Well, now I'm really confused

[coachgrd]

Well, now I\'m really confused

For those of you who have been following my saga over the past month or so, I am looking to upgrade from a small lawn tractor to something bigger. I started out not knowing what I was looking for then began to think that a JD 455 would be what I needed. (I am looking to get into a diesel.) The more I looked into them (I was looking for a low hour machine, thinking that if I was going to spend the $$$ many of these were going for, it better be darn nice.) Anyhow, the more I looked the more I thought perhaps I might just as well be better off going new, into something like a JD GX355 or Kubota 1860. I have priced both and they are comparable. The only difference I can find is that the 355 has hydralics to lift the blower. Anyhow, the other day I stopped by another local Kubota dealer to get a price on the 1860 and what do I see but a used but PRISTINE JD 455. It has 475 hours on it but it may as well been 75, it was that nice. Now the dealer claims that is how it came in and it very well may have. He says the previous owner (who upgraded to a BX) was meticulous in his care of her, and it shows. So now I'm thinking "what do I do now?" I have this used 455 for 7900.00 (including a 54" deck, snow blower-but no wts. & chains...I forgot to look if the 455 had a 3 pt.) Then the new GX355 with same attachments (including wts. & chains) for 9200.00. The price I got a 1860 was similiar. Any thoughts as to where I should lean? Thanks everyone.

Gary

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

I don't know if I could tell you what I would do. That is something you will have to figure out yourself. Any of the 3 machince should give you years of service. Good luck with your new machine.

 

[virgil]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

sometimes its cheaper in the long run to buy a new machine.
Just a short time ago, this would not be the case.
These low, low intrest rates on new equipment has made it impractical to buy a GOOD used machine that is only a year or so old.
Just my 2 cents worth.. virg

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

I don't know the size of either of those machines.. but they sound close in price to a NH tc 18..

And are more than a chineese jinma.. etc.. ( 9999.99 buys you a 35hp jinma with free shipping right now from northern... 20 hp is 6???.00 with free shipping.. )

You've got hard choices.

Soundguy

 

[blackwell]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

I have had good sucess with Power Trac tractors and attachments, both gas and diesel. They are 4WD, articulated, with front lifting arms as the workhorse to handle over 40 front mounted attachments. They have mowers, snow blowers, snow blades, buckets, post hold diggers, tillers,etc. The PT180 is $4500 new. Their site is www.power-trac.com.
Hope this helps. Good luck in making your choice.
EB

 

[BXMMCC]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

Did you price out a Kubota BX1500? Diesel and 3pt come standard.

 

[coachgrd]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

I have priced the 1500 and to be honest, it's what I really need. It exceedes my drop deal price of 9500.00. (That is, I will drop dead from a beating inflicted by wife if I go over that.) I might be able to get into on if all I wanted was a snow plow but with the amount of snow we get here, I'd run out of places to push it.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

Re: Well, now I\'m really confused

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have priced the 1500 and to be honest, it's what I really need. It exceedes my drop deal price of 9500.00. (That is, I will drop dead from a beating inflicted by wife if I go over that.) I might be able to get into on if all I wanted was a snow plow but with the amount of snow we get here, I'd run out of places to push it. )</font>

First a little story/proverb. If you plop a frog in hot water, he will jump right out. If you put it in cold water and raise the temp slowly, you can cook him without him knowing he is 'in the fire'.

You might run out of places to push the snow but in the middle of next winter when you can no longer clear the drive you can say, '(insert favorite pet name for wife), I just can't clear the drive any more. I guess I messed up by not getting that blower. I will be back in a few.' Ofcourse you take that 1500 up and have the blower installed.

You get the 1500 for less than $9500. The blower is not figured in, you get a 4wd machine, and you don't drop dead. Your wife (the frog) never knew she was in the fire.