JD 1120 with Loader?

[Jeep Guy]

Hello All

Have been wondering what to do without really breaking the bank too much. For a little history, bought a MF 135 with a snow blower attachment last year, and although I didn't have to run it that much, (we ended up not getting that much snow...odd for where I am in Canada), worked great and loved it.

Spring now and I was looking around for a loader perhaps for it as I have some property maintenance to deal with and a good amount of fill to push around etc then maintaining year after year following that and a 25 sq foot garden. Snow blowing with always be another as will a gravel driveway about 3-400 feet.

My problem is, really is the MF135 up to using an FEL over the long term with at least for a few years some medium duty or would I be better served just selling and getting something like this that I saw for sale,

"John Deere 1120, 3rd owner since new. 50 hp, Good tires, calcium in tires. Strong tractor. Front end loader attached in 2009 (JD146 loader). Brand new loader controls (self leveling) and hoses. Quick attach-detach hydraulic lines. New loader mounts. Rebuilt starter. New block heater, seat and other new parts. Very good runner. Well maintained. 4025 original hours. 9000.00 obo"

Price is best offer and things do run a little more expensive here in Canada for Tractors and parts than that of the US but would like to hear what you would do in my situation.

Regards
Steve

 

[ff1221]

Steve, without question, the 135 would handle a loader without any problems at all, probably one of the best loader tractors of it's time, several were generally purchased with industrial loaders as a spinoff of the Massey Workbull. The 1120 would be a close equivalent to your 135, and I'm not saying one is better than the other, you would pay the same for a 135 in good condition with a loader, the advantage you would have purchasing the 1120 is someone has already put the package together. I'm not sure what you paid for your 135, but likely a good used loader for it will be $2000 to $3000, and then you have to install it, or have someone install it for you, could run into some big dollars. $9000 isn't unreasonable for a John Deere, when you consider the resale value of John Deeres, keep in mind for a few thousand more, if you are patient and keep your eye out you can find some good used 4-wheel drives, 1370 and 2-60 Whites, and 4-wheel drive loader tractors always work better. I guess I should also throw in the fact that John Deere is literally giving away 2000 series compact tractors at 0% financing for 4 years to boot, I just closed the deal on a new 2520 with loader, 62" deck and 54" front mount blower, tractor and loader alone were $15800. Not sure where you are in Ontario, but that price was from Huron Tractor in Walkerton, so some food for thought.

Not sure how you got away without much snow, it never quit here, it was even snowing yesterday!

 

[ff1221]

Sorry Steve, I was thinking 165 not 135, the 165s came with industrial loaders, although loaders were available for the 135, although it will likely be very hard to find a used one for it, and they were generally clumsy and underpowered. Also, the 1120 is obviously a larger tractor, and likely a better choice, but the good news is John Deere compacts are still on sale. Sorry for the misinformation.:ashamed:

 

[Jeep Guy]

Oh no worries at all, thanks for your reply and lots of great points. You know in the end for all the things that I need to do around the property (3 acres), a compact diesel is probably all that I would need in many ways. I don't want to finance, just want to have the mortgage and that is it for a monthly payment, even paid off my Jeep to be done with more hands in my pocket so to speak. Not to mention all of the tax. The thing though other than financing a new tractor is, and I see you are from Ontario as well so you could relate, is that I have I think that its a 6 foot, maybe 7 foot snowblower that came along with my MF. I love it and don't want to get rid of that with 300 feet or nore of gravel driveway to clear out I can get it done in about an hour which in the morning or after work I like very much!!

Found a private sale of a JD 4200, has turf tires but has a 420 JD loader, scraper blade and ROPS with 1250 hours on it, and like the Perkins diesels, the Yanmars are also bullet-proof pretty much. The price is I think in reach but I wouldnt' be able to use my snow blower.

My thoughts are if the 1120 has power steering as well, (the MF does not), the decision might be made for me right there. Didn't get a response from my email so it may be gone or some people prefer that you phone will see. I am thinking if I have to go over 4 thousand for a FEL solution on the MF, its probably not really worth it. Will see how things go thanks again for all the good information you provided.

 

[ff1221]

A 26 or 28hp compact diesel would handle that blower the same or maybe even better than your 135, the diesel has more torque, so it would work fine. Yanmars are really good engines, I've had 2 JD 2305s and a 997 zero turn, all with Yanmars, and they have been trouble free, the one 2305 I still have has around 600hrs as does the zero turn, and they get worked pretty hard as we do commercial grass cutting and landscaping. As i said before 4 wheel drive is a lot nicer for loader work, but I understand budget constraints, so good luck with whatever you get.:thumbsup: