New to this

[jimfuel100]

Gentlemen,
I've been reading for a while, have not posted because I have nothing to offer (yet).
I'm in need of real world advice for my first tractor purchase. I've sat on a few...never driven one. Expect to purchase later this year.
I recently purchased 6 acres of land:
1.5 acres are level, dry, but located in a flood plane (a previous owner began building a pond here).
1.5 on a very steep hill.
3 are on a flat to small slope.

The land has not been touched in several years...there is a rutted, up-hill gravel driveway to be fixed, the pond should be filled in (preferred) or finished and the rest needs bush hogged and shaped / fixed / turned into grass.

My timeline is 5-6 years before we build...My wife and 2 kids (7 and 12) live comfortably (on 1/3 acre) in a neighborhood about 1.5 miles from the 6 acre lot, no hurry to move.

I plan to purchase a large, older, affordable to me ($10 - 13K*), tractor to perform the "heavy work" then downsize to a Kubota BX25 or MF GC 2410 as a mower / Swiss Army knife after we build. *Could afford more with zero percent financing.

Your opinions:
YES - I agree and recommend a______ . This machine will perform all your tasks then you can sell it for near what you paid.
NO - Purchase the BX25 now and take your time fixing / clearing your lot.
Option#3 - Purchase a B2320 Kubota with a BH and have the best of both worlds...this could do your heavy work much better than the BX or GC and mow your grass after you build.

I'm located near Frederick, Maryland...close to Pennsylvania if that matters. All major brands are close by.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for your advice.

 

[TripleR]

Lots of ways you could go on that, but buying the B2320 (I would opt for a 2620) would be better than going with any BX.

I run tractors from 23 HP to 85 HP and sometimes you just need to go bigger and get it over with, so we now rent a mini excavator or backhoe and if we didn't have a big tractor would rent one to do some of your one time stuff.

We have even brought in a dozer when time was short.

 

[Zebrafive]

I like your idea to buy older then when the heavy stuff is done downsize. By then you will know more what you need to maintain the acreage.

 

[RoyJackson]

First, Welcome to TBN!!!!

In your situation, I'd suggest a Deere 790 or 4300/4310 as a permanent solution. Either machine can fulfill the criteria you've established with the price range you've noted.
I recommend Deere since I'm most familar with them. An equivalent Kobuta would be just as satisfactory, IMHO.

have not posted because I have nothing to offer

That's never stopped anyone from posting on TBN yet!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

That's never stopped anyone from posting on TBN yet!

I wish I'da said that!

 

[kiotiken]

Welcome! Nothing wrong with the BX line, but they're small and you've got enough land that I'm sure you'll find all sorts of stuff to do that you can't even imagine yet. If you go with something bigger to start, you might not want to downsize that far afterward. I'd forget about downsizing afterward and I'd be buying a lower priced tractor new or next to new in the L3200 range for Bota, 3032e for JD, CK30/CT230 for Kioti/Bobcat or the compatible LS model. These will all be a little more than you price range new, or bang on the money for 200-500 hr machine. Rent a mini ex for digging unless you think a backhoe will be something you need for the long haul (which would rule out the 3032/3038 JD), it's not the right tool to be digging ponds anyway.

 

[Martian]

So in option one are you consider buying two machines now and selling one later or buying one machine now and selling that one when you get the next one?

Either way, my long term situation in your shoes would be to get a 3x20 series JD and a zero turn mower. Yes, more money, but you have a big enough tractor to do all the work now, and when you have the tractor paid off in a couple of years and the house up, then you'll have the money for the zero turn. I think that a 2x20 could work, but you'd be pushing it to the limits a lot of the time and you would be more comfortable in the 3x20. Of course I have to put the disclaimer out there that any tractor will do the job perfectly fine and I put the model out for Deere simply because that is what I run and know best, it works best for me, but different tractors suit different peoples needs better, so find what brand works for you.

EDIT: And too add, I don't believe a BX25 would be sufficient to clear, level and work the land as you intend. Great tractors, just a little small for the proposed purposes.

 

[RoyJackson]

Either way, my long term situation in your shoes would be to get a 3x20 series JD and a zero turn mower. Yes, more money, but you have a big enough tractor to do all the work now

If he keeps about an acre or two lawn, he wouldn't need the ZTR...just a finishing mower.

jimfuel100, the 3320 Deere is about the same size and power rating as that 4300/4310 series machine. Good tractor, and if you can swing the payments, they're definitely worth a look.

 

[MarkV]

Gentlemen,
I've been reading for a while, have not posted because I have nothing to offer (yet).
I'm in need of real world advice for my first tractor purchase. I've sat on a few...never driven one. Expect to purchase later this year.
I recently purchased 6 acres of land:
1.5 acres are level, dry, but located in a flood plane (a previous owner began building a pond here).
1.5 on a very steep hill.
3 are on a flat to small slope.

The land has not been touched in several years...there is a rutted, up-hill gravel driveway to be fixed, the pond should be filled in (preferred) or finished and the rest needs bush hogged and shaped / fixed / turned into grass.

My timeline is 5-6 years before we build...My wife and 2 kids (7 and 12) live comfortably (on 1/3 acre) in a neighborhood about 1.5 miles from the 6 acre lot, no hurry to move.

I plan to purchase a large, older, affordable to me ($10 - 13K*), tractor to perform the "heavy work" then downsize to a Kubota BX25 or MF GC 2410 as a mower / Swiss Army knife after we build. *Could afford more with zero percent financing.

Your opinions:
YES - I agree and recommend a______ . This machine will perform all your tasks then you can sell it for near what you paid.
NO - Purchase the BX25 now and take your time fixing / clearing your lot.
Option#3 - Purchase a B2320 Kubota with a BH and have the best of both worlds...this could do your heavy work much better than the BX or GC and mow your grass after you build.

I'm located near Frederick, Maryland...close to Pennsylvania if that matters. All major brands are close by.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for your advice.

I've got to go against the general response. I hear of a pond being filled, size does matter. About 3 acres cut back, prepped and planted. About 11/2 acres of steep land cleaned up. Plus an uphill drive rebuilt. That is a lot to ask of a BX or B size tractor. Even a larger used tractor, plus the needed implements, is going to be real stretch in the $10-13k range.

A BX or B size tractor should take care of your needs once your set up. Maybe you should look for some out side help with the pond and road rebuild. If the pond is of any size, moving dirt is better done by bigger equipment.

MarkV

 

[jimfuel100]

Thank you for the suggestions! I really do not need to rush in to this...I can plan/save for a properly sized tractor.

The pond / swamp is currently 10' x 20' and 3' deep, you can see where some type of loader went into both sides. I may reach out to local excavation companies and let them know they have a place to get rid of clean unwanted dirt.

I will end up with about 4.5 acres of mowable grass...2 friends have ZTR's and are not enthusiastic about the possibility of mowing the steep hill; one said "I'd let that area go, you don't need to mow it".

The general consensus seems to be "go big or go home" so to speak. I cannot disagree.

I do not have a lot of patience but my wife (voice of reason) is keeping my big tractor dreams...dreams.

I change my mind daily on what will be the perfect tractor, probably because I have zero reference point / experience.

On Tractorhouse I see very good "package deals" for Mahindra: Tractor, trailer, FEL, box blade and brush hog. Are these decent deals? Is there negotiation below the package price? Also, I'm leary of purchasing from a far away dealer and expecting the local (30 miles for Mahindra) dealer to repair warranty items.
Jim

 

[Martian]

Thank you for the suggestions! I really do not need to rush in to this...I can plan/save for a properly sized tractor.

The pond / swamp is currently 10' x 20' and 3' deep, you can see where some type of loader went into both sides. I may reach out to local excavation companies and let them know they have a place to get rid of clean unwanted dirt.

I will end up with about 4.5 acres of mowable grass...2 friends have ZTR's and are not enthusiastic about the possibility of mowing the steep hill; one said "I'd let that area go, you don't need to mow it".

The general consensus seems to be "go big or go home" so to speak. I cannot disagree.

I do not have a lot of patience but my wife (voice of reason) is keeping my big tractor dreams...dreams.

I change my mind daily on what will be the perfect tractor, probably because I have zero reference point / experience.

On Tractorhouse I see very good "package deals" for Mahindra: Tractor, trailer, FEL, box blade and brush hog. Are these decent deals? Is there negotiation below the package price? Also, I'm leary of purchasing from a far away dealer and expecting the local (30 miles for Mahindra) dealer to repair warranty items.
Jim

The best way for you to truly know what your getting is to go and drive it on a dealers lot. If I was a first time tractor buyer I would be getting something local from a dealer I feel I could trust. Most of the time if you can show them the add they can get pretty close to the same deal anyway, and that way you don't have the "bad blood" between you and the dealer already. But not ever using a tractor before you have nothing to gauge off of what each tractor can do and buying on the internet would not be recommended, by all means browsing is excellent, but to buy you should try it out first.

The most important thing is to have a dealer who will back you up though. If something goes wrong, and all brands will, to have a guy that will back you up is very important. Let alone I don't like giving my money to a bunch of jack wagons looking to rip me off.

I'd go look at all your different dealers, Deere, Kubota, Kioti/Bobcat, Mahindra, New Holland and Massey (think I got em all) and just try the layout see which one feels "most comfortable", etc. Start talking to the dealers and tell them your a ways out but it's on the list.

Good luck!

 

[Gittyup]

Gentlemen,
I've been reading for a while, have not posted because I have nothing to offer (yet).
I'm in need of real world advice for my first tractor purchase. I've sat on a few...never driven one. Expect to purchase later this year.
I recently purchased 6 acres of land:
1.5 acres are level, dry, but located in a flood plane (a previous owner began building a pond here).
1.5 on a very steep hill.
3 are on a flat to small slope.

The land has not been touched in several years...there is a rutted, up-hill gravel driveway to be fixed, the pond should be filled in (preferred) or finished and the rest needs bush hogged and shaped / fixed / turned into grass.

My timeline is 5-6 years before we build...My wife and 2 kids (7 and 12) live comfortably (on 1/3 acre) in a neighborhood about 1.5 miles from the 6 acre lot, no hurry to move.

I plan to purchase a large, older, affordable to me ($10 - 13K*), tractor to perform the "heavy work" then downsize to a Kubota BX25 or MF GC 2410 as a mower / Swiss Army knife after we build. *Could afford more with zero percent financing.

Your opinions:
YES - I agree and recommend a______ . This machine will perform all your tasks then you can sell it for near what you paid.
NO - Purchase the BX25 now and take your time fixing / clearing your lot.
Option#3 - Purchase a B2320 Kubota with a BH and have the best of both worlds...this could do your heavy work much better than the BX or GC and mow your grass after you build.

I'm located near Frederick, Maryland...close to Pennsylvania if that matters. All major brands are close by.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for your advice.

There's a guy local to you that is selling a JD955 with a bunch of goodies for $11,000. The 955 is a nice little tractor that'll do what you want. Or shop around and you might run across a nice Kioti or MF1500 series with a backhoe for around $13K or so. Kiotis and mahindras are heavy and will serve you well for groudn engagement. There is also a bota 2150 with a loader for less than $7K, I think, close to you. A lot of different tractors would fit your needs.

 

[RoyJackson]

There's a guy local to you that is selling a JD955 with a bunch of goodies for $11,000. The 955 is a nice little tractor that'll do what you want.

That would be a good fit...the 955 has about the same HP as the 3320...but not the ground clearance.

Why don't you post here...or PM jimfuel100 with the contact and location info?

 

[Gittyup]

955

John Deere 955 Tractor/ Loader

And this is a good buy too, if in good shape, as it looks.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/grd/2837761869.html

 

[kiotiken]

Thank you for the suggestions! I really do not need to rush in to this...I can plan/save for a properly sized tractor.

The pond / swamp is currently 10' x 20' and 3' deep, you can see where some type of loader went into both sides. I may reach out to local excavation companies and let them know they have a place to get rid of clean unwanted dirt.

I will end up with about 4.5 acres of mowable grass...2 friends have ZTR's and are not enthusiastic about the possibility of mowing the steep hill; one said "I'd let that area go, you don't need to mow it".

The general consensus seems to be "go big or go home" so to speak. I cannot disagree.

I do not have a lot of patience but my wife (voice of reason) is keeping my big tractor dreams...dreams.

I change my mind daily on what will be the perfect tractor, probably because I have zero reference point / experience.

On Tractorhouse I see very good "package deals" for Mahindra: Tractor, trailer, FEL, box blade and brush hog. Are these decent deals? Is there negotiation below the package price? Also, I'm leary of purchasing from a far away dealer and expecting the local (30 miles for Mahindra) dealer to repair warranty items.
Jim

Your local dealer should be just as big of a factor in your decision as the tractor itself. All of these tractors are great machines and people calling for JD or Kubota or Kioti (I'm guilty of that sometimes) are playing a bit of brand loyalty. Truth is, they all break and at some point you'll probably have to rely on a dealer for something. You'll really appreciate the relationship you build with a dealer through the original sale and continued maintenance (parts etc) when that time comes.

 

[RoyJackson]

955

John Deere 955 Tractor/ Loader

And this is a good buy too, if in good shape, as it looks.

Kubota b2150 tractor loader

Both of them look pretty nice and would handle jimfuel100's current and future needs.
I'll wager both sell pretty quickly.

 

[kiotiken]

955

John Deere 955 Tractor/ Loader

And this is a good buy too, if in good shape, as it looks.

Kubota b2150 tractor loader

I traded my 955 for my current CK30. The 955 had FEL, JDP Cab and loader. I liked the tractor, but it had 1800 hrs and needed a lot of tinker time. These machines are 12 to 20+ years old at this point. They are very light and the 33 hp is misleading. To get that hp rating, JD measured it at 3200 rpm. At that range, she's more that a little loud and I promise, you won't work it there for long. In reality, you'll be around the 2500 rpm range like most other diesel tractors (I prefer 2000-2200 on my CK30), and down under 30hp. Now, having said that, that's still way more hp than this tractor can put to the ground, I could easily spin all wheels with the diff lock engaged in high range (2 speed HST) and R4's.
This is also a pretty high price for this tractor. There are plenty of them in the $8K range with similar hrs. It's not a bad tractor, but probably equivalent of a CK20 in the Kioti line and the CK27/35 all blow it away in terms of the work they can do. For $11K, you could fine something like that much newer and fewer hours. I got a little more than that for mine as a trade, but it had the cab, an extra set of tires and I fully restored it.

 

[jimfuel100]

Thanks for the ideas.

I prefer new...like most of us.

I have a Kioti dealer 10 minutes from my house. I like the idea of the CK30.

I will hold off till Summer when my finances are better and take the plunge. I may just change my mind 3 or 40 times before I purchase.

Jim

 

[RoyJackson]

I will hold off till Summer when my finances are better and take the plunge. I may just change my mind 3 or 40 times before I purchase.

Jim

Good decision!

I think quite a few tractor buyers change their minds frequently before actually buying...

 

[bucktaker]

cant argue with advice you have been given axcept to add dont forget the rental yard for specilized task an skid steer could do most of the pond/driveway work you mentioned.

I would not consider 2wd Old Iron for this if its steep hillsides/banks.