Buying Advice What used tractor should i buy?

[fatboycowen]

I posted a while back about an L2501 that i almost bought. I backed out because i decided the payment was too much for too long.
So, i've managed to acquire a personal loan for 15k, and am looking for a tractor.

I'm struggling. I want one NOW, but realize i should wait for the right one to come along. I'm struggling also with finding the right size machine. It's so hard to compare sizes between brands. In some photos the BXs look big, some they look tiny.

I have a close friend with a B3030 Kubota. I want one about that size, or a touch bigger. I also want a backhoe. I've decided that i won't consider a 3ph backhoe. Must be frame mounted. Also must be Hydrostatic. I've never run a gear tractor. i'm sure i'd be fine, but i'm worried about the clutch crapping out on me. Plus, i'd be doing lots of stuff with the loader where Hydro would be best. Not doing any mowing or 3ph stuff or pto, at least for now. Need 4wd, as i'd be using it in the woods, and in the snow.

I've found some nice low hour machines, but they are all just out of my range. I've seen several B3200 kubotas for around 20k, with low hours. That would be nice, but i can't swing that now.

How do i figure out sizes and compare? If i find a massey for example, how do i compare it, size wise, to what i'm looking for without going to see it?

I'm aiming for something with around, or under 500 hours. Is this reasonable? Should i consider 1200hr machines? I'm extremely mechanically oriented, and have tons of tools, but i have very little experience with hydraulics or diesel, aside from building hoses part time while in college. I'm sure i'll pick it all up, but i want a machine that isn't going to strand me, at least at first.

What other brands and models should i be on the lookout for? Anything i should avoid? I saw a Cub Cadet 7265 that was nice. Far away, and i was a little scared off by the brand. Plus, i wasnt confident it was the right size machine.

I'm also going to look at an allmand 4wd TLB with 1500hrs. Only drawback i can think of with that is, i can't tow it with my current trailer and truck. Max would be about 5000lb. It's also an unknown for reliability and parts.

Another thing. I've been scouring craigslist, and looking at used sections on local dealer websites. Am i missing places to look for used machines?

Sorry for the rant. Any advice would be great.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

For $15,000 with a frame-mounted backhoe, you'll be looking at a used "B" series Kubota with 500 - 1000 hours on it. (By the way, smart move in not going with a 3 point mounted backhoe.) If the tractor has been maintained properly and not abused, I would have no hesitation buying one with 500 - 1000 hours (or more). They are very dependable tractors.

You could find a gently used BX23, 24 or 25 within your budget (and would have money left over if you went with a BX23 or BX24). But those may be too small for your woods work. You would need to budget $180 to buy a BXpanded belly pan for it (to protect the hydraulic system fan). The little BX's will do a lot more work than you would think, but you can't change the laws of physics. They are small tractors and can only lift and pull so much, and their ground clearance is less than larger tractors. I've got a BX23 and I love it.

Don't overlook other brands either. Look at Massey, Kioti, LS and Mahindra. They all make nice tractors in the small compact size equivalent to the Kubota "B" series.

Are you checking tractorhouse.com for listings? You can put in your zip code and find tractors that are close to you.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I would look for a used B21. Seems to fit your criteria. 1200 hrs is considered low. I would hesitate at closer to 8k to 10k hrs. $15k might get you a used B26 but hours might be high at that price.

 

[fatboycowen]

Any reason to avoid a cub cadet 7265?