Newbie - First Post

[GetALoadOfThat]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the site so I hope I don't break any rules.

1st Question

I've driven lots of tractors in my day, worked on vegie and dairy farms as a kid so I've been around tractors but never owned one. Just recently built a new house with an acre of land and now I need a tractor to do landscaping, fill removal and other jobs around the house. Looking at all the brands available in my area (Green, Blue, Orange x2) for a reasonable price. So far the Kubota BX25 seems to be on the top of the list at a price tag of $19995 CDN.

Are there any members in here that can speak to this tractor for this price? Remember this is the Canadian price for a lease, cash deal is $18995.

2nd Question

I'd like to know how possible to write off the tractor as an expense. I operate an IT company out of my house and I have one rental property. I'd also at some point like to start doing tractor type odd jobs for my neighbors but that won't happen right away.

Thanks for taking the time to read a newbie's post.

 

[dodge man]

I own a BX2350, which is similar to the machine you are looking at, it just doesn't have a backhoe. I've been very happy with mine, and they have made a few minor improvements that make it a better machine than mine. Mine is about 2 years old, and I have 260 hours on it. I have a FEL on mine and also mow with it. Will you mow with yours? The FEL comes of easily and I've read the backhoe is just as easy to take off.

I can't comment on the price since mine doesn't have the backhoe. As I recall, mine was about $14,000 for a BX2350, 60" mid mount mower, FEL and a rear blade.

 

[Soundguy]

For your size property and intended 'residential' uses.. I see a 16-24 hp CUT working for you just fine.

As far as expense. I'm not sure what the tax laws are for you northern people.. but i would guess if you are reporting the income of the rental, that you should also be able to deduct expenses for lawn and property maintenance for the rental, as well as property maint for your home office, as least whatever portion of the property is designated for the office.. etc. Might now get full deduction.. but look into it with a tax pro, and i bet it is legal to get -SOME- deduction.

As for working for your neighbors.. that sounds like a business.. which means you would need to do whatever you need to do to get the licenses and insurance that your business needs.. once you have those basis covered, then the machine, if used in that aspect, would likely be an expense for sure.

heck get creative.. have your it business have a lawnscaping division.. modify your insurance and business license to incorporate that and then you are set... ( plus whatever you have to do in your land to be legal ).. etc.

soundguy

 

[TripleR]

For your needs and the size of your property, I would go with a BX25. Check with JOHNTHOMAS as he recently bought one for business use; sure there are others.