Newbie Looking for Advice on Sub Compact & Compact Tractors
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TJP89
Veteran Member
My :2cents:
Forget the BH and move up to the next size. Personally, I'd love a BH. I'd have a few jobs for it right away, then maybe 1 or 2 a year, the rest of the time it would be a $7K spacing hogging ballast box. Not worth it. Maybe one day once the digging jobs pile up I'll rent a mini excavator for the weekend, about $300 dollars. Way more cost effective. But, in your case, a bigger tractor with more implements is likely worth more than a smaller tractor with a backhoe and fewer implements. I think you mentioned the L3800 as too big, but the L3200 might be in just the right size range. Right in there is the Kioti CK35, JD 3038E and 3032E, as well as the 3033R and 3039R. Kubota also has the L3560. TYM has the 353, LS the R3033 and R3039 (I think that's right). Mahindra and Massey also have a few options. NH has the boomer and workmaster series, Case/IH has the Farmall B series, and there are likely a few more which I missed. Some are more expensive than others, but all are worth a look. Make sure you consider all your options though, Kioti was last on my list, but that's what I ended up with. I came out with a new 35HP tractor with FEL, a rotary cutter (used), a 7' rear blade, and a carry-all for well under 25K at the end of my tractor buying adventures, though I'm not sure how that translates to AUS dollars.
Forget the BH and move up to the next size. Personally, I'd love a BH. I'd have a few jobs for it right away, then maybe 1 or 2 a year, the rest of the time it would be a $7K spacing hogging ballast box. Not worth it. Maybe one day once the digging jobs pile up I'll rent a mini excavator for the weekend, about $300 dollars. Way more cost effective. But, in your case, a bigger tractor with more implements is likely worth more than a smaller tractor with a backhoe and fewer implements. I think you mentioned the L3800 as too big, but the L3200 might be in just the right size range. Right in there is the Kioti CK35, JD 3038E and 3032E, as well as the 3033R and 3039R. Kubota also has the L3560. TYM has the 353, LS the R3033 and R3039 (I think that's right). Mahindra and Massey also have a few options. NH has the boomer and workmaster series, Case/IH has the Farmall B series, and there are likely a few more which I missed. Some are more expensive than others, but all are worth a look. Make sure you consider all your options though, Kioti was last on my list, but that's what I ended up with. I came out with a new 35HP tractor with FEL, a rotary cutter (used), a 7' rear blade, and a carry-all for well under 25K at the end of my tractor buying adventures, though I'm not sure how that translates to AUS dollars.
gladehound
Veteran Member
Was looking at the specs on the Kioti 3510HST and was impressed by the loader specs. Seems higher than I remember for most mid size frame CUTs especially for loader break out. To me, loader break out and curl (not listed for the 3510) along with HP and weight, are the most important specs on a tractor for what I do. Strongly recommend comparing loader specs carefully on any tractors you are considering.
Dr_Zinj
Veteran Member
1. Go large unless you have a specific size restriction. In your case, go with compact rather than subcompact. For some bizarre reason, every tractor owner usually finds more things to do with a tractor than he or she can do with the size tractor they currently have.
2. Split and expand your task list. One list should be for one-time tasks, the other should be for multi-year or recurring tasks. Look at the one-time tasks and ask yourself if you need a tractor, or if you need to rent something bigger.
2. Split and expand your task list. One list should be for one-time tasks, the other should be for multi-year or recurring tasks. Look at the one-time tasks and ask yourself if you need a tractor, or if you need to rent something bigger.
gladehound
Veteran Member
I only have 2 acres total and wouldn't mind a bigger tractor than my Kioti DS4510HS. The size of the land doesn't matter, it's what you expect to be able to do with your tractor. I always find that I have something heavy to lift. In reality, I have not yet wanted to lift anything that I couldn't lift with my tractor. However, I routinely move things around that make me which the tractor had a little more weight / stability. Even just moving "sticks" around with the loader can make the rear feel light with loaded tires and a heavy hydraulic angle back blade!
I often do things with my tractor that I never thought I'd do before having a tractor. Like give hay rides at my cousin's company picnic. trailer with hay and people gets up to 7000 pounds and there are some big hills. For this, the bigger the tractor the better.
The thing is, after you get the tractor, stuff will come up. You'll get idea's. You'll want to do things you never thought of doing before. And inevitably (and I think it's happened to just about every member of this site)... you'll say "I wish I had a bigger tractor".
Like the previous poster said, pick the biggest highest capacity tractor you can get for the money you are willing to spend that will fit all the places you want to take it and can be operated by all who need to operate it. As long as it can fit where you want to store it, fit on whatever you plan to transport it with and go where you want it to go, it's not too big for your property.:thumbsup:
DuckSlayer1017
Platinum Member
Yep, that looks like what they would call a stick in Australia:laughing:
varmint
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2003
- Messages
- 2,572
- Location
- Northern Maryland
- Tractor
- Kubota B8200, then a Kubota L3130 HST, now a Kubota L3400 HST
Lots of good opinions, and I would agree with about every one of them, but there's one additional factor, that just "might" be relevant, and that's the issue of soil compaction- heavier means more of it. Since I have to operate to and from our little barn, and it's situated in the middle of our yard, surrounded by grass, it became an issue for us. That's why I had to sell the L3130 with its loaded R4 tires, and move into a L3400 with turfs. Otherwise, I'd still have the L3130- it was a nice tractor for snow plowing.
katoomed00
Silver Member
I have dug several thousands of feet with the little 2006 BX24, also was able to dig around many large trees, all I can say is don't expect it to do anything quick or great, you must learn how to finesse the controls because it doesn't have much pulling/break out power, and for the extra 4500 bucks for the hoe, you must be able to justify having one, otherwise just rental a trencher or excavator
Thanks for all the replies & opinions :thumbsup:
I was able to get out and have a look at a few tractors on the weekend. Looked at TYM TS25 which I think is a bit small. Branson 2900h which I liked and it felt a nice size. Also looked at the Kioti CK3010 which was the pick of the bunch as it has higher weight, higher lift capacity & a few other features the others didn't. Going to look at a Kubota B3150 tomorrow and I might have another look at the L series to while I'm there. The JD dealer finally rang me back after a week of trying to get hold of them and will send through pricing on a 3036E, although I have a feeling it's going to be way out of my range.
Will hopefully make a purchase later this week :tractor::dance1:
I was able to get out and have a look at a few tractors on the weekend. Looked at TYM TS25 which I think is a bit small. Branson 2900h which I liked and it felt a nice size. Also looked at the Kioti CK3010 which was the pick of the bunch as it has higher weight, higher lift capacity & a few other features the others didn't. Going to look at a Kubota B3150 tomorrow and I might have another look at the L series to while I'm there. The JD dealer finally rang me back after a week of trying to get hold of them and will send through pricing on a 3036E, although I have a feeling it's going to be way out of my range.
Will hopefully make a purchase later this week :tractor::dance1: