Im baccccck! Need to find the right machine

[Garyfisher]

Hello All-

I had been on this site a long time ago when I was still in high school. I am now in the process of purchasing 120 acres of wooded, hilly land, that is comprised of over 3 miles of trails. I am in need of a tractor. Growing up, my parents had (and still have) an L35. I am partial to the TLBs. I have been looking at a new L47 but they are certainly a lot of coin. Buying used seems to be a process to find the right one. I will need the machine by this winter as I will need it to push snow.

Uses of the machine:
Process wood
keep trails in good shape
plow 1/4 mile long drive
expand driveway at top near house (approx 200 feet)
Maintain dirt paths around property
Im sure I will find plenty of more uses
Soil is rock, ledge, and some topsoil

Open to all suggestions as Ive been out of the compact tractor market for a while.

 

[fried1765]

Hello All-

I had been on this site a long time ago when I was still in high school. I am now in the process of purchasing 120 acres of wooded, hilly land, that is comprised of over 3 miles of trails. I am in need of a tractor. Growing up, my parents had (and still have) an L35. I am partial to the TLBs. I have been looking at a new L47 but they are certainly a lot of coin. Buying used seems to be a process to find the right one. I will need the machine by this winter as I will need it to push snow.

Uses of the machine:
Process wood
keep trails in good shape
plow 1/4 mile long drive
expand driveway at top near house (approx 200 feet)
Maintain dirt paths around property
Im sure I will find plenty of more uses
Soil is rock, ledge, and some topsoil

Open to all suggestions as Ive been out of the compact tractor market for a while.

To keep cost under control, you might begin a search for a low time L48.
Not easy to find.
You will need a bunch of patience, or maybe some luck.
I found a good one (2006 - 250 hours) after 8 months looking.
"This Winter" is likely rushing the issue.

 

[4570Man]

I looked for a M59 for a long time. I ended up paying for a machine setup exactly like I wanted because I knew I’d never get around to doing it later. The Kubota TLBs are the best of their class built. A tractor with a backhoe and loader attachment isn’t even close to the same thing.

 

[Roadworthy]

Whatever you get you probably want to look really hard at getting it in four wheel drive if you plan to push snow with it. Newer tractors have computers and diesel particulate filters older tractors did not have. I got an L2501 to avoid that stuff. Because of the filter additions older tractors are in more demand than you would expect.

 

[jeff9366]

KUBOTA TLB VIDEO: Comparing Kubota TLB series tractors(B26, L47, M62) - YouTube

If you insert your LOCATION into your T-B-N PROFILE, someone here may inform you of a used TLB available near you. As part of your PROFILE your location will show with every post you make.

 

[spitter]

Go big or go home .:cool2: You can find a full size TLB with low hrs. for a lot less than a new l48 toy.:drink:

 

[shooterdon]

I wish you luck.

Winter and snow are about a month away. One caution.....with so little time, you may buy something just to have something. Contracting out snow plowing for this year may be prudent to take the pressure off. Or buy a beater plow truck and flip it once you get a tractor.

Also, plan on spending time and money to get a used tractor fixed up. It did not take me long to spend over $2000 on my first tractor but I had the dealer do the work. If you can do the work yourself, you can save about 50%...but parts are still expensive and at times difficult to source.

 

[Garyfisher]

Go big or go home .:cool2: You can find a full size TLB with low hrs. for a lot less than a new l48 toy.:drink:

Haha I fear that will be too big to fit through the woods. Looking to build some bike trails. While a mini ex would be perfect for that task I need something that can do it all.

 

[fried1765]

Haha I fear that will be too big to fit through the woods. Looking to build some bike trails. While a mini ex would be perfect for that task I need something that can do it all.

A Kubota TLB should be just perfect for your needs.
You already know that!
Now....just to find the right one.

 

[4570Man]

Go big or go home .:cool2: You can find a full size TLB with low hrs. for a lot less than a new l48 toy.:drink:

I had one and traded it for a M59. If the idea was to move as much dirt as possible than the 310 is the clear winner. For homeowner chores a Kubota TLB is a lot better.