Tractor question from a future buyer

[flatheadlake]

Looking for some advice for a tractor purchase. I have a couple of lots to be developed here in Montana. Need a tractor to do some trenching, excavating septics, building driveways, landscaping, etc. Then to be used to maintain approx 5 acres. I don't have any brand loyalty. Looking to spend around $30k but wouldn't mind spending less. Purchase in the next 30 days. Would certainly appreciate any advice from you experience guys. Thanks.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">...to do some trenching...</font>
Backhoe

<font color="blue">...excavating septics...</font>
Backhoe, FEL with toothbar. How deep will the excavating be? A tractor with a backhoe attachment is not a replacement for an excavator.

<font color="blue">...building driveways...</font>
FEL with toothbar, box blade, rear blade.

<font color="blue">...landscaping, etc...</font>
All of the above, plus other attachments, depending upon what 'etc' includes.

<font color="blue">...Then to be used to maintain approx 5 acres. </font>
What kind of '5 acres'? Woods, pasture, field or lawn? Might need a finish mower or a rotary cutter.

Depending upon your answers, I think you're looking at 35 to 45 hp with several attachments that will consume every bit of that $30K, if not more.

 

[flatheadlake]

MIke,

I appreciate what you have to say. The 5 acres is mostly wooded, but would like to create more yard, which means pulling stumps. I would consider spending more, that's why I'm here, I can certainly use all the advice I can get. Thanks again.

 

[mahlers]

I had all of the things on your list on my list when I went looking. I started with tractors in the 45HP range that were very capable (NH TC45 w/ backhoe, Kubota L48, and a few others). The L48 is a darn sweet tractor - and definitely worth a look. The TC45 with backhoe (either NH or Bradco) is also a great choice, and a bit more cost effective.

Since I kept gravitating back toward full-size TLBs like a Case 580 because of the number of holes and trenches I need to dig fast, I started thinking about the NH TN series utility tractors. They're a great compromise between size, strength and power. I ended up getting a TN70S with cab, Bradco 611 backhoe, and NH 33LA loader. So far it's almost as capable as a full-size TLB, and it's flexible enough to do all the landscaping and grading chores when I feel like taking the backhoe off. Something like that is going to be a bit out of your budget range, but if you're like me, your budget will expand as you start looking at what's out there.

 

[flatheadlake]

What do you think of the JD 110 tlb. I have seen some slightly used in the mid $30k range?

 

[mahlers]

I've never driven one, but I hear they are great.

 

[MikePA]

I saw one at the Empire Farm Days a few years ago. Very nice piece of equipment if your tasks run more towards things better suited to a TLB, which yours seem to.

 

[KiotiJohn]

After you're finished with most of the heavy work, you may not be happy having just a TLB unless you can easily remove the backhoe and put on a cutter and other implements like a boxblade. Check out tractors you think you will be interested in, and then check out a Kioti DK35 or DK45 with a backhoe and a loader. I think you will find a lot of extras included in the sale price instead of added on as with many other brands. These are very capable tractors that should do all you want to do and more. Make sure when you compare, you compare an equal tractor. Basically the same HP, lift capacity, weight, etc. Not different class tractors, or you won't really see the deal. If you read the Kioti forums, you'll find some very happy DK35/45 owners, DK35Vince in particular, who have done a lot of grading, digging, etc. both of these tractors, with loader and backhoe will be well within your budget. My dealer had a Kioti DK45 with a Woods loader and Woods Backhoe recently on his lot for around $26,000. It was a sharp setup. John

 

[MikePA]

The nice thing about the 110 is that it's got a 3ph and the backhoe is removable.

BTW, there's a well known TBNer in the first picture. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The nice thing about the 110 is that it's got a 3ph and the backhoe is removable. )</font>
That would be good then. So many other jobs will come up and the 3pt will be important. I was sort of under the impression that the 110 was rather dedicated. Thanks for the info. Is that you Mike? John