L4610 questions

[ozarkhorses]

I bought 57 acres last year in Northern Arkansas, 20 miles from the Missouri border, along with a '83 Case 480D 2wd backhoe and other farm equipment that included an Allis Chalmers propane tractor. The backhoe gets used about 40 hours a week clearing and digging as only 30 acres of the land was cleared. The A-S was soon traded for a L4610 HST 4wd & 6' Brush hog but without a loader or backhoe as we thought the Case would cover the digging side of our needs. Well, the Case has cost me $3500 in repairs over the past 18 months and although at the moment looks capable, I'm just waiting on the next repair bill. Parts on this unit are not cheap. Most of the time, the Kubota sits, especially at this time of year, and a 4wd backhoe sure would be nice. Our neighbor just had to sell an adjacent 33 acres, of which 25 is cleared, and I.m in the process of buying it. More land to clear.

So, I'm selling the Case and either buying a backhoe and loader for L4610 or switching out for an L48. Money wise, I think I'm better off buying a backhoe and loader for the L4610, but the dealers around here are telling me $15k including installation. Looking over Carver's pricelists for a new L4610, I only see about $12k for those items.

Anyone have something they can pass on about prices or experience with buying the additional equipment after the fact?

 

[MarkV]

Ozarkhorses,
First you have a great tractor and I sure wish I had that much land. You should do a search for “L48 or L4610”. It will lead to a discussion that might help you.

Welcome to the forum.

MarkV

 

[Bird]

I don't know that it's always the case, but I think in nearly every case it's more expensive to add equipment after the fact than it is to get it at the time of the original purchase.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Maybe I need to go back to my local purchasing dealer and 'negotiate' a little harder. My understanding is even the basic tractor arrives in knockdown form and then a backhoe and loader addition would be attached depending on the customer's needs.

Both dealers I have seen so far, have been referiing to the Kubota 'book'. I have to get beyond their stock margin and see if I can get someone to think outside of the box. Problem is, unlike automobile purchases, where 17% of the window sticker is the standard built in commission for the dealership and there is a further hold back of 3% plus other incentives, depending on model and year, I'm completely in the dark.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ozarkhorses]

Perhaps I should also ask who has bought an L series and added an FEL and BH, which brands, are you happy and would you go the same route again?

What other options owuld you suggest? Teeth on the FEL bucket would be something I would seriously consider.