Just another first tractor thread

[InTheDirt]

After owning a '48 Farmall cub some time back, I have the bug again. I put a landscape rake on it and it came with a 5' blade. Just didn't have the loader or power I wanted....

I'm looking for a tractor to do lawn installations and light grading (former landscaper) as a side business and in the retirement years ahead.
I'm thinking sub-compact is too small.
Looking to have a loader, tiller and rake minimum.
Four wheel drive
Not particular on hydrostatic or not
Open on the brand but much prefer American brand even if it has a korean motor, etc.
Needs to be a model that was around for a while so parts are readily available.
Can be late '80s on
Not a lot of rock here in coastal NJ.

I'm thinking something like a JD 855.

Please help me narrow some makes and models down.

thanks

 

[jenkinsph]

Used tractors this size are available, you just have to look around to see what comes up. Look at Tractorhouse.com Machinerytrader.com and Craigs list. Or when riding around I am always keeping an eye out for tractors and implements. There are so many models it really depends on what you can find.

New is a little easier and I suspect cheaper over a five or 10 year time frame. Deeres' smaller x748 x749 and the 1026R are good choices though smaller in size and ground clearance. The 2520 and 2720 would be the best fit for what you describe and I would give the 2720 the nudge overall. My preference is for a higher hp compact small enough to fit the size lawns you intend to work, they simply get the job done faster and keep you more competitive.

I am in the landscape business too, most of what I do is contouring/grading, smoothing, tilling. seeding and rock/paver work. I use an X749 for the close quarters work with 3PH and rear 540 pto, a 110tlb for digging and loader work and the 4520 for larger 3PH work.

I have all Deere tractors because I like them and they are a lot closer than the other dealers. Living in a more conjested area like Jersey I would consider ALL of the popular brands as it seems everyone makes good tractors these days.

 

[psdx]

The prices on the commercial equipment websites are 99% dealer owned/advertised. They need to make a profit and seldom do they get in a financial pinch where they need to unload a tractor real quick. If you are patient and have a couple of months to look, you can find a good deal on Craig's List. I use searchtempest dot com to check beyond my immediate area. The fact is that there's always someone that is over extended, is in a hurry to move, has buyer's remorse, etc. that will part with something for significantly less than you could buy from a dealer. The trick is to be observant and realize when the seller has dropped the price one or two times and be ready to act quickly.

A used 4wd tractor with a loader will be considerably cheaper if you are willing to buy a grey market, or upstart Korean or Chinese tractor. The used prices are quite low as they don't hold their value as well as the tractors with green, orange, or blue paint. The 855 is a good tractor. I think they spin rather fast to get the rated horsepower, but they are reliable. Suggesting a tractor or two for you to consider would be somewhat easier if you had a price range in mind. I could spend 30 grand real quick, but that might not fit your budget.

How much were you wanting to spend?

 

[Martian]

Farmall Cub eh? I have one that my grandfather bought new. Out of all my tractors, it is easily my favorite. May not be the strongest or the most comfortable for long times working on it, but it is a fun tractor to drive.

With that said you will be in for a real shock when you see these new tractors, they are super comfortable.

As you saying your looking at an 855 I'm assuming you want to go used. Definitely a good way to go to save yourself a couple of bucks, but if you can afford new, your getting the latest and greatest.

An 855 is an awesome, very reliable machine. If I were you I wouldn't worry to much on the parts, especially if you go with a JD. Deere has arguably the largest dealer and part network. It's second to none in my book. You can get a part for nearly any JD. The same thing goes for most other brands, but you'll usually have to wait a little longer and they don't seem to have as big of a network in my experience.

That said, I do have a bias towards Deere. Make excellent tractors. Same goes for other makes, but what it's come down to for me is the dealer.

Saying your on the edge of retirement, and wanting to have a side job in some landscaping, I think you may want to get a nice new tractor and then you will have the most comfort if you really do plan to spend many hours on the machine.

Before I (we) spend all of your money, it would be great to know a budget though. New is definitely the way to go if you can afford it, but if you can't, then there are plenty of other viable options such as the 855 out there.

 

[InTheDirt]

All great input, thank you.

I hope to retire in 6 years or so. However, I would like to start doing some work now to build a reputation and client base along with experience. I can do my 3/4 acres over as practice.It seems easier now while I am still working (with the exception of 3 new cars and 2 college tuition programs). Our son is an AG student at Rutgers and he would be happy to get my leftover tractor when the time comes. Therefore, if I can get in under 10k used, that's great, new, less than 20k. I would love to buy new but given the statements above, that is probably not realistic.

Hoping to do a little shopping this weekend to help narrow down new vs. used. ...really think it will be used.

I own Deere stock so if I go new, it's Deere. I have no knowledge of the "gray" brands and any help there on the better ones and the models that fit would be a big help!

 

[Soundguy]

the late 80's will be an issue for you in the small compact tractor market. esoecially if looking for 4wd.. many times components are getting scarce on front axles.

I might look newer just to be on the safe side.

as for #'s made.. unfortunately.. manufacturers no longer make a single modle for 10-15 ys like they used to with 500K units produced like they did inthe 30's thru the 50's.. small runs for 1-2 years seems to be the norm.

good luck!

soundguy

 

[InTheDirt]

Went shopping today and I have to tell you that the JD 1000 series looks like the ticket. Our son even drove a 1023 around a bit and loved it. Is there any reason why I should get the 1026 over the 1023? The 1023 lists for about $1200 less.

I'm going to look at NH and some others.

 

[Martian]

Went shopping today and I have to tell you that the JD 1000 series looks like the ticket. Our son even drove a 1023 around a bit and loved it. Is there any reason why I should get the 1026 over the 1023? The 1023 lists for about $1200 less.

I'm going to look at NH and some others.

Well the 1026r is the "luxury" model. It's a lot more comfortable tractor to use. Think of it like buying a Cadillac or a Chevy. Both will get you to where you are going, but the Cadillac is a lot more comfortable. More comfortable seat, better lighting, quick attach/detach everything and more HP, in my book the $1200 is worth it.

 

[InTheDirt]

Seems like there are quite a few people who say to get the 2023 over the 1026R. I've seen some threads that claim the dealers are pushing the 2000 series. The dealer I was at today did not have 2000 series on the lot.

Any thoughts on this?

Any idea what type of discount should I expect if I get a loader alone vs a loader and tiller on each machine?

 

[Jamming]

Seems like there are quite a few people who say to get the 2023 over the 1026R. I've seen some threads that claim the dealers are pushing the 2000 series. The dealer I was at today did not have 2000 series on the lot.

Any thoughts on this?

Any idea what type of discount should I expect if I get a loader alone vs a loader and tiller on each machine?

Around here it's normally a better deal to buy a package vs separate purchase. Most of my buddies have the 2000 series and it is a very strong machine for its size. Most people that buy the 2000 series are surprised at how much it can do. My opinion is buy what you need for your property, but buy the bigger one if your on the fence because you will always wish you got the more capable machine.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suggest you check out a 1026R, 2520 and 2720 before you decide.. All of these have a better 3PH than the 1023 and smaller models. A 2720 with a 665 tiller and 200CX loader would be my choice as it would get into most small lawn areas and get the total job done much faster than a 1000 series. Even in retirement you still need to be competitive and I suspect the 2720 would get the job done 50% faster.

 

[InTheDirt]

Good advice. No sense in rushing.........

 

[Johndeere3720]

I also agree that you would be best off with a 2720. I have experience with an 80's Yanmar and it is true that some front axle components were hard to find. So when I sold my Yanmar my goal was to get something that wasn't older than I am (16). I was fortunate enough to find a 2004 Deere skid steer for a good price to replace the Yanmar. When I went into my local Deere dealer I had all my new parts within 2 days of each order. :thumbsup: Deere's x55 tractors are good but if it were me I would look no further than the 4x00 and 4x10 series tractors. A 4200 or 4210 would be a perfect fit for your uses described. Just my :2cents:

 

[InTheDirt]

Thanks. After having many older things I can tell you that it becomes a pain. Beside the Cub, I also had a '53 Olds for 18 years and have more toys that I can list here that keep me busy. Another thing to fix is not my wish. Thanks to all for pushing towards new, you have changed my mind.

Even though I am leaning towards Deere, is there another (cheaper) product I should look at?
I looked up the 2720 and it might be a little too much $ at this point and may actually price the one lower than it - gonna make some phone calls today. I can't see them until the weekend.

Other thoughts are:

- since I have no client base, should I buy the 1026 and upgrade as the need dictates. Yes, the 2000 series would be better for my son long term but as of now has now farm.
- initial cost. I'm thinking the 2720 may be 5-7 thousand more than the 1026 for the same equipment

 

[Martian]

There are quite a few other brands to choose from. Cheaper, maybe, maybe not. Depending on the dealer, because they really price the machine. You don't see to many I saved $6k by going for ___ over ___. Just not that much difference. But Kioti, Bobcat, Mahindra, etc. All good options.

I wouldn't recommend going the path of getting small and knowing you need to upgrade, that will be very costly down the road as you will loose a lot on the value of yours.

 

[wcampbell47]

Five years ago I was full time employed with coastal property that needed more than just a riding lawn mower to maintain. I bit the bullet and bought new at 0% interest for 60 months, no money down. Now I'm not full time employed and my last payment is this month. I have worked the little tractor which still has lots of life left in it.

I got the bug for more horsepower and now own a slightly larger and more powerful tractor. The operator station is much more comfortable and I wonder how I used to stay on the 1st tractor as long as I did. Definitely go with the HST. I went gear on the first and HST on the second .... now I wonder why I went gear to begin with.

Take away from this post ....

Buy new now and have it paid for when you retire.
Find a tractor you like and buy one with just a little more horsepower.
I shopped Orange and Green (just a block apart) and Orange always gave me the best price for similarly equipped hardware.
Get on board to check out operator comfort and the placement and ease of use of all the pedals and levers.

Other than that buying a tractor is a snap ..... NOT

 

[jenkinsph]

You should expect to get somewhere around 15% off on a tractor, fel and tiller package.

I would also recommend you add a small landplane/grader to the package, great for smoothing out lawns and driveways. I wouldn't wan't to be without the landplane as it makes a big difference in the final outcome for lawns. This is a simple easy to use tool that will make you more competitive.

 

[InTheDirt]

Received the following pricing (both with FEL and tiller):


1026 - $16,750 incl tax (List about $18,000)

2520 - $21,121 incl tax (List about $22,000)

I'm thinking that I can work on those numbers a little more.............

 

[AKfish]

Received the following pricing (both with FEL and tiller):


1026 - $16,750 incl tax (List about $18,000)

2520 - $21,121 incl tax (List about $22,000)

I'm thinking that I can work on those numbers a little more.............

Yep... there's some more "wiggle room" there! If the dealer doesn't see things that way - well, the doorway is that way...

AKfish

 

[MasseyWV]

Received the following pricing (both with FEL and tiller):


1026 - $16,750 incl tax (List about $18,000)

2520 - $21,121 incl tax (List about $22,000)

I'm thinking that I can work on those numbers a little more.............

I generally like to start with 15% off MSRP when making an initial offer. Using your numbers, I came up with the following:

15% off MSRP list price:
1026 -> $18,000 x 15% = $2700
2520 -> $22,000 x 15% = $3300

Suggested initial offer:
1026 -> $18,000 - $2700 = $15300
2520 -> $22,000 - $3300 = $18700

Potential savings off existing quote:
1026 -> $16,750 - $15300 = $1450
2520 -> $21,121 - $18700 = $2421