Hi everyone. First time viewing site and it is quite informative. I have 6 acres that needs considerable tractor related work that I have decided is too much to stricly look at rentals or hiring. Initially I was considering a skid steer but I have more lately been looking at 'newer' compact tractors with loader and backhoe. Skid steer seems to be too much with a backhoe that seems to be essential for my needs. Work I need to do is pull small to medium tree stumps, trench work, some light to medium grading, reprofiling for drainage, etc. I have looked at some newer compact Kubotas in the 23-25 Hp range but a little beyond what I desire to spend for a good solid machine that will not be an operational or maintenance liability. These machines new are around $14-15K. I'd like to keep the cost in the $8K range if at all possible. Seems like some folks suggest to go as big as you can afford but that would put me into an older tractor that may be a land monument if it has any significant problem. I greatly appreciate any specific advice folks could offer me on recommended make, model, Hp, year range, etc. Thanks in advance. Great site. dand
Tractor Purchase Advice Requested
- Thread starter dand
- Start date
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You're probably in the same situation as a lot of folks who start looking. I started out looking at some pretty light tractors, large garden tractors really - then I worked my way up to something that can easily do what I need. I'd up the $$ you're looking at spending, or consider contracting for some of the work you want to do. You can check out the Chinese tractors but keep an eye on parts availability, service, etc. Not to discourage you, but realistically I doubt you'd get something in the $8000 range thats going to be large enough, or in decent enough shape for your needs. You never know though... you may find a bargain out there.
Good Luck searching. I think you'd get more replies if you give the folks a clue where you are - it helps to know people in the area, and what dealers are around.
Take Care,
Good Luck searching. I think you'd get more replies if you give the folks a clue where you are - it helps to know people in the area, and what dealers are around.
Take Care,
Thanks for the reply. To add more information to my post as you suggest (regarding my location, etc.) I live just NE of Columbus, OH and land is generally flat but gently sloped with mostly clay soil with some trees in the sappling to 12+" size that I am currently thinning but leaving the stumps that I would like to extract with the backhoe, fill in, level and plant. Thanks again. dand
I just heard the register ringing... more $$... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
OK - If you want to get a tractor with a good back hoe on it then I think you really need to be lucky... I'm talking break the bank lucky to get a tractor with that set-up. Just a thought, but you may want to see what brands are around you - check out the tractors with front end loaders that are in a comfortable price range and ask about Back hoe rental. The dealer I bought from rents a lot of implements - for example I've cleared about 2 acres and I need to clean it up soon - I'm renting a york rake from them to get it done. From what I understand it is about $6000 to purchase the unit I'm renting for around $250 for a weekend.
Have you looked at any brands yet?
OK - If you want to get a tractor with a good back hoe on it then I think you really need to be lucky... I'm talking break the bank lucky to get a tractor with that set-up. Just a thought, but you may want to see what brands are around you - check out the tractors with front end loaders that are in a comfortable price range and ask about Back hoe rental. The dealer I bought from rents a lot of implements - for example I've cleared about 2 acres and I need to clean it up soon - I'm renting a york rake from them to get it done. From what I understand it is about $6000 to purchase the unit I'm renting for around $250 for a weekend.
Have you looked at any brands yet?
Interesting consideration/opinion to maybe stay with a tractor with loader only setup and rent a backhoe. As far as brands I haven't really focused on a brand or model as yet just looking at everything in general. With what I describe would you generally suggest to stay with a compact tractor with loader (and if very fortunate get a backhoe thrown in should I stay with budget) or reconsider a skid steer loader that I could also rent a backhoe? Thanks, dand
I have to be honest - I've never rented or driven a skidsteer - others here have a lot more experience in that regard.
I can't say where you should start, but you're likely to get some good advice from a reputable dealer in your area. See what is closest and start there. There are several good choices for brands - see which shops you like the best and I think everything else will fall into place.
6 acres is a good sized area to work - I'm on 8 here, and I'm only working 1/2 of it at best. I wouldn't go too small with a CUT if I were you. In the long run you'll be really happy you got a stronger tractor.
I can't say where you should start, but you're likely to get some good advice from a reputable dealer in your area. See what is closest and start there. There are several good choices for brands - see which shops you like the best and I think everything else will fall into place.
6 acres is a good sized area to work - I'm on 8 here, and I'm only working 1/2 of it at best. I wouldn't go too small with a CUT if I were you. In the long run you'll be really happy you got a stronger tractor.
Dand,
You might take a look at a Power Trac PT422 with over 40 attachments available you can find what you need. 4WD, articulated, 22HP machine only $6500, bucket $300, Small backhoe $1000 and maybe a few other items and not bust your budget. These little machines will do a lot of work, we have six different models. They also come with quick attach which allows you to change attachments in seconds. Prices may change the first of May due to steel price increases.
www.power-trac.com
Good luck,
EB
You might take a look at a Power Trac PT422 with over 40 attachments available you can find what you need. 4WD, articulated, 22HP machine only $6500, bucket $300, Small backhoe $1000 and maybe a few other items and not bust your budget. These little machines will do a lot of work, we have six different models. They also come with quick attach which allows you to change attachments in seconds. Prices may change the first of May due to steel price increases.
www.power-trac.com
Good luck,
EB
grandad
Platinum Member
Hi, dand, welcome to TBN. You live in a beautiful part of Ohio, not far from where I grew up. As you probably know, the area between Columbus and Cleveland has had lots of farming over the years, and while not like it was 40 years ago, farming is still a part of the rural scene up there.
So this is just a suggestion, but I wouldn't give up too quickly on finding a decent, good-sized older farm tractor that would have the weight and power to do your initial land clearing and grading. Your $8k budget would get you a really capable older John Deere, New Holland, Massey or other make that could do the job and later be sold for something smaller once the heavy work was done.
You may have to do some serious tire-kicking to find something that's not totally worn out, but such machines are definitely around and central Ohio ought to have its share.
Best of luck... and I hope you have as much fun getting started as I am having with my place!
So this is just a suggestion, but I wouldn't give up too quickly on finding a decent, good-sized older farm tractor that would have the weight and power to do your initial land clearing and grading. Your $8k budget would get you a really capable older John Deere, New Holland, Massey or other make that could do the job and later be sold for something smaller once the heavy work was done.
You may have to do some serious tire-kicking to find something that's not totally worn out, but such machines are definitely around and central Ohio ought to have its share.
Best of luck... and I hope you have as much fun getting started as I am having with my place!
Bob_Skurka
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 7,615
Given your budget, a Chinese tractor is a possible option, without the backhoe. But I really don't like them, especially for a newbie, because they are gear units. I think Blackwell may have given the best overall advice with the Power Trac PT 422. I'd prefer the PT425, but the 422 is in line with the budget and from what I saw when I was looking at new tractors they are amazingly capable units at very competitive pricing. Unorthodox looking, but absolute tanks.
I think you can find a good capable tractor with loader in the 25-35 HP range for the $8,000 price you want, but with backhoe, add probably at least a couple more thousand for used. I don't think you would need a larger tractor than those as I do much of what you mention and more with my 21HP CK20 Kioti. Finding such a tractor may take some time and patience, but if you're good at researching, you'll find one. If you're not mechanically inclined, toward tractors, I think you should avoid Chinese unless you know someone that can do the little piddly things that seem to go wrong with them in the beginning. Usually minor irritations, and then they seem to be doing pretty well with the bugs worked out. I'd avoid buying gray market tractors as well for the same reason, mechanics and parts prices/availability. If you're a good tractor mechanic, you wouldn't be asking these questions anyway. Try to find a not so old used tractor with loader, maybe later you could add an inexpensive backhoe like Koyker or some others. Keep in mind that you may only NEED the backhoe for a short time to get immediate problems solved, and then not use it for long periods, so maybe planning well and renting for a weekend you could get all that done right away and not be stuck with something you don't really need any longer. Hope this helps. John
