Which one??

back_the_pack · Mar 30, 2002

Hello everyone! I am in the market for my first tractor, and I have really liked what I have heard about the Kioti. My question is now which one to buy. My needs will range from mowing to earth moving. I want something I can move a lot of dirt around with, but still afford. I saw the O'Bryan site and liked the setup on their LB1914 (FEL and Backhoe). Is the 1914 going to be enough tractor for moving alot of stuff around? I was thinking more along the lines of a 25 to 30 hp, but I obviously like the price of the 1914. What do you guys think?

helobubba · Mar 30, 2002

I'm new to the Kioti brand but in general I think the LB 1914 might be a little too light for the applications you mention. I went with the LK3054 and I'm sure I made the right choice.

RanchMan · Mar 30, 2002

Howdy!

I'll go ahead and jump in and try and ask a few questions a lot of the "old guys" (Veterans - I mean Veterans!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif) would probably ask to get a better idea on what they'd use...

...something I can move a lot of dirt around with...

I guess the question here is what is "a lot" to you? Are we talking a few cubic yards for flower beds or are we talking about making a stock-tank (er - um - a lot of non-Texans call them "ponds")? If you could be a little more specific on the types of projects you wish to complete about your place, that would help quite a bit in the "sizing" discussion and opinions on the best implement for the job (e.g. FEL vs. BH).

...range from mowing to...

How much area do you need to mow? An acre? 3? higher? What type of mowing? Finish? Rough pasture stuff?

I'm sure you'll get LOTS of opinions here - but get ready - you'll get lots of questions too!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

back_the_pack · Mar 30, 2002

Well, let's see if I can clarify a little. As far as mowing goes, it will be a small amount (1 - 2 acres at most). The FEL and backhoe are what I really need to work hard for me. I am in the mountains of NC, therefore rock and lots of vegatation will be in my way on some jobs. I plan to use this tractor to prep building sites. I realize I cannot move a mountain, but I need some power. I will also be using it to cut in driveways and maintain driveways. Snow scraping will also be of some concern. Does any of this help? Let me know if you need more.

RanchMan · Mar 30, 2002

Does any of this help? 

Absolutely!

As far as mowing goes, it will be a small amount (1 - 2 acres) 

For that, I'd think that it would be fine. It'll take a while, but if it is an already established lawn, I see no problem with that.

I plan to use this tractor to prep building sites

Errrk! (That's the sound of me hitting my brakes on the endorsement of a 1914 /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif)

I'm no developer or contractor, but if you are preparing building sites, cutting new roads and the such, my gut says it would be WAY too small for that, especially if you are doing this to make money where time is the premium component.

I have a 41 HP tractor and have been doing quite a bit of roadwork (follow this link to read my latest thought and see some pics <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=buildit&Number=125236&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>Sheep's foot roller</A>) Although it has been working great so far, I can't imagine doing those types of activities with something in the 20 HP range on my place. I guess it might help if we knew a little more about what "types" of site development you will be doing.

It sounds like this is a business proposition - so I'm sure that someone out here can give some more direct & applicable feedback in that department. Anyone??? Anyone???

back_the_pack · Mar 30, 2002

Not really a business proposition. I am into buying and selling property and houses, but only 1 every few years. I have plenty of time to work. I am just tired of paying and watching someone else do it.

RanchMan · Mar 30, 2002

/w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif What type of tractor/equipment did your contractors use? My *guess* is that they probably used something bigger than you would need, but again this goes back to the "time premium" I was talking about. (e.g. you might be able to get away with something a size smaller if you don't mind spending more time than they did.)

I had some dozer work done on my place. They used a D7 - a monster machine - but it took them a lot less time that way...

back_the_pack · Mar 30, 2002

Well, the last job took a huge trackhoe and a dozer about 5 days! But, then came the smaller jobs of digging the septic hole, digging the footers, cutting in a water line, burrying the power, and so on. He had a Kubota L35 and a Bobcat. These small jobs are what I would love to do myself, as well as some of the earth moving mentioned above.

RanchMan · Mar 30, 2002

/w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif Hmmm... Hopefully some others out here will pipe up soon too, but my gut reaction is that I think the 1914 would be too big an "underkill" for what you want to do.

I'd think something more along the lines of a 3054, 3504, or DK35 (in a Kioti - although there are other good "non-big 3" brands out there) would be much better for what you're wanting to do. They'd be faster, could do a lot more, and wind up being put under a lot less stress.

Of course, these cost more, and I'm not sure what your budget is. If budget is an issue, my gut says that you should consider getting something used. There are definitely pitfalls to this, but it sounds like you don't want to just "play" but actually get some stuff done in a reasonable time-frame.

back_the_pack · Mar 30, 2002

Thank you for all of your help. I figured that the 1914 wouldn't be enough, but I was really wanting it to be. I appreciate all of your input, I don't want to make a huge mistake and buy the wrong thing. I guess I will keep on hunting for a bargain!!