another newbie

[dustinfox]

I am getting information overload researching tractors! First learn the acronyms, then learn about options, then decide if I need the options, then brand, then dozens of models to choose from... It's overwhelming. Where should I start? Choose a brand first and then decide on features?

I started out by visiting my closest dealer (Kioti) just a few miles away. How much should I pay for a CK27HST? or a CK30HST?

Sorry, I'm sure you guys get tired of the same old questions from new tractor buyers... :ashamed:

Thanks!

 

[TripleR]

I would start out with as complete of list of tasks/jobs you can come up with. Consider the implements needed, your terrain, budget etc. then visit all the dealers Kubota, Kioti/Bobcat, Massey Ferguson, New Holland etc. and see which fits you the best.

If you list all of the aforementioned on this forum, many knowledgeable TBN members can provide you with advice and input.

Good luck.

 

[dustinfox]

Thanks TripleR,

Am I right in placing a lot of emphasis on how close the dealer is? I mean if I need service and the dealer is 80 miles away that could be a problem right? There is a bobcat dealer about 1 1/2 drive from here but that seems like it would be an issue. On the other hand, the Kioti dealer is just down the street and said he would make "house calls" free of charge.

 

[TripleR]

If you are going to do your own maintenance which is very easy, dealer proximity is not a big issue and I would look more to the quality which it seems you have both.

I have a Kubota dealer 18 miles away and yet drive 45 to a better dealer.

Many Kubota owners buy from Barlow's in Kentucky or Messick's as both are very reasonably priced and deliver.

To me at least, the tractor is the most important consideration as I try to keep stuff a long time and don't want to be in a long term relationship with something with which I am not happy.

I learned this the hard way years ago on cars/trucks and motorcycles.

 

[Zxyrthe]

What do you need the tractor for Dustinfox? How many acres are you managing?

Identify features first then shop brand.

btw - welcome to TBN.

 

[TigerfaninAR]

Like others have said, give us a rundown on your property and what you plan to use the tractor for.

I bought from Barlows in Kentucky and I live in Arkansas. Wasn't going to pay an extra $2500 for the local guy. While some may pay for that personal relationship with the in town guy, it wasn't worth $2500 to me. You can also get parts, oil etc online with many good dealers shipped straight to your home. Would be nice to have a local dealer but wasn't a deal breaker for me.

 

[dustinfox]

Thanks people,

I'm sure I can do my own maint on the tractor. I would only be concerned with major repairs or warrantee work. I'm just not sure how that would work.

I have roughly 8 acres and a 400 foot gravel driveway. The house is situated in a small clearing and the remainder of the land is thickly wooded, hilly terrain with lots of pine and spruce. Lots of stones and some wet land also. I intend to make a larger yard which means lots of stump removal. I also plan on making some pasture for live stock (maybe a half an acre). There is also landscaping around the house and maintaining the gravel driveway to do.

I figure if I pay someone for all this work, it wouldn't be long before I spent the cost of my own tractor.

p.s. Can I dig out stumps with just a bucket? (instead of a backhoe)

 

[TripleR]

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about repairs and warranty work, my 03 L5030 has never been in the shop for repairs and it has 1200 hours, no problems with our 08 2660 or much of anything else for that matter if properly maintained and not abused.

Any dealership is required to do warranty work though they may put you at the bottom of the pile if they are stupid. I didn't buy my original Kubota from my present dealer, but have bought three others from him because of their willingness to work on my equipment when I was too sick to do it myself.

We own an old back hoe but use it so seldom, we don't bother to keep it running and just rent a back hoe or excavator when we need to do some digging. If you have the need for one though, they are very handy.

When he had some clearing to do, we just had a dozer brought in, but a lot of members on here do a lot of clearing and stump removal with their tractors.

There is a pretty wide range of tractors that will handle your needs, so I will let someone with more experience with this size machine give you some advice as I use bigger tractors for that sort of thing and don't have much experience with the smaller CUTs.

Good luck.

 

[eagle107]

I agree with Triple R that renting backhoe/excavator or a dozer would be a good option to remove the stumps. You could also rent or purchase a 3PH stump grinder for the tractor which could make short work of your stumps. It seems couple of people on the forum have used these grinders and like them. However, I am not sure what it would cost if you wanted to purchase one.

Woods Equipment Company - 15-50 PTO HP Stump Grinder - Model TSG50

or

Stump Grinder - Tractor Mounted

 

[dustinfox]

Thanks everyone for all the advice and feed back. I have lots to think about!