RodSerling
Bronze Member
I got the bug to upgrade from my BX25D to something with some more capability. I have owned the BX for almost 4 years and put on almost 400 hours. It has been handy but I want something that can do a little more.
What I use the tractor for and where I use it:
I have 4 acres of wooded PA ground. I want to clear a 1/2 acre or more to plant. I also use it to plow 1500' of driveway, 300' of it is 30' wide. With a good snow (12"+) it takes all day to do and I am frozen and wet. I also use it for driveway maintenance, to dig stumps, drag stuff, help neighbors out, etc.
Backhoe vs. Loader vs 3 pt Usage. I use the backhoe as much or more than the loader and rarely use the 3 pt except for a box grader 2 twice a year. My background is in construction. I was a equipment operator for years so I use my tractor with that mindset. I have no experience using it in an AG setting. What I am trying to say is, a strong backhoe is a must.
Machines I am considering and why.
#1. L2501 with BH77. I like the weight and the loader of the L. It fits my budget the best at right under $32k equipped the way I want. My concerns are the BH77. I've ran 3 pt BH's before and am disappointed. It also seems to hang of the back quite far and I have some steep hills I am afraid I would drag on. I don't want a BH that is just a little better than the one I have on the BX. I also want to be able to lift myself up and move myself around without getting on and off.
#2. B2650 with a cab. Heated & air conditioned cab with a radio, need I say more. I'm getting older. I got arthritis here, herniated disc there. The prospect of letting it warm up and plowing the driveway in heated comfort or using it in the spring bug free is very appealing. But I have a wooded lot and the same as above for the BH77. And $37k the way I want it.
#3. B26. This machine seems to be the backhoe I want at a price I don't. The downside of this machine is almost $42k. That's a lot of money for approximately 100 hours a year. That's $84/hr over a 5 year loan.
#4. Case 580 L or M. All the capability I could want. A heated cab. I could clear my driveway in an hour. I could put my own septic in when mine goes bad. Pretty reliable, parts readily available. I can get a nice one for $25k-$30k. The downside is 40 gal fuel tank. Bigger fuel cost, bigger maintenance, bigger repairs. I don't have a vehicle that could take it to the dealer, so that would be $300-$500 just to get it to the dealer and back. And in my experience old backhoes that are used for homeowners tend to turn into leaky old dinosaurs and then into lawn ornaments. Also no warranty.
#4.2 . Used L39 or L48??????????????
What I use the tractor for and where I use it:
I have 4 acres of wooded PA ground. I want to clear a 1/2 acre or more to plant. I also use it to plow 1500' of driveway, 300' of it is 30' wide. With a good snow (12"+) it takes all day to do and I am frozen and wet. I also use it for driveway maintenance, to dig stumps, drag stuff, help neighbors out, etc.
Backhoe vs. Loader vs 3 pt Usage. I use the backhoe as much or more than the loader and rarely use the 3 pt except for a box grader 2 twice a year. My background is in construction. I was a equipment operator for years so I use my tractor with that mindset. I have no experience using it in an AG setting. What I am trying to say is, a strong backhoe is a must.
Machines I am considering and why.
#1. L2501 with BH77. I like the weight and the loader of the L. It fits my budget the best at right under $32k equipped the way I want. My concerns are the BH77. I've ran 3 pt BH's before and am disappointed. It also seems to hang of the back quite far and I have some steep hills I am afraid I would drag on. I don't want a BH that is just a little better than the one I have on the BX. I also want to be able to lift myself up and move myself around without getting on and off.
#2. B2650 with a cab. Heated & air conditioned cab with a radio, need I say more. I'm getting older. I got arthritis here, herniated disc there. The prospect of letting it warm up and plowing the driveway in heated comfort or using it in the spring bug free is very appealing. But I have a wooded lot and the same as above for the BH77. And $37k the way I want it.
#3. B26. This machine seems to be the backhoe I want at a price I don't. The downside of this machine is almost $42k. That's a lot of money for approximately 100 hours a year. That's $84/hr over a 5 year loan.
#4. Case 580 L or M. All the capability I could want. A heated cab. I could clear my driveway in an hour. I could put my own septic in when mine goes bad. Pretty reliable, parts readily available. I can get a nice one for $25k-$30k. The downside is 40 gal fuel tank. Bigger fuel cost, bigger maintenance, bigger repairs. I don't have a vehicle that could take it to the dealer, so that would be $300-$500 just to get it to the dealer and back. And in my experience old backhoes that are used for homeowners tend to turn into leaky old dinosaurs and then into lawn ornaments. Also no warranty.
#4.2 . Used L39 or L48??????????????