New vs Used

Joeinindy · Jan 24, 2001

I know what you are going through because I had been looking at new vs used for about a year. All the used models I looked at were too close to the price of a new unit to make it worth it. I ended up buying a new L3410 Kubota and after one month of ownership I love it. I found several used models of comparable size and features but anything that didn't have tons of hours on it was close to the price of a new one. When I compared the intrest rate on a new one to what I could get on a used one the numbers got very close. I have 23 acres and like you a very long drive and a 5 acre pond so size was one of the things I wasn't sure about. After reading , talking, and just looking around I felt 30hp was about right. I have heard of people who wished they would have bought bigger but nobody wished they went to a smaller unit. Good luck and have fun!

GBear · Jan 24, 2001

This does not exactly address "new v. used," but something in between.

Have you ever noticed that some things work perfectly straight "out of the box" and others do not? From toasters to tractors, you can find a stripped thread or a loose screw. The first scratch in your new car is the hardest to take. I still remember seeing a shopping cart, pushed by the wind, heading straight for the rear quarter panel of my then new Volvo.

If you find the right one, the used model may have those few little nagging mechanical imperfections already fixed. It will probably already have a few cosmetic imperfections in place. And any new ding can still be blamed on the previous owner! At least for a month or two.

Check out a "program" model. My local dealer had a 3010HST, 3010GST, and a 3410HST the last time I looked. They had been used to pull carts of vegetables in the fields and had 46-60 hours on them. His "program" models were about $2500 less than a new model, the loaders were brand new, and the warranty started fresh. You might not be able to save as much in your area, as the local dealer here holds his new models dear, and would rather make $5K on one sale than $500 on ten. While he did not have the exact program tractor I wanted, I found a dealer that did. It had been used to pull tobacco for 49 hours and cost $1175 less than brand new. That's like getting a rotary mower for free.

Harv · Jan 24, 2001

My experience is exactly what GBear describes.

After a lengthy search for a good used Kubota, I eventually started looking at a new L2600 or L3000. Just about that time my attention was called to an L2500 that was used for 187 hours doing nothing but pulling apple wagons. It was in cherry condition, the 3ph had never been used and the dealer was offering it with a full, same as new, warranty. I had a brand new loader installed and got the whole package for about $2K less than a new 2600. Since I was already over budget, that 2K meant everything.

I only have 32 hours of my own on it so far, but the only problems I've come across were a slightly low hydraulic fluid level (probably happened when the loader was installed) and a couple of loose ROPS mounting bolts.

The deals are out there -- all it takes is extreme patience. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Thomas · Jan 24, 2001

GBear,
Yes sir thats what you call doing your home work when your tractor shopping....ticks of the trade.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

wskrimsky · Jan 25, 2001

Thomas,

Thanks for the helpful advice. I wound up calling Town Line Equipment and they were just great.

Our property sits on the border between West Fairlee and Vershire Vemont. Can't wait to get up there.

Thanks again for the advice.
Bill

Thomas · Jan 25, 2001

West Fairlee & Vershire /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gifheck I do alot of snowmachining in those neck of the woods.
That area a good place to kick back and take in some viewing.

Just tell the yard boss at T.L.E. to sharpen his pencil. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

john_bud · Jan 25, 2001

Bill,

You have gotten some good advice so far and I can't add much to that, but....that never stopped me before. I can tell you that I have a new L3410 and is a fantastic tractor. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif No matter the brand you get, try and get a hydrostatic transmission. It makes it much easier to use and be productive on sooner. In my area, I couldn't get a ride on a Boomer, but I hear that they are good tractors with few problems. For me, it was either the Green or Orange. Both make good tractors, but the local dealer support for the Kubota felt better than the JD and I got a little better price going orange, too.

I also went new versus used as I couldn't seem to find a used unit that fit the bill. (Or they were sold too quick for me....) Used tractors appear to hold their value very well and so great deals are typically snapped up quick.

Happy Tractoring,

John Bud