tractor newbie, need sound advice

[30blows]

I am a buddhist monk and several of us are building a Zen Center in Desert Hot Springs, CA (_hot_ summers). We are thinking to buy a small tractor to do-it-ourself and build a small road/driveway, parking lot, move earth for foundations, dig trenches for piping and cable. Not so many rocks, mild grades, about 7-10 acres to work on.

So far, I know nothing about tractors -- have been looking about the web. We were hoping to pay about $3,000 but could pay a bit more (monks are poor) for a small used tractor. Can you give any basic advice about what models/years/types to consider or avoid? Would a used bobcat serve? Someone has offered to donate an _old_ International T-340 (circa 1960?) but it has been parked in the snow and sun for 5+ years, doesn't start, rust and broken gauges, and could be a very bad mistake...

We don't mind learning the ropes and putting time into maintenance, but are hoping to avoid an initial expensive mis-step. Thank you for your time.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( build a small road/driveway, parking lot, )</font> I'd say you need a box blade, </font><font color="blue" class="small">( move earth for foundations )</font> simply by dragging with a box blade perhaps, but really need a front end loader, </font><font color="blue" class="small">( dig trenches for piping and cable )</font> how deep? Possibly a plow, but really need a trencher or backhoe.

In other words, you'll need at least a minimum of implements or attachments for the tractor, and I would not be very optimistic about finding what you need even if you double your budget. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[BillG_in_TX]

I think you need to find someone looking to upgrade their tractor who could use a good tax deduction. Some newspapers and/or other news outlets have a regular feature where non-profits advertise their special needs.

Make sure you specify that you need one that runs. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You might get a tractor donated and be able to use your budget for repairs, maintenance and implements. Lots of implements. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[zuiko]

I would look at renting to get the construction done. You can could rent a trackhoe pretty inexpensively for example to do all the hoe work (foundation, trenches) and get it done in a couple days. Your budget is really small to be looking to buy something that will do everything you describe. If you rented the hoe you could probably find something to do the rest in your price range. The bobcat might be a good fit for the rest.

 

[frank_f15]

don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but in that price range u are not going find much.good luck anyhow.

 

[BruceR]

You might check into a 2cyl. Yanmar tractor. Reliable, easy to maintain, would handle a box blade for you. Just avoid the "factory reconditioned" models. You will find a lot of good information here. Welcome.

Bruce

 

[n4807g]

$3,000?

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but in that price range u are not going find much.good luck anyhow )</font>

Yikes.. I'd have to agree.. Perhaps a used small jinma? 184??? with a few implements..

Soundguy

 

[IH3444]

I think you should look at used Zen-tors. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif