GIve me some ideas....need a basic small tractor for 3 pt work

[aaronrkelly]

I have a Kubota with a FEL and backhoe. I use it constantly. So constant in fact that Im often wishing (not needing) I had a second tractor. IE, I could use the box blade but Im also using the backhoe - rather then constantly swapping, should I grab a second basic tractor for drag work/PTO.

Need nothing large, as I only have about 3 acres.....basic needs.

post hole digger, box blade are the most often used - no need for mowing as I have a large commercial zero turn

Nothing huge, as I dont have the place to store it.....thinking in that 20 to 30 HP range, with the focus on usability from the PTO. All the 3pt stuff I already have is well suited for sub compact/compact tractors.

My Kubota is 4wd, but I dont see the REAL need for the 3pt machine to be 4wd. Nice if it was, but not necessary. HST also nice, not necessary.

Price, trying to stay in the 3k range, give or take.

What types of machines should I be looking for?

 

[YLee Kioti]

I think you already know...but a BX series with a 4wd for those Box Blade work days of tough dirt to move around.
CL should have a few in your area maybe?

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't know where you live but I don't think you could find a running tractor of any sort around here in your price range. Even old tractors with FEL go for 5K or more.

 

[crashz]

Consider some older Kubota B's and John Deere 650, 750 and 670 and 770 gear drive tractors. A 2wd gear drive machine will likely get to your price point and still be a stout little tractor.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, 3k isn't going to get you much. You might find a high hour BX with no mower or end loader for that price.

You might look at getting some kind of quick hitch for your tractor. Its still requires you to take the backhoe off and put the 3 point on but it at least makes hooking up implements easier.

 

[Granthol]

8n or Massey 135 should fit the bill for what you are wanting to do and price.

 

[oldballs]

I agree with the above others, that you probably wouldn't get much of a worthwhile tractor for around 3M. I'd consider another Kubota in the "B" family because you can often swap maintenance info and parts. Staying close to the BX size should make most of your attachments compatible with either tractor. Having two tractors mounted with your most commonly used attachments sure saves on grunt, time and frustration.... now there is something worth some $$$$$.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[JasperFrank]

Well, I'll be entirely biased here and suggest a Ford/New Holland 1220. Over the course of over 20 years of ownership, I'm just assounded that I haven't broken this thing yet. And I've asked it to do things one should never ask a 14 HP tractor to do. Yet, it did it.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Looked at a few tractors over the last couple days.

Had to bump my budget up....figured I could spend $5k and get alot more tractor....so thats my stopping point.

Looked at a Montana 2740 - FAR bigger then my little BX Kubota and I liked that, didnt like the potential lack of parts/support. Tractor was minty, with 400hrs - price was $5k.

Missed out on a great deal, 2007 John Deere 3203 for $5500 with 1200hrs. Was gone quick.

Tomorrow looking at a Kubota L2600 4wd for $5k with 400ish hours.

 

[Maxify55]

I agree! Put an extra $10K in front of your original thought and you'll get what you desire.
Be prepared for down time after breaking certain parts with extra hard applications, even then.
Call it operator "learning curve".
All of us went through.
BTW, the extra $10K should be put into the column right there alongside land purchase.
Yes! It's that important! If you don't think so, try doing all that work without it or, worse yet,
"Hire It All Out".
Then, you'll have a stack of receipts in your hand and no tractor in the shed/garage after completion.
{Which never comes. BTW}

How'd we do it here at my place?
I went with used grey market with a splendid 1979 Zen-Noh {Yanmar}.
Price tag in 2007 dollars was $7900 for a used 30 year old grey market FEL tractor.
Then again, I sold it to my next door neighbor for $7K after flogging it for almost 10 yrs.
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what is needed.
The pain will subside in time but you'll have the tool to do the job.

Of course, you can always grab your shovel, pick axe, rake & chainsaw & do it by hand:shocked::thumbdown: