Help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader

[flusher]

I assume that was a typo on your slip hook costing $70. If Not then I am in the wrong business

$70 was last year's price. Now it's $80

Gunnebo-Johnson Grade 80 Weld-On Anchor Hook w/ 4,400 lb. WLL - 3-3/4"H x 5"L - Mfg# 589357

 

[Browns329]

$70 was last year's price. Now it's $80

Gunnebo-Johnson Grade 80 Weld-On Anchor Hook w/ 4,400 lb. WLL - 3-3/4"H x 5"L - Mfg# 589357

Wow, that is quite a hook!

Thanks for all the tips so far. Any other tips on tractor size or pricing would be greatly appreciated. I am leaning toward something closer to 40 hp than 25-30, but I don't know if the extra few thousand dollars is justified based on what I will be using it for. I also posted in the Kubota forum for some insight on the L vs. Grand L series.

 

[Mr. Insurance]

Yes, that looks like a great hook for $80.

 

[Turbo]

Re: Please help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader

Browns329 I did the same search as you did, and came up with the same problem price.. and hours ,, the new were to expensive and the old were even more expensive with a lot of hours, and who knows what kind of maintenance they had? I just couldn't justify that kind of debt.. so I bought a Chinese tractor....Its something I can afford, parts and help are here in the states, and most of all it's made for the owner to do the repairs if needed. so
If your mechanically inclined, and don't mind doing your own servicing. check out the Jinma 28 hp 4 wd tractor, I bought a crated tractor with loader for under $9,000 and I couldn't be more pleased, it has 30 hr on now, and has done everything I need from it.. I could still go out and buy another one , and have two for the price of the Japanese makes.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Check out the Mahindra 2525, as you can't beet the price for this and backed by a 2 year engine & drivetrain warranty, and Mahindra low rate financing available.

 

[Kipper76]

Awesome thread fellas!

I am a newbie too and looking to buy my first tractor also.

I need to start doing more "leg work" and visiting some dealers.

I called to my "local" (~70 miles away) Bobcat dealer. He's got 2 CT230's (w/fel $13,995) and a Demo CT230 w/fel and a set of hydalic remotes $13,550 (with 23 hours on it).

I also talked with my local (10 miles) Mahindra dealer. Got a quote on a 4025 w/fel, 6ft shredder, 6ft disc and post hole digger for $18,357. 84 mo financing gives me a payment of about $258/mo or knock $1200 for my own financing.

Not sure exactly what size I NEED. 10ac, 99% clear, firm ground.

No finish mowing - have DJ riding mower for .7ac yard
Shredding
Discing/tilling a garden (1/2-1ac)
planting trees with post hole digger
Moving hay (I'd like the ability to move round bales - can the CT230 do that?)
General FEL work - I don't feel I NEED a FEL but I WANT one in case I NEED it

I also dont' feel I need to spend the money on HST or 4x4? Am I wrong?

What size would ya'll recommend? What models should I be checking out?

Sorry to hijack.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Browns329]

Kipper76 -

I'm no expert (after all, I started this thread!) but I have been doing some research. Keep looking through the forum and you will see that many members recommend hydrostatic, and almost everyone recommends 4WD for a compact tractor with a loader. Although, it sounds like most of your work will not be with the loader.

 

[Kipper76]

Kipper76 -

I'm no expert (after all, I started this thread!) but I have been doing some research. Keep looking through the forum and you will see that many members recommend hydrostatic, and almost everyone recommends 4WD for a compact tractor with a loader. Although, it sounds like most of your work will not be with the loader.

It's my weak understanding that HST is better when you plan on alot of change of direction work (i.e. back and forth with the loader).

I'm sure 4wd is debatable... ??????

Edited to add:

Seems as though I am comparing apples to grapes. The 4025 is MUCH bigger and stronger than the CT230.

Looking briefly at the Kuota site, I'm not sure what to compare the 4025 to. L4400?

The local dealer has it listed online under "specials" for $21,799 for a L4400HST with FEL (I assume 4x4?). Add $2000 worth of implements and we are talking a $5500 difference for the Kubota L4400HST 4x4 vs the Mahindra 4025 (2wd, manual).

Thoughts?

 

[Reg]

If you are moving up in size but want to stay down in price you should probably expand your search beyond the three most common brands.
Think "South Korea" and you will be close; Montana, Branson, Mahindra, Tym, McCormick, etc.
The hydro vs gear question is more like a barrel than a bucket of worms, see other threads.
For what you described as likely tasks hydro would appear to be an unwarranted expense.
(someone will parse that as an attack on hydro owners - oh well)

My position on tires is just get more than one set; Ags, R4s, Turfs get at least two sets.
4WD ? Yes, as long as you use it for getting OUT, not farther IN.
I try to do most things in 2WD and resort to 4WD to get out, not to get through.

 

[mcd176]

This is my .02, I would go with with a GEARED tractor in the 40HP range for what you want to do, I also recomend a shiny orange Kubota L series, but I am partial , Only kidding, You should visit dealers of all the colors and decide what fits you the best, afterall YOU will be the one operating the machine not anyone on here.

-Mike