B21 Purchase ???

[MikeInOnt]

Like many I'm about to do what many have wanted to (In other words the wife has said ok...) and am looking at picking up a TLB. Seems I started out looking at older smaller units and like everything else I'm up to looking at newer and "better" , in my case a B21. I've got a small acrage, 5 acres, that needs work, a little pond to clean up around...so yes it will be a working toy around home but my goal is to accumulate a few things while I'm employed and to start a small retirement business in 5 years.

Now used units are like hens teeth in these parts, eastern Ontario, and units seem to sell quickly. A reputable dealer has a 98 B21 TLB, 2800 hrs used by a commercial landscaper in the shop now. He says all seals, bushings etc are checked and replaced if need be, all fluids drained and inspected.... all his units have a 30 day power train warranty, and he does indeed do a lot of commercial business and has been in business for quite some time. They are also firm,firm,firm on any price they set as they turn alot of units and know they offer value.

So is $25,000 cdn (@16,250 US) generally a fair price for a 98 B21 with 2800 hrs, a full cab, front tires have been replaced?

And I'm sure it has been asked previously (point me to an archive if need be) what are the steps I should take in inspection and negeotiation? I've dealt with car dealers previously but never equipment dealers....what can I expect?

Is it worthwhile paying someone to come and inspect the unit for me?

Any and all advise greatly appreciated!!!!

Mike in eastern Ontario.

 

[Carl_NH]

Mike,

2800 hrs is a lot of seat time, or in mileage 280,000KM at 100KM/hr average.

These units go for a long time, but I still think that these hours are high for the price. When Carver is selling a brand new B21 for $23,800 USD. Locally here and on ebay in the Northeast these are selling for $15-17 for a 97-98 vintage with 5-700 hours.

I am somehat familiar with the export from Canada on cars as long as they are 6 mos old, we here pay 3.5% duty to bring them to the USA. What you might think about is getting a rental unit from Carvers etc.. to get around the tax etc..

Regarding checking this out, I think if the dealer as you say is reputable, it's probably a decent unit. What I would suggest is that if you are not familiar with these units is find a person that is and have them test drive it for wear etc.

Another option is to look at the BX22 which is $15-16KUSD brand new. These look like nice units and are getting good reviews here.

Let me know how you make out, and as my wife said, get what you want, and I got a new one, as in the long haul it's only a few more $ each month for a new one.

Carl