreciated;
Thanks yall;
Moon

 

[RoyJackson]

I've always been one to buy used..to get away from an initial higher cost and first year depreciation.
I've also found that careful selection of used equipment (including vehicles) have got me more then I could afford new (is a used Caddy a better car then a new Chevy? That sort of thing).
If you can't afford a FEL with a new tractor of your choice, why not look for something a few years older?

This lad is no expert on tractors (or anything else, for that matter), but if I want certain options or equipment..or a make (or brand) of equipment that I was unwilling or unable to come up with the money required...heck, used was fine!

So, moon..it depends how much "new" is worth to you.

 

[EdKing]

If at all posible, I would get the FEL. It is amazing how much work I have got done with mine. I've used it for digging, grading, moving material, pulling fence posts, as a workbench, the list goes on and on. I never realized how versitile an attachment it was.

Ed King

 

[frank_f15]

MOON: i have a b2400 and i love it, but i am only taking care of 9 acres, with what u want to do u at least need the 2910, U MUST GET THE FEL. IT IS THE MOST USEFUL THING U CAN GET. i am sure the other guys will chime in here and tell u the same.

 

[rmc]

When I shopping for a BX2200 I did not see much needed for a FEL, but the Kubota Dealer talked me into it. Glad he did.

The FEL has been a BACK saver for me the old wheel barrel really miss me just sitting in the back of the garage.

 

[GrantMO]

Moon,
If at all possible, get the FEL and the biggest tractor that will still meet your needs and manuever where you want it to. More often people want to move up in size than move down. Talk to your dealer about what you want to do and they can suggest a size too. Also, check out Steve Carver's used tractors, they're usually a pretty good deal. Ask Boondox.

 

[rmcess]

Moon,
I am a new owner of a tractor with a FEL. I have had a tractor without loader for many years, let me say there is no comparison, find a way to get the loader. Roy has a good point about looking at used equipment, I use that reasoning with vehicles. The total size of the property is not that important, I have 80+ acres and a BX, it just depends on what you want to do with it. As you realize there are still times when it is best to call in the dozers!
Rich...

 

[rmcess]

rmc:
<font color=blue>"The FEL has been a BACK saver for me"</font color=blue>

Amen!

 

[Moon]

Thanks Guys, sure appreciate all the input. I've been keeping an eye out for a used unit for awhile now. Haven't had allot of luck. I've only bought one new car ever! Only because, like you all pointed out, you can get more car for the dollar with a nearly new used one. In used tractors I've had a bolens that was about wore out when i got it, but i didn't know it. It lasted one year. Traded it on a used Simplicity. It runs but burns oil an will need a overhaul real soon. (but i still plan on using the simplicity for the close mowing around the house). An I had an 89 Mitsubishi 2wd MD373, 17hp with a 48" mmm. I had to have more work done on the mower deck than it was worth and i had a heck of a time finding any dealer who would work on it. Noone sells Mitsubishi tractors around here. (recently sold it so i can buy a 4wd bigger an newer tractor) So i come to the conclusion that mower decks wear out way before most tractors. In looking for a nearly new used tractors I find the price so close to a new one that with the financing options on the new (5.4 on Kubota now) that i can do just as well buying new. I've priced used units all over the country via traderonline.com and other sites with classified listings. So I have an idea whats out there, but so far a good used one has been hard to find.

I think its clear that I need about the size of a 2910 w/ FEL. Now, does a 72” mmm work as well as a 60”. In other words, does the larger size make it more prone to belt problems for turning the larger blades required for that size of swipe? An how bout removin that bugger from the tractor. I know both the 60” and the 72” deck weigh more than one person can easily lift/maneuver around ….and I don’t have a concrete slab to work on. I’d have to do in on gravel or grass. And, while were talking removing attachments, would you mow with your FEL on? Is it a one man job to remove the FEL and on a scale of one to 10 how hard is it to do. I’m going to be trying this at a dealers place before I buy, but by doing it once or twice I sure won’t know all the ins and outs of it. All insights to this appreciated.

Thanks again guys (an gals).
Happy Tractoring!
Moon

 

[Jeff396]

I have a B7500 with a fel. When I first got it I mowed with it on mostly because I didn't want to figure out how to take it off....Lazy!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Finally I did take it off and you wouldn't believe how easy it is. It takes 5 minutes once you have the procedure down. It is best to do it on level ground to aid everything lining up right.

As far as removing that mmm goes, I don't envy you having to take it off without the benefit of a paved work area. It doesn't roll real easy as it is, and yes it is heavy. The procedure is exceedingly simple and quick just like the loader but its mobility is fair at best. I have the 60" so I have no input concerning the 70". The only thing I was told that you have to be careful with how big a deck you get "IF" your property is hilly. Larger deck + non level ground = greater possibility of scalping. Of course I'm talking about ubrupt changes in the land and not slopes.

Jeff

 

[Bird]

Moon, after you've done it once or twice, the FEL can be removed or put back on in less than 3 minutes by one person with no physical exertion at all. You really do need a reasonably level hard surface though. A sheet of plywood can serve the purpose. There's no reason not to mow with the FEL on the tractor if you have plenty of room. I always remove mine just for reasons of visibility, the additional clearance around and between trees, and comfort (if you are running fast over rough ground, the front end loader will tend to make the front end bounce more). And I agree with the other guys; get the FEL. As for the mower decks, I use a 3-point mower myself; quicker and easier to hook up or unhook, not brand specific to the tractor, and costs less, but of course, for many people there are reasons to prefer the mid-mount mowers, too.

 

[dsulli]

Get the FEL !!!! I have a brush hog, backhoe, rear blade, and numerous other attachments. The one I could not live without is the FEL. You will always find new things to use it for, and will not regret getting it......

 

[Moon]

Good point Jeff, about possible scalping with a wider mower deck. I have a couple areas that might be a problem with the 72" deck. I also think its probably a little easier judgeing tight spaces if your mower deck is approx. the same width as your tractor wheels. An assumption on my part, since i've never had an oversized mower deck.
Good to hear the FEL is easily removed when needbe. I do have some very bumpy streches of open field that already bounce me pretty good, an i can normally go over it rather quickly since the grass there is thin.
Bird, I had considered a rear mower, but I prefer to have my blade or box scraper back there pretty much all the time. I also like the idea of leaving the mmm on the tractor when doing blade work or doing light brush hogging. So i think a 60" mmm would be more easily left on while doing other tasks.
Thanks everyone for all the input!
Moon

 

[MikeFLA]

Moon,

For the sake of a different perspective, I am going to buck the trend. I too was in a similar situation as you. Only on a smaller scale. Cash flow is a problem. I could of gotten the BX with FEL or purchase the B7500 which is what I really want and wait for the FEL. I chose the latter. Everyone’s circumstances are different but these are the reasons I chose to wait.

The primary use of the tractor was to mow 3.5 acres, grade my driveway and rake a rather large beach. These MUST be done. I am able to comfortably do this with my 60" finish mower, box blade and landscape rake. The FEL is a WANT. Granted it is a highly weighted WANT but nonetheless it is a WANT. I will use a dirt scoop until I can afford and FEL.

The most important thing is that I got the tractor of my dreams. Like I told the dealer. After I purchase the unit I can’t add more horsepower, I can’t add more 3 point lift capacity, I can’t add more ground clearance…but I could add and FEL.

There is a significant amount of well intended pressure from the great folks on this board to get the FEL. But if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. I am extremely satisfied with my decision and can’t wait till the day that I can purchase the FEL.

My opinon!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...There is a significant amount of well intended pressure from the great folks on this board to get the FEL. But if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money.... and can’t wait till the day that I can purchase the FEL...</font color=blue>

Mike...

Very, very well said... I agree... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Moon]

Thanks for the other perspective Mike. You pretty much stated what I was thinking when considering waiting to buy the FEL. Get enough tractor to do the jobs needed and add the accesseries as you can. I'm in a situation where i have x amount to put down on a new (or used) tractor, and x amount that i want to budget for a monthly payment. Hopefully i can work it out and get a FEL with the tractor now; but if not I won't hesitate to get the right size tractor for the jobs i have planned and add the FEL as soon as possible down the road. I really don't feel pressured either way. But I do want to thank everyone for reenforcing my guess that the 2910 or a 29-30 hp tractor is about the right size for the work i have to do.
Thanks again all;
Moon

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: FEL or not (for now)-or Will it ever get done?

Grey...

On a cash deal... you normally would hold off the purchase of the "unneeded"/loader/options/etc. ... but...

Most people have the best intentions, but down the road after a year or two or three of ownership... they still don't have the "cash" to buy the loader... and thus... it's never purchased and remains a dream of ..."What I should've done..."

I'd highly recommend if you are "financing"... on day one - get the loader in a "package deal" and in most cases for "only a few dollars" more a month on your tractor loan... you can make it "doable"...

Even if you have to extend the loan for another year or so...{to keep your monthly payments within your budget}- don't worry about the extra 1/2 or 2% more they may end up charging for the interest rate... that small amount is spit if you look at the overall picture 10-20 years down the road...

 

[Moon]

Re: FEL or not (for now)-or Will it ever get done?

Thanks John;
Your points are well taken, and exactly what i am trying to do. It just seems like the smart thing to do if at all possible to get the FEL with the tractor. Talking to the wife and she's agreed that this might be a good reason to get into a savings account which we had not planned to use for the tractor; at the begining of this venture. But getting the whole package at once an all the back breaking work the FEL would save even has her agreeing with the wise suggestions from yall on TBN.
Thanks again everyone.
Moon

 

[Von]

Re: FEL or not (for now)-or Will it ever get done?

Moon,Another thing to look at would be to get the B2710 with FEL and 72" MMM. This would be a saving of about $1200 over the B2910. Yes you give up 3 hp and a few other things, but you might not miss any of them at all. They are the same size tractor and will do the same task just as well. I have the 72" MMM and it is no problem to remove and install. I can do it as fast as removing and putting on the loader, I have heard that the 72" is easier to install + remove than the 60". As for the scalping there are anti-scalping rollers on the bottom of the deck so there are no problems with it. I was just about to buy from Carver when I got my tractor last april used for alot less than new. Got the tractor with FEL 60" bucket, MMM and 5ft. snow blower with only 126 hrs. for $13500. So there are good deals out there if you wait long enough!

 

[Boondox]

Re: FEL or not (for now)-or Will it ever get done?

I absolutely agree with John. My first used Kubota came with an FEL. Even though I didn't see myself as needing one, it quickly became the most useful part of the tractor. Now I can't even imagine owning a tractor without one! And if it came down to the tractor of my dreams without a loader, or a smaller tractor with one...I'd wait till I could afford the dream machine.

Pete