Impossible Choice?

DAP · Jan 13, 2004

How on EARTH could one possibly decide on this!? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Being budget concious:

Choices:

 Brandy Spankin New Kubota B7800 with LA402 4way valve, 60"inch bucket, R4s, free delivery. $15K + NYS tax

 OR 

 Used low hour 2001 NH TC30 with 7308 Loader, and NH B. Hoe w/ subframe mount, R4s, out of state delivery but no tax. $17K

 

Say what you may, but back hoes on CUTs for most are wish list items and often never used enough to justify their price I think (some will say nay but I'm not talking about inventing reasons for acquiring one). But ... I must admit ... to Hoe or Not To Hoe, that seems to be the question!

I have about 10 tree stumps I'd like to remove. If I had a hoe, I could do it quickly, cleanly and save my aging corpse. Since I don't even have a tractor yet, I could STILL do it --- manually. The Hoe would also come in handy for tilling and turning a series a small veg. gardens. And would be very helpful in correcting some drainage problems on the easement to my property. Could I find an alternative for these tasks? You bet. All of em. Would it be economical to do them with my own machine with a hoe? Jury's out. Would it be more fun? Prolly.

This is a tough one.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

GregJ · Jan 13, 2004

Doug,
After owning a BH for a little over a year, I can now say I wouldn't own a tractor without one. I have found more uses for it than I ever dreamt of. In my opinion it doubles the usefulness of this tool. I have heard the argument that you won't be able to cost justify it. From my experience, I would have a hard time cost justifying my tractor if I didn't have the backhoe . The BH has added a functionality to this tool that really increases it's value to our property.

It's hard for me to recommend BLUE when I am a tremendous Orange fan, but obviously money talks. I think I'd be looking at the blue too. Just my opinion.

Greg

JASTN70D · Jan 13, 2004

Nice looking Dog you have there what breed is that a Black Pygmy.? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Sorry about the decision you have to make. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif You know with a tooth bar and a lot of seat time I am sure you could get those stumps out with the FEL. Not as much fun though. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Henro · Jan 13, 2004

I gave up trying to figure out how the attachment relates to the question! That's not you, is it??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My first impression was to say go with the TC30.

How many hours are "low hours" was an immediate question. Does low hours mean "like new" condition was the second. How did the previous owner use it was another...

The TC30 would be out of warrenty, right? That is a consideration.

If you end up with the B7800, I would go with the 54" bucket. It is a good match for the tractor, and I understand that the 60" is really a lighter duty, light material handling bucket. I had ordered a 60" for my B2910, but changed to a 54" and I am very happy I did.

A backhoe is real nice to have...not used as much as the loader in my case...and you are probably right about the cost justification [I consider it my country club membership, since I don't golf...].

Don't forget to let us know what you decide!

JDgreen227 · Jan 13, 2004

You do not specify if the TC30 is HST or gear, but it's likely HST. I test drove a new 2002 model with HST and FEL and really liked it. A very compact and powerful machine for the money. the engine size--91 cubic inches--and pump capacity would be ample for a mid size BH. I was unaware one was available for the TC30.

You sound like you can justify having the BH, and if it does not look abused and you have parts and service for the NH within reasonable distance I would choose BLUE. Hopefully the one you are considering is from a private party and not a contractor or rental yard....if it was from a rental yard I think I would pass on it.

DAP · Jan 13, 2004

Henro .. the attachment was there to confuse people that own too many tractors.

I'll try and delete it though. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

DAP · Jan 13, 2004

( You do not specify if the TC30 is HST or gear, but it's likely HST. )

I have yet to get some of the NH specfics but for me, low hours = 500 or less hours (It's a TC30 - they have only been on the market so long) ... and as far as HST vs. Gear ... that HOE seems to soften the work effort required by a geared tractor, know what I mean?

hazmat · Jan 13, 2004

If the NH has the Hydrostatic transmission, go for it. If not, you are no longer talking apples to apples...

GrayBeard · Jan 13, 2004

I can't comment on the tractors but I can a hoe.
I wouldn't be without one now. Can it be justified; probably not, but for most of my digging it is great.
It's also good therapy and alot of fun.
I guess when you get right down to it , I did probably almost as much work with my 1951 Ferguson as my new tractor.
"Just didn't smile as much...
I'd go for the hoe. You'll dig holes just to find the bottom.
GrayBerad

JDgreen227 · Jan 13, 2004

"soften the work effort"..? Nope, I dunno what that means. If it's a gear model that means a little more PTO hp available as the HST has 24 versus 25.5 for the 9X3 gear transmission.
When I was shopping the dealer told me the HST added about $2000 to the price because it included the 2000 rpm live mid PTO which I would need for a MMM. Gear models would need a dealer installed mid PTO of two types, dependent on whether the tractor was 2wd or 4wd.

For me, 500 hours is a LOT of running time, the TC-30 has only been around since about early 2002. I have an '89 JD 318 that has 1400 on it and most years I put 80-100 hours on it, mowing and snow removal. 500 hours....if the NH has that many I would lean toward the new tractor.