Noob... what do I need? Advice please!

[RickO]

I too bought a Crapsman and tried to mow 3 + acres with it. I had it in the shop 3 times in the first year... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

... anyways, I have read some good advice from others on this thread. I don't have a backhoe so I can't speak to that but I can say, that whoever mentioned financing was right. There are some good rates now and if you get a backhoe and do not use it like you thought you would, there is always the option to sell it and get another implement of course. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Keep some things in mind. First, there are a lot of good SCUBs out there besides Kubota. Look at a few models. Don't get me wrong I like Kubota (I have one) but there are some other Manuf. that make nice ones also. Second, take your time deciding. If you are really on a tight budget a used tractor might popup in your papers. You might even find through your research that you would rather move up to a compact tractor.

NH, JD, Case IH, MasseyF all make a SCUB.

 

[jfdlaw]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Dan you may want to look at the Massey GC2310 . You can purchase this tractor with or without the Backhoe.. And is very similar to the BX22...
)</font>

Cag,

When I was looking at the MF machines I was told you couldn't buy the backhoe later. Just like the Kubota you can buy the mf 2300 with no backhoe and you can't add it later, or the 2310 TLB package. I was told there was extra frame put in at the factory on the 2310 and that you could not add it later.

Great machines BTY

Dan, I think any of the sub-cuts would do you well. I am one of the people who would love a backhoe, but can't rationalize it right now. There are a few time I would like one, but you come up with other solutions. If you move up to a cut, you can probably add a backhoe later. You'll lose some mowing ability though.

Good luck and don't forget the importance of dealer support.

John

 

[cag]

John last year I went to the local MF dealer to check out the GC2310TLB. I was disappointed when I got there, he only had one in stock with the FEL, it was not equip with the backhoe. A sale Rep came out to see me,when I requested if the backhoe could be order and install on this unit. He replied yes, this in my view was the same for all GC2310... I will give the dealer a call tomorrow... cag

 

[frank_f15]

is the BH handy? yes it is , but you will have to determine if the jobs you have for it will be worth the cost to you.

 

[cag]

John you were right the GC2310 only comes in the TLB package I just got off the phone with the dealer... Sorry if I mislead anyone... cag

 

[Chiege]

Hi Dan,

I have the GC2300 with FEL, 60" MMM, and 60" rear blade.

The 2300 tractor is the same as the 2310 aside from swivel seat, folding ROPS, and upgraded rear frame. All of these are for the MF BH. Otherwise, same tractor.

If one gets a 2300, he/she cannot add the MF backhoe later. But, there are several BH's manufactured for these sub-CUT tractors such as the Woods brand. As I understand it they are great little units for small work.

I went the way I did, because I could not justify the extra money for the BH at the time of purchase. And, I know I could add an aftermarket brand BH at any time.

I would highly recommend the FEL. You will find new uses for one every day. Most uses are back savers, hehe.

I too have trees which I mow around and find the MMM to do an excellent job. The power steering is very nice as well.

Like Bob Skurka said, think about a middle buster for some of those projects such as ditching, darainage tile, burying wire, etc... Very inexpensive option.

I have 11 acres in SE Ohio. It is all hilly and sloping. I currently mow about 1.5 acres. The rest is wooded. I find that the 4 wheel drive and low center of gravity of a sub-CUT are essential for slopes. See the posts on the "Pucker Factor". ALWAYS remember SAFETY!!!

I bought my GC2300 one year ago today. It was delivered on Valentine's Day, and I LOVE it. Hope my wife isn't reading this, hehe.

This is my first tractor, so I did not go into this with a bias toward one brand or another. I looked at the orange, green, blue, and other red ones. I came down to the GC and the BX. All specs are pretty much the same. The GC does have a true (not limited as some of the other brands) CAT 1 3pt.

I paid $12,100 before tax for my tractor with FEL and MMM. That was a year ago.

I lurked at TBN and read a lot if good info for about a year before I was financially ready to buy.

Hope this helps,

 

[Volfandt]

I wasn't sure about the BH either but bit the bullet and went for it at the 11th hr and I'm very glad I did! I never test drove or even sat on the BX23 during my shopping process. Almost avoiding it, I was toen between the BX2230 and B7510. Come deal time, I decided I could use that BH hanging off the tailend afterall! Course I've gotta remodel a kitchen but thats another story /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've used the BH for task's it was designed for and others perhaps it wasn't but I have been finding uses for it. I haven't taken it off yet either. I opted for the OEM BH which necessitated going with the BX23 over the BX2230.
Woods makes an aftermarket BH that attaches to the BX2230 but runs approx $5k or more. A very expensive add-on that would really require cost justification after the initial purchase IMHO.

The small bucket and reach of the BH on the BX23 only makes the job longer as it does do the job of digging! I figure I have the time, which gives me seat time, which = good time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Before I made do with a tractor that didn't have FEL (used a pond scoop instead) and no BH (went through several shovels and a PHD) but since I've been "spoiled", I ain't going back! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I haven't mowed with it yet but with it's increased mower size, 60" over the 48" cut of my previous mower I expect the time on my 2 and some odd acres to decrease even more.

Basically, it boils down to what you want and can afford.
Tis better to have a little used implement than to not have it and wished you did /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I believe Confucious said that back in the day /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good luck
Volfandt

 

[Dan_w]

Well I made the purchase...

I stopped by the local JD dealer. They kept trying to push me up. He did not want to talk anout the 2210 series. He kept talking 4010 and larger. He was not knowledagable. We went back to the Kabuto dealer. They are great there. He talked me down out of the BX23 to the BX2230. I think it will more than handle anything we need. Maybe later we can justify the purchase of a BH. I think we would love it but for the money he thought we were crazy with the needs I described to him.

He sold us a toothbar for the FEL, he said we should be able to do plenty of light shallow digging with that. The BX was the first ones I looked at and I found my self continuing to go back because of the dealer. I found that all brands seemed to have the equivalant of the BX. I think I might have over paid slightly but the service was outstanding.

Thanks all for the input. I am sure I will have questions once it is delivered on Friday!

 

[RickO]

Man you don't play around... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifCongratulations! I don't think you'll be disappointed in what your getting. That is a nice little outfit.

 

[Dan_w]

Hahahahaha... I realize it was three days from my first post to my purchase. Trust me the thought process was much deeper on the actual tractor. The BH was the big Q. I have known something bigger was in the pipeline since last summer. We have been all over the Internet and to several dealers.

My wife says I am Kabuto bias because our neighbor has an old L1700 I always drool over as it whips through their 6 acre field.

Being directed here by my fathers friend has only reaffirmed that the BX was a good match and a good machine. I wish I could go up to the B series with a unlimited cat 1 PTO and a BH. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Maybe next time when I have an extra 10k laying around.