DIYGuy
Gold Member
At $8000, I doubt very much that you will find a full TLB package that isn't in the well used category, likey to have just as many if not more issues as a grey unit or a chinese tractor.
A new chinese TLB from a dealer will cost about $12000, something in the 25hp size, as long as you're willing to wrench a little bit, drive a gear tractor, and put up with low end fit and finish.
Parts availability on the chinese units isn't an issue any more as there are two large national dealers, and several smaller dealers that stock parts. There are american cross-overs for all the filters, radiator hoses, and few minor mod needed cross overs for things like thermostats and ignition switches if you want to upgrade them from their chinese counterparts.
I went the chinese route as I don't mind getting my hands dirty every once in a while.
Conversely, A nice new package from any of the name brand dealers will be in the $17k-$25k range with a used unit being about 2/3 of that.
If the BH is only going to be a once in while thing, perhaps you can look at something that does 90% of what you need, then rent for those few times that you need the other 10%. The BH is the expensive option here, about $3k on a chinese unit.
I have used a skid steer to move large rocks and landscaping prior to my tractor and it really tears up the ground. A different animal all together.
Only you can decide how much sweat equity you want to put into your tractor. For me, a new chinese tractor was the way to go. For you, it might be a used Kubota.
A new chinese TLB from a dealer will cost about $12000, something in the 25hp size, as long as you're willing to wrench a little bit, drive a gear tractor, and put up with low end fit and finish.
Parts availability on the chinese units isn't an issue any more as there are two large national dealers, and several smaller dealers that stock parts. There are american cross-overs for all the filters, radiator hoses, and few minor mod needed cross overs for things like thermostats and ignition switches if you want to upgrade them from their chinese counterparts.
I went the chinese route as I don't mind getting my hands dirty every once in a while.
Conversely, A nice new package from any of the name brand dealers will be in the $17k-$25k range with a used unit being about 2/3 of that.
If the BH is only going to be a once in while thing, perhaps you can look at something that does 90% of what you need, then rent for those few times that you need the other 10%. The BH is the expensive option here, about $3k on a chinese unit.
I have used a skid steer to move large rocks and landscaping prior to my tractor and it really tears up the ground. A different animal all together.
Only you can decide how much sweat equity you want to put into your tractor. For me, a new chinese tractor was the way to go. For you, it might be a used Kubota.
