Long time lurker - now at the point of pulling the trigger

[cscpianoman]

Hi all! Thank you so much for all the input and research from numerous posts. I so appreciate the collective knowledge everyone has - so here goes:

First time buyer - which means I have practically no experience with tractors previously - which is fine, I am a quick study and I want to learn. I have 1.25 acres of property that needs a lot of work - and I do mean a lot of work - it has basically been untended for 8+ years. There is roughly 0.5 acres of grass - 0.5 of uncultivated field, which I want to convert grass, overgrown junipers aplenty - roughly 100 or so that need ripping out, various stumps and a very long drive - about 125 feet. The work I am planning is likely going to involve a BH for the stumps and junipers, the FEL for mulch and snow movement and an MMM to fill in the blanks. Based on this I believe a SCUT will be fine as the CUT category is likely too big. I hear the arguments for ZT mowers - but I would like to avoid the expense and at the moment I don't have enough room for 2 machines.

I have two dealers close by: Kubota and MF - I have looked at both of them and each has their pros and cons. For example, the big turn off to me for the Kubota though is the HST pedals. I like the MF one much better. However, having said that, it isn't the end of the world.

So here are some thoughts:
- Am I crazy for saying a SCUT would be a good choice for all this?
- I could hire everything out or rent a BX from Home Depot,but considering the amount of work and transport/time for renting, the return on investment drops tremendously, plus I am an avid DIY'er
- I really don't want to do a lawn tractor as the quality is certainly questionable and there is way more work around the place for just a lawn mower
- The Kubota dealer seems very well established and in the end the difference between the BX and GC models don't seem that huge. The MF, of course, states his is the better machine and doesn't seem as well in tune with what he has available.
- However, I am also an under-dog sort of guy - I do a lot of my own maintenance, be it house or auto so the dealer doesn't have to be a huge deal.
- any other thoughts, or should I just get out there and "kick the tires" some more and finally make a decision?
- I promise to post pics when this is purchased (how can I not - my dad has already threatened to borrow the thing)

 

[jeff9366]

Lots of good information in your opening post. Except diameter of trees, size of stumps and contour of your property.

Rather than spend $6,000 for a Backhoe, perhaps you should hire out the stump and tree removal. A Tree Service would be the tradesman to call. My guy (INSURED & BONDED) charges $1,200 per day for a 8,000 pound skid steer with Stump Bucket, operator, three laborers and all trash hauled away. Your need might be only 1/2 day. Pros work fast.

You will not find enough use for a Backhoe on 1.25 acre to justify $6,000 cost. Sans Backhoe your tractor-loader will be mechanically less complex and your Three Point Hitch will always be available. Use the $6,000 for implements. You will likely want a 3-Pt Landscape Rake with gauge wheels early on.

You will find a Ratchet Rake attachment on your FEL bucket your second favorite option, after the FEL itself. You can order a Ratchet Rake through the T-B-N Store.

LINK:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ratchet-rake-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=

((A counterbalance is necessary to lift full load with an FEL or pry with a Ratchet Rake. Counterbalance is usually an implement on the Three Point Hitch. Tractor Operator's Manual will provide suggested weight.))

Regularly mowing an uncultivated field usually results in grass coming up pretty fast.

For 1.25 acres a SCUT will be fine.

I believe you are underestimating the learning curve for tractors. Learning is fun but you do not just jump on a tractor and immediately become productive.

Tractors are prime targets for thieves. Secure your tractor from Day One.

Ratchet Rake photos from Saturday last.

 

[10Ring]

Hi cscpianoman. Not trying to hijack your thread, and I can't lend any good advice because I'm looking for a new machine the same as you are, a little different needs.

I'm curious since you are in Spokane....
Where did you look at the MF? Was that at Cascade Tractor by chance? I ask because they are listed as a dealer for LS, as well as MF, Mahindra, and Branson tractors. Their website is a total mess! I'm considering a road trip from Kalispell if they have a decent selection of LS tractors. It's a little over a four hour drive though.

 

[TripleR]

I have three SCUTs, L5740, M8540 and some others and for what you describe, I'm in agreement with jeff9366, we have several hundred acres and still find it makes more sense financially to rent a backhoe or excavator than spend the money on one. For some this won't be the case.

As to the HST, we have a John Deere as well as BX and I can use either, my wife hates the JD, some hate the treadle. My wife didn't like the Kubota at first as e had used side by side for years.

Both are good machines as I'm sure are several other brands.

 

[Trillium Farm]

Listen to jeff9366. All that work is a one time only work, not worth buying equipment for, hire the help and then get the equipment for what you'll do afterwards. If you are going to cut grass then you'll have money for a ZTM.

 

[cscpianoman]

Awwww, you guys are killing me

I absolutely appreciate the comments - Just for clarity sake, I have attached a Google Maps picture of the property to give you an idea of what I am contending with.

1) Jeff9366 - OK - this is true for a one time deal - they are pulled and done. I was also envisioning other work and as you can see from the picture, I am anticipating removing part of the chain-link fence, removing/replacing a sprinkler system, deck rebuild and regrading and area in the back. So, I suppose it wouldn't be a one-time thing per se. The stumps will be left-over junipers mostly - about 6-8inches in diameter and one larger stump - about 14 inches. I also have garage space for one device, but not two. I plan on having a secondary garage in the future to accommodate further fun stuff. I certainly know there will be a learning curve, but this house is a 10 year project, I have all the time in the to play with it and get work done. Plus there is just the fun of it.

2) Yes, it was Cascade tractor - I didn't see any LS tractors out front. They did have the Mahindra's and Massey's. It was a relatively small lot in of itself. I also felt sorry for the guy at the desk - he apparently broke his arm pretty well in several spots and wasn't at his best that day. That and it was raining

3) TripleR - I guess I am so used to thinking of the HST from a car perspective that I can understand where your wife is coming from.

4) Trillium Farm - And this is exactly why I am coming to the forum to get additional input.

OK - now that you have seen a picture of what I am up against, what do you all think? There is certainly work for a FEL and MMM - no argument there. I will question the utility of a BH, but considering the work that is there will be used and it will have use for several years from what I can picture.

 

[grm61]

If you want a tractor and can afford it, buy it.

You will probably move someday....and have more property with who knows what kind of projects:confused3:

1 acre, 40hp would be perfect..

Really, no BS, get what you want if you can afford it, take care of it, keep it out of the weather it will hold its resale value if you ever decide to sell it, and it's there if you need it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes, the BH is a bit of a luxury but I have dug several long trenches, dug more than a few decent sized evergreen stumps, and enjoy it when it is on my machine. It is a very fast job to dig a hole to plant a bush or fruit tree, or... and it is easy to remove and store on a dolly if you want a different rear implement. Yes I said, a luxury but if you have lots to do around your place... I do and I have 1.5 acres... it is nice not to have to hire or rent. It can do pretty big jobs just takes a little longer than a pro. Oh, and fun and a feeling of accomplishment! As you can probably guess by now I am a huge fan of BX25D's! I have 230hrs after almost 2 years of ownership.

 

[TomSeller]

Strangely enough, lately I use my backhoe for hoisting almost as much or more than digging. The ability to lift, travel and swing onto/into wherever I need is handy. Yesterday I set two 10" X 9' well casings with 4x4s bolted onto them as line posts from the opposite side of the fence. But I have hundreds of acres. As has been mentioned, get what you like and you will use it for more than you can now think of.

 

[dragoneggs]

Strangely enough, lately I use my backhoe for hoisting almost as much or more than digging. The ability to lift, travel and swing onto/into wherever I need is handy. Yesterday I set two 10" X 9' well casings with 4x4s bolted onto them as line posts from the opposite side of the fence. But I have hundreds of acres. As has been mentioned, get what you like and you will use it for more than you can now think of.

Hoisting... brilliant! :thumbsup: