mreilly
New member
I think we're finally ready to pull the trigger on one of 2 TLBs we've been watching, but have a number of questions. Both are subcompacts, but one is fairly new (2010) and mint, while the other--while very well maintained--has 1900 hours on it.
First the newer one: it's a Massy Ferguson GC2410. It has fewer than 300 hours, and they're asking around $14K. I drove it today, dug a hole or two, and scooped and dumped some dirt and stumps with the loader. My only comment is that the hydraulic movement seemed a little slow. That might not be a fair comment, though--my only experience operating something like this is the several CAT mini excavators I've rented in the past couple of years. The CATs clearly have power of a completely different order of magnitude.
The other machine I'm considering is a 2005 kubota bx2300. They're asking around $10K, it comes with a couple of other attachments, and it really has been babied. Looks brand new. I'm hoping to test it out tomorrow, but, assuming it works as advertised, I'm not sure which is the better deal.
Whichever machine we go with we'll be putting a thumb on, and using it to clear a couple of acres of saplings, stumps and rocks, building a terrace, and digging a foundation for a small-ish barn. At least, that's the beginning of the list.
So, here are my questions: a) are the prices for each fair? b)is 1900 hours too outrageous to consider no matter how well-cared for the machine was, or is this one of those cream puffs I'd be a fool not to snatch up...and save several thousand dollars in so doing? c) age/hour differences aside, are the 2 TBLs comparable or are there marked differences that I should be aware of? and finally, d)what are some of the things I should be leery of or watch out for on a machine with 1900 hours?
Sorry for the novel I'm writing, here. Any and all advice any of you may have to offer will be enormously appreciated. I joined this site several months ago when I first started researching used subcompacts and TLBs, and have been continuously impressed with the kind, thorough and thoughtful opinions and reviews I've seen here.
Best,
mreilly
First the newer one: it's a Massy Ferguson GC2410. It has fewer than 300 hours, and they're asking around $14K. I drove it today, dug a hole or two, and scooped and dumped some dirt and stumps with the loader. My only comment is that the hydraulic movement seemed a little slow. That might not be a fair comment, though--my only experience operating something like this is the several CAT mini excavators I've rented in the past couple of years. The CATs clearly have power of a completely different order of magnitude.
The other machine I'm considering is a 2005 kubota bx2300. They're asking around $10K, it comes with a couple of other attachments, and it really has been babied. Looks brand new. I'm hoping to test it out tomorrow, but, assuming it works as advertised, I'm not sure which is the better deal.
Whichever machine we go with we'll be putting a thumb on, and using it to clear a couple of acres of saplings, stumps and rocks, building a terrace, and digging a foundation for a small-ish barn. At least, that's the beginning of the list.
So, here are my questions: a) are the prices for each fair? b)is 1900 hours too outrageous to consider no matter how well-cared for the machine was, or is this one of those cream puffs I'd be a fool not to snatch up...and save several thousand dollars in so doing? c) age/hour differences aside, are the 2 TBLs comparable or are there marked differences that I should be aware of? and finally, d)what are some of the things I should be leery of or watch out for on a machine with 1900 hours?
Sorry for the novel I'm writing, here. Any and all advice any of you may have to offer will be enormously appreciated. I joined this site several months ago when I first started researching used subcompacts and TLBs, and have been continuously impressed with the kind, thorough and thoughtful opinions and reviews I've seen here.
Best,
mreilly
