Same old what do I need

[thcri]

I think based on the acreage the sub-compact is a tad bit light. Can be done but a tad light. If your price range is 12k I think I would back up a bit and maybe look for used and be able to get the attachments you want in a larger tractor. Kubota, John Deere and New Holland all make a class l in around a 21- 24 hp range and I personally think that is better suited. If you look around you may be able to find a good used one for your price. My neighbor just got a John Deere 4100, 60" mower deck, turf tires, push blade, front snow blower for $10,500. The thing only had 160 hours on it. There wasn't a scratch on anything and the mower was never used. Now I believe it is only 18 hp but it is in a larger frame and would perform better than a sub at 22 HP. A loader for him can be added fairly easy. Look at other brands. When going to the class l you do have more options. Century/Branson comes to mind if you have a dealer for them around. Great tractor, doesn't have all the bells and whistles nor does it have hydro but you probably can get more attachments for your money. Yes you would have to give up the hydro and maybe you don't want to do that. I guess for me having the right equipment is first then having the equipment I want would have to be second. What I am saying is don't be afraid to shop around. Re-think having a loader or not over again. I personally think you will be sorry. I would drop the snow blower as it can be added later. Loaders from what I see here get expensive as an after the sale ad on.

murph

 

[v8dave]

I forgot I'd bookmarked some pages with tractor prices on them. I'd guess these prices have increased slightly (hasn't everything?), but they are close enough for budgetary estimates. Kubota prices

This site will add up the prices for you and give you list prices and good deal prices. Don't be put off because they are Kubota prices. In the same size category a New Holland/Case tractor will be close and a John Deere will be similar to slightly higher.

Another place with prices is a State of Minnesota site. You'll have to dig a little, but all the prices are there. MN State tractor prices You'll have to figure out yourself what discount you think you can get.

Also, try to find a Kioti or Mahindra dealer. I don't have a web site with their pricing. But, a trip to a dealer, after knowing what the big three prices are, may be worthwhile. If you can find one nearby, be sure to check their lines out. They both have compacts that will fill the bill and probably will be cheaper than one of the big three.

Good hunting!

 

[Evasive1]

I am going to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to a loader. If you have a tractor, it sure will be a lot more useful with a loader on it.

I have never heard someone with a loader on their tractor say they wish they didn't have it but sure have heard someone without a loader say they wish they had one.

You will use a loader for things that you have not even thought of yet /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jacquie]

Well was thinking last night as I was trying to stay up in preparation for my first week of overnights. I had gone through what I thought I might have to do in a week and decided the loader would be a help. Original plan was to use as much people power as possible rather than fuel. Decided it would just take too long. Also decided that I would put up a smaller fence rather than the over $7,000 one that was planned right away. Use the difference to get the tractor sooner. Of course that means I need to figure out what I am going to do sooner.

As far as the snow goes I work in a hospital and MUST get out of the driveway at 5 am sometimes. I work in Green Bay so it is a large issue. I am not a happy camper at 4 am so speed is very important.

I have next week off (7- 10 hour nights and then 7 off) so will go visit some more dealers.

Jacquie

 

[MikeFromVA]

This past summer I was going throught the decision process that you are in now. I went up to a JD4110 from a JD2210 for my 7 acres. I ended up spending more than I wanted to, but I'm sure that I made the right choice in the end. Zero percent financing over 3 years means that for $100 more per month you can step up to the next size. All of these tractors will be with you for many many years, so a little more now might be the way to go.

You won't regret getting the FEL! Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[thcri]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am not a happy camper at 4 am so speed is very important.
Jacquie )</font>

Heck the Packers are playing well right now, there is no reason to be an unhappy camper at 4:00. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


murph

 

[Toledo4Bass]

If your not confused by now you never will be!!!

Figure out what projects you have in mind, and exactly what you want the tractor to do, then start visiting dealerships in your area. I "shopped " tractors for about 5 months. I talked and visited with dealers for a 100 mile radius listened to their suggestions and ideas. Gradually an idea of what I needed came into view. There are many pitfalls and much BS out there! So beware! You will see what I mean.
I narrowed my list as I went, and finally narrowed down to JD & Kubota. I decided on the JD. Went to a dealer that seemed sincere and informative and asked for his bottom dollar price. On the way home, I stopped by another shop owned by the same dealer, in another town and they quoted me a price that was $ 300 cheaper. That was were I got my JD 790.
Good Luck on the search. Enjoy the search! (You'll have to grit your teeth at times!) But remember that the hunt is the best part of the Kill!!!