Should I buy this 3054 xs?

[leftfieldfarm]

I have fallen for this machine (the 3054) with a FEL after looking at the 1914 and the ck20. This will be my first tractor (well, after the ac wd45 that came with the place....) and would like to know if this sounds like the right tractor at the right price or not.

We are starting a small horse boarding place on 15 acres so the machine will mow, deal with manure pile, dig fence post holes, clear small trees, plow and dig out various areas for various reasons (paths, etc.).

The dealer I have been working with has been great, but I'm unsure about pricing. He is asking $14,700 for the 3054xs with the FEL.

Any thought would be appreciated!

 

[bbse]

From the prices I have seen quoted here that seems like a reasonable price. The better question is, what kind of support does this dealer offer and are you comfortable with this model tractor? Dealer support is going to have an on going impact on your tractor purchase so it is an important decision. I will say I am biased in that I like the 3054. I own one myself, though it is an older model, and my brother has one in his rental business. I like the simplicity of this model and it will serve you well.

 

[carlos3054]

leftfieldfarm, I own a small horse facility much like the one you are describing and also own a 3054 to care for the place. From my experience, the 3054 will do all you have described, my only comment would be that a slightly larger machine might do it a little easier. For example, I move around 6 foot round bailes with a 3pt spear, the tractor lifts them, but it's just about all it can do to get them up to full height. We use a lot of gravel around the farm, the 3054 certainly moves gravel easily, but a little larger machine would move the gravel a little quicker and easier. My point is, the 3054 is a great machine, I've gotten great service out of it, it has done all I've asked of it, but I think if I hade to do it over again I would have scraped together a little more $$ and opted for a dk45.

 

[kentrodngun]

leftfieldfarm, like Brett (bsse), I too own an older 3054. My machine has done all the tasks you describe, and done them well. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending one. Of course, I also would have preferred to go up a notch in size (hindsight is a wonderful thing) but larger machines also have their disadvantages. My dig concerning the 3054 is that it is kind of narrow (even with the wheel configuration at it's widest setting). Not an issue if your property of level, but I've got lots of hills and have learned to go slow and make sure I've got weight on the back to avoid excessive pucker . Overall, the 3054 is a strong little machine, nimble and right-sized. You will like it very much. Just remember to carry a three foot pipe wrench to back out your PH bit when it gets stuck. As far as price goes, the year of the machine, overall condition & number of hours on the machine are critical factors in determining value. If you haven't ever bought a tractor before, I STRONGLY suggest you follow someone's buying guide & checklist recommendations. Or, of course, buy from a good & reputable dealer like those who post on this web-site. Good luck.

 

[bncsauve]

I have an LK2554 which is the lower hp version of pretty much the same tractor. I have never found a task it couldn't do for me. That being said, based on your chores, I would think a hydro would be better for manure piles and mowing.

 

[leftfieldfarm]

Thanks to you folks so far. These replies have made me feel much more comfortible with this (almost!) purchase. I can now completely cross the smaller tractors off the list (although I suppose I already had...).

This tractor is brand new (2.5 hours on it now that I've been playing with it). The price is at about the abosolute limit we can afford (let's hear it for 0% financing!) so upgrading even further from here is out of the question.

Again, it sounds like my "I've found the tractor!" first response was more or less on target and the price may be within the lines as well...

 

[bbse]

Thanks to you folks so far. These replies have made me feel much more comfortible with this (almost!) purchase. I can now completely cross the smaller tractors off the list (although I suppose I already had...).

This tractor is brand new (2.5 hours on it now that I've been playing with it). The price is at about the abosolute limit we can afford (let's hear it for 0% financing!) so upgrading even further from here is out of the question.

Again, it sounds like my "I've found the tractor!" first response was more or less on target and the price may be within the lines as well...

Let me say one more thing about this. I have owned a larger L series Kubota tractor for 5 years and am now doing the same exact tasks with my 3054. Because the weight and HP is the same but the size is smaller I have actually been able to do more with the 3054 because of its maneuverability. I will probably stir up a hornets nest but I think the 3054 XS is the best economy 30HP tractor out right now ...for the money. I know there are others that are great but I said for the money.

 

[MotorSeven]

Kent,
You reminded me about my first tractor "lesson learned". We were at the dealership in Houma La('77-78) picking up Dad's new Yanmar 240D. The sales guy was demo-ing the tractor and implements. He attached the PH digger and proceded to screw it right into the ground all the way to the gear box. He took it well, laughing and fetching a 6' breaker bar. It was the best thing that could of happened, as i put in what seemed like miles of posts without getting that thing stuck once!
RD

 

[kentrodngun]

Kent,
You reminded me about my first tractor "lesson learned". We were at the dealership in Houma La('77-78) picking up Dad's new Yanmar 240D. The sales guy was demo-ing the tractor and implements. He attached the PH digger and proceded to screw it right into the ground all the way to the gear box. He took it well, laughing and fetching a 6' breaker bar. It was the best thing that could of happened, as i put in what seemed like miles of posts without getting that thing stuck once!
RD

Oh, ain't it the truth! Did that very same thing on about my fifth hole. Learned my lesson well. Go SLOWWWW and keep the RPMs down. Clear the bit often too. Soil in my neck o the woods contains a lot of flat blue stones which tend to get caught in the bit twists. So I can't say I didn't get stuck ever again (but I've got that wrench close by ).