Buying Advice First Tractor purchase advice

[AxleHub]

Greetings Paulfun,

Not trying to be argumentative Paul . . but you do understand that a large tractor is not 99% effective . . . right ??? A 100 hp tractor can do big things but the smaller more frequent activities it can't do because its too big. The only way to be 99% effective is to spend a ton of money and have at minimum 2 or maybe 3 tractors and a bunch of implements and a place to store them all too.

New topic: It must have been something to see when you plowed 1.25 miles of deep snow on your private driveway and another 2 miles of deep snow of town road to get a cleared road and then go back to get your crawler and get back again to the fire truck and drag the fire equipment all that distance to come and save the burning house. How long did that all take to do ?

 

[CobaltSky]

So with our land here I tried to research as much as possible. Roam around, look, feel, talk to neighbors in similar situations, neighbors with tractors, neighbors with skids. I measured the driveway, the barn, the garage door. I decided that I wanted to be able to pull/power 6' implements, like the grader scraper and mower, and that having a 6' bucket would be good for snow removal, (until I live through a winter with it and get more data), so no front plow or front blower, no MMM, so no mid PTO needed.

Both my father in law and Adam in Calhan expressed that they want more power than they already have (Kubota M5040 and LS XR4046 respectively). Their needs are only slightly more heavy duty than mine. So while I don't want a bigger tractor like the M series, I'm deciding a good fit is something in the 35-40hp range, and the 35hp turbo LS was the same price as the 26hp NA Kubota B2650 I was originally looking at, and has more standard features. So hopefully that rationale makes sense and I'm going about this properly, with the right frame of mind. Everyone's situation is different, but you all have experience, and experiences to relate, where I have none

Yes I have looked at different financing options. Kubota is nice at 60 for 0%. Mahindra offers different options, but you buy in to the lower rates with significantly higher purchase price. LS is similar. I can get 0% for 84 months at a higher upfront cost, or 5.85% for the cash price.

I'm not really excited with those options, but I'll keep looking and get the best deal I can. Can anyone recommend a 3rd party lender with low rates that I should look at?

 

[paulfun9]

Greetings Paulfun,

Not trying to be argumentative Paul . . but you do understand that a large tractor is not 99% effective . . . right ??? A 100 hp tractor can do big things but the smaller more frequent activities it can't do because its too big. The only way to be 99% effective is to spend a ton of money and have at minimum 2 or maybe 3 tractors and a bunch of implements and a place to store them all too.

New topic: It must have been something to see when you plowed 1.25 miles of deep snow on your private driveway and another 2 miles of deep snow of town road to get a cleared road and then go back to get your crawler and get back again to the fire truck and drag the fire equipment all that distance to come and save the burning house. How long did that all take to do ?

You may not think you are trying to be argumentative but you are! You are also reading things into what others say and making assumptions about things that you were not there to witness.
Please show me where I posted that I pulled the fire truck? I can guarantee that I only said I could pull it if it was needed and that indeed was the assurance that gave the fireman driving the truck enough reason to run down a road that wasn't plowed very well. He wanted to wait for the township truck to get there and open up the road but they had to work their way out of the township lot and fight their way threw the drifts that accumulate along the top of the hill from behind my home on the other side of the farm. It took them till after everything was out till they got to the top of my hill at the entrance to my road.

Now please understand that what you consider essential on your property IMHO would only cover 15 percent of the posters needs as he has much more property than you!!

In his first post he states he has problems with drifting. Guess what I have them also and know how to deal with them and a SCUT that took me 9 years to decide on would not be the tool for the job but rather a 40 to 50 HP tractor with a 84 inch blower would be the appropriate tool for opening and keeping it open. Having a small machine around on big properties is nice but in reality mine sits most of the time because its only needed so rarely. Yes when it is needed its nice but guess what when you have the bigger equipment you can also make changes to the landscape so quickly that you can change lots of things that make using the bigger machine where you used to have to use the small one possible. Guess because you overanalyze everything but are still stuck with how you personally solve problems by assuming everyone thinks like you and coming up with theory after theory about how things work when the information is already there for the taking and then wasting peoples time arguing with those who freely give you the correct information you will never understand that having a large property the limitations of the small machine will outweigh the limitations of the large machine for most people.

For the record my little tractor hasn't left the garage in over a year because 99% of my needs can be met with my other machines in a much more efficient
manner.

 

[CobaltSky]

In my case, my worst case 1% scenario may have already happened. We had a wicked blizzard on Nov 17th and I was completely unprepared. During the blizzard overnight, my wife went into early labor (after being at the OB that very day, complete with ultrasound, and being told she probably had 2 weeks left). I could not get out of the driveway. I called 911 and informed them and they started talking me through home birth procedures. Over an hour passed and no one came. I was told they were trying to get to us. Eventually my wife couldn't hold back and I saw.... A FOOT! Our daughter had done a flip in the night! She started to push and soon I had half a baby, but contractions stopped and the other half was stuck. Just then a group of firemen showed up at the door. Their 4x4 had gotten stuck on our community road and they had walked in through the blizzard. Just as they came in, the delivery completed. Baby was blue and not responding. They administered O2 and other measures and finally she breathed and eventually cried. They were on radios and told us that 6 emergency vehicles were stuck trying to get to us. Another hour passed and another fire crew hiked in with more oxygen and supplies. My wife was bleeding pretty badly. I had called neighbors with skid steers to help, early on in the process, but no one had any luck getting a vehicle in here.

Finally they got word to a huge CDOT plow and were able to get him directed to the right place. He plowed out an ambulance and escorted it to our door, then escorted the ambulance and my SUV to clearer roads. We drove 20mph all the way to the hospital.

So, do I think having anything short of a monster tractor with chains and a cab and a plow or blower would have gotten us out that morning? No, not in that exact situation with the storm still raging and active labor counting down, and my presence as the only other adult in the house needing to be indoors, helping. But it does weigh heavily on my mind and in a certain less dire, less urgent situation I'd like to at least have a chance to punch our way out, without sacrificing some of the things a smaller framed tractor is good at, and without breaking the bank.

 

[TJP89]

I've been looking at this from the OPs perspective, as I always try to do. I don't why on earth anyone could possibly think a SCUT would be appropriate. My uses are smaller than his, but I went through the same logic. I wanted something that could plow snow, mow, and be general utility on my 25 acres. Now, I could 80% of the time get away with 25HP. But I determined that if I needed to pull a car, or plow big snow, run more efficient implements etc, 35HP was better. I also judged that I was making a once in a lifetime investment (20K on a tractor is one time for me), and it was worth spending a few extra K, spread over a few years, to make sure that I got a machine that would cover 95% of my possible needs. Now, if we get 10ft of snow, or a semi-truck gets stuck, I can't handle that. But that possibility is very far-fetched. My investment has ensured that I can handle almost every reasonable scenario that occurs around me. Some don't occur very often, but when they occur, I can handle them.

The same applies to the OP. He's not going to be plowing the road regularly unless he goes 75HP+. No need for that. But he doesn't want to spend 20+ thousand only to know that if it snows decently he has to rely on his neighbor to plow him out. Also, at 40HP, if he really needs the road clear, he can do it, might take a while, but can be done. There is nothing he mentioned that requires a smaller tractor, so I'm not sure why Axle is pushing his usual argument that all properties can be maintained with SCUTs.

Brand wise, LS is a solid brand. I really liked them, but the dealer by me is infamously bad, and at the point I was looking, Kioti was the better tractor. The XR series is very impressive IMO. You are correct in that Kioti offers a factory cab only at the NX4510 and up. The NX is also a good tractor, worth a look. I don't think 45HP is overkill at all in your situation, I would think that'd be about right actually. Not sure if it's turbocharged, that is definitely a plus at your elevation, very likely a deal-maker for the LS, as often those aren't available until 50HP or above. I don't know what the LS is priced at, but the NX4510HC with loader tends to run about 29K, IIRC.

 

[CobaltSky]

I've been looking at this from the OPs perspective, as I always try to do. I don't why on earth anyone could possibly think a SCUT would be appropriate. My uses are smaller than his, but I went through the same logic. I wanted something that could plow snow, mow, and be general utility on my 25 acres. Now, I could 80% of the time get away with 25HP. But I determined that if I needed to pull a car, or plow big snow, run more efficient implements etc, 35HP was better. I also judged that I was making a once in a lifetime investment (20K on a tractor is one time for me), and it was worth spending a few extra K, spread over a few years, to make sure that I got a machine that would cover 95% of my possible needs. Now, if we get 10ft of snow, or a semi-truck gets stuck, I can't handle that. But that possibility is very far-fetched. My investment has ensured that I can handle almost every reasonable scenario that occurs around me. Some don't occur very often, but when they occur, I can handle them.

The same applies to the OP. He's not going to be plowing the road regularly unless he goes 75HP+. No need for that. But he doesn't want to spend 20+ thousand only to know that if it snows decently he has to rely on his neighbor to plow him out. Also, at 40HP, if he really needs the road clear, he can do it, might take a while, but can be done. There is nothing he mentioned that requires a smaller tractor, so I'm not sure why Axle is pushing his usual argument that all properties can be maintained with SCUTs.

Brand wise, LS is a solid brand. I really liked them, but the dealer by me is infamously bad, and at the point I was looking, Kioti was the better tractor. The XR series is very impressive IMO. You are correct in that Kioti offers a factory cab only at the NX4510 and up. The NX is also a good tractor, worth a look. I don't think 45HP is overkill at all in your situation, I would think that'd be about right actually. Not sure if it's turbocharged, that is definitely a plus at your elevation, very likely a deal-maker for the LS, as often those aren't available until 50HP or above. I don't know what the LS is priced at, but the NX4510HC with loader tends to run about 29K, IIRC.

That is a turbo on that NX. If I can get it for 29k, that's really close to what I was getting quoted on the XR4140. Darn it. Now I need to go up the pass and check them out

 

[airbiscuit]

I tried to save you a trip, now I'm not trying to save you a trip. Besides, looking at tractors is fun

New Kioti NX451 hst walk around from Barrett's Equipment - YouTube

 

[CobaltSky]

I am toying with buying a flail mower. I currently have a rough cut mower, but would like a flail for my trails. The only ones I have found in my budget are:

Caroni from Agri Supply (add about $350 shipping) Flail Mower, Caroni, Rear Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 3837, TM19

Woodmaxx (free shipping) FM-78 Flail Mower | Tractor Flail Mower | PTO Mower Attachment | -WoodMaxx兌/url]

Both also have 5' versions

That Caroni will not be in stock until end of May, freight to me was $501, so $2410, and waiting until early June if I want what I thought I wanted.

I can't find anyone who has actually purchased and reviewd the WoodMaxx. Might need to look at eBay.

 

[grm61]

In my case, my worst case 1% scenario may have already happened. We had a wicked blizzard on Nov 17th and I was completely unprepared. During the blizzard overnight, my wife went into early labor (after being at the OB that very day, complete with ultrasound, and being told she probably had 2 weeks left). I could not get out of the driveway. I called 911 and informed them and they started talking me through home birth procedures. Over an hour passed and no one came. I was told they were trying to get to us. Eventually my wife couldn't hold back and I saw.... A FOOT! Our daughter had done a flip in the night! She started to push and soon I had half a baby, but contractions stopped and the other half was stuck. Just then a group of firemen showed up at the door. Their 4x4 had gotten stuck on our community road and they had walked in through the blizzard. Just as they came in, the delivery completed. Baby was blue and not responding. They administered O2 and other measures and finally she breathed and eventually cried. They were on radios and told us that 6 emergency vehicles were stuck trying to get to us. Another hour passed and another fire crew hiked in with more oxygen and supplies. My wife was bleeding pretty badly. I had called neighbors with skid steers to help, early on in the process, but no one had any luck getting a vehicle in here.

Finally they got word to a huge CDOT plow and were able to get him directed to the right place. He plowed out an ambulance and escorted it to our door, then escorted the ambulance and my SUV to clearer roads. We drove 20mph all the way to the hospital.

So, do I think having anything short of a monster tractor with chains and a cab and a plow or blower would have gotten us out that morning? No, not in that exact situation with the storm still raging and active labor counting down, and my presence as the only other adult in the house needing to be indoors, helping. But it does weigh heavily on my mind and in a certain less dire, less urgent situation I'd like to at least have a chance to punch our way out, without sacrificing some of the things a smaller framed tractor is good at, and without breaking the bank.

Holy smokes! So thankful everything worked out for you.

 

[Fallon]

I have a Kubota L3200 & live here in Parker, CO. East of Denver, but out into the planes a bit to get some pretty wind driven snow banks.

My tractor isn't enough to drive through, much less plow a few of these recent snows. I picked up a 3pt blower & that does the trick when I don't have enough machine to plow.

It does sound like you want more machine than I have though. Feel free to hit me up if you want to give it a test drive.

My only disappointment is lack of cab, which may end up driving me to upgrade. Debating if I'll upgrade to a 4,000 series machine if/when I upgrade. Looking at Kubota, LS, TYM & maybe Kioti (although the cabbed machines are probably to big for my needs).

 

[CobaltSky]

I have a Kubota L3200 & live here in Parker, CO. East of Denver, but out into the planes a bit to get some pretty wind driven snow banks.

My tractor isn't enough to drive through, much less plow a few of these recent snows. I picked up a 3pt blower & that does the trick when I don't have enough machine to plow.

It does sound like you want more machine than I have though. Feel free to hit me up if you want to give it a test drive.

My only disappointment is lack of cab, which may end up driving me to upgrade. Debating if I'll upgrade to a 4,000 series machine if/when I upgrade. Looking at Kubota, LS, TYM & maybe Kioti (although the cabbed machines are probably to big for my needs).

Thanks Fallon.

I did test drive an L series in Kiowa. Nice tractor.

People don't understand the winds here until they live here! That blizzard last week almost blew us into New Mexico... I even had a ton of snow in the attic. It somehow worked its way into the roof vents on the north side. I decided then and there a cab was no longer optional.

 

[AxleHub]

I've been looking at this from the OPs perspective, as I always try to do. I don't why on earth anyone could possibly think a SCUT would be appropriate. My uses are smaller than his, but I went through the same logic. I wanted something that could plow snow, mow, and be general utility on my 25 acres. Now, I could 80% of the time get away with 25HP. But I determined that if I needed to pull a car, or plow big snow, run more efficient implements etc, 35HP was better. I also judged that I was making a once in a lifetime investment (20K on a tractor is one time for me), and it was worth spending a few extra K, spread over a few years, to make sure that I got a machine that would cover 95% of my possible needs. Now, if we get 10ft of snow, or a semi-truck gets stuck, I can't handle that. But that possibility is very far-fetched. My investment has ensured that I can handle almost every reasonable scenario that occurs around me. Some don't occur very often, but when they occur, I can handle them.

The same applies to the OP. He's not going to be plowing the road regularly unless he goes 75HP+. No need for that. But he doesn't want to spend 20+ thousand only to know that if it snows decently he has to rely on his neighbor to plow him out. Also, at 40HP, if he really needs the road clear, he can do it, might take a while, but can be done. There is nothing he mentioned that requires a smaller tractor, so I'm not sure why Axle is pushing his usual argument that all properties can be maintained with SCUTs.

Brand wise, LS is a solid brand. I really liked them, but the dealer by me is infamously bad, and at the point I was looking, Kioti was the better tractor. The XR series is very impressive IMO. You are correct in that Kioti offers a factory cab only at the NX4510 and up. The NX is also a good tractor, worth a look. I don't think 45HP is overkill at all in your situation, I would think that'd be about right actually. Not sure if it's turbocharged, that is definitely a plus at your elevation, very likely a deal-maker for the LS, as often those aren't available until 50HP or above. I don't know what the LS is priced at, but the NX4510HC with loader tends to run about 29K, IIRC.

Greetings Tony,

I was talking about scuts because initially Cobalt sky 's needs and desire list and finances fit with a scut. You might recall I also talked about Yanmar 324vand 424 product. But then he went ta numbet of dealers and his thoughts started tonchange.

Recently one of his selections he was considering was a Massey 1736 and with his needs changed I'd been supportive of choices like that.

My point is I don't try to automatically assume the needs of any op. I listen to their comments and plans first. As you recall . . the start of this thread included consideration of getying a used rider and then figure outbthe next step when they had a plan and he couldn't get a tractor and a mower . Nowvwere up to a 24,000 tractor instead of a 15,000 scut or a 50 hp tractor at ???

Did anyone ever read about a new born baby in this thread until 3 posts ago?

 

[paulfun9]

In my case, my worst case 1% scenario may have already happened. We had a wicked blizzard on Nov 17th and I was completely unprepared. During the blizzard overnight, my wife went into early labor (after being at the OB that very day, complete with ultrasound, and being told she probably had 2 weeks left). I could not get out of the driveway. I called 911 and informed them and they started talking me through home birth procedures. Over an hour passed and no one came. I was told they were trying to get to us. Eventually my wife couldn't hold back and I saw.... A FOOT! Our daughter had done a flip in the night! She started to push and soon I had half a baby, but contractions stopped and the other half was stuck. Just then a group of firemen showed up at the door. Their 4x4 had gotten stuck on our community road and they had walked in through the blizzard. Just as they came in, the delivery completed. Baby was blue and not responding. They administered O2 and other measures and finally she breathed and eventually cried. They were on radios and told us that 6 emergency vehicles were stuck trying to get to us. Another hour passed and another fire crew hiked in with more oxygen and supplies. My wife was bleeding pretty badly. I had called neighbors with skid steers to help, early on in the process, but no one had any luck getting a vehicle in here.

Finally they got word to a huge CDOT plow and were able to get him directed to the right place. He plowed out an ambulance and escorted it to our door, then escorted the ambulance and my SUV to clearer roads. We drove 20mph all the way to the hospital.

So, do I think having anything short of a monster tractor with chains and a cab and a plow or blower would have gotten us out that morning? No, not in that exact situation with the storm still raging and active labor counting down, and my presence as the only other adult in the house needing to be indoors, helping. But it does weigh heavily on my mind and in a certain less dire, less urgent situation I'd like to at least have a chance to punch our way out, without sacrificing some of the things a smaller framed tractor is good at, and without breaking the bank.

Thankfully everything worked out!

 

[TJP89]

Greetings Tony,

I was talking about scuts because initially Cobalt sky 's needs and desire list and finances fit with a scut. You might recall I also talked about Yanmar 324vand 424 product. But then he went ta numbet of dealers and his thoughts started tonchange.

Recently one of his selections he was considering was a Massey 1736 and with his needs changed I'd been supportive of choices like that.

My point is I don't try to automatically assume the needs of any op. I listen to their comments and plans first. As you recall . . the start of this thread included consideration of getying a used rider and then figure outbthe next step when they had a plan and he couldn't get a tractor and a mower . Nowvwere up to a 24,000 tractor instead of a 15,000 scut or a 50 hp tractor at ???

Did anyone ever read about a new born baby in this thread until 3 posts ago?

I see where you're coming from. I don't think the OP needs to go more than 40-45HP, and might be able to get away with 35. In snow I think it's more a matter of weight than sheer HP (Cab helps with weight too, if the OP needs another reason to go for one)

Cobalt, my price on the NX is based on a 32Kish price on a NX6010, and comparable prices on the 50s and 55s. Don't quote me on the 29K. My point is the 4510 is not going to be way out there, this is a free market you know! As someone said, looking at tractors is fun, and the NX is well worth at least a look. This isn't to knock the LS, great tractor, But I'm a firm believer in looking at all the options.

 

[CobaltSky]

Spoke to Kioti dealer. They quoted $32100 for NX4510 HST cab with SSQA FEL and a 72" rear blade, rim guard and delivery.
Removing the blade from the package takes off just $450 and they are motivated to sell it off the lot before they start paying for it in 2 months, so they said I would have a little room to deal, but not taking it down to LS XR4140 prices (although it is another extra 5hp tractor...)

So I'm considering a trip up there on Friday to test drive it and compare it to the others and see if it is an option.

Anyone have any tips on what I can be looking for as value added features or specs or quality on the Kioti?

 

[Fallon]

I got mine from the guys in Kiowa, nice guys. The economy (00, now 01) models are very different machines than the Grands (use to be 40, now 60 series). Grands have all the bells & whistles, not to mention nicer transmissions & more weight. Doesn't sound like you are going that way though.

Kioti has been around a while & was the OEM for Bobcat tractors until Bobcat stopped selling tractors a year or 3 ago. Traditionally they have been very high quality machines with beefy front axles & class leading lift capacities. My only reason for not looking at them harder if/when I upgrade my Kubota to a cabbed machine is I'm not sure I want as big of a machine as their smallest cabbed machine.

You checked out Legacy Tractor Sales & Service - New & Used Tractors & Packages For Sale - Colorado, Nebraska & Wyoming up in Ft. Collins? They sell TYM, LS & Kioti, so makes it easy to one stop shop. Haven't been up to the lot yet myself but did look at their 4000 series cabbed TYM & LS machines at the stock show. Liked the feel of the LS a bit more, but nothing to specific.

LS is the OEM for New Holland I think, pretty TYM was the OEM for another badge, maybe Maysey. At any rate all 3 have surprisingly good pedigrees & reputations.

 

[CobaltSky]

I got mine from the guys in Kiowa, nice guys. The economy (00, now 01) models are very different machines than the Grands (use to be 40, now 60 series). Grands have all the bells & whistles, not to mention nicer transmissions & more weight. Doesn't sound like you are going that way though.

Kioti has been around a while & was the OEM for Bobcat tractors until Bobcat stopped selling tractors a year or 3 ago. Traditionally they have been very high quality machines with beefy front axles & class leading lift capacities. My only reason for not looking at them harder if/when I upgrade my Kubota to a cabbed machine is I'm not sure I want as big of a machine as their smallest cabbed machine.

You checked out Legacy Tractor Sales & Service - New & Used Tractors & Packages For Sale - Colorado, Nebraska & Wyoming up in Ft. Collins? They sell TYM, LS & Kioti, so makes it easy to one stop shop. Haven't been up to the lot yet myself but did look at their 4000 series cabbed TYM & LS machines at the stock show. Liked the feel of the LS a bit more, but nothing to specific.

LS is the OEM for New Holland I think, pretty TYM was the OEM for another badge, maybe Maysey. At any rate all 3 have surprisingly good pedigrees & reputations.

Yes, LS is OEM for NH. My friend in Elizabeth on 5ac has a NH 1725, wishes he had a cab.
Haven't been to Legacy in Ft. Collins, but I did request a comp quote from them on the LS I looked at in Penrose. Legacy was higher $, and further away.

 

[grm61]

The first time you shut that cab door when its 21 degrees and snowing sideways, take your coat off, and a big sip off your favorite beverage, dial up some of your favorite music, and get down to work, you will NEVER wonder if you should have spent the extra money for a factory cab. It sucks though when ya gotta pee, its cold out there :shocked:

 

[airbiscuit]

So I'm considering a trip up there on Friday to test drive it and compare it to the others and see if it is an option.

Anyone have any tips on what I can be looking for as value added features or specs or quality on the Kioti?

Did you get a chance to look at this?

New Kioti NX451 hst walk around from Barrett's Equipment - YouTube

I think it will come with telescoping links and stabilizers, fixed drawbar, lots of gizmos on their cruise, pretty good hydraulic flow. I think it will be good to look it over good and do a good test drive, to see how you like the "feel"

Did I mention that it is fun to go looking at tractors? Plus you notice different things each time. For example, how do you like their bucket level indicator?

 

[Tompet]

Thanks Fallon.

I did test drive an L series in Kiowa. Nice tractor.

People don't understand the winds here until they live here! That blizzard last week almost blew us into New Mexico... I even had a ton of snow in the attic. It somehow worked its way into the roof vents on the north side. I decided then and there a cab was no longer optional.

I came back to this thread and see your considerations have really changed. Good for you. Upgrading later is more costly though the bigger cost now will make you pause...for a moment.

I've suggested to people in the past the more you look, within reason, you do notice more details important to your decision like Airbiscuit just wrote. Anyway, you are narrowing down your choice as your knowledge of various models broadens. It will be interesting to see your final choice.
It is windy in parts of the West, snow blown into attic...a cab would sound good