Upgrade or Not? That is the question

Parkranger · Dec 5, 2012

I have a problem. While I currently own a L3430HST with loaded R1 tires, the LA723 loader with skid-steer quick attach and grapple, as well as a BH90 backhoe, and the machine has never let me down save lifting a 1-ton pallet of metal roofing , I am in love no lust with the MX5100. All that turbo power, all that FEL lift ability!!

While I am a part-time hobby farmer that mostly brushhogs about 6 flat acres a years, cleans up what a flooded stream on my property donates to me, and moves gravel and large downed trees from one side of the farm to the other, I cannot get the MX5100 out of my mind. It would come in handy if I ever wanted to get into hay and the larger loader does lift 300 pounds more, but on the other hand, it would result in payments even after the trade, uses more fuel per hour of work, and does not have some of the bells of the Grand L30.

So I guess more than starting another debate about model versus model, L versus M, or even HP versus maneuverability, I am interested in knowing how do you tell when it is time to trade up. Or at minimum, some reassurances that a 35 hp tractor, such as my L3430HST, is no slacker, is still plenty of tractor, and can handle its own.

Paul

PS - Kudos to Brady Barlow for working with me in 2009 and getting me a fantastic deal on a low hour L3430 and a year later the BH90, Barlow痴 is the best!! Highly recommend them to anyone that will listen.

Gordon Gould · Dec 5, 2012

I would trade up when what I have can't do what I gotta do or is to inefficient thus costing me time and money. Or what I got is on it's last legs and needs to be replaced. Or I just can't help myself and just want a bigger tractor

nybirdman · Dec 5, 2012

The L4240,L4740,L5240 and L5740 have the 854 Loader,similar to the 853 on the MX's.I moved from a L3130 with a 723 loader to the L4240 with the 854,lots of difference.

JOHNTHOMAS · Dec 5, 2012

Bought my first tractor, a BX2200 FEL MMM, 10 years ago. I've bought 13 total from Barlows counting the first one and am getting ready to trade again, probably next week. Some would say I trade when I want to. That may be partly true but I usually can convince myself there is some reasonable, logical reason I'm doing it. Maybe I'm easily persuaded by myself since I've had so much experience talking myself into doing things I want to do or buying/trading for things I want.

I did have a car dealer in London, Ky offer to trade me their 2012 Buick Enclave AWD with 9000 mi for my 2011 Avalanche with 17000 miles and give them $4000. I checked Edmunds and since my Avalanche books for $2500 more than their Buick....I just told them no, I wasn't that interested. I do spend time evaluating/contemplating/crunching the numbers and doing lots of research before I trade/buy.
Feeling the way you do seems to me that you need to call Brady and do the "what ifs" with him then make your decision.:thumbsup: It ain't always about what someone else would do cause they ain't you.:cool2:

DieselnHooters · Dec 5, 2012

IMO not a significant enough jump from your current tractor to the MX5100 to justify the hassle and cost. If you were eyeing a M instead then I would say go ahead !

bandit67 · Dec 5, 2012

Parkranger said:
I am interested in knowing how do you tell when it is time to trade up. Or at minimum, some reassurances that a 35 hp tractor, such as my L3430HST, is no slacker, is still plenty of tractor, and can handle its own.

You know it's time to trade when you realize you've been thinking about another model while you are working with yours. You know it's time to trade when you've been thinking about another model for quite a while, after the initial "excitement" of possibly trading wears off, and the bug to switch machines keeps nagging at you as you continue to do work with your current machine.

And even moreso, when all the chips fall into place, the price is right, payments are right, and the planets all align and you convince yourself it's something you "really should do", then that's when it's time to pull the trigger.

crazyal · Dec 5, 2012

Have you looked into how much you think you could get for your 3430? Have you looked into the GL40 line? The MX5100 looks like a nice tractor but if I was going to be taking on a payment I would take the time to balance the differences between the two models. The GL40 line has features that the older GL30 line didn't have. Plus with the new GL60 line coming out (which could have even more features) the 40 series may get discounted to move the line. I thought I read someone posting that the 60 series may have larger loader but I can't confirm that.

ddb123 · Dec 5, 2012

By your description, I don't think any of us will say you need to trade. If you want to bad enough that you are willing to take on the payments, I don't think any of us will begrudge you your decision. If I were you, I would stick with the 3430. But then again, I had a perfectly good L4300 and traded mostly because I just wanted to, so I know where you're coming from.

JOHNTHOMAS · Dec 6, 2012

bandit67 said:
You know it's time to trade when you realize you've been thinking about another model while you are working with yours. You know it's time to trade when you've been thinking about another model for quite a while, after the initial "excitement" of possibly trading wears off, and the bug to switch machines keeps nagging at you as you continue to do work with your current machine.

And even moreso, when all the chips fall into place, the price is right, payments are right, and the planets all align and you convince yourself it's something you "really should do", then that's when it's time to pull the trigger.

I approve this message.:cool2: ....:thumbsup:......................

Johnret · Dec 10, 2012

I traded my L3400 with loader for the MX5100 with loader, glad I did, no regrets.........

Rail Dawg · Dec 10, 2012

I have an L3800 and want the M9960. I have 10 acres and some gullies I would love to work on over time.

In the end it will be used mainly for mowing and such...

Those sure are nice tractors...

john_bud · Dec 11, 2012

You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

bandit67 · Dec 11, 2012

john_bud said:
You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

And you know this how?

The dealer he is working with sells low and gives an excellent trade-in value.

I've never had a dealer give me your "extreme" use excuse over a factory designed 4pt backhoe, either.

crazyal · Dec 11, 2012

Will the backhoe work with the new tractor? If so why get rid of it?

JOHNTHOMAS · Dec 11, 2012

john_bud said:
You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

bandit67 said:
And you know this how?

The dealer he is working with sells low and gives an excellent trade-in value.

I've never had a dealer give me your "extreme" use excuse over a factory designed 4pt backhoe, either.

You know I had the exact same thought when I read that absolute declaration as fact. Surprised that there is someone that has traded more than me on TBN (Trading again Friday).:laughing: He must be doing all of his trading with someone other than the dealer (Barlows)we trade with. I to have never heard that from Steve on any trade I've ever made and that has been several (Did I say I'm trading again Friday?

) times over the past 10 years.
I say TRADE man TRADE!!!!!! :cool2: Or Don't and save that money for, well whatever your saving it for besides some pure happiness.:licking:

ddb123 · Dec 11, 2012

The second part of your original post is about reassurance that a 35 hp tractor is no slacker. Well you nailed it right there. Yes, a larger tractor will do more. But a 35 horse tractor will do a lot. You said yourself it never let you down. It also has the Grand L bells and whistles. I have a Grand L and those bells and whistles sure are nice. I traded down in power to get those bells and whistles. My new tractor has never let me down and those bells and whistles keep me in the seat longer. I have 10 acres and I think you and I both could get by with a B series. Quite well, in fact. It sounds to me like you do have all you need.

I am not trying to play devil's advocate or talk you out of a trade. It sounds to me like you should be happy either way. If an MX5100 is what your heart desires, by all means go for it. But no, a 35 hp tractor is by no means a slacker.

Gary Fowler · Dec 11, 2012

Bigger is not alway better. I have a 70 HP and just last June bought a B26 Kubota TLB. That little sucker really surprised me with the power to push brush piles, dig with the FEL and backhoe. In fact it is so strong that I rarely even crank the 70 HP tractor now. It gets used for mowing, discing and any large dirt moving task since it will haul 3 -4 times as much dirt as the B26. The little tractor gets in places that the LS wouldnt dream of too. Bigger is not alway better. I could do everything on my 12 acres with the B26. The LS cab is great for those dust or cold days but other than that, I prefer small and maneuverable.

JoeBuyer · Dec 11, 2012

If I were you based on your property and usage I would stay with what you have. Not worth changing.

maximus1277 · Dec 11, 2012

You know it's time to trade when you realize you've been thinking about another model while you are working with yours.

That's exactly how marriages come to an end!

Jay4200 · Dec 12, 2012

Parkranger said:
So I guess more than starting another debate about model versus model, L versus M, or even HP versus maneuverability, I am interested in knowing how do you tell when it is time to trade up. Or at minimum, some reassurances that a 35 hp tractor, such as my L3430HST, is no slacker, is still plenty of tractor, and can handle its own.

That's easy. As soon as you have a dream where you are driving the MX, that's when you go out and get one. Either that, or if your wife lets you.

JayC