Suggestions to narrow the hunt - 25hp, 4x4, HST - Branson, Mahindra, Kioti, JD, Ford?

[ChrisintheMojave]

Before anybody gets TOO EXCITED

I haven't eliminated ANY brand... There are some I may not be aware of...

How about a link to LS for sale that you think would be in the hunt?

I've also seen a TYM T233HST compact diesel tractor that looks like it could do the job.

I've got cash in hand so Private Message with a link to specific tractors for sale would be outstanding.

(dealers here... if you've got a year end or used that would work -> PM me )

So what's a Skid steer control for the FEL?

 

[oldnslo]

Branson Models would be 2400H 24 HP or 2800H 28 HP. I found them to be very reasonably priced but dealers may be scarce in your area and some people have reported difficulty in getting parts. I have not had that problem yet.

JD models I believe would be 2320 or 2520 but not 100% sure on this.

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN.........................

Check your local Craigslist, Equipmenttraderonline, tractorhouse, etc. for used tractors. There may be some good used Mahindra, Kubota, Kioti, Deere and others for sale in your price range. If buying used look for a clean low hour tractor that has been maintained well. Last year I sold my Mahindra 2615HST for 11K with 460 well maintained hours on it. There are many used tractors that fit your needs on CL here but they are across the country from you.
As mentioned, check for a local LS dealer for a price on a new J or XJ series tractor which may also be in your range.
Here's a link to LS Tractor so you can look at the J and XJ Compact tractor specs.
LS Tractor USA

RCO in Texas might be an option for a package deal. They can arrange shipping.
RCO Tractor - America's #1 LS Tractor Dealer - Compact & Utility Tractors on sale now!

Since you are in Ca. you might give Barlows a call.
Sub-Compact Tractors | BX-Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation

 

[varmint]

Not skid steer control, but rather a system where the loader bucket, or forks, or whatever you need is attached, and quickly removed, from the loader arms simply by pulling two pins using some levers. It is a standardized system, so different attachments will be interchangeable. If you look at the photo, you can see two gray levers- which pull the pins, letting you tilt and back away, leaving the black plow structure on the ground. You'll find much better photos and explanations. Just be aware of the feature...

 

[HCJtractor]

If you're referring to my post about skid steer FEL, I was referring to the connection of the bucket to the frame of the FEL. Many tractors today have settled on "skid steer quick connect" as a standard. With that you can but many aftermarket attachments to replace the bucket, like a grapple or many other various things. But some tractors have their own proprietary attachment systems so you're limited to their specific brand, and changing the implement requires tools and time. Whereas with quick connect, it can be done in seconds without tools. The trend now ( as I understand it) is the skid steer connection is becoming the standard and is more desirable. With my older Kubota, only a Kubota bucket would work. And no Kubota grapples were made. So I had to buy an adapter for $1000 to make it work. So if I were shopping and had my choice, a tractor with skid steer quick connect on the FEL would be preferable. It gives you many more options and can save money.
Hope that's clear. I'm not sure what connection systems are on tractors in your horsepower range, but I would want to know.

Of course if a bucket is all you'll ever use on the front, and you never plan to take it off, guess it doesn't matter. But if you foresee wanting other front mounted implements, most available now are designed to be compatible with SS Q attachment systems.

 

[Olympus]

Before anybody gets TOO EXCITED

I haven't eliminated ANY brand... There are some I may not be aware of...

How about a link to LS for sale that you think would be in the hunt?

I've also seen a TYM T233HST compact diesel tractor that looks like it could do the job.

I've got cash in hand so Private Message with a link to specific tractors for sale would be outstanding.

(dealers here... if you've got a year end or used that would work -> PM me )

So what's a Skid steer control for the FEL?

Don't get in a rush to buy the first thing you see. Spend plenty of time in the seat. Like I said, the LS J2023 is right up your alley and will be plenty of machine for your needs. I paid $12,200 for mine brand new last year. The XJ is the 2015 model so if a dealer has a new 2014 model J2023, you might even get a better deal than me.

New was important to me for the fact of warranty. I seem to have bad luck in buying used and typically end up buying someone else's problem machine. A brand new machine with 0 hours and full warranty will last you the rest of your life.

I sent you a PM with your closest LS dealer. Go by and sample the machines. Then go by and check out Kioti at their closest dealer.

Also, there is an LS forum subsection here with several members being dealers. Read the info and chat with other LS owners.

 

[ChrisintheMojave]

Thanks guys.

I came for fast "Get up to speed" and you guys are helping greatly.
Thank you and KEEP IT COMING!

I'm still working the "Lingo" FEL, CUT, SCUT....

 

[Olympus]

Here's a link to the LS Tractor USA intro video on YouTube. Worth watching to get to know who they are as a company. http://youtu.be/33yX_tm3y6U

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Well you started off looking at the all red tractors so don't forget bout Massey Ferguson. I found they were priced similar to the Kioti but are made in Japan like the Kubota and JD. Just a little higher quality manufacturing plants in Japan than Korea IMO. New model would be a 1724E used I would recommend a 1526 or 1529.

Also, very good advice from HCJ on the SSQA loader.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Olympus, I can't tell whether the J2023 is closer to the size of a Kubota BX or a B series. Or is it somewhere in between? Maybe the size of a small B series Kubota?

The tractor looks about the same size as my BX23, but the tires look somewhat bigger, so I'm assuming it's about the size of a small B series.