Spreadsheet and price creep hell

[YanmarFever]

You have to explain it to her about getting the right machine the first time
Many of us bought the wrong machine years ago when there was no TBN to help us out...

If not this is what happens...

Yea, he lost his pants too... If youre happy its not the end of the world

 

[aesanders]

I am a spreadsheet addict as well.

When I bought my last tractor (and hopefully it is the last), I made up a spreadsheet of every job I needed done, and how often I would do the job.

I looked at the HP, weight needed and cost of the attachment for each task. I also factored in the hassle of something that is a PITA to install...like a sub-frame mounted attachment.

I also looked at the cost of using a contractor and/or renting for the occasional jobs. For instance, is it sensible to buy a $8k backhoe for 20 hours of work.

Lastly, there is the time needed to do the job. I am retired, so if a 2 hour job that I might do once or twice a year takes me 4 hours it is not important.

IMO, for what I need done, the TYM 2515 seems like a good option. Since buying my LS, a good TYM dealer opened up 12 miles from me. I have been so impressed with the TYM 2515 I considered selling my LS and getting it. Do not underestimate the value of a good dealer. BTW my LS dealer is top notch.

Your be taking a big step back capability wise with this move. Maybe you do not need the larger frame machine anymore. The LS mt3 series is about to get a remodel similar to the mt2 though.

 

[ultrarunner]

Not having a good dealer within reasonable hauling distance can mean real trouble.

For some it can be challenging when no dealers exist in your county and all of the adjoining or even farther out...

Pleased that so far none of my tractors has needed a trip back to the dealer... Kubota, Deere, CAT

 

[YanmarFever]

To me... The best all around is a 4x4 35- 45 hp machine.
Its not huge, but you can get a LOT done quickly, safely, and you not pushing it.

How about buying a tractor that's 1-3 years old with low hours, you will get more tractor without putting the money in the salesman's pocket.
Try craigs list, offer up, market place etc.... There are an awful lot of people that are downsizing, losing jobs, or moving and cant take it with them.
I had to sell my Yanmar collection to pay of some scummy lawyers, so 5 people got excellent deals on a fire sale.

The deals are out there.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Not having a good dealer within reasonable hauling distance can mean real trouble.

I bought my first LS from a dealer 500 miles away (Colorado). The second LS was purchased from a dealer 550 miles away in the opposite direction (Texas). Neither one ever had a problem, so no "dealer support" needed......

 

[5030]

You guys crack me up. Most of you claim to be able to fix anything, but tractor stuff requires “dealer only support”. Not everyone lives within
‘the zone’. As local “mom and pops” get gobbled up by corporate operations, less and less will be available. Attention will need to be paid to sales vs servicing locations.

Some things require dealer intervention whereas normal upkeep don't. Case in point with me are scheduled valve adjustments. Kubota uses a multi valve arrangement on my units (2 bridged intakes) and one exhaust that requires a specialized tool to set them correctly, consequently, I have my dealer's service department adjust mine and getting to the overhead on my cab tractor is kind of complex in itself because components like the AC compressor has to be moved to even get the valve cover off. I prefer having them do that. Normal upkeep like oil and gearbox fluid changes as well as filters, I do myself along with greasing. I always use genuine Kubota filters as well.

When you pull the drain plugs (gearbox) on mine, you drain no less than 13 gallons of lubricant so I use a plasma cut truck fuel tank for a drain pan.

 

[5030]

Glad I have a very competent dealer locally and I know them really well in as much as I work there part time. Far as the spreadsheet deal goes, not something I ever worry about and I never concern myself with finance or interest charges either as they are 100% a business write off.

Having said that, the one thing I'd never purchase is a new emissions compliant unit. Not into regens and all that stuff myself. The less complex they are, the better I like it.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, keep in mind our OP lives in Canada. What is the tax ramifications of buying in Eustados Uniotos, and taking up north? I know tagged vehicles less than 10 yo, thefe is a Major tax burden to take to Mexico from US. Frankly dont know anyone with connections in Canada

 

[sd455dan]

The LS Dealer I was talking to recommended the MT255HE due to it being somewhat cheaper. I can see that being the case it possibly being EOL'd.

I do like the 2620.


I'll watch out for the tire sizes. Thanks.


I've taken a look at the specs of the MF1526, I'll need to see if there is a model difference, but the loader lifting capacity is lower than I was really hoping. I agree with your comments for sure.


I read the full figured thread already (probably more than once). I do like the larger tractors and they will likely do what I need, but damn, I don't want to be grumbling about the HP 2 years from now.


I'm even hunting through old used tractors to see if I can get one that fits the bill, has more HP, 4x4, high capacity lift and weight.


This I can understand, but the only problem I have with reduced tire sizes is the habit of random stuff jumping out of the earth and attacking the bottom of the tractor while brush cutting My problem is, if it can be tore off leaving a spray of hydraulic fluid, it will be torn off leaving a spray of hydraulic fluid

"I'm even hunting through old used tractors to see if I can get one that fits the bill, has more HP, 4x4, high capacity lift and weight."

If you can do mechanical work, I would definitely consider a late 1970s-late 80's Ford like a 3910-4630 MFWD with FEL.

Simple strong tractors with parts availability.

 

[sd455dan]

I'm sort of lucky, there are LS and TYM dealers nearby, having been to them all, I can say that I like both. So dealer wise, I'm not seeing a negative in either. The input on the LS vs is good to have, what does the LS tractor let you down with compared to the 2515?

I do not believe the 2515H comes with rear remotes.

https://www.rockinmoose.com/RockinMooseImages/RMF-20180323213730-19-XR4100-Brochure.pdf

Check the FEL lift height, some of the LS tractors have shorter lift heights, things like dumping materials over the bed edge of a pickup comes to mind. Also even with the same lift numbers at full height the loader that lifts higher has to have stronger hydraulics to lift the same weight higher that may mean larger diameter cylinders/ rod sizes.

 

[Yander]

To me... The best all around is a 4x4 35- 45 hp machine.
Its not huge, but you can get a LOT done quickly, safely, and you not pushing it.

How about buying a tractor that's 1-3 years old with low hours, you will get more tractor without putting the money in the salesman's pocket.
Try craigs list, offer up, market place etc.... There are an awful lot of people that are downsizing, losing jobs, or moving and cant take it with them.
I had to sell my Yanmar collection to pay of some scummy lawyers, so 5 people got excellent deals on a fire sale.

The deals are out there.

And, you can still pull that size tractor with most half ton pickups and a in many cases just a tandem axle trailer.

 

[dodge man]

A long story but I have learned to hate spreadsheets. Throw that out to start with. They call it analysis paralysis. My guess is at this point there is one you’ve looked at you like the best. Get that one.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, when I was looking, I really noticed there isn't a spec for how large a machine is/feels/handles. Once I decided to go with a large frame, 25hp, I initially thought the Kioti was significantly smaller than the TYM 2515, until I went to a deale with them literally sitting side by side.

 

[caleb90]

I really love my ls 226he. I went from a tym t25 to it. Tym customer support and quality really is not good at all. I was torn between the ls 226 and the kioti 2620 . Ls won on price and fit and finish

 

[paulsharvey]

I really love my ls 226he. I went from a tym t25 to it. Tym customer support and quality really is not good at all. I was torn between the ls 226 and the kioti 2620 . Ls won on price and fit and finish

So, you would be in a great place to advise the OP. What did you find lacking in the small compcat/large subcompact, that you addressed my moving up to the compact of same power.

 

[caleb90]

So, you would be in a great place to advise the OP. What did you find lacking in the small compcat/large subcompact, that you addressed my moving up to the compact of same power.

What made me really want to upgrade was to get away from TYM. While i was doing it i decided to go up in frame size. More operator room , more stable, better lift and feels all around more like a real tractor. The subs and large subcompacts kinds feel like toys. I have yet to need more than 25hp, i run a 5ft bush hog and a 4ft rototiller with zero issues. Also with the t25 i had the backhoe which was fine during the winter. But once spring came around and was switching implaments i got sick of the backhoe fast. With the new tractor i opted to go with out the backhoe and picked up a chinese 1ton excavator. That thing has been worth every penny.

 

[eddieirvine]

Don't have to deal with the dealers either i have always bought used from someone that takes care of what they spent there money on, they as meaning all kinds of tractors are out there you just have to look for them online is a good place to search and for sale books

 

[lennypoulin]

I am in such spreadsheet and price creep hell.

68 acres, large amount being wooded, marshy, some old fields.

I want to reclaim the trails I have out there that have 22 years of neglect.

- snowblowing/FEL snow removal
- grading gravel driveway that has had severe pot holes develop
- maintaining that driveway
- brush cutting about 3 to 4 acres. If it can cause your skin to blister, that's what I need to take down.

I want to stay away from subcompacts.

I have been looking at Kioti cx2510, ck2510, tym 2515, and ls mt225he.?
I have a 5' bush hog and 7' rhino plow.

Location is eastern ontario.

I have a mf35 that is only 2wd without a mechanical locking diff.

Is there a best time of year to purchase?
How do I know when to stop and just finance then and there?1

I bought a similar property 24 years ago, and picked up a used (1986) 24 hp John Deere 855. It is big enough to run most implements, like a 60" rotary brush cutter, and a 5' york rake. I've tried a land plow, but I like the york rake better for grading. Get one with wheels for finish work with come off for rougher work. I later came across a used (1994) 27 hp John Deere 870 with big turf tires, a back hoe, and bigger bucket. This tractor goes in the swampy / muddy areas that the smaller tractor gets stuck in. FYI, I thought about getting a snow plow, but I found that the tractor bucket acts like a plow. Excess snow mostly just falls to both sides of the bucket and satisfies my needs. These machines live outdoors year round, and still run great. No regrets, no mechanical problems, start right up. I paid $13k for the compact, $17,500 for the other. With age depreciation, and cheaper currency, they should still sell for similar prices. Watch the ads in the small local town papers, and be patient.

 

[Gl Dansk]

I am in such spreadsheet and price creep hell.

68 acres, large amount being wooded, marshy, some old fields.

I want to reclaim the trails I have out there that have 22 years of neglect.

- snowblowing/FEL snow removal
- grading gravel driveway that has had severe pot holes develop
- maintaining that driveway
- brush cutting about 3 to 4 acres. If it can cause your skin to blister, that's what I need to take down.

I want to stay away from subcompacts.

I have been looking at Kioti cx2510, ck2510, tym 2515, and ls mt225he.?
I have a 5' bush hog and 7' rhino plow.

Location is eastern ontario.

I have a mf35 that is only 2wd without a mechanical locking diff.

Is there a best time of year to purchase?
How do I know when to stop and just finance then and there?1

Totally get the desire for staying out of dpf and reasonable price. I have a Branson 3520 - and wish I’d gotten a little more power, as well as weight. People told me that everyone always wish they had a bigger tractor - and that’s what I’ve come to realize too! Keep it in mind, as there’s a lot of money to be lost buying too small and then having to upgrade.

 

[jjp8182]

One caution. When I invested in my tractor, I went over the spreadsheet with my fiancé. She understood the numbers and buying the right size machine was not a problem.

If you buy something you "can afford" (or get away with) and it is not the right machine, spending a more money in a couple of years to upgrade can stress the relationship.

If you screwed up the first time, you lose credibility.

Nothing wrong with buying a machine that is a bit too small to get you started if both of you agree that it may be necessary to upgrade down the road.

This. When my wife and I first got married she was trying to convince me to sell my tractor. Now a few years later and her having seen/understood it's use and I don't think she'd let me sell it now if I wanted to sell it -- at least not without some sort of a replacement plan to get something equally/more capable.

Been a few implements I've bought since getting married that have allowed us to get things done that we otherwise wouldn't have (like getting few fruit trees planted while our young son was napping) ...and she's realized it.

So while I can't say it's gotten to freewill purchasing, being able to point out the time/costs associated with not having it ...and having one of an appropriate size (which changes the time required to get something done) has definitely changed the nature of the discussion.

It seems to have sunk in that the more time spent doing the stuff that needs to be done in/around the house = less time available to do the things I/she want done ("wants" which usually aren't that far apart).