Purchasing tractor & FEL; need guidance

[Faris]

Considering 30 HP with FEL & tiller for yard repair following water main breaks and water meter installations. Will encounter some managable sized rock. Have looked at new Kubota B7800, JD 790, and recently looked at info on Mahindra. Initially hoping to spend maximum of $15K; would like to start w/ less $ outlay.

Am now considering used equipment; hoping to spend less. Will purchase additional equipment once business is better established.

Will 30 HP be enough or would I need more HP? Am open for suggestions as to models to consider. Personal experiences welcomed.

 

[rback33]

From the little bit of inofmation you have provided, I think that 30 HP should be plenty. As I read you post it sounds to me like you plan to run a landscape business of some type, fixing what others tear up. Is this correct? If so, you are going to want enough horses to get the job done right as well as efficiently. On the flip side though, you will want to be as nimble as possible to work in those tight areas that you are bound to encounter. How big of an issue is weight? You can get very nice units from Kioti and Mahindra in more in the price range you are shopping (I think) than some of the others. However, these are going to be heavier units than some of the Kubotas and others that tread lighter on the lawn. In the end I don't think you can go wrong with Case/New Holland, JD, Kubota, Kioti, Mahindra, Branson.... the list goes on. The biggest things are: "What are your needs?" and "What kind of dealers/support do you have in your area?"

 

[n4807g]

Post to the Chinese tractor board for tractors that will do the job. There are many between 25 and 40hp.

 

[frank_f15]

You don't memtion what implements you need to go with the tractor? not sure you are going to get the model you mentioned new, with fel and BH for the price you mentioned.

 

[IslandTractor]

If you are just repairing yards you might also consider something smaller like a Kubota BX24. That would give you the added benefit of a backhoe and the tractor is small so therefore easy to transport and get into yards. It is also light so would do less damage to turf.

 

[KiotiJohn]

You don't mention backhoe as someone suggested, so if you're only going to use a loader and tiller, Kioti is a good way to go. The CK25 or CK30 in either manual or HST would do what you need to do. Pricing is a good bit less for the CK25 than the 30. Adding a backhoe is going to push you much higher.
I may get some argument from some, but I use a CK20HST and it would do what you're saying you want to do. I do a lot more than that now. Two years ago I paid $16, 681 for TLB and a boxblade. Prices are a little higher now, but not that much. I have nearly 400 carefree hours so far.
If I can pull 20 foot pine logs and dig out pine stumps, and level and till (52" Woods tiller), you could do those repairs with a CK20
John
John

 

[Builder]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Considering 30 HP with FEL & tiller for yard repair following water main breaks and water meter installations. Will encounter some managable sized rock. Have looked at new Kubota B7800, JD 790, and recently looked at info on Mahindra. Initially hoping to spend maximum of $15K; would like to start w/ less $ outlay.

Am now considering used equipment; hoping to spend less. Will purchase additional equipment once business is better established.

Will 30 HP be enough or would I need more HP? Am open for suggestions as to models to consider. Personal experiences welcomed. )</font>

A used B21 or L35 might not be too bad. These are tough little utility tractors meant for contractors like you.