Let's help Axeman decide on a new tractor

[Axeman]

I got the go ahead from my wife today to get a new tractor. I told her I would try to keep it around $10,000. So that's where I begin. I've been mowing my 3 acres with a Craftsman garden tractor for the last few years (glorified lawn mower) and used it to do a lot of hauling with the large utility cart that I bought at the same time. I've hauled firewood in it for the last few years (I heat my home with firewood only) so I cut my own from the timber I have on my land. I have also used it to haul lots of brush from clearing my land. it's a never ending job. Also, i use it to haul landscape rocks in for building retaining walls (also a never ending job)

My land is moderately hilly an the Craftsman is always getting stuck. Also, it's getting pretty old and is about to be put out to pasture. I would probably never need a backhoe (but at $10,000 that's pretty much out of the question unless I go used) but I really can't see needing one. i need to move lots of dirt, gravel, etc. Stump grinding would be nice and maintenace of a 600 foot dirt driveway is must. Not much snow here in western Washington so that isn't really a concern. I would like to buy new but a good used would be okay. I'm not really mechanically inclined but I do regular maintenance (tuneup, oil change, etc)

So, that's it in a nutshell. What do you guys think? Any help/advise is more than welcome.

Thanks

Axeman

 

[Tractoringaround]

Axeman, I am thinking a subcompact Kubota BX or a New Holland TZ would work good for your situation. You could probably get an almost new one with a front end loader and box scraper in that 10k range. You will love the front end loader for moving firewood around. The box scraper will be great for your driveway. A hydrostatic trans is the only way to go!

 

[Gittyup]

There are many brands to choose from. However, I think you will be hard pressed to stay under $10K new. Maybe one of those big garden tractors by JD, Kubota, or Cub Cadet? Now at $12K or $13K, there are many too choose from. Besides BX and TZ, almost all others make them too. Look at the Kioti CK20 or a TYMT273, for examples. You can do better buying slightly used, especially if paying cash.

 

[Runner]

From what I've seen, a stump grinder costs almost as much as a backhoe, and it seems there might be more uses for a backhoe. Not as fast as a stump grinder, but you can take out stumps with a backhoe too.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Other things to consider is are you going to need a trailer to move this around at all? After buying my tractor recently it dawned on me that I may want to help friends and family out with the tractor. So I had to go buy a trailer. That was another expense. Then of course all of the "implements" you may need to get so that you get more use out of it. Shopping Craigslist and Ebay are sometimes good sources. I picked up my Tractor from a Kubota dealer that was a trade in. So keep hitting up dealers for trade ins. My experience is pretty limited but these are the things I have learned so far.
Good luck and have fun shopping.

 

[Builder]

If new is over $10K and you don't need to finance, I'd suggest a well known name brand 1-3 yr old used tractor with all the features you want. Kubota, Deere, NH, etc. Sounds like a ~20HP diesel, 4x4 with a small FEL would work great. That way you can let someone else pay all the depreciation and you might still get some warranty.

What will probably be the most important factor is the dealer that has the tractor you want and if you like that dealer.

 

[billbill1]

Add your location to your profile, it will allow people to see where you're located at a glance. I think that Ernie sells tractors up in your area and can probably come up with a used Yanmar in your price range. Good tractors and parts aren't too hard to come by.

 

[northwoodpower]

You can buy a new Massey Ferguson GC2300 (tractor loader) or GC2310 (tractor loader backhoe), current program is 0 down, 0% for 60 months. Tractor will have a two year waranty this tractor has a 23hp diesel engine, 4x4 mid & rear pto, & 3 point hitch.

 

[Axeman]

Thanks folks. I live in the Seattle area, more specifically on Whidbey island which is north of the city.

I'm not at all against buying used as long as it's in good condition. But on the other hand, the $10,000 is a starting point. Going up a couple of grand wouldn't be a problem. I have a local Kubota dealer that I am going to drop by next week and talk to. The BX series look pretty good to me but I need to get some info and a better idea of what the $$$ will be for starting out with a tractor with a good mower and FEL. Other attachments can be added later.

 

[Gittyup]

Well, if you can spend more, then you should look at as many brands as you can. They do vary a good bit, in strengths, weaknesses, and costs. I'd weigh all my options before plunking down $12K+. The good thing is, it's hard to go totally wrong. Most are excellent machines. Kubota is certainly a good place to start.