Tractor question from a future buyer

MikePA · Jul 20, 2004

Is that you Mike?
Nope, not me. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I looked in machinefinder.com (off the link on the JD site) and two, 2002 110s came up, One for $31,900 and one for $36,450.

JerryG · Jul 20, 2004

I bet it is JohnM.

MikePA · Jul 20, 2004

I bet it is JohnM.
Nope. Here's a hint...coffee. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

txdon · Jul 20, 2004

Flatheadlake, I was looking at a used JD 110 and the new Kubota L5030 and L 4330 with the BH90 backhoe both in the price range you are looking at. I ended up getting the new L5030 Kubota. Both will do the jobs you want. I just liked the feel of the Kubota better it felt tighter and more responsive. I liked the seat arrangement, sloped hood, and the creep option on the JD. I liked the single HST pedal on the Kubota (kept going the wrong direction on the JD). However, both might be more tractor than you need, after your main jobs are over, for maintaining 5 acres. Looks like you have some fun tractor choices ahead. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JayC · Jul 20, 2004

The local Deere dealer has two 110s on the lot. The price is $32,990.

Also, Kioti has the LK3054XS with TLB package. The backhoe is removable so you can use the 3PH. I'd post a link to the Kioti site, but I seem to be having problems getting on. Not again... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Henro · Jul 20, 2004

I may still be a memeber of the "bigger is better" school...but let me ask...

How big are those couple lots? Are they in addition to the five acres? How quick do you need to get the work done?

Worst case it sounds like three septic systems, three driveways, and a bit of landscaping.

You don't need a huge tractor or deidicated TLB for those tasks, unless you want to finish them super quick. Even then, you might be better off hiring someone to do the heavywork and buying a smaller tractor for the long term.

My gut says something along the lines of the Kubota L3130 or 3430 would be enough tractor, if you put the BH90 backhoe on it. Or any color in the similar size.

I have a B2910 that is ideal for the heavy work maintaining/improving 3.7 acres. And a smaller one for light duties and grass cutting. My macho side wants me to get a bigger tractor, but my practical side knows that a bigger tractor would not work as good for me as it would not fit between the trees, and so on.

You need to balance the immediate with the long term. Sounds like the immediate would like something on the large side, but the immediate will not last that long...once you transition to the long term maintenance of the property side, you may find that the tractor that worked so well in the beginning does not quite suit the tasks at hand.

I guess what I am trying to say is, I think it may be better to suffer a little in the beginning, and be happy in the long run. Bigger is not always better...

Now if money were not an issue, I would say buy big first, sell it or keep it, and buy smaller later...have your cake and eat it too! Generally money is an issue though...

JayC · Jul 20, 2004

Mike, is that DK35vince? Or KiotiJohn?

frank_f15 · Jul 20, 2004

a friend of mine has a NH tc45 with BH and it seems quite nice, don;t really know what he paid for it, as he got a buch of other equiptment with it. u might want to check out the units other than the big 3, kioti makes a nice tractor and a bit less in price. you really need to get into dealers and check them all out, see what unit and fits in your price range and which feels best for you.

Bob_Skurka · Jul 20, 2004

( Need a tractor to do some trenching, excavating septics, building driveways, landscaping, etc. Then to be used to maintain approx 5 acres. Looking to spend around $30k but wouldn't mind spending less. )

 I think you are looking for 2 differnent tractors.

The tractor for 5 acres could range from a Sub-CUT up to a 30hp machine. The other work is really the work of a larger machine, I'd think the recommendation of a TLB or a 40-45hp tractor with a good backhoe would fall into the right size.

The problem with what I lay out is that you can't get both and a machine that will do both is really going to be a short term compramise that will take a lot longer to do the jobs you want/need done now, and then will not really be the suitable choice for the future.

If it was me, I think I would look at a 24hp small-frame CUT (like a NH TC24, Farmall DX24, Kubota B2410 or B7610 or similar size/type tractor) to purchase for maintaining the 5 acres; it will be big enough to do most everything you need, but small enough to effectively mow the lawn too.

I would RENT a dedicated machine for digging the trenches, septic, etc. I recently rented an excavator with a 12' reach and dug a 40' by 4' by 4' trench in a few hours; that same size trench would have taken a few days to dig with the Great Bend backhoe mounted on the back of the Kubota B2910 sitting in the yard. The rental cost me $225 from Noon on Saturday to 8am Monday. I got the job done before dinner Saturday! The right tool for the right job makes all the difference in the world. Given that you are developing a few lots, you can line up your tasks, bring in a dozer or an excavator and knock out the jobs quickly with the right tools. I think in the long run you will be better off and happier. I also think that you'd be well under $30,000 in total expenses. Even a loaded up deluxe 24hp machine with quality FEL and a nice assortment of implements is going to be no more than the lower 20's, that gives you about $6000 to $8000 for renting the big guns for the big jobs. And the big jobs will be completed much faster with much less machine stress.