What tractor/loader to buy

[nvip9r]

Hi, I am a newbie and looking for the right machine to buy...I am interested in something in the 28HP/35HP range...with loader/backhoe/backblade/yorkrake...what my question is, what would be a good machine to buy...I know the big three are great...but pricey...what are peoples thoughts on Century, Ironhorse, Kioti tractors...or are there some others that are good and reputable? Like I said I am new to this...but don't want to get burned purchasing something that isn't worth the $$. My budget is not huge...something in the range of 15K-20K...thanks for any info and your thoughts...

Nick /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[DK35vince]

I can't comment on the other machines you mentioned because I have no experiance with them.
But I've had a Kioti DK 35 for going on 2 1/2 years now (240 hours) and have been very happy with it.
It is comfortable, works great and has been problem free so far.
( dealer replaced 1 bucket cylinder O-ring when new)

 

[grandad]

Hi, Nick. Welcome! You are likely to get lots of good advice here at TBN and there is a wealth of historical knowledge you can search also. I will begin by suggesting you will get more detailed responses if you explain something about what you plan to do with your tractor, how much acreage you have, your general location, etc. Otherwise, people are going to tell you pretty generic things about your choices.

Candidly, I think it's going to be a stretch to get a new 25-35 hp tractor with loader and backhoe for $20K or less. You may have to make some kind of compromise somewhere in the equation, such as buying a used unit, not getting the backhoe right away, going to a less popular brand, or such.

If you have some basic mechanical skills and some spare time, a used tractor or one of the Chinese import tractors could be a good choice. If your time is scarce, though, you may want to stay with one of the major brands having good dealer support nearby. Keep in mind that the major brands offer pretty attractive financing which can keep your upfront costs under control.

Again, take a few minutes to outline some of the specifics on your situation, and you'll probably hear from plenty of the experts here.

Good luck, and I hope you make it an enjoyable experience!

 

[KiotiJohn]

Hey and welcome Nick. I have to agree with grandpa, without knowing your situation it's hard to recommend. However, I know that often, people think they need more tractor than they really do. I get by fine with my CK20 HST, loader, backhoe and other implements. The TLB should cost around 17-18K. Next step up, and highly recommended by myself and others, is the LK3054XS which is a newly designed version of what, for years, was the bread and butter tractor for Kioti. I'm sure you'll hear from satisfied owners here on TBN. You should probably be able to get the TLB package for around 20K. Go to "My Home" and put in information on your location, size of property, and tell us some of the things you plan to do. We can be more specific then. John
CK20 Albums

 

[To20Chris]

I bought a Kioti LK3054 (not the new XS version) this spring, with a Rhino 2408 FEL and a Rhino 65A BH. With filled R4 tires it came in under $20K. I could have put on a bigger 7.5' BH, but I was trying to keep costs down. I have about 42hrs on it now, and I love it. I haven't a shred of "buyer's remorse", and each time I use it I'm more convinced that I bought the right tractor. The only thing I would consider having done differently would be to go with the ag tires for better traction. The improvements on the XS model are all very worthwhile, but I don't know how they afffect price. My bet is that it is still a great deal, because Kioti now has the CK30 on the way. Give it a look, I think you will be impressed with what you get.

 

[nvip9r]

Actually my plans with the machine is to do a lot of landscaping around my house...I don't have much for land...but I have a ton of landscaping to do...moving dirt, building landscaping walls, and then doing drainage ditches around foundations and walls, my dad and sister also need to use machine...and for what I need done it would probably cost me something in the neighborhood of 4K-5K just to rent one to get everything done...people get 150-200 dollars a day for renting...but then I figure try and do some small side jobs, got friends that build houses for a living and could probably do finish landscaping for them...So I just started looking and I love to work outside...I came across a Ironhorse tractor 35HP,354 Model I think, asking 12K...backhoe an extra 4K...but don't know anything about these machines? So trying to do research and get educated...I figure can always use machine for winters as well...hope this gives you a little better understanding of where I am coming from and thanks for the info...

Nick /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GerardC]

Welcome to TBN.
For what you say you plan on doing, I would take a serious look at the CK20 line of Kioti tractor. You get a whole lot of tractor that will tackle what your looking to do for well under $20,000.
Also, if your going to let Dad and Sis use it, HST may be the way to go AND you'd want to make sure that you have the right Insurance coverage. Hope this helps. G

 

[F350Lawman]

You can get a 27 hp John Deere 790 with FEl and BH for just under 20,000.

 

[lablovers]

nvip94
I recently purchased the LK3054XS TLB with box scraper for 20,000. That was with the 3 year no interest financing. Great tractor set-up for a great price. Welcome and good luck. Keep us informed.

 

[Chipperman]

nvip9r
Hello and welcome to TBN. I think the "Iron Horse" you speak of is actually a “Jima” Chinese tractor. Chinese tractors are fine for some and totally out of the question for others. You need to have the capacity and desire of doing all your own service and repair with them. In addition they drive and shift differently then the syncro shuttle tractors like the Century and Kioti (some models) you mentioned. If you plan on doing a lot of loader work a syncro shuttle would be more productive and easier to operate. I would strongly recommend you test drive ALL the tractors you are considering. In doing so go through all the operations you would do when in actual use. (Shifting up/down, forward and reverse repetitively, etc.) In addition you may want to peruse the Kioti and the Zetor/Century/Branson sections here on TBN. Your tractor will be a major investment you will more then likely have for years to come. You may find increasing your budget slightly will pay back in additional productivity, less service/repair, comfort and ease of operation. Good luck with what ever you do.
Happy Tractoring
Chipperman /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif