Your Recommendations, Please - Novice Tractor Buyer

[jeff9366]

Jeff, great deals, I've not bought anything on eBay, however. Condition of merchandise is stated, or is it a gamble? Sorry, I just don't know.

I have been satisfied with most of my 600 transactions on eBay, both as a buyer and a seller of tractor implements and a buyer of tractor parts.

E-commerce is a major part of the US economy, whether it is eBay, Amazon or Tractorhouse.com. As you have not established an eBay account, you are in the minority of US adults. Ag equipment, boats and cars used to be sold in newspaper classified ads. Today, sellers demand national exposure.

Tractors listed on eBay will turnover about once every ten days, replaced by newly listed equipment.

The cabbed, 95 horsepower Kubota seems in-the-ballpark for what you are seeking.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The older I get I am learning how some of the things I wanted at 44 and still want today just does not make as much sense for me to own at 64.

When I was younger I never understood by older people hung on to old tractors instead of trading up. In hindsight if it was doing the job they bought it for long ago then why trade.

We have the 1976 265 MF because it has been in the family since new and still does a good job. We added the 1983 JD 310B backhoe for $7200 about 6 years ago and other than a few hoses and some welding on buckets it has be one of the best things we own but we can work on it if needed. Hands down it is so handy and a lot if its usage is under 5 minutes even.

With that being said most often the newer stuff and especially that with enclosed cabs can offer more safety features that can be life savers as we age. Often it just comes down to $$$ management. Growing up riding tractors since the late 50's makes the old iron seem fine to me. Others getting their first tractor old iron seems like old iron.

If old tractors will start and run most often they can still do about the same amount of work when new.

 

[Andrewsalas]

Thanks Jeff, I guess I will have to join the 21st century! I did enjoy reviewing what was on sale there. I will take a second look at the Kubota, and if that's not the one I will begin to track what is posted. Not really in a grand hurry so if I don't get the Kubota I think I will start keeping a log to help me track all the key variables - tractor make and model, condition of tractor, hours on it, age perhaps, etc.

 

[Andrewsalas]

Zero slope, you are right - irrigation land on the valley, but am attempting to reclaim the land. We've leveled it, but it is extremely high in alkali and clay content - we are adding gypsum to begin with. The levees are a result of leveling (we had to cut down the land to accommodate the high water level of the ditch. Funny about your comment on pistachio tres, I've been wondering how they would do in my area. My problem with auctions (yes, Tumbleweed right up the road from us) is I would need an expert with me since I am no mechanic or farmer. Thanks for your help.

 

[Andrewsalas]

Right you are Gale, I am up in years too, and part of my motivation (apart from having a reliable and safer, more comfortable situation for my wife - who loves to be on the tractor), is to leave the kids with something they can rely on for years to come.

I think it's awesome you still have the MF, and am jealous about that backhoe!

 

[jenkinsph]

Zero slope, you are right - irrigation land on the valley, but am attempting to reclaim the land. We've leveled it, but it is extremely high in alkali and clay content - we are adding gypsum to begin with. The levees are a result of leveling (we had to cut down the land to accommodate the high water level of the ditch. Funny about your comment on pistachio tres, I've been wondering how they would do in my area. My problem with auctions (yes, Tumbleweed right up the road from us) is I would need an expert with me since I am no mechanic or farmer. Thanks for your help.

Pistachio trees grow well in the Alamogordo/Tularosa area and can handle the salts in the soil. If you have already had the land leveled you should be able to use a smaller tractor for this work. Once pipe lines, alfalfa valves, diversion box and laser leveling are complete a smaller 40 to 60 hp tlb should be a good choice for you.

I have a Deere 110tlb which is a good size for this work and would also suggest a Kubota L45 or M59 too. Buying new I would lean towards a M59 with 60 hp and a good fel with 12' hoe. When you drop the hoe and put the 3pt on you have a good tractor for the other things you will need.

 

[jeff9366]

Not really in a hurry so I will start keeping a log to help me track all the key variables - tractor make and model, condition of tractor, hours on it, age perhaps, etc.

Tracking eBay and Tractorhouse.com is a convenient way to learn today's market prices for used equipment.

 

[Andrewsalas]

That's helpful, thanks! Sounds like you favor Deeres and Kubotas - that says something to me.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

2008 Kubota M59 4x4 Tractor Loader Backhoe Front Aux Hyd Priced to Sell | eBay

Here is a 7 year old nice looking M59 loaded on both ends for $37K.

 

[Andrewsalas]

Wow, I like it !