Post-Purchase Depression and Upgraditis

glennmac · Sep 29, 2000

Owning a tractor is a manic-depressive experience.

I didn't want to spoil my earlier positive report on my first weekend with my new 2910, but we must report all the facts m'am: I broke my 72" deck when I backed up over a simple exposed tree root. The deck dented and then the blade began smashing into the dent. It is being repaired.

As I consider this a design flaw in the Kubota decks, I think maybe I'll start another thread to explain this in more detail.

DaleW · Oct 2, 2000

Glennmac,
It took me almost a full year to decide on the tractor that would best serve my needs. Looked at JD, NH, Kubota and realized they all had different attributes and I couldn't compare apples to apples.
I sat down and listed the tasks that I wanted to do with the tractor and rated each task with a percent of use estimate. Once this was done, I re-evaluated each manufacturer and model to see how they would fit with my task list. My thought at the time was this list is not complete and I will eventually find other tasks that need to be done so I moved slightly upward in terms of the size of the machine. For thosee tasks that scored low on the percentage list, I decided that I would hire someone or trade labor and get the job done with the right equipment.
Pricing was the next consideration and I applied the prices to the tractors that I selected and weeded out those that were out of range. I went back to the dealers of the models that I had chosen and focused only on those rather than be pushed into an upgrade by the dealer. I added up all the pros and cons for each manufacturer / model and finally chose the 2710 with a 72" belly mower, 60" FEL, Teltrax canopy and turf tires. I have 9 acres with 5 open lawn/pasture and 4 wooded. This may have been slightly more than I need at the moment but as time go's by (remember this tractor purchase could last you for the next 20 years) I'm sure that for the additional monies spent I got what I wanted and then some. If you look at the additional $750.00 over 20 years, it works out to be the cost of a pack of cigarettes a month.
I wish you well in your selection as I was in the same situation. Just remember....buy for now and later and you will not be sorry.
Good Luck
Dale

glennmac · Oct 2, 2000

Dale,

Thanks. If you wade through this lengthy thread you will see that I took delivery of a 2910 and the implements listed in my profile two weeks ago. So far, I am very pleased with my decision.

Looking at your profile, we may have worked for the same employer in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Glenn

W5FL · Oct 4, 2000

Glen, I am glad you finally got the tractor you needed. You will really enjoy having a tractor that fits your needs. The Bush Hog and Loader will see a lot of use. Last week end my son moved about 10 yards of bricks in about 15 minutes. That would take a little longer with a BX. Yes, the suspension seat is hard to beat.

glennmac · Oct 4, 2000

Wen, thanks. You and others were a big positive influence. You couldn't convince me on the 3ph, though. I went with the Freedom Hitches.

In the middle of my repurchasing decision period I went up to Maine to pick up one of my seakayaks that was being repaired. I passed a Kubota dealer in the small town of East Dixfield on a Sunday when it was closed. They had an M6800 prominently parked near the road. I stopped my car and climbed on it(as well as others). I felt as though I was Captain Kirk. Actually, the wheelbase was shorter that I would have thought.

After 20 hours on the B2910 I no longer think of it as big at all, as I once did. Perspective changes. In fact, I can now see myself on an even bigger tractor .... No .... No .... No .... I will not go there.

Glenn

W5FL · Oct 4, 2000

Remember that my recommendations were based on having extendable lower links, pinned stabilizer links, and not changing implements more than a few times a day. As I said, the return on investment is higher for those that get paid by the job and need the quick hitch. I bet the quick hitch is as useful on a post hole digger as the hydraulic top link is. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

glennmac · Oct 4, 2000

Doen't work with a post hole digger, as they admit. Go ahead, make believe you are a Luddite. Try to keep your finger in the dike. You'll cave. In two years you you may be the Freedom Hitcher of the Month. (I don't know how to do the smiley faces.)

glenn

MChalkley · Oct 4, 2000

Actually, you can make the Freedom Hitch work with most posthole diggers, but it's a bit tricky. You have to leave your toplink in the middle hole, mount the boom in the top hole, and replace the digger yoke with the Freedom Hitch implement section. I made my previous Bush Hog brand digger work this way, but I haven't gotten around to making a mount for the Danuser one yet. It's high on the list now, though. Actually, I just got the hydraulic down-force kit for it, and I'm planning to install it next week.

MarkC

Anonymous Poster · Oct 6, 2000

roger the $$$$$$ for the freedom hitch. The best solution would be a different tractor for every attatchment, but somehow the $$$$$ ain't there for that one either.