Trying to decide on first tractor

[dusty3030]

Quick Craigslist search in your general area yielded this. So for 15,000 or so what you want in something not really really old is easy to find anywhere - (I have no idea about this machine in particular just an example of what I was talking about earlier)

John Deere tractor with backhoe & loader

 

[Armymutt]

I ended up finding a late 60s Ford 4500 backhoe. It's ugly, but works. Has what I would call a Class 1 leak under the engine. The hoses for the most part are in ok condition. Some are new, others aren't. It's strong enough to pick up the tractor. There's some rust on the cylinders, but the seals are intact. For $3800, it'll do what I need it to do. Going to wait until fall to get a utility tractor. Gives me time to build a shelter for it, as well as clear out stumps, emplace my culvert, build a road across the muddy part, and a low water crossing for the stream.