I am also looking at tractors, but in the 45 to 60 HP range. My issue is the same a stated, but I also need to maximize loader lifting capacity. I only have 26 acres in the Pacific NW, mostly with very little slope (maybe <1%), but on the edges can be up to 30%, so looking at offset frail mower. Need to clear trees I (old lumber tree farm) and many blackberry vines (one bush killed a 20 foot tall tree by encasing the tree with vines).
Currently have a Kubota
B2910 (~30 hp), but quality of engineering and workmanship keep me from looking at that manufacturer. Maybe just my machine and model, but with less than 1000 hours on the clock, I spend more time repairing than using. Kubota was contacted and just did not care. So the front wheel fell off in little over a year because it was not welded properly (less than 60% around axle shaft), what do you want us to do? But this again is a different story.
I wonder about the long term reliability of the Korean tractors. Anyone out there with older units that can give some input?
As for financing, you must keep in mind that there is a "future value" for money. And any investment that has a track history of 10% return can offer a negative 10% return the next year. It is all a gamble, but sometimes it is more cost effective to pay cash or finance for the maximum term limit. How lucky do you feel.
I worked for a company who's stock price rose and split several time, with no marketable product (Pharmaceutical) and continued with release of it's first product. When its second product, the sales beat all previous industry records, but the stock market did not think it was enough, it dropped to about 1/4 of its previous value. I learned quickly that the stock market goes up with rumor, falls with facts.
