Help with getting first tractor

[monkeybreath]

Thanks for the input re hp - that was the first issue I wanted to put behind me. I am not necessarily in love with it, actually liked the new Kubotas, and may check them once more to clarify their prices, but my recall is that for similar horse power and features, about $2000 more - though I think the shifting system was easier - more convenient. After a while some of the features and differences blur a bit. I was pretty much set on HST even for the additional money and I am going to see what that would price out at.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

My first reaction was to the 90 acres - seemed like you might need more tractor (I remember someone talking about a mgical HP/acre ratio). Then I started reading your list of projects, and I'm already doing all that (except the trenching) with a TC18, except for the distances involved. The biggest difference I can see is that once you get those roads smoothed out, you might be able to use the 3-speed-15 mph of the 29 rather than the 2-speed-10mph of the 18 (although I've only used high range a few times, and never at full speed).

Then I note that you are getting the 29 for less money than I paid for my 18. If it were me, I would say to the dealer, "I don't necessarily want it yesterday, but this morning would be fine..."

I will add that I love my HST, and probably wouldn't buy a tractor without it, now. But, this was my first tractor, and for your price, I would have bought a gear model and never known what I was missing.

 

[Casimir]

Mokeybreath:

You have the right idea hiring a dozer for the heavy work. With the hills you describe (2400 ft to 4200 ft elev), I would strongly suggest hiring a dozer with an experienced operator. They can be tricky on hills - not as easy to roll as a wheel tractor, but they can be rolled if you don't have enough training and experience using one. However, they will do a lot more work in a short time than your 29D.

Sounds like the TC29D with HST is a good choice for the rest of your jobs. You might consider renting a mini-excavator for the </font><font color="blue" class="small">( "trenching initially (if I get a back hoe or other implement)- for water lines, then rarely
" )</font>. A backhoe or 3-pt trencher are very expensive investments if you won't have a continuing use for them.

Good luck. And welcome to TBN. Sounds like a fair price.

 

[monkeybreath]

thanks for tips - I will be hiring a dozer operator. Didn't even know about mini-excavators but will check them out - sounds like what I need and I was not wanting to pay a lot for other implements which I did not use much. The NH for which I received the quote was the TC29 not the TC29D with HST. As I really wanted HST , based on what I read here, I am still going to see what I can do to get the HST (with NH or Kubota). Want / need a tractor but trying to be patient.

 

[TresCrows]

Since your wife mows with a dedicated mower unit and you have 90 acres mostly used for cows I think you need a medium size Grande L Kubota--like a 3410 etc. Not to big, not to small. I got to drive one when I picked up oil and filter for my little 2410 recently. It was the new design, very slick, sleek and operated super smooth. J

 

[monkeybreath]

Here in Calif Kubota prices seem higher than I am seeing posted by others. I think the 3410 will be too much money. I obtained a quote for a 3130 GST this morning and it was at $20,000 with FEL and box. Also strange, I cannot find any Case dealer within 200 miles who handles the DX line, and cannot find a Kioti dealer at all- even tho some are listed as handling Kioti, when you call, they tell you they now have other brands. Given all of that, it seems I am limited to a few brands. If I can get over not having HST, the NH TC29 (with 120 hours) at $14,400 with 7308 FEL and a good box seems like it might work. There may be a few lease returns on Kubotas and will check on that this afternoon. Also, finding very few HSTs even in stock at the dealers, whether NH or Kubota.

 

[Typhoon]

I don't know if you got it yet, but I replied to your email. I didnt finance the tractor, I paid cash so I am not sure what the current deals are, but I recall them being 36 months 0% I think. Like you, I did alot of research before making a decision. I can honestly say that there probably isnt another dealer on the planet that can beat that price. If there is, I would be very surprised. To give you an idea of what im saying, I got quotes from 3 other NH dealers, they were all between 19,800.00 and 22,500.00 with all of the options I mentioned. My rig is costing me 17k, and that is including delivery!! I couldnt turn it down. Im sure many will agree that this rig is worth every bit of 17k and much more. Best of luck in your search. Oh and also, in my opinion, the TC29 will be MORE than enough tractor for what you are going to use it for.
-Brad

 

[Casimir]

Guess I missed the fact that it was not the 29D. You might want to see about the TC30HST. Don't know what they are selling for in your area, but I was quoted $15,500 not long ago for the TC30HST with FEL. Box Blade would probably add another $500.

The fact that there aren't many HSTs on the lot may just mean they are selling them as fast as they can get them in. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I don't want to start another Gear/Hydrostat debate, but I really love mine, especially after having a gear tractor before it. Personally, I think it is well worth the extra $, and if you are financing, it probably will make less than $20 per month difference in your payment -- not much for something you may have for many years.