Trying to buy a tractor - 3 options has me confused on best value for my use - HELP

[teg]

...decisions decisions...

yup... and one you'll have to make (or not). Mahindra is pretty heavy - good for loader work and shaping the ground (digging hugelkulture beds) - not so good for mowing grass or if you need to transport it. Driving mulch to a flower bed might leave deep tracks... impressions.

I like new for mechanical stuff (cars trucks tractors) I would worry what happen to the used one to need a hood and gauges.

Also, if you have more photos of the "cockpit" area or the rear of the Kubota, please post them... it might show something that you might not see.

Scratches on the loader pistons are from carrying stuff around. I've loaded mine up with lumber...

I'm pretty rough on my equipment and tractor, it's 2005 & 600 hours, I would say mine looks much nicer than that one. It was rode hard and put up wet... looks like it's lived it's whole life outside, which is NOT a problem, it'll handle that. Just not great for re-sale.

edit: At the very least if you buy the kubota, have them throw in a half dozen cans of spray paint...

 

[Code54]

I am guessing here but someone was loading something that slid up the arms (People do it with trees, stacks of fence posts, etc...) and that will cause scratches like that.
Also guessing the reason the hood and gauge area was replaced was someone lifted something, it slid back out of the bucket, down the arms and onto the hood/console. Bet it was exciting for the operator! Check top of motor to make sure the damage didn't go any deeper then the hood but there are a lot of tractors with loader that have had this happen before.

 

[UNCBLUE]

Thanks Teg. I saw the hood & the meter gauges in the shop . I even took a pic of the meter with the hrs for resale purposes if I buy & sell the tractor. He said the previous owner was pushing a downed section of tree & a limb popped back, dented the hood & cracked the face on the gauge section. Again they were very forthcoming in showing me the hood & the meter in the shop. They said if I bought tractor I could have both. Hood wasn't that bad but did have a decent dent & crease.

Pics are of the tractor not cleaned up but she's definitely been used. I'm fine with cosmetics as it's a tractor. I just want a solid machine that I can get a lot of work done without addtl maintenance expenses outside of preventative maintenance.

 

[s219]

I'd offer a little lower on that L3800 and see if they bite. You can get a brand new L2501 with front loader for $17K or so, which has put a dent in prices of the older used L models. My L3200 has 120 hours and is in much much better shape than that L3800 and I was looking at pricing it at $14-15K with implements if I move into an L3560 later this spring. So all of that makes me think a well-worn L3800 with 250 hours at $13500 is a little high. Just my gut feel but I could be wrong.

 

[teg]

Have you priced out a new L2501? It uses the engine from an L3400 (or there about), HP is De-rated to get under the 25 hp rule for emissions. Same loader as all the other "standard" L's.

 

[UNCBLUE]

I'd offer a little lower on that L3800 and see if they bite. You can get a brand new L2501 with front loader for $17K or so, which has put a dent in prices of the older used L models. My L3200 has 120 hours and is in much much better shape than that L3800 and I was looking at pricing it at $14-15K with implements if I move into an L3560 later this spring. So all of that makes me think a well-worn L3800 with 250 hours at $13500 is a little high. Just my gut feel but I could be wrong.

Where are you finding your pricing? I've been looking in NC, SC, & VA on CL as well as tractorhouse, fastline, equipmenttrader, & machinerypete in a 400mile radius for weeks... Most L3800s that I'm seeing are in the $17-18K range or higher...

thanks for any addtl sources for leads

 

[UNCBLUE]

Have you priced out a new L2501? It uses the engine from an L3400 (or there about), HP is De-rated to get under the 25 hp rule for emissions. Same loader as all the other "standard" L's.

if I'm going to go with a new one, I'd like just pull the trigger on the 2516 with all of my implements for less than $19K or go for the 2538 for a few thousand more...

 

[rockarosa]

Do you ever go over to Chateu Morriset Winery. That is some beautiful country you guys live in.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Do you ever go over to Chateu Morriset Winery. That is some beautiful country you guys live in.

My cabin is 5 minutes from the Winery. Actually considered buying a cabin at the end of Winery Road.

 

[teg]

Do you ever go over to Chateu Morriset Winery. That is some beautiful country you guys live in.

Lots of times... it's 30 minutes from me. It is pretty nice but please don't tell anyone else