Thanks Crazyal. Yea that is what I was afraid of. I'm really leaning towards blue and a dealer in Champlain NY, has a great price will deliver it here. I've also heard nothing but good about them so with the cost diff. I probably will go blue. Funny I originally was leaning blue, then went orange and now back to blue. I'm also with you in thinking that I'll have this thing around for a long time, so might as well get what you want. My only issue is factory cab (ie B3030) vs the NH not having one.
Need help sizing a new tractor for 3.5 hilly acres.
- Thread starter DCJL
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hazmat
Elite Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2002
- Messages
- 4,051
- Location
- West Newbury, MA & Harrison, ME
- Tractor
- Kubota L5460HSTC
Great price on the TC34DA, not so good price on the B3030 - should be $17,XXX for tractor & loader. ATI makes a quick attach coupler for the B3030 - works real nice. Adds a few hundred to the cost (you'll need to modify the kubota bucket or have them set you up with a skid steer style bucket - I have an ATI version).
The NH is a little more machine, but also weighs a few hundred more pounds (good for ground engaging, bad for delicate lawn work). The only downside to the NH is that you can't set it up with a MMM & backhoe if that is on your radar screen. There are some aftermarket cabs available, but the nicer ones (comparable to the Kubota) are spendy.
You might try Chappell tractor in Milford, NH (outside of Manchester). They sell both Kubota & NH.
Whatever you do, get the QA - I use my pallet forks as often as my bucket. Bradco makes a "light" duty version rated for 2,000# that won't eat up as much lift capacity as the typical skid steer rated at 4,000#. They cost about $600
Also - have them rig it with rear remotes - you get them installed for about what the parts will cost you later. Handy for a hydraulic top link and or dump trailer etc. On the kubota, you'll want the hi output alternater as well. You'll appreciate extra lights for snow removal.
The NH is a little more machine, but also weighs a few hundred more pounds (good for ground engaging, bad for delicate lawn work). The only downside to the NH is that you can't set it up with a MMM & backhoe if that is on your radar screen. There are some aftermarket cabs available, but the nicer ones (comparable to the Kubota) are spendy.
You might try Chappell tractor in Milford, NH (outside of Manchester). They sell both Kubota & NH.
Whatever you do, get the QA - I use my pallet forks as often as my bucket. Bradco makes a "light" duty version rated for 2,000# that won't eat up as much lift capacity as the typical skid steer rated at 4,000#. They cost about $600
Also - have them rig it with rear remotes - you get them installed for about what the parts will cost you later. Handy for a hydraulic top link and or dump trailer etc. On the kubota, you'll want the hi output alternater as well. You'll appreciate extra lights for snow removal.
Thanks Hazmat. Yea both orange dealers around here are a bit high. Not interested in a BH at this time. Had a friend that had a 45DA w/BH, he sold it for a 45DA Cab w/o BH as he hardly ever used the BH.
I have a love/hate relationship going on with getting a cab unit. I'm worried about going into the woods with a cab as well as not really seeing my implements while working, and the $$$$. That being said I would really like a cab for the winter snow blowing. Decisions decisions.
I have a love/hate relationship going on with getting a cab unit. I'm worried about going into the woods with a cab as well as not really seeing my implements while working, and the $$$$. That being said I would really like a cab for the winter snow blowing. Decisions decisions.
vtlandscapr
New member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2007
- Messages
- 1
Greetings:
I have been reading the bashings of the dealer in Montpelier. I have read many threads and this is the 1st time I have ever responded to a thread.
1st.
I am appalled at the bad pr he is getting. I have been a customer of theirs for over 15 years and have bought 8 tractors as well as several trailers
and numerous implements from them. i am in the commercial landscape business and have had super support in all aspects from them. I have referred numerous people to them only to also be well cared for. I live in Chittenden county and have no use for my local dealer.
2nd.
In defense of this dealer, Maybe "crazy Al's" neighbor should be the one complaining, if there is such a neighbor.
I will look into this and get the "facts" of it.
CW
I have been reading the bashings of the dealer in Montpelier. I have read many threads and this is the 1st time I have ever responded to a thread.
1st.
I am appalled at the bad pr he is getting. I have been a customer of theirs for over 15 years and have bought 8 tractors as well as several trailers
and numerous implements from them. i am in the commercial landscape business and have had super support in all aspects from them. I have referred numerous people to them only to also be well cared for. I live in Chittenden county and have no use for my local dealer.
2nd.
In defense of this dealer, Maybe "crazy Al's" neighbor should be the one complaining, if there is such a neighbor.
I will look into this and get the "facts" of it.
CW
Darn, had to write this again as my first response did not seem to get posted!
Bashing, on this thread, I hardly think so. Crazyal just mentioned one thing about a friends experience with them and I simply said their prices seem a bit high.
I am in the market for a very expensive (at least to me) piece of equipment and appreciate all of the input I can get. I appreciate his tale of problems with a dealer just as much as I appreciate your great experience with them, thanks. I (We all) need to take everything written (here or otherwise) with a grain of salt, balance it out and come to our own conclusions on what feels right for us.
2 things of interest.
You state where you live and trash your local dealer and finally your second statement was totally uncalled for.
Back to the real problem.
Cab or no Cab, Blue or Orange. Most difficult decision I've ever had!
Bashing, on this thread, I hardly think so. Crazyal just mentioned one thing about a friends experience with them and I simply said their prices seem a bit high.
I am in the market for a very expensive (at least to me) piece of equipment and appreciate all of the input I can get. I appreciate his tale of problems with a dealer just as much as I appreciate your great experience with them, thanks. I (We all) need to take everything written (here or otherwise) with a grain of salt, balance it out and come to our own conclusions on what feels right for us.
2 things of interest.
You state where you live and trash your local dealer and finally your second statement was totally uncalled for.
Back to the real problem.
Cab or no Cab, Blue or Orange. Most difficult decision I've ever had!
crazyal
Super Member
My intent was not to bash but just give my experience with the local dealers. It's clear that either the dealer about this forum or they read it because they did meantion that a coworker of his was posting terrible things about them here. They also offered him an appology. I tried to be very clear, this was the only person I knew who delt with them and I only have his side of what was going on.
If nothing else my post got you to join in and give your opinions, please continue to, that does mean something to me. At this time I'm leaning towards a GL4240 with the 854 QA FEL with both a bucket and forks, a front mount blower, a brush hog, possibly a tiller, and a few other toys. I haven't priced any of this yet but I'm guessing it will be well over $30K by the time I'm done. Like DCJL said "that's a lot of money to me".
Please look into the facts and post what you find out. As I said the dealer knows about my posts and knows what tractor I was talking about. When you do talk to the dealer let him know that he too should do more than just visit but join in. There are some dealers who are regular posters here. If they were in our area I would feel comfortable walking into their dealership after reading their posts.
If nothing else my post got you to join in and give your opinions, please continue to, that does mean something to me. At this time I'm leaning towards a GL4240 with the 854 QA FEL with both a bucket and forks, a front mount blower, a brush hog, possibly a tiller, and a few other toys. I haven't priced any of this yet but I'm guessing it will be well over $30K by the time I'm done. Like DCJL said "that's a lot of money to me".
Please look into the facts and post what you find out. As I said the dealer knows about my posts and knows what tractor I was talking about. When you do talk to the dealer let him know that he too should do more than just visit but join in. There are some dealers who are regular posters here. If they were in our area I would feel comfortable walking into their dealership after reading their posts.
crazyal
Super Member
I can't help you decide what color other than take each for a test ride, in a short time you'll have to find what you like and don't like about each. There might be something about one of them that just feels right or wrong.
As for a cab I think you need to decide what you plan on using the tractor for. My backhoe has a cab. I'm always getting in and out and I find the doors more of a pain. If I was mowing a large amount of the time or if snow flying around while blowing bothered me (or even the cold weather) then I would be more inclined towards a cab. Low tree branches in your yard or any woods around could also be a problem for a cab. I know there are plenty here who like the heat/ ac but personally it doesn't get hot enough or cold enough for me to need them.
As for a cab I think you need to decide what you plan on using the tractor for. My backhoe has a cab. I'm always getting in and out and I find the doors more of a pain. If I was mowing a large amount of the time or if snow flying around while blowing bothered me (or even the cold weather) then I would be more inclined towards a cab. Low tree branches in your yard or any woods around could also be a problem for a cab. I know there are plenty here who like the heat/ ac but personally it doesn't get hot enough or cold enough for me to need them.
Kinda agree on the cab, except for the cold part with the snow flying in your face. That being said I ski and am very use to cold weather so in reality that should not be a problem. Summer heat, here, no problem, I usually just cut the lawn in the early evening. In reality, you probably just made my mind up about the cab. Thanks. Now blue or orange. The NH is a bit bigger/stronger but I kinda believe I'd have less problems with a Kubota. That being said, so far I prefer the NH dealer and the price seems to be more tractor for the money.
BizDoc
Gold Member
I've had New Holland, more specific a TC21D. Very nice tractor, no real problems, sold it quickly when I wanted to sell it. But that being said, eventhough there were no problems with the tractor, after having the tractor it was clear after 4 snow blowing bitterly cold winters that the only way is with a cab. Be sure you will be happy without a cab, skiing is one thing but fussing with snow on a cold blowing freezing night is another. I looked at the Grand L's but the dealer talked me out of it. He said it is too heavy for a lot of mowing. I also wanted to purchase a JD 3320, this dealer told me for what I was doing, which included mowing 7.5 acres, that the JD was a bit too heavy (he compared the 3320 to the Grand L series in Kubota) for mowing and that I should go with the Kubota B3030. I also went to the local NH dealer inquiring about the TC40DA with Cab, the dealer told me the unit is too heavy for mowing and that if I wanted a cab that I should go with the Kubota. The New Holland would be a great unit, just be sure you won't regret not getting the cab. I haven't spoken to anyone that has had any difficulty viewing any implements outside the cab, all have said viewing is excellent. Buying is a big decision, as everyone states, its a lot of money, nothing worse than not being happy after spending the big bucks.
One last thing, after the purchase be sure to post pics. We love the pics
By the way, will someone please tell me what IMHO means.
One last thing, after the purchase be sure to post pics. We love the pics
By the way, will someone please tell me what IMHO means.
jsaint
New member
BizDoc said:I've had New Holland, more specific a TC21D. Very nice tractor, no real problems, sold it quickly when I wanted to sell it. But that being said, eventhough there were no problems with the tractor, after having the tractor it was clear after 4 snow blowing bitterly cold winters that the only way is with a cab. Be sure you will be happy without a cab, skiing is one thing but fussing with snow on a cold blowing freezing night is another. I looked at the Grand L's but the dealer talked me out of it. He said it is too heavy for a lot of mowing. I also wanted to purchase a JD 3320, this dealer told me for what I was doing, which included mowing 7.5 acres, that the JD was a bit too heavy (he compared the 3320 to the Grand L series in Kubota) for mowing and that I should go with the Kubota B3030. I also went to the local NH dealer inquiring about the TC40DA with Cab, the dealer told me the unit is too heavy for mowing and that if I wanted a cab that I should go with the Kubota. The New Holland would be a great unit, just be sure you won't regret not getting the cab. I haven't spoken to anyone that has had any difficulty viewing any implements outside the cab, all have said viewing is excellent. Buying is a big decision, as everyone states, its a lot of money, nothing worse than not being happy after spending the big bucks.
One last thing, after the purchase be sure to post pics. We love the pics
By the way, will someone please tell me what IMHO means.
BizDoc,
I believe IMHO stands for In my honest opinion.
One dealer suggested a canvas cab with glass windshield and electric windshield wiper. His idea is just getting out of the wind was enough with the heat off the engine enough to keep the operator warm.
IMHO also means In My Humble Opinion. Click on the following Wikipedia link for LOTS of Internet slang phrases.
List of Internet slang phrases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
IMHO also means In My Humble Opinion. Click on the following Wikipedia link for LOTS of Internet slang phrases.
List of Internet slang phrases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BizDoc
Gold Member
Thank you both for the IMHO definition. I've been wondering about that for a while.
regarding the canvas cab. I looked into a non factory cab prior to selling my TC21D and considered as an option, the soft or hard sided, since the tractor it's self was a very good machine and did everything I needed, but I have not spoken to anyone, either in person or here, that was happy with a non-factory cab. Maybe someone who has a non-factory cab can give some direct insight as to their feelings on the subject.
regarding the canvas cab. I looked into a non factory cab prior to selling my TC21D and considered as an option, the soft or hard sided, since the tractor it's self was a very good machine and did everything I needed, but I have not spoken to anyone, either in person or here, that was happy with a non-factory cab. Maybe someone who has a non-factory cab can give some direct insight as to their feelings on the subject.
hazmat
Elite Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2002
- Messages
- 4,051
- Location
- West Newbury, MA & Harrison, ME
- Tractor
- Kubota L5460HSTC
DCJL said:
Given that you don't want a backhoe...
If you decide you want a factory cab on a small to mid size compact - that pushes you towards the Kubota or perhaps the Deere 3xxx series (which are a bit heavier than the NH more in line with the smaller L series)
If you decide you don't need the cab, any will do & I'd pick based on the best local dealer. Though our New England definition of "local" is 100 miles closer than a Texan's definition...
I thought about a cab, but 1- it wouldn't fit in my garage, 2- it wouldn't fit under my trees, and 3- the only time I've ever really been cold while snowblowing is when the snow changed to substantial freezing rain. My wife was kind enough to buy me a set of carhart bibs & coat to keep me warm. Don't use your ski jacket, you will get grease on it.
With 30HP and the 60" front blower I'm expecting that this winter's snow removal will take 1/3 to 1/2 less time than I spent with my 18HP & 48" rear blower.
crazyal
Super Member
Another coworker bought a TC33 from Champlian over in NY. He's never had any issues with it and was happy with the service. My impression of the NH are they seam to be inbetween the B series and the L series as far as weight and you can get a little more HP for the same amount of money.
I have another friend who just bought a NH, I think it's about 40HP. He was told the biggest he could go with Kubota and have a front mount blower was the B3030 and he wanted more HP. He was kind of upset that the Orange dealer he went to was wrong. Both are happy with their NH tractors.
I have to admit that I started off leaning towards the B7800 without a FEL and ruled out the NH just because of price. Now that I'm thinking of selling my BH and I will need a FEL that can go high enough to get over the sides of my dump truck I'll probably look at NH again since I've moved up quite a bit in size. I really like the new GL series tractors so it would be hard to get me to go blue.
I have another friend who just bought a NH, I think it's about 40HP. He was told the biggest he could go with Kubota and have a front mount blower was the B3030 and he wanted more HP. He was kind of upset that the Orange dealer he went to was wrong. Both are happy with their NH tractors.
I have to admit that I started off leaning towards the B7800 without a FEL and ruled out the NH just because of price. Now that I'm thinking of selling my BH and I will need a FEL that can go high enough to get over the sides of my dump truck I'll probably look at NH again since I've moved up quite a bit in size. I really like the new GL series tractors so it would be hard to get me to go blue.
Boondox
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,871
- Location
- Craftsbury Common, Vermont
- Tractor
- Deere 4044R cab, Kubota KX-121-3S
DCJL -- I live in the same town at the same elevation. I have 155 acres of which only seven is clear, the rest forested. I'm on my third tractor. The first two were too small: a B1750 and an L3010. But I harvest firewood with mine, which requires a tractor with mass.
My L4630 is strong enough for my needs, but in winter I sure wish I had a cab. Your skiing experience won't help. On a tractor you're not generating body heat, and it just gets wicked cold. Unfortunately, with a low breezeway over the driveway a cab wouldn't work for me.
I've dealt with both local dealers but prefer the one in Berlin for price and the fact they have no problem letting me learn things in their service department. It's rare these days for a service tech to put up with a customer's constant questions and requests to "Do that again so I can take a picture!" They've also walked me thru maintenance issues over the phone. The other dealer is good, but expect to pay for everything there. No free advice. I have no allegiance to orange; if the local blue or green dealers had been as helpful as the one in Berlin I would be driving a Deere or New Holland now.
I bought my excavator in Plymouth NH. Great price, but a complete lack of interest in me after the sale.
The 3030 has a great power to weight ratio, but so do offerings from other brands. If you want to play with the 4630, drop me a PM
Pete
My L4630 is strong enough for my needs, but in winter I sure wish I had a cab. Your skiing experience won't help. On a tractor you're not generating body heat, and it just gets wicked cold. Unfortunately, with a low breezeway over the driveway a cab wouldn't work for me.
I've dealt with both local dealers but prefer the one in Berlin for price and the fact they have no problem letting me learn things in their service department. It's rare these days for a service tech to put up with a customer's constant questions and requests to "Do that again so I can take a picture!" They've also walked me thru maintenance issues over the phone. The other dealer is good, but expect to pay for everything there. No free advice. I have no allegiance to orange; if the local blue or green dealers had been as helpful as the one in Berlin I would be driving a Deere or New Holland now.
I bought my excavator in Plymouth NH. Great price, but a complete lack of interest in me after the sale.
The 3030 has a great power to weight ratio, but so do offerings from other brands. If you want to play with the 4630, drop me a PM
Pete
Thanks Boondox, I just PM'd you.
Things have changed a bit. My neighbor has generously offered to plow me for $15/plow! That is almost 1/2 of what I currently pay. If I take off the front snowblower and cab I can save almost $9k and stay warm or asleep instead of out in the storm. I can still get the tractor (CFO has approved it!!!!) with a FEL to clear out the banks when needed on a nice warm sunny day!
It looks like I'll be going blue because of the $. So far a B3030, FEL, block heater and loaded tires is $18,900 versus a TC34DA the same way for $16,200 (but includes a QA bucket) cash price with the $1200 rebate. I'd guess the TC34DA is also more equivalent to a Grand L3540 which would be even more $.
So if I'm going to buy this beast, should I get it with an extra (or 2) remote(s) and should they be rears? I would like to be able to tilt either a BB or rear blade to crown my driveway and create a swale on the side of it for drainage. Sooner or later I'd like to put a grapple on the front also. Should the grapple be with the bucket or forks?
Again everyone, thanks for all of the help. I'm getting VERY close to pulling the trigger on this as I've collected my finances for the tail end of this week.
Things have changed a bit. My neighbor has generously offered to plow me for $15/plow! That is almost 1/2 of what I currently pay. If I take off the front snowblower and cab I can save almost $9k and stay warm or asleep instead of out in the storm. I can still get the tractor (CFO has approved it!!!!) with a FEL to clear out the banks when needed on a nice warm sunny day!
It looks like I'll be going blue because of the $. So far a B3030, FEL, block heater and loaded tires is $18,900 versus a TC34DA the same way for $16,200 (but includes a QA bucket) cash price with the $1200 rebate. I'd guess the TC34DA is also more equivalent to a Grand L3540 which would be even more $.
So if I'm going to buy this beast, should I get it with an extra (or 2) remote(s) and should they be rears? I would like to be able to tilt either a BB or rear blade to crown my driveway and create a swale on the side of it for drainage. Sooner or later I'd like to put a grapple on the front also. Should the grapple be with the bucket or forks?
Again everyone, thanks for all of the help. I'm getting VERY close to pulling the trigger on this as I've collected my finances for the tail end of this week.
Boondox
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,871
- Location
- Craftsbury Common, Vermont
- Tractor
- Deere 4044R cab, Kubota KX-121-3S
Don, I have a single pair of rear remotes and absolutely love them! Can't recommend them highly enough. Incidently, I didn't get another pair because I have a mini-excavator that accomplishes much of what I would have used the TNT for. In fact, except for winter, I spend the vast majority of my seat time on the trackhoe.
Anyway, get remotes.
Pete
Anyway, get remotes.
Pete
Well, purchased a TC34DA from Bechcards in Champlain NY. Great people to deal with. Purchased it with turf tires as it will mostly be used to cut lawn, but purchased chains for the winter bucket use after my plow guy does his job. Great price, 17,400 with loaded turf tires, QA bucket, and block heater, then -1200 NH rebate so final cost was 16,200. Closest I found for a Kubota 3030 was 18,785 the same way but without QA bucket. Also got the NH 72" RFM, a 6' Rear blade and a 3pt hitch sander. They threw in 2 rear lights, a 3pt draw bar and welding 3 hooks on the bucket plus (The Kubota dealer wanted $95 per hook) when it came out to 21,655 they rounded it down to 21,600 and then deducted the $1200 rebate for a total of 20,400. After that I had them add a pair of Pats 3pt QR for $175. So the final out the door delivered price for all was $20,575. Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow AM.
Thanks for all of the great help.
Thanks for all of the great help.
crazyal
Super Member
Nice. Of course pictures are always welcome, even if it's the wrong color, lol just kidding.
Well, delivery day came and went by WAY too fast. The tractor was delivered as promised at 11am. I was suppose to go to work at 3, but LUCKILY the client called and cancelled!!! Yea team. It came with just .75 hour on it. I now have 5 on it. Did a little digging but not much as I'm waiting on the cutting bar. Mounted the mower which was kinda a pain to get the shaft hooked up. Maybe I just need to get use to it. Did some mowing up and down vs. across like I did on my garden tractor. Ended up scalping a bit till I raised the deck 1" and figured out the floating position etc. Pulled out 2 trees that my wonderful wife has wanted gone for the past 4 years! Tried playing with the rocks a little, but did not want to really push it until I mount the new cutting edge.
All I can say about Bechard's is they are the best. If you're in NY, VT, NH or even Maine check them out. Family run shop, mom and dad still involved, but run by the 3 siblings. GREAT people, great service, great price. Can't say enough about them.
Finally some of the requested images.
1 and 2 are the tractor on the trailer. 3 is myself and Mark standing by the tractor as it is just about to be downloaded. 4 and 5 are the tractor being put thru it's paces, and #6 is a beauty shot of a nice new but now dirty tractor.
All I can say about Bechard's is they are the best. If you're in NY, VT, NH or even Maine check them out. Family run shop, mom and dad still involved, but run by the 3 siblings. GREAT people, great service, great price. Can't say enough about them.
Finally some of the requested images.
1 and 2 are the tractor on the trailer. 3 is myself and Mark standing by the tractor as it is just about to be downloaded. 4 and 5 are the tractor being put thru it's paces, and #6 is a beauty shot of a nice new but now dirty tractor.
