Hello! I have been lurking and reading the forums for the last week and decided to join and hopefully get some feedback on the tractors I am looking at.
I have 14 acres with a 6 acre pond. The remaining acres are fenced for livestock or horses by the people that previously owned it. Some of it is pasture. I also have the pond area that will need maintenance around.
I would appreciate any positives or negatives you have regarding the above models.
Thanks in advance!
Mom, that sure sounds like a nice place. I grew up in rural Texas and remember the problems we had talking ourself into a new tractor and then trying to pick the right one. The thing to remember is that tractors are tools that last a lifetime ....and so the initial cost of a new one quickly becomes something in the past. If buying new, I'd recommend including as many options as you can. Particularly anything with the keywords: "quick attach" or "hydraulic remote" or "backhoe thumb" . Yes, all are expensive....but they will never be less money than when they come on a new tractor. Other things that we like are: the hydrostatic type transmission (HST), a nice loader, and wider less aggresive tires (industrial type tires) so we don't sink in as much on our lawn and in wet areas. Wider tires do give away some traction, but they don't tear up soft ground so much. After all, you have 4wd. Some machines offer telescoping 3 point lower arms. If so, be sure to get that type. Very handy for changing implements. And get that backhoe thumb!
All of these things cost, but all are good bargaining points too. You'll be amazed at what the dealer can throw in if he really wants to. Bargaining with the tractor dealer is a rural tradition; it can be an enjoyable pasttime for everyone - so don't be afraid to bargain hard.
After years of fixing old tractors, my wife insisted that we buy a brand new one. After many weekends spent together looking at traditional tractors with loaders and backhoes accessories, we decided that instead of a Kubota B or L or M series that we would go to their TLB series (TLB stands for Tractor/Loader/Backhoe). A TLB is basically the same as the other tractor series but a TBL has the loader and the backhoe as standard equipment and the three point hitch assembly is the option. As you know, on a regular farm tractor it's the other way around with the loader and backhoe being optional equipment and the three point hitch being standard.
Other differences in the Kubota TLB line versus their tractor line is that the TBL generally has a large sun roof - but rarely a cab. It is generally built a little stouter and wider than a farm tractor - which gives stability and some safety. And yes, TBLs tend to cost more than tractors....although they do have a reputation for being even more durable. The difference in price might not be so much when you consider that TLBs come with a loader and hoe. I've never seen a TBL with lawn mowing attachment under the tractor - but like any tractor a TLB will pull a mower with their three point hitch. In addition to a 3 point hitch, all Kubota's B,L,M, & TBL series tractors have a PTO (power take off) built in. The PTO provides power to anything being towed behind - for example a mower.
Just for grins, you might want to see if your dealer has Kubota's bodel B26TLB or the previous model of the same. TLBs are so handy that they are commonly found at rental yards too, so it is easy to rent one to try it out.
Here's a photo; Hope I haven't complicated things.
Enjoy!
rScotty
You may find you get more for your money when not shopping just Kubota.
