Paralysis of analysis

danbuf · Oct 3, 2005

First off, thanks to all of you here. I have learned a lot from this site.

I reside on 5.25 acres, 3 of which I mow using a Deere 445. The other 2.25 are heavy brush, which I periodically cut with a woods 5’ brush hog using my Ford 860..
The Deere does a fine job of mowing, but that’s it.. The ford does fine job with the brush, but is way too heavy and large on the lawn and around the house.
So my consideration is to sell both, and buy an in between..

However, I am suffering from paralysis of analysis..
Too big, too small, too heavy, turf or R4, short term versus long term needs, new/used, when to buy, etc, etc The only thing I have settled on is to buy Kubota (I think). /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

The projects I have in store are to improve overall property:
• Mow lawn, probably expand, or eventually turn brush into some sort of lawn
• Improve drainage (soil is mostly clay base, with flat terrain), probably through moving soil around, adding french drains, etc.
• Overall long term projects.. years worth of planting, new large garden area, planting trees, etc. putting up barn, greenhouse, installing patio blocks (which have set until I get appropriate tractor /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif) ), expanding parking area with crushed stone, moving heavily drifted snow piles, etc., etc
• Toying with idea of retirement plans to do tilling, smaller brush hogging side jobs to pay for “non-essentials” (6-7 years from now)

But then I think, why tie up so much money in new tractor, doing all the labor myself, when I could probably pay professionals to actually get the work done in a timely fashion while I sip lemonades watchin them work…
But then, I really enjoy being outside, working, driving a tractor, etc..

I figured a B7610 would certainly suffice, with plenty of left over capacity… But then, geez for a few more dollars, I can get the B7800, but wait…. for a 25 year “investment”, why not get the B3030.. Has position control, etc…
But then I think, is this too heavy for my lawn, too heavy to drive over the septic cover, why do I “need” to spend all this on a tractor, etc.. Will I look goofy driving this big B3030 around while my neighbors drive their perfectly satisfactory Deere garden tractors around..

In the analysis of my “needs”, or is it “wants”, I have discovered some things:
• My 1000 gallon septic tank has a 4” thick cover which is reinforced with mesh.. The loading factor is 300# per SF. The septic installer & septic tank manufacturer both issued me disclaimers about nothing heavier than an “ordinary” lawn mower.
• No interest loan terms aren’t offered forever, and do eventually go down (36 down to 24 months now for Kubota)
• Some of my past purchases have been with mainly cost in mind - get truck with minimal add-ons, get 20 year roof, should last 25 or more – which I am replacing after 15.. So I look back with regret as I “shoulda” got the extras back then..

Maybe some of you have had these considerations and can offer some sage advice..

Sorry to make this sooo long a post..

Thanks,
Dan

fish_wisperer · Oct 3, 2005

being close to retirement your gonna want something to do and a versital tractor would be alot of fun i think. a bx2330 would handle everything you have but being retired you may have time to help other poeple out to witch at times could mean one size bigger, like if someones tree falls down and needs dragged out of the way, but small enough to easyly haul. i would get fel and any other helpfull attachment if you can afford it.

crown · Oct 3, 2005

I have a very similar lot as yours, I own a B-7500 and it will do all you described you needed. I also mow over my septic tank, and have had no problems, septic tanks are tougher than you think, when I bought my property the well and septic was already installed, when I got the lumber delivered for the house, you guessed it they dropped it on my septic tank even though I marked it, I had the lumber company pay for an inspection of the tank it was fine.

Back to the tractor purchase I know a B-7510 will do the job but if you can swing it the B-7800 would be nice, very few if any complain about extra horsepower.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Cliff_Johns · Oct 3, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( But then, geez for a few more dollars, I can get the B7800, but wait…. for a 25 year “investment”, why not get the B3030.. Has position control, etc )</font>

JD 4110 would give you your position control etc. and still be a good size for your lot. I believe the Kubota 2410 (or some newer version of that) would be about right too. Or the NH version of that size. Kioti CK20 might be a bit heavy for your situation.

These machines have a good ground clearance and some of the features you apparently want. JD has a newer version of the 4110 (2320, I think) which has a drive over mid-mount mower to make installation easy and a few other cool newer features.

In anycase, I think the 20-25 HP range and some good ground clearance would be about right. They can mow well and take a good size BH for trenching etc.

Cliff

frank_f15 · Oct 3, 2005

HEY Dan 1st of all welcome to TBN AND 2ND ,VERY NICE TO HAVE ANOTHER WESTERN NY guy online. i live in the town of Evans about 20 mi south of buffalo, and i have a bit more acreage(a few more) and i do very well with my B2400 depending on exactly where you are and your specic needs the 76 should do fine, the 3030 might be a bit much but the choice is yours to make.

strokerduster · Oct 3, 2005

dan, i have 7 acres that i maintain/mow and just recently traded up from a jd2210 to a b3030. dont, let the weight concern you. i still consider it a lightweight tractor and dont hesitate mowing over septic tank and leach field with no problems. as far as looking goofy, i think my neighbor trying to maintain his with a big box jdL120 is what looks goofy. it takes me about 5 hours to completely mow and uses a little less than a gallon of fuel an hour. passed 20 hours tonight with no complaints so far. quality tractors of all brands hold their value well and after several years, if it doesn't work out, you can sell and contract work out or buy smaller. my bet is you'll find so many uses for it that you wouldn't even consider that. shop around and try em all. you'll find one that you can't live without. don't look if you don't want to buy, trust me.............

JimMorrissey · Oct 3, 2005

Dan,

Get the 3030 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

dentaltractor · Oct 3, 2005

Buy the B3030. I have only had mine about three weeks , But have used it every chance I have had. I have a septic system and have mowed over it with a much heavier tractor with no problems.
The B3030 has alot of faetures that you WILL appreciate in the long run.
I would also suggest a 3pt mower. It is nice to have the option of not having a bulky mower under tha tractor. It is also less expensive. You can buy a nice 3pt mower and box blade for tha price of a mmm.

danbuf · Oct 4, 2005

Thanks Guys for all of the good advice...
I'll let you know what I decide to get...

Dan

flusher · Oct 16, 2005

I went though the process you describe 6 months ago after I bought 10 acres (flat, no rocks, remnants of an almond orchard). Checked the Big 3, as well as Mahindra, Jinma and assorted grey market tractors (Yanmar, Iseki, etc)

Decided on a 21 HP Kubota B7510HST with LA302 FEL at $12,600 delivered. The equivalent JD and NH models were about $1K higher.

The Mahindra was within $100, but the dealer wouldn't deal. I figured he would drop his price a few hundred considering Kubota has 60% of the CUT market compared to a few percent for Mahindra (the trade-in factor).

And after adding the FEL the equivalent Yanmar was approaching $9K, which got me a 20-year old rice rocket with FEL.

Could have bought a Jinma kit tractor for ~$6K and added an FEL to bring the price to ~$9K. This narrowed the price difference vs Kubota enough to swing me to the B7510.

Could have gotten an assembled 20HP Nortrac tractor (actually a Jinma) with FEL and 4' box from Northern Tool for $9100. Same story, not enough price difference compared to the B7510.

Choosing the Kubota turned out to be a no-brainer, especially with 10% down and 0% financing for 36 months.

Whatever you decide, IMHO you should definitely get a tractor with an FEL and be sure to have the dealer weld chain hooks onto the bucket. In the few months I've had the B7510, I'd say about 80% of what I do involves the FEL in some way, even if it's just moving material, lumber and tools around the 10 acre property. You'll be glad you have the FEL when you face simple problems like getting an implement out of your pickup (see attachment).