The great upgrade debate (long)

[jmc]

...new sizzle looks better then used sizzle.

Very eloquent, Roy. It succinctly describes a lot of situations.

John

 

[canoetrpr]

First important step: get the wife to think you need a new and bigger tractor, you poor dear.

IslandTractor - you sir are the master! May I call you "Master Yoda"?

 

[canoetrpr]

Option 6 might be to keep the L3400, a proven performer, and spend the upgrade money on hydraulic options, and/or more implements. I just got back from an Ontario fishing trip and it looks like they could use a few more grapples up there. If you have a loader for front weight, you still may be able to pull the 6 foot BH thru medium weeds, then slow down or overlap more in heavier stuff.

When I was reading this post I saw a picture in my mind of DiezNutz with his Woods backhoe!. A litte backhoe would add much in terms of what I could do with the L3400 over an above what moving to a larger machine would do for me.

I could rent a backhoe for a few days to work on my landscaping next year for about $400-500 OR I could buy a backhoe for my L3400 for what it would cost me to "upgrade" to a GL (about $7k). Now you tell me - which makes more sense ;-)

 

[swampvol]

To me the 3400 with a hoe is an upgrade over the 3240 without one...

 

[kybota]

In my case I took on some serious additional acreage

Serious additional acreage in Rhode Island??? How?


Sorry, I just had to say that when I read your post. Couldn't help myself.

 

[kybota]

I think that the sensible course of action is to re-look at this another 4 or so years from now and see if it makes sense then.

I may be a week late responding to this thread but it hits home a bit. Whenever I get that same upgrade bug, it is primarily for want of a cab. That is treating yourself because of rollover safety (more top heavy but better protection if it does roll) and protection from branches, bugs, cold, dirt, heat, noise and poison ivy (in alphabetical order, your importance may vary).

So, maybe you should reconsider upgrading sooner rather than later! If money wasn't a big, big issue, I would take the plunge tomorrow.

 

[canoetrpr]

For some reason a cab does not quite appeal to me (yet).. Maybe that is because I haven't driven a tractor with a cab.

Just seems convenient without a cab as I tend to be jumping on and off the tractor fairly often.

 

[IslandTractor]

Serious additional acreage in Rhode Island??? How?


Sorry, I just had to say that when I read your post. Couldn't help myself.

It seemed serious to someone trying to clear it with a 21hp tractor. I guess it can't be such "serious" acreage though as the whole island is less than 8 square miles. Then again, land is worth more or at least costs a lot more out here so I suppose all things are relative.