Buying Advice About to pull my hair out.......

Sixty4nHalf · Aug 3, 2017

PLEASE forgive me if this is a long read........ So a few weeks ago we needed a small tractor with a bucket and hoe to do some projects around the house, so we went out and rented a Kubota B26 from our local rental establishment. The tractor was a great help around the house doing a bunch of stuff that needed to get done and I was actually quite impressed with what it could do, we rented for 1 week and cost $775 for the week and I ended up having to work for basically half of the time that we paid for (I work 14 hour shifts on 3 of the day and a 6ｽ hour shift on my 4th day) so needless to say a lot of time was lost not being able to use the equipment that we rented. The next day I looked out side to see all that was done and realized that we still have way more work to get done and with talking with the wife maybe getting our own wouldn't be such a bad idea (because she liked running it too). A few days later I found a used 2013 Mahindra Max 24 on Facebook Market place, but that seams to be a bit on the smaller side, plus he wanted 12,500 for it with some added implements such as the mid deck mower, box grader, post hole digger, and winter soft cab. So taking a trip up to the local Mahindra dealership I found a 26 Max XL, which I seamed to like pretty good, but the Back-hoe on that looks to be a little on the small side. Then reading and watching reviews I found that Mahindra isn't all what it might be cracked up to be, but who knows? I wanted to go look at other brands as well before deciding what to get. So heading towards the other side of the state we get to another dealership and we were looking for the Kubota that would be close to what we are looking for, there were none at this branch of the dealership BUT they did carry New Holland, tested out the Boomer 24 and I almost fell in love with it, the controls are much nicer and smoother than the Mahindra 26 Max XL, but I like the shuffle transmission on the Mahindra better, the off to look a John Deere. We looked at the 2 Family and the price as I was expecting was through the roof. Then went to another area of the state to find the Kubota dealership. There we found the Kubota B2650, which is the same displacement as the first two I was looking at, but was a much bigger in physical size (which seamed just right) so then I was second thinking of the other tractors that I saw; the Mahindra 1526 shuttle, the New Holland Boomer 33 or 35 ( I think I saw the 33?) and now I don't know which way to go, and another New Holland dealer that I found says he has a brand new 2015 Boomer 37 on the lot that will need to be sold at a great deal as it is almost 2 years old, but is considerably higher in price of the Kubota, boomer 24 or Mahindra 1526..... They all have their own different pro's and con's but my brain is pretty much fried, because I don't want to get a tractor that will be too small, or too big. The ONLY guy who was pretty much a straight shooter was the at the Kubota dealership, not saying that the others were dishonest but he was the only one that told me about the "required" insurance on a tractor that was financed.

So here is what I am looking at now, I know in the end it will be my ultimate decision, just wondering for some guiding input, what I should I be looking out for? and of course just to add a bit more, the only one that I have seen the back hoe with was the Mahindra Max 26XL, everyone else doesn't currently have on in stock.

New Holland Boomer 24 (24hp) (Subcompact?) Small Non-Quick disconnect bucket
Mahindra MAX 26 XL (25.6hp) (Subcompact ?) Small bucket, small back-hoe

Kubota 2650 (26 hp) (compact ?)
Mahindra 1526 (26hp) (compact ?) (didn't test or look too much at, but might go back up to look again)
New Holland Boomer 35 OR 37 (35hp) (compact ?)

Once again sorry if this is so long.......

rustyshakelford · Aug 3, 2017

Man you've had to do some traveling to look at those. At that size I think you can really go to big. Not like buying a 100 hp for 2 acres. I'd recommend the kubota or bigger new holland if you liked it and it'll do what you want. Really like the hydrostatic transmissions if that size machine too. Makes it much more fun when the wife is on board too

Brett

paulfun9 · Aug 4, 2017

Take your time!!
Figure out your needs first.
Then tell us about them along with what type things you might get into in the future if you have a tractor. Many people buy based on what they have only envisioned before they got a tractor, then once they get it their ambitions change as they realize they can do so much more now that they have a tractor.
SO again Take Your Time!
Don't fry your brain trying to hurry a decision as that is usually the way people end up with too much or too little machine!

coherent · Aug 4, 2017

I was in the same situation you are a few months back. I have a little less than 2 acres and no farming is planned. Only wanted a small tractor for general gravel and dirt spreading. Road blade work and mostly just because I've always wanted a tractor and thought it would be handy occasionally. I went with a new small Branson with the hydro trans. Tractor dealers aren't exactly on every corner in Arizona, so ended up ordering one from a dealer in Texas and having it shipped to me. Shipping was less than tax would have been for a local purchase in AZ by a few hundred dollars. I was a bit apprehensive about the "long distance" purchase but must admit it was a very smooth process and I'm very pleased with the Tractor. I've only had one minor issue (start safety switch on clutch pedal) and the dealer has bent over backwards to resolve the issue. I've found quite a few uses for mine already (added pallet forks, a receiver hitch and a wood chipper and it's really been more useful than my expectations. As others have mentioned, take your time and research and read reviews on the different models and I'm sure you'll find what fits your needs. I 'm not sure what tax or shipping rates apply to where you are, but even if you buy out of state, a local dealer will still provide warranty work. Some of the larger volume dealers may be a distance from you, but may offer package deals or a price point worth the extra effort. I'm not recommending a Branson over any of the other brands as I think they are all fairly comparable with minor differences like you've already noted. Cost was a big part of my decision otherwise I've have just got a JD from the local dealer. Good luck, and let us know what you end up with!

George2615 · Aug 4, 2017

Also check out any LS dealers in your area for leftover 3000/4000 and newer 3100/4100 series tractors. Insurance isn't a big deal when financing your tractor, just contact your homeowners ins. The tractor should be covered by your policy or a rider can be added.

Sixty4nHalf · Aug 4, 2017

paulfun9 said:
Take your time!!
Figure out your needs first.
Then tell us about them along with what type things you might get into in the future if you have a tractor. Many people buy based on what they have only envisioned before they got a tractor, then once they get it their ambitions change as they realize they can do so much more now that they have a tractor.
SO again Take Your Time!
Don't fry your brain trying to hurry a decision as that is usually the way people end up with too much or too little machine!

First of all, I have a 5 acre lot, pretty much everything is wooded with large red oak (20"-28" bases), I have taken 7 tree's down so far, with more to come in the next 2 years or so, those stumps will be ground down. Those 7 trees were in the front side of the property, we are removing some over growth (saplings up to 4"-5") removing small stump clusters and rocks in the area leveling the ground and converting that into grass and a parking spot for our camper. In the future along with I am sure many other projects we will be getting whole log sections delivered for fire wood for home heating. As mentioned before I was originally looking at the Mahindra 26 Max XL and New Holland Boomer 24 but with the smaller buckets and trying to move wood from one side of the property to the other would take a lot of time. When I had the B26 rental I could put 6-8 rounds in the bucket and move to the splitting area and for the really large heavy ones I used the back-hoe to lift the rounds onto the splitter (much easier than man handling the logs). I liked and was comfortable with the size of the B26. Some of the implements would include a box scrapper, maybe a post hole digger, and the for sure the 3 point hitch trailer mover. Not 100% sure yet but a front mounted snow blower would be super nice (but I can only get the wife to agree with so much at one time).

fried1765 · Aug 4, 2017

Sixty4nHalf said:
First of all, I have a 5 acre lot, pretty much everything is wooded with large red oak (20"-28" bases), I have taken 7 tree's down so far, with more to come in the next 2 years or so, those stumps will be ground down. Those 7 trees were in the front side of the property, we are removing some over growth (saplings up to 4"-5") removing small stump clusters and rocks in the area leveling the ground and converting that into grass and a parking spot for our camper. In the future along with I am sure many other projects we will be getting whole log sections delivered for fire wood for home heating. As mentioned before I was originally looking at the Mahindra 26 Max XL and New Holland Boomer 24 but with the smaller buckets and trying to move wood from one side of the property to the other would take a lot of time. When I had the B26 rental I could put 6-8 rounds in the bucket and move to the splitting area and for the really large heavy ones I used the back-hoe to lift the rounds onto the splitter (much easier than man handling the logs). I liked and was comfortable with the size of the B26. Some of the implements would include a box scrapper, maybe a post hole digger, and the for sure the 3 point hitch trailer mover. Not 100% sure yet but a front mounted snow blower would be super nice (but I can only get the wife to agree with so much at one time).

Make certain that you buy ENOUGH tractor.
A VERY common mistake is to buy a tractor that quickly becomes too small.
Buy ALL your attachments at the same time (snow blower) as the tractor!
You will almost ALWAYS get a better deal on implements as part of a total package price.
Best dealer in your area may be Chappell Tractor Sales - good reputation.

newbury · Aug 4, 2017

Sixty4nHalf said:
First of all, I have a 5 acre lot, pretty much everything is wooded with large red oak (20"-28" bases), I have taken 7 tree's down so far, with more to come in the next 2 years or so, those stumps will be ground down. Those 7 trees were in the front side of the property, we are removing some over growth (saplings up to 4"-5") removing small stump clusters and rocks in the area leveling the ground and converting that into grass and a parking spot for our camper. In the future along with I am sure many other projects we will be getting whole log sections delivered for fire wood for home heating. As mentioned before I was originally looking at the Mahindra 26 Max XL and New Holland Boomer 24 but with the smaller buckets and trying to move wood from one side of the property to the other would take a lot of time. When I had the B26 rental I could put 6-8 rounds in the bucket and move to the splitting area and for the really large heavy ones I used the back-hoe to lift the rounds onto the splitter (much easier than man handling the logs). I liked and was comfortable with the size of the B26. Some of the implements would include a box scrapper, maybe a post hole digger, and the for sure the 3 point hitch trailer mover. Not 100% sure yet but a front mounted snow blower would be super nice (but I can only get the wife to agree with so much at one time).

What is a "whole log section"? Is it an 8' long 24" diameter piece of red oak? That's about 1500 lbs at 75% MC. Timber and Lumber Calculators at WOODWEB
So add something for a fudge factor and you need to be able to lift that. Either with the FEL or 3pt.

Wood, especially wet wood is heavy. Sure you can make it smaller, even chip it, but that takes time and effort. Figure out the size and weight of what you plan on moving as a guide. I'm thinking a 30HP plus would be what you need.

Backhoes are NICE BUT EXPENSIVE. You might want to focus on other implements.

Sixty4nHalf · Aug 4, 2017

coherent said:
I was in the same situation you are a few months back. I have a little less than 2 acres and no farming is planned. Only wanted a small tractor for general gravel and dirt spreading. Road blade work and mostly just because I've always wanted a tractor and thought it would be handy occasionally. I went with a new small Branson with the hydro trans. Tractor dealers aren't exactly on every corner in Arizona, so ended up ordering one from a dealer in Texas and having it shipped to me. Shipping was less than tax would have been for a local purchase in AZ by a few hundred dollars. I was a bit apprehensive about the "long distance" purchase but must admit it was a very smooth process and I'm very pleased with the Tractor. I've only had one minor issue (start safety switch on clutch pedal) and the dealer has bent over backwards to resolve the issue. I've found quite a few uses for mine already (added pallet forks, a receiver hitch and a wood chipper and it's really been more useful than my expectations. As others have mentioned, take your time and research and read reviews on the different models and I'm sure you'll find what fits your needs. I 'm not sure what tax or shipping rates apply to where you are, but even if you buy out of state, a local dealer will still provide warranty work. Some of the larger volume dealers may be a distance from you, but may offer package deals or a price point worth the extra effort. I'm not recommending a Branson over any of the other brands as I think they are all fairly comparable with minor differences like you've already noted. Cost was a big part of my decision otherwise I've have just got a JD from the local dealer. Good luck, and let us know what you end up with!

ONE good thing about living in NH is there is NO SALES TAX....... so that right there will save me a crap ton of money, yes in my area there are not many dealerships in the area and the average distance is about a 45 min drive, besides the JD dealership, which didn't even let me test ride one. I showed up in a mini-van with my family and then a gentleman and his wife showed up in a red convertible Ferrari California T, so after that he basically threw some information booklets in my hand, stapled his card to the cover and said when you are ready to buy let me know and then you can test ride one, and then proceeded to his "new" customers with-out a hand shake or a goodbye. (mind you my mini-van is a $50,000 2017 model, but i guess it's not a Ferrari........ ) LOL!!!

Yanmar Tractor · Aug 4, 2017

Sixty4nHalf -- I noticed that you did not mention Yanmar as a possible tractor choice in your post. Going by your posted location - Concord New Hampshire - I can say that you are in an area of the country with good Yanmar dealership coverage. You can see that here: Dealer Locator - Yanmar Tractor. If you want to look into what Yanmar is currently offering in the way of tractors, attachments, rebates and financing terms; there is more information on Home - Yanmar Tractor. Please do not hesitate to contact Yanmar America in Adairsville, Georgia, USA, to request help and information.