Re: Update on the journey
Well, I have listened to you all and thought a lot about all of the input you have provided - and again - it is appreciated. So, today, I cast my net out even farther (traveled about 250 miles total) and looked at a
B7800 at one dealer, and at 3430 HST and 3410 HST at another dealer - earlier I also got a price on a 3130 HST - new. I have to say that the size of the
B7800 still looks like it will do the job for me (remember, while I have 90 acres, the reality is that I have 5 of the 90 and the cows have the other 85 acres though they have granted me easements to the 85) Also as I contemplate my uses here, I figure I will use to mow only max of 4 times a year due to where I live - maybe about an acre total - I sense many of you mow every few weeks. . and most of my use likely for maintaining roads and landscaping tasks, and who knows. . . . But, I recognize that you guys have a lot more tractor savy than I have (especially since I have never owned one) so I am listening. . . and asking for more help. Anyway, this is where I am and what I have found:
(1)
B7800 about $12,000
the best FEL I can get with this model, about $3000
Have not yet discussed particular implements
(2)
L3410 HST with 16 hours, with R4 tires / filled at about $14000
--this model apparently does not take the Kubota 723 loader, so with a Woods 1012, with 66" bucket with QA and cutting edge and tooth bar, total= $4200. Dealer will weld on chain hooks.
(3)
L3430 HST, with 24 hours, R4 tires = $15,500
Kubota 723 Loader, with 72" bucket cutting edge and tooth bar = $4600 , (no QA with this one, that would add $300)
The implements with (2) and (3) above, quoted by dealer:
Gearmore BB 66 scraper = $525
Gearmore Post HD - D40 with 9 and 12 " augers = $800
(I want a utility PHD - won't use it much but when I need it I really need it)
Gearmore cutters: L60"-40 = $925, or
L-72"-40 = $1025
(4)
L3130 HST (new) with 723 FEL with HD bucket and tooth bar, priced together at $19,800 / quoted BoxB 60" at $510. PHD with 9" auger at $775, rear rotary mower (I think 60") at $795, no brands mentioned yet.
I am aware the
L3410 is the older model, I inspected both the 3410 and the 3430 and discussed with dealer. Same HP, but differences are
L3430 hood opens - flips up while 3410 has side panels access to engine / no cup holder for 3410, cruise control operation a bit different / 3430 seat has arm rests (though dealer will give me some arm rests he thinks I can mount on the 3410 seat) / and the 3430 has more electronic dash info. . . may be others - that was as much as we could discover. Delivery is quite a ways and will be $75, and will include tutoring, set up and run throughs hooking and unhooking, etc....
Also, Moss Roads web site and the Power Trac site, and that thread has caused me to also look at the PTs -at a 30 HP diesel model and at a 45 HP diesel model - very intriguing - though at the higher end of the PTs the attachments become a bit costly. But I really liked what I found.
Anyway, your thoughts re the equipment, cost and so on. . ?