Flying blind with less than a clue....

[RickO]

Taking all things you mentioned into account...

Look out on Tractorhouse.com for a good used tractor in the $4 - 6K range and expect to put another $500 - $1000 in it to get it in good working order (serviced by a local dealer, belts, fluids etc). You may not opt for front loader now (I don't have one either but I do have a rear dirt scoop from TSC for $300). The dirt scoop serves as a poor man's loader. I use it all the time for moving material form one place to another. You can't go very high with it though. I have a Ford 1210... which there is a very nice one on Tractorhouse.com with 4wd 60" belly mower for $3995. It won't last long. They are a 16hp diesel but the displacement is about the same as the new kubota 2350 (rated at 23hp.). They mow fantastic, the motor seems like much more than 16hp. I had a Kubota B7800 with a 6' Landpride RFM on the rear and my Ford 1210 mows better than the Kubota (No lie). The Kubota would bog down in heavy grass but the Ford does not.

As was already mentioned you can sell a good used tractor at anytime if you get it too small and want to sell it. But, if you buy a new one and it is too small you will take a loss.

 

[GeauxLSU]

Well it took me a long time (obviously) but I decided to go 'full monty'. Bought a 'new' '05 4x4 L3130 with 14 hours on it this morning from the local Richie Brother's auction (and I mean it looks brand spanking new) with FEL and HST for $15k. Warranty through 8/08. Way more than I wanted to spend but apparently at least $3k cheaper than I could get locally from a dealer so hopefully there are worse things in life. A relatively new MX5000 4x4 with loader (92 hours) went for $16.5 right before mine sold. Couldn't believe it.

 

[aesanders]

Congratulations. That is a nice machine and welcome to tractor ownership...

 

[n8wrl]

Well it took me a long time (obviously) but I decided to go 'full monty'. Bought a 'new' '05 4x4 L3130 with 14 hours on it this morning from the local Richie Brother's auction (and I mean it looks brand spanking new) with FEL and HST for $15k. Warranty through 8/08. Way more than I wanted to spend but apparently at least $3k cheaper than I could get locally from a dealer so hopefully there are worse things in life. A relatively new MX5000 4x4 with loader (92 hours) went for $16.5 right before mine sold. Couldn't believe it.

You'll love that tractor. Very capable and fun!

-Brian

 

[patrick_g]

I tried nearly forever to buy a used tractor in good condition with low hours. I had a dealer helping me who had listings of tractors nationwide that were in lease arrangements. For example: Someone leases a bunch of tractors for the potato harvest in Idaho and then turns them back in. They are now used and have a variable number of hours. Sometimes very low hours as a "spare" tractor might be leased but hardly used.

Perhaps my assisting dealer lacked alacrity but after a few frustrating months I gave up chasing low time used tractors. If you are willing to make a full time job out of it and are willing to drive a considerable distance you can increase your chances of scoring but the reality is that it also takes a certain amount of luck. You have to be willing to jump on a deal and not think about it for long because if it is a good deal someone else will take it without a delay.

I gave up, having better things to do with my time and bought a new Kubota Grand L4610HSTC. It is going on 6 yrs old and I remain pleased with it. I have gotten over the disappointment of not being able to fit it with a backhoe or fill the tires because it is a cab model. The advantages of the cab include a lot more safety when spraying and there is a lot to be said for doing tractor work in August in an air conditioned cab or in January during a freezing rain and having to turn the heat way down after the engine is fully warmed up because the heater is so powerful. Wasps and such aren't a bother. Just avoiding flies when around animals is a good thing.

We can all suggest and advise but you are the only one who can decide how much your time is worth or when you are passing up better use of your time chasing used tractors. Your situation is just that, your situation, so you have to decide. Do yourself a favor and don't lower your quality, condition, and acceptable brand requirements just to buy a used tractor. You will be able to regret at your leisure what you decided in haste.

Pat