Thoughts on FEL

Anonymous Poster · Jun 19, 2002

I'm planning to get a BX1800 and MMM in the next month or so. I'd like to get the 2200, but i think 1800 will be just fine for my needs, and besides, the 1800 has a rebate. The money's kinda tight so i'm planning to get a FEL in about 6 months.

I know its always better to get everything right off but finance says it ain't gonna happen, so I'll have to build my dream tractor a little at a time. Whats the group's thoughts on installing the FEL later (by the dealer, of course!).

And just for argument, is there any reason to hold off till I can afford the 2200?

Thanks,
Doug

RobertN · Jun 19, 2002

I bought my loader for my B8200HST later; I couldn't afford it all at once, without financing, which I did not want to do. I needed to mow right away, so the tractor/mower fit my needs. I was amazed though, how adding a loader TOTALLY changes the dynamics of the tractor. Now, I could not imagine being without it. I did find that without the loader, I needed some suitcase weights up front for both mower and scraper work. Don't need that now...

If things are tight for a while, think about a scoop. It mounts on the three point, and for $300 new, can move a lot of dirt.

One other thing to think about too, is how much hassle will it be to get your tractor back to the dealer for FEL instal, and then back to your place. The hassle may justify fessing up the bucks now.

As far as a 1800 vs a 2200, the thing I have wanted since shortly after getting my B8200 is some more power. But, it does everything I need around my house. Seems I only need more power when I work at someone elses place...

The only reason I would hold off would be if I found another Farmall/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif I love my old antique tractor/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif It's not as pratical for what I do, but it sure has a lot of class and character!

rdricks · Jun 19, 2002

I have the BX200 with the FEL. I purchased the FEL when I got the tractor. Main uses for the tractor was going to be pulling the trailers around the yard, and mowing the lawn. As it turns out I have used the FEL more than anything else! It always seems to come in handy.

Having said that, there is probably no issue with installing the FEL later, but I would have it installed by the dealer when yo udo purchase it. The dealer has to install it themselves whether you get it now or later - installation should be the same. The comment in the reply above should also be taken into consideration - how easy is it to get the unit back to the dealer?

kokopelli2 · Jun 19, 2002

come on guys won't your dealer pick up your tractor? this is ofcourse if you live near by. i would assume that most dealers would be interested in making a $2500 plus labor sale! i know that my dealer who is 40 miles each way would have no problems doing this.

Will_C · Jun 19, 2002

I did the same thing, bought the tractor, then the FEL to save financing the FEL. You are in position to negotiate now, so make an arrangement on purchase cost, transportation,installation, etc. before you buy. I'm sure the dealer will work with you, mine did.

Buck · Jun 19, 2002

My view is to get what you want because:

1) it won't loose value over time. You'll just lose the money you would of made on interest. 4k (an assumed difference between what you want and what you are proposing) is not that big of a deal in light of this, especially given current interest rates or current stock market returns.

2) it is a major investment-- the last thing you want is to be unhappy with it after a month or two.

3) financing such a deal is not a big risk because your net worth isn't altered due to the machine keeping its value.

Just my 2 cents,

Buck

gobbler · Jun 20, 2002

Doug,

I've got the BX1800 w/ MMM, 5' rear blade and 40" tiller. Got it about 3 weeks ago. I replaced an 12 year old JD L&G tractor that the water pump was bad, didn't feel like dumping $400 into it for repair. I basically made the same choice you are facing. My immediate need was mowing with the plan to reclaim some property this fall. I'll be adding the FEL this fall after bonuses are distributed.

Everybody keeps talking about the small price difference between the BX1800 and BX2200. In my case, the dealer was pretty aggressive in his pricing, and I got the BX1800 w/ MMM for $7950 after the rebate. About $1400 less than the BX2200.

So far, traction is the most limiting feature, not power. I've used the rear blade to push over and dig out some 3"-4" trees, sure it would be much easier and faster with the FEL, but I'm not in a race against anyone. I've used the tiller and blade to remove ruts and smooth out a couple areas on our property. Worked great.

As I said earlier, I've got some more reclaimation projects that I will need the FEL for, but right now, I'm been very happy with my purchasing decisions.

Jim

steveky · Jun 20, 2002

I had second thoughts on purchasing a FEL...but I went for it anyway. Its the most amazing tool I own. I have done so much with mine in the last 2 weeks its unbelieveable. I've got a L3010 and its amazing what that machine can do. I've dug up stumps, pushed over trees and dug out a MF255 that was buried. I'm happy with my decision. You won't be sorry.

Steve

MrP · Jun 20, 2002

I concurr with Steve. I spent three years without a FEL. Now I've had mine for a month. I am now learning what it is like to own a tractor.

The FEL is the most amazing implement for any compact tractor. Without a FEL a compact is just an expensive mower.

I LOVE my FEL. And the amazingly hard to please wife LOVEs it too. She went from: "Why would you spend $3,500 dollars on a FEL that you won't use" to "Wow the tractor is great with the FEL". She even tried to use it herself; which was a big falure. Oh, well more seat time for me.

cchoate · Jul 1, 2002

You let your wife use your tractor? My wife ruined my garden tractor, that's why I was able to get my 7500. She isn't even allowed to sit on the seat (unless she's naked).