Just another first tractor thread

[InTheDirt]

After owning a '48 Farmall cub some time back, I have the bug again. I put a landscape rake on it and it came with a 5' blade. Just didn't have the loader or power I wanted....

I'm looking for a tractor to do lawn installations and light grading (former landscaper) as a side business and in the retirement years ahead.
I'm thinking sub-compact is too small.
Looking to have a loader, tiller and rake minimum.
Four wheel drive
Not particular on hydrostatic or not
Open on the brand but much prefer American brand even if it has a korean motor, etc.
Needs to be a model that was around for a while so parts are readily available.
Can be late '80s on
Not a lot of rock here in coastal NJ.

I'm thinking something like a JD 855.

Please help me narrow some makes and models down.

thanks

 

[jenkinsph]

Used tractors this size are available, you just have to look around to see what comes up. Look at Tractorhouse.com Machinerytrader.com and Craigs list. Or when riding around I am always keeping an eye out for tractors and implements. There are so many models it really depends on what you can find.

New is a little easier and I suspect cheaper over a five or 10 year time frame. Deeres' smaller x748 x749 and the 1026R are good choices though smaller in size and ground clearance. The 2520 and 2720 would be the best fit for what you describe and I would give the 2720 the nudge overall. My preference is for a higher hp compact small enough to fit the size lawns you intend to work, they simply get the job done faster and keep you more competitive.

I am in the landscape business too, most of what I do is contouring/grading, smoothing, tilling. seeding and rock/paver work. I use an X749 for the close quarters work with 3PH and rear 540 pto, a 110tlb for digging and loader work and the 4520 for larger 3PH work.

I have all Deere tractors because I like them and they are a lot closer than the other dealers. Living in a more conjested area like Jersey I would consider ALL of the popular brands as it seems everyone makes good tractors these days.

 

[psdx]

The prices on the commercial equipment websites are 99% dealer owned/advertised. They need to make a profit and seldom do they get in a financial pinch where they need to unload a tractor real quick. If you are patient and have a couple of months to look, you can find a good deal on Craig's List. I use searchtempest dot com to check beyond my immediate area. The fact is that there's always someone that is over extended, is in a hurry to move, has buyer's remorse, etc. that will part with something for significantly less than you could buy from a dealer. The trick is to be observant and realize when the seller has dropped the price one or two times and be ready to act quickly.

A used 4wd tractor with a loader will be considerably cheaper if you are willing to buy a grey market, or upstart Korean or Chinese tractor. The used prices are quite low as they don't hold their value as well as the tractors with green, orange, or blue paint. The 855 is a good tractor. I think they spin rather fast to get the rated horsepower, but they are reliable. Suggesting a tractor or two for you to consider would be somewhat easier if you had a price range in mind. I could spend 30 grand real quick, but that might not fit your budget.

How much were you wanting to spend?

 

[Martian]

Farmall Cub eh? I have one that my grandfather bought new. Out of all my tractors, it is easily my favorite. May not be the strongest or the most comfortable for long times working on it, but it is a fun tractor to drive.

With that said you will be in for a real shock when you see these new tractors, they are super comfortable.

As you saying your looking at an 855 I'm assuming you want to go used. Definitely a good way to go to save yourself a couple of bucks, but if you can afford new, your getting the latest and greatest.

An 855 is an awesome, very reliable machine. If I were you I wouldn't worry to much on the parts, especially if you go with a JD. Deere has arguably the largest dealer and part network. It's second to none in my book. You can get a part for nearly any JD. The same thing goes for most other brands, but you'll usually have to wait a little longer and they don't seem to have as big of a network in my experience.

That said, I do have a bias towards Deere. Make excellent tractors. Same goes for other makes, but what it's come down to for me is the dealer.

Saying your on the edge of retirement, and wanting to have a side job in some landscaping, I think you may want to get a nice new tractor and then you will have the most comfort if you really do plan to spend many hours on the machine.

Before I (we) spend all of your money, it would be great to know a budget though. New is definitely the way to go if you can afford it, but if you can't, then there are plenty of other viable options such as the 855 out there.

 

[InTheDirt]

All great input, thank you.

I hope to retire in 6 years or so. However, I would like to start doing some work now to build a reputation and client base along with experience. I can do my 3/4 acres over as practice.It seems easier now while I am still working (with the exception of 3 new cars and 2 college tuition programs). Our son is an AG student at Rutgers and he would be happy to get my leftover tractor when the time comes. Therefore, if I can get in under 10k used, that's great, new, less than 20k. I would love to buy new but given the statements above, that is probably not realistic.

Hoping to do a little shopping this weekend to help narrow down new vs. used. ...really think it will be used.

I own Deere stock so if I go new, it's Deere. I have no knowledge of the "gray" brands and any help there on the better ones and the models that fit would be a big help!

 

[Soundguy]

the late 80's will be an issue for you in the small compact tractor market. esoecially if looking for 4wd.. many times components are getting scarce on front axles.

I might look newer just to be on the safe side.

as for #'s made.. unfortunately.. manufacturers no longer make a single modle for 10-15 ys like they used to with 500K units produced like they did inthe 30's thru the 50's.. small runs for 1-2 years seems to be the norm.

good luck!

soundguy

 

[InTheDirt]

Went shopping today and I have to tell you that the JD 1000 series looks like the ticket. Our son even drove a 1023 around a bit and loved it. Is there any reason why I should get the 1026 over the 1023? The 1023 lists for about $1200 less.

I'm going to look at NH and some others.

 

[Martian]

Went shopping today and I have to tell you that the JD 1000 series looks like the ticket. Our son even drove a 1023 around a bit and loved it. Is there any reason why I should get the 1026 over the 1023? The 1023 lists for about $1200 less.

I'm going to look at NH and some others.

Well the 1026r is the "luxury" model. It's a lot more comfortable tractor to use. Think of it like buying a Cadillac or a Chevy. Both will get you to where you are going, but the Cadillac is a lot more comfortable. More comfortable seat, better lighting, quick attach/detach everything and more HP, in my book the $1200 is worth it.

 

[InTheDirt]

Seems like there are quite a few people who say to get the 2023 over the 1026R. I've seen some threads that claim the dealers are pushing the 2000 series. The dealer I was at today did not have 2000 series on the lot.

Any thoughts on this?

Any idea what type of discount should I expect if I get a loader alone vs a loader and tiller on each machine?

 

[Jamming]

Seems like there are quite a few people who say to get the 2023 over the 1026R. I've seen some threads that claim the dealers are pushing the 2000 series. The dealer I was at today did not have 2000 series on the lot.

Any thoughts on this?

Any idea what type of discount should I expect if I get a loader alone vs a loader and tiller on each machine?

Around here it's normally a better deal to buy a package vs separate purchase. Most of my buddies have the 2000 series and it is a very strong machine for its size. Most people that buy the 2000 series are surprised at how much it can do. My opinion is buy what you need for your property, but buy the bigger one if your on the fence because you will always wish you got the more capable machine.