Buying Advice First time tractor owner - soon

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

For a cross-brand comparison:

2018 Max 26XL 4WD HST with FEL
Mahindra attachments:
5' Heavy Duty Box Blade
5' Standard Duty Landscape Rake
5' Heavy Duty Tilt and Angle Scraper Blade
Rear tires filled w/ WW fluid

Total price out the door: $16,669

Included:
Rubber floor mat
Tilt wheel
Power steering
Cruise control
HST linked pedal
SSQA FEL
No DPF or Regen
1 more HP than the CK2510
More lift capacity
2 ft smaller turning radius
Shorter and wider frame
BH-ready frame (add BH at any time)
Rear remote is optional (I do plan to add TNT)

If I added a BH to this package, it would be around $23k.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I'm in Central Pa. Where have you seen that price?

I thought of the 2610. I like the larger lift capacity and weight. i don't like the wider, longer size. I have some tight spots to fit in. Although, I'd go to 2610 if the price is the same. Don't think it will be.

Mike

Google "Larry Stovsand equipment", I believe they are in Murfreesboro Tennessee. They had the CK2610 TLB on sale 2 months ago for $22k, now advertised at 23,900. Not sure about cost of delivery, but that price might give you some negotiation ammo.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I'm in Central Pa. Where have you seen that price?

I thought of the 2610. I like the larger lift capacity and weight. i don't like the wider, longer size. I have some tight spots to fit in. Although, I'd go to 2610 if the price is the same. Don't think it will be.

Mike

Larry Stovesand Equipment in Murfreesboro Tennessee is advertising the 2610 TLB for 23,900. They also have a current special on the 2610 HST w/ loader BELOW $16,900....not sure of the actual price...they say too low to publish. I'm actually going to call them tomorrow to see. Don't know how much for delivery, but you could use their price for negotiations.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

OOPS, kind of double post Also, the LS 3025 TLB can be had for about $23k if you have an LS dealer near you.

 

[MikeR 2018]

Thanks to everyone for the many good insights and ideas. I think it's time to do some hands on shopping and test driving. That will be so much easier with the knowledge you people have shared. Thanks, again.

I'll post again when I pull the trigger (sometime in August - I hope)

 

[cphilip]

If you get a 2610 these are what I consider must have options to add in. (or get later even and on ANY tractor)... in order of importance to a great degree...

Pin/Slide type stabilizer bars (eliminate the turnbuckles)
Telescoping lift arms
Third Function hydraulics (W R Long or similar) for a grapple (you'll never live without one once you experience one)
At least one rear remote hydraulic function or two even. But one is a minimum.

These are sorts of things you would get on an SE I believe but the 2610, to date, does not come in an SE edition. It would sell like hot cakes if it did. But it at this point does not. But these can be added for around the cost of the same as most are reporting paying for the SE upgrade. But only if you have a good dealer who will work with you would I do these later as it might cost you more than that. Up front it should be easy enough to do it for that around 1.6 K or so. I did anyway

Typical prices are $250 for the telescoping lift arms and I modified an older set of telescoping stabilizers and had $300 in that but it can be done cheaper. I have $950 in my Third function and will be about $400 in my rear remote once I get that accomplished.

I've just made myself a birthday present of a diamond plate aluminum Canopy but thats not a necessity. But that set me back $450 for one from Kioti. There are some cheaper options already discussed here.

 

[airbiscuit]

If you get a 2610 these are what I consider must have options to add in. (or get later even and on ANY tractor)... in order of importance to a great degree...

Pin/Slide type stabilizer bars (eliminate the turnbuckles)
Telescoping lift arms
Third Function hydraulics (W R Long or similar) for a grapple (you'll never live without one once you experience one)
At least one rear remote hydraulic function or two even. But one is a minimum.

These are sorts of things you would get on an SE I believe but the 2610, to date, does not come in an SE edition. It would sell like hot cakes if it did. But it at this point does not. But these can be added for around the cost of the same as most are reporting paying for the SE upgrade. But only if you have a good dealer who will work with you would I do these later as it might cost you more than that. Up front it should be easy enough to do it for that around 1.6 K or so. I did anyway

Typical prices are $250 for the telescoping lift arms and I modified an older set of telescoping stabilizers and had $300 in that but it can be done cheaper. I have $950 in my Third function and will be about $400 in my rear remote once I get that accomplished.

I've just made myself a birthday present of a diamond plate aluminum Canopy but thats not a necessity. But that set me back $450 for one from Kioti. There are some cheaper options already discussed here.

Good advice here.

 

[AndyMA]

Good advice here.

The one thing I would change beside telescoping lift arms is go to a 16 or 18" inch backhoe bucket. To me the only thing more versatile than a close tine grapple is a backhoe. 12 inches is too small except for trenching, It fills up and is tough to empty

Andy

 

[MikeR 2018]

The one thing I would change beside telescoping lift arms is go to a 16 or 18" inch backhoe bucket. To me the only thing more versatile than a close tine grapple is a backhoe. 12 inches is too small except for trenching, It fills up and is tough to empty

Andy

Didn't realize that. Guess I'll change to 16". Price is not much more.

 

[NYCheese]

Didn't realize that. Guess I'll change to 16". Price is not much more.

If you just want to have 1 bucket that will cover most tasks well, 16" is a good choice. If you want 2 buckets, I'd get 12 and 18.