Buying Advice Cab or no cab?

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Well, OK, I went to the closest tractor dealer to me. They sell the TYM brand. I went there before to look at their T25 model, which is a bit on the small size, but seemed like what I was looking for. The problem was that they offered it with a cab, but no AC. Fail. At the time, I wasn't interested in looking at their larger models that would have a cab with AC, so went elsewhere on a search.

During that time, I think I learned a lot here and from MANY YouTube videos I have watched. All that info went into the brain hopper and got churned around. What became most important on the list rose to the top. Definitely want a cab. Weight matters, so a heavier tractor would be better (for me) than a lighter one. Issue of AC with a 25 horsepower engine produced ambivalent answers. But obviously higher HP would be better than lower HP, just in case. Heavier weight and functional AC pushes towards higher HP than lower. Which means a larger tractor overall. And having a dealer closer rather than further away is apparently a worthy factor to consider. So with all of those ingredients mixed in my mind, I went back to the TYM dealer, who is about 20 minutes away from me, and took a long hard look at the other models they had on the lot. Honestly, they didn't have a big selection, but I found myself circling the T474 they had there quite a bit. Had nearly all of the features I wanted that typically come standard or at least readily available as options. I was leaning towards the Kioti brand, but after the salesman at that 1.5 hour away dealership seems to not want to talk to me any longer after I commented on the high price tag he is putting on 15 more horsepower, I guess he has more customers than he knows what to do with, and doesn't need my business.

I got a price on the TYM T474HC model from the local dealer, and honestly the price quite surprised me. VERY reasonable. I even checked with him to make sure he didn't quote a price on the non cab version or without the loader. Yep, that was the price.

So that is the way I am leaning now. Still want to do some research yet before pulling the trigger. Honestly, I ruled out a backhoe, because it just pushed the price way beyond what I really wanted to pay. But with the TYM, it just became feasible again. I just need to figure out if I REALLY want that option or not. But then again, wouldn't be the first time I have purchased a tool that I use rarely. But the nice thing about it is that when I NEED it, I HAVE it.

Thanks all for all of the input and advice. It was ALL very useful and helpful. Even if it seemed I was fighting against the tide.

 

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That's a good size for you.
I've seen this tractor going for $32,900.
Backhoe is big bucks and you can do a lot with a front stump bucket for trenching and digging narrow holes especially if you have no main intent for a backhoe.
Florida requires only what? about 18" for footing depth?
Stump bucket can do that easily and it would be about $6000-$7000 less.

 

[TractorTYMe]

I saved enough to I could afford to buy a cab, I have WINTER so cab is a must. On the other hand my TYM T474 I've had for 3 years and now 394h have been problem free and I work it hard. I mowed a 19 acre field with a 65'' ditch flail mower (Felt like doing it with nail clippers LOL) but I'd quoted the job and finished it in 26h.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Honestly, I ruled out a backhoe, because it just pushed the price way beyond what I really wanted to pay. But with the TYM, it just became feasible again. I just need to figure out if I REALLY want that option or not. But then again, wouldn't be the first time I have purchased a tool that I use rarely. But the nice thing about it is that when I NEED it, I HAVE it.

If the backhoe is relatively easy to remove and reinstall, I think you should get it.

Faking a backhoe can be quite hard to do, and they're useful for more than just digging.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

If the backhoe is relatively easy to remove and reinstall, I think you should get it.

Faking a backhoe can be quite hard to do, and they're useful for more than just digging.

For the price you can rent a lot of mini and do a lot more unless there are specific projects that would justify the purchase.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

For the price you can rent a lot of mini and do a lot more unless there are specific projects that would justify the purchase.

Yeah, I used to hire backhoes somewhat frequently, thinking I should buy one and save some money in the long run. But since I didn't know how to operate one I never did.

Well, things changed and after moving I finally did buy one. And kinda got the hang of how to use it. Then bought another one, and then we got a tiny BX25D.

Admittedly, these days I don't use them all that much. Partially because I have cranes that can do a better job at lifting things, but also because the irrigation ditches are largely staying in good shape. And thankfully we don't need that many horse graves in a year.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

Yeah, I used to hire backhoes somewhat frequently, thinking I should buy one and save some money in the long run. But since I didn't know how to operate one I never did.

Well, things changed and after moving I finally did buy one. And kinda got the hang of how to use it. Then bought another one, and then we got a tiny BX25D.

Admittedly, these days I don't use them all that much. Partially because I have cranes that can do a better job at lifting things, but also because the irrigation ditches are largely staying in good shape. And thankfully we don't need that many horse graves in a year.

I had one project that I've ever needed a mini for. 800+ feet of three foot wide by five foot deep trench. I rented a mini for the job. According to the hour meter, it took me 27 hours to complete. Total cost for the mini delivered and picked up, was under $1500.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I had one project that I've ever needed a mini for. 800+ feet of three foot wide by five foot deep trench. I rented a mini for the job. According to the hour meter, it took me 27 hours to complete. Total cost for the mini delivered and picked up, was under $1500.

Okay, that's a third of what I paid for the Case 580 I use the most - because it's the one in best mechanical condition, even though it was originally bought as a parts car.

Thankfully, my investment (while higher) has allowed me to use that machine for some six years now, whenever I feel like it. And if memory serves me it has about 400 hours on it, so it should keep functioning for a bit longer. Meanwhile, your $1,500 are simply gone.

 

[Williy]

I purchased the backhoe I don't use it a lot but when I need it I have it!
Its about 55 or 60 miles round trip to the rent it shop and it there is a long line you have to wait and waiting can take a long time and then when its your turn you find out they are all rented out for a few days and you need one NOW! Its very handy to have and it only takes a few minutes to hook up! no waiting for one to use. So you can spend your
time running to the rent it shop maybe they will have what you need then again maybe not. Having a backhoe is very convenient and it only takes a few minutes to hook one up and you are using it right away not driving to the rent it shop if you have an emergency.
THIS IS MY OPINION AND EVERY BODY HAS ONE!

willy

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

Okay, that's a third of what I paid for the Case 580 I use the most - because it's the one in best mechanical condition, even though it was originally bought as a parts car.

Thankfully, my investment (while higher) has allowed me to use that machine for some six years now, whenever I feel like it. And if memory serves me it has about 400 hours on it, so it should keep functioning for a bit longer. Meanwhile, your $1,500 are simply gone.

A dedicated industrial backhoe is a little bit different animal than a backhoe attachment on a compact tractor, so it's a bit of an apples to oranges comparison.
Better my $1500 gone than a $7500 attachment (we are talking new) just sitting there under a tarp slowly deteriorating. But even beyond that, a mini is inherently faster than a tractor backhoe. The places I had to dig required some reach to keep the dirt off of a building and off of a driveway. I will also bet that a backhoe would have taken much longer than 27 hours to accomplish the same tasks.