Tractor Sizing Finding the right fit?

[pipetrencher]

I'm checking any new posts on my phone, so I may miss something? But I know there's a couple guys mentioning to just rent a ditch digger etc... So I am hearing them, although I'm not sold on renting?

Okay, on my way to look at the tractor in the link I posted. I talked him down to 16.5k. it comes with a transferable powertrain warranty good until May of 2021. They said they normally do a 30-day 50/50 but I convinced him to take 100% responsibility for 30 days bumper to bumper.
the dealers actually three and a half hours away from me but he told me that there's a dealer 20 minutes away from me that would become my dealer.

 

[pipetrencher]

@dodgeman, your pricing USD. keep in mind I'm in Canada. and Diggin it, you also I the US?
So look at that Mahindra in the link, and if translated into USD as of todays rate it would be 12.4k

Lookin' better or what?

 

[dodge man]

Yes the price I paid was US dollars. What the money system in Canada, Molson?

That's not a bad price for that Mahandria.

 

[pipetrencher]

Yeah that and hockey pucks

So I drove and operated it. It all works as expected. Dug a bucket, it was zero strain, soft ground mind you. Stabilizers are good. Fired up instantly.
Missing plastic tube and knob on one of the backhoe controls, which salesman said he would fix. He also said he would give me 100% 30 day bumper to bumper. And it comes with a manufacturer powertrain till May 2021.


Cons., The seat is a bit temperamental, it doesn't operate real smooth, and the lateral adjustment is also sticking. The centre Hitch pin for the 3 point hitch is not even there and they won't give me one. But I do not plan to put anything else other then the backhoe on the 3 point hitch. I mean I may? I could change my mind later who knows and I would have to buy one I guess.BH Bucket is surface rusted. Don't know if that's normal or what?

So I guess it's a pretty good machine, now it's should I buy it or rent a trench digger as others have said??? I appreciate and understand thier suggestions, but again look at the driveway needs? Should I rent something to push the tons of stones and possible the cold asphalt around also? And I still need to clear snow every winter too.

Even if I bought it, did what i had to do and sold it, I could probably sell it for what I paid for it. IF I WANTED TO SELL IT.

Any last remarks anyone..

I thank all for their input this far.....

 

[looch]

I'm just downstream from you a ways, 3.5 acres, mostly lawn and field.

My driveway is a base of recycled asphalt with a top layer of stone dust. I get a fresh load of dust every 5 years or so.

I couldn't imagine a winter without a blower. My specific conditions are well served with a 3 point blower and front end loader. When there's not much snow, I'll push it with the loader and then blow the resulting pile. You have to be mindful of the bucket angle when the ground isn't quite frozen solid, but it's easy to make things right again in the Spring.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

To give you an idea of work that a SCUT can do, here's a few pics of my current project. This is a section of road that was literally mud. The dirt blew so hard from a bare field across from us, it created a dirt berm 8' wide, anywhere from 2-3' deep, and about 5-600' long. I regraded the road using a boxblade, scarifiers down about 4". Then started digging out the berm to get back our drainage ditches. The dirt is getting piled up on the other side of the fence, to be removed / spead by the other new homeowner. Who says a SCUT doesn't kick some butt! Spent a total of 4 hours on the road, 3 hours on the dirt so far....

 

[dodge man]

By the missing part of the 3 point do you mean the top link? They are easy to come up with if that is what is missing. Sort of a universal part.

Rusty bucket. Just means it has not been used for a while. Not a problem.

 

[pipetrencher]

I'm just downstream from you a ways, 3.5 acres, mostly lawn and field.

My driveway is a base of recycled asphalt with a top layer of stone dust. I get a fresh load of dust every 5 years or so.

I couldn't imagine a winter without a blower. My specific conditions are well served with a 3 point blower and front end loader. When there's not much snow, I'll push it with the loader and then blow the resulting pile. You have to be mindful of the bucket angle when the ground isn't quite frozen solid, but it's easy to make things right again in the Spring.

I would love a blower, but it's just another added expense. (I know that's tempting, but. come on) Even if it took me a bit longer with the loader, that's ok as long as it gets done without the use of a shovel. (Like the winter past) But yeah, the angle, especially on crushed lime or 5/8". I did touch on "shoes" previously. Not sure of the proper terminology, but I'm referring to the spacers added to the bottom of the loader bucket/Blade. It leaves an inch or two on the drive, but better than having your driveway in the bushes I guess.

Don't want to turn the thread into a snow removal and driveway discussion, but I have just recently stumbled upon recycled asphalt, and the discussions that I had with a couple of companies focused around the "cold rolled" asphalt as the final product? So this mention of "Dusting" I gotta say, that's beyond me.

Thanks for your input

 

[pipetrencher]

To give you an idea of work that a SCUT can do, here's a few pics of my current project. View attachment 599574View attachment 599575View attachment 599576View attachment 599577This is a section of road that was literally mud. The dirt blew so hard from a bare field across from us, it created a dirt berm 8' wide, anywhere from 2-3' deep, and about 5-600' long. I regraded the road using a boxblade, scarifiers down about 4". Then started digging out the berm to get back our drainage ditches. The dirt is getting piled up on the other side of the fence, to be removed / spead by the other new homeowner. Who says a SCUT doesn't kick some butt! Spent a total of 4 hours on the road, 3 hours on the dirt so far....

That just goes to show ya I guess..... nice...

I read your septic project too. ...See I also have a septic...it's 20 years old.... What about when that needs new piping d-box etc.... Why can't I do that myself? this is why having one of these tractors is such a bonus. I say this because others are recommending renting ditch diggers. I respect their opinion, I'm just not sure it fits in with my personality. But to be honest I'm still not sure?

Thanks..

 

[pipetrencher]

By the missing part of the 3 point do you mean the top link? They are easy to come up with if that is what is missing. Sort of a universal part.

Rusty bucket. Just means it has not been used for a while. Not a problem.

Yeah, pretty sure that's what he said. it's located directly in between the BH controls and the seat. I googled it and all of the shown pics displayed the "toplink" in a horizontal position in use. So I'm assuming that when it's not connected to an attachment of sorts it stands vertically (I was comparing to another tractor on the lot, that's how I noticed it) Good to know that they are not a huge issue. I will check pricing on them.

Rusty bucket, I kinda figured so, but good to hear from someone who knows more about this stuff than me.

Thanks Dm