What size second tractor ?

[rbargeron]

I've posted here often about my L5450 - a machine very similar in power and weight to the L48. It has a Kubota/Bradco 11 HD backhoe and is a superb machine with removeable LA-1150A loader, hydraulic shuttle, wet clutch, etc.

Like many here I've been looking at cabs. Laurin makes a beauty that's priced north of $6k. Recently I found a little-used L5450 with the fancy Laurin already on it - so I bought it. My plan has been to transfer the Bradco subframe to the cab tractor and then sell the non-cab L5450.

But lately I'm thinking about maybe keeping both. I don't have a commercial operation to justify having two tractors, but whenever a job requires two attachments having a second machine sure is handy.

I've always assumed a second machine would be smaller or bigger - but now I'm wondering about having two the same. Any thoughts?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Guess most people will want to know what you do with your tractor. What does your tractor not do that you would like to do or is extremely difficult to do with your current tractor? What attachments do you have that are so difficult to change and how often do you change them? Will you ever use the one without the cab or does it have heat and a/c? Are you rich? If your rich forget any of the questions and keep both tractors and if you have several attachments get another one.

 

[grossgary]

keep both for a year and see how it works out for you?

sounds more like a financial decision than anything else. if you can afford it - keep both. they won't dramatically loose value over time, so if you're selling them in 10 years the only thing you've lost is opportunity cost. with two machines you can specialize and pick the one you want rather than worrying about which implements you'll need or swap around or store, etc.

depending on your usage you'll keep hours lower on each machine and never be dependent on one machine.

i like having an assortment of vehicles. i'd rather pick the one that best suits what i'm doing than be forced to have one or two fit every situation. and i'm never entirely dependent on one vehicle either.

 

[dangerdoc]

I've posted here often about my L5450 - a machine very similar in power and weight to the L48. It has a Kubota/Bradco 11 HD backhoe and is a superb machine with removeable LA-1150A loader, hydraulic shuttle, wet clutch, etc.

Like many here I've been looking at cabs. Laurin makes a beauty that's priced north of $6k. Recently I found a little-used L5450 with the fancy Laurin already on it - so I bought it. My plan has been to transfer the Bradco subframe to the cab tractor and then sell the non-cab L5450.

But lately I'm thinking about maybe keeping both. I don't have a commercial operation to justify having two tractors, but whenever a job requires two attachments having a second machine sure is handy.

I've always assumed a second machine would be smaller or bigger - but now I'm wondering about having two the same. Any thoughts?

I've had up to three tractors at one time. You are right, very handy to have a blade, backhoe and mower available at one time. On the downside, they were all old and a bear to keep all of them running.

 

[rbargeron]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not rich, but I've worked a long time and I think I'd be more efficient with a second machine. I tried a little L225 but I seem to be more at home on something bigger. I posted here looking for a L345 or something similar - then this L5450 deal came along. Curtisfarmer seems to like having two L48's so I wondered if there are others who have 2 similar rigs.

 

[The Gardener]

I like the idea of multiple machines when each one has a defined purpose. Having two machines is great. Owning a third treads on nirvana.

Number 1:
I feel that cutting grass is an effort best suited for a dedicated machine. Pick your option: [a riding lawn mower, a tractor with a MMM, a zero-turn, an F-series Kubota, or a rear mowing deck]. For me, I always seem to be faced with grass cutting when I am tired, pinched for time, and/or both. I have little desire to fiddle around with an attachment at either end of the effort.

I prefer to:

turn the key, start the engine, cut
turn the key, stop the engine, walk away

Number 2:
A large, all-purpose TLB cannot be beat. Add a few rear and front end attachments, and there isn't a job that you cannot tackle. There's the

PHD
chipper
box blade
grapple
pallet forks
tiller

and others as well; but this collection [or some combination] should answer most needs.

Number 3:
Money no object coupled with a legitimate need and enough acreage to keep creating new projects, my third purchase to round out the machine collection would be a mini excavator. Nothing is more convenient for digging than the excavator. It, too, offers some nifty attachments adding to its unsurpassed capability. Their reach, 360 degree spin, and inherent stability without requiring stabilizers create the perfect digging machine for speed and results.

:The Gardener

 

[LBrown59]

I wondered if there are others who have 2 similar rigs.

Here are mine.

 

[LBrown59]

I like the idea of multiple machines when each one has a defined purpose. Having two machines is great. Owning a third treads on nirvana.
****************
1*I feel that cutting grass is an effort best suited for a dedicated machine. tractor with a MMM, a zero-turn, an F-series Kubota, or a rear mowing deck]. .

2*Number 2:
A large, all-purpose TLB cannot be beat. Add a few rear and front end attachments, and there isn't a job that you cannot tackle.
pallet forks
tiller

3*my third purchase to round out the machine collection would be a mini excavator.
:The Gardener

2*
1*
3*