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.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Axeman. IMO it is not about the tractor as much as it is about the local dealers. In my area south of your there is a Tytan, Kubota, Deere and TYM. Deere and Tytan are absolutely not as the dealerships are the worst in the world. Kubota is good but impersonal, TYM is friendly and right there for you.

So, check the dealership, especially the service side. All tractors break, some sooner than others and in not particular order. In the end it comes down to getting it fixed fairly and quickly.

This also applies to used tractors. There are some good deals on a major brand in our area, but no dealership to support them.

 

[CATMAN]

Axeman; You picked a good time to look. I just saw Kitsap Farm and Garden TV ad last night, and they have an "Employee Pricing" Sale on currently. They are a Kubota and John Deere Dealership. I think the "sale" only applied to Kubota products , if I remember correctly. You should probably at least stop in and check it out. I have noticed that they seem to have pretty good advertised prices in the past in the "Equipment Trader" I get every week. Just thought I would give you a "heads up". I don't have any experience with them, I have been to their store on the peninsula. They had a reasonably good inventory when I was there.

 

[Racer71]

Other attachments can be added later.

Axeman,

I am a newbie here but I will say that it is all about the attachments. A tractor is a engine on wheels. (I may get blasted for this.) Front end loaders, blades, rakes, mowers, mulchers, plows, etc. do the work.

Think of our chores and determine what toys (tools) it will take to get the job done. Yes you can keep adding tools later. They make great gifts.

 

[john_bud]

Have you thought about used? They run the spectrum and can be a deal.

Used will put you into a 35-40 hp machine where new you will be limited to 1/2 or 1/3 the machine.

 

[Axeman]

Have you thought about used? They run the spectrum and can be a deal.

Used will put you into a 35-40 hp machine where new you will be limited to 1/2 or 1/3 the machine.

I don't have a problem with used as long as it's not too old. I don't want to have to constantly tinker and troublehsoot to keep something running. Still, you can't beat that "new car smell."

 

[Oleozz]

Get yourself a good used Kioti, if you have a decent dealer close. I just saw a low houred 30 hp Kioti, with bucket and backhoe, I believe the asking price was $10,500.

 

[john_bud]

I don't have a problem with used as long as it's not too old. I don't want to have to constantly tinker and troublehsoot to keep something running. Still, you can't beat that "new car smell."

Yeah, that's true, but if you are hauling out of a stable that, "new smell" is gone after the first load....


Just a dynamic to consider!


Most any of the "big boy" tractors will be trouble free for the first 3000 hours. Take your pick. The second tier will drop into trouble mode (typically) at 4000 hours and the top dogs will hold on until 6-7000 hours.

Those are just generalizations. Some owners can break anvils with feathers so you have to watch out!

jb

 

[Industrial Toys]

I think that the compacts are a fad of sorts. Why not go for a larger
frame tractor, that can do much more work! Unless, there is a particular reason that you need the smaller size.

I too would only go for used. I bought a new JD compact years ago, because I was raised, on only buying new! When I wanted to sell it, because it became obsolete on account of other application specific equipment I purchased, I couldn't get my money out of it, even though it had low hours and was in show room condition.

If you buy a GOOD piece of equipment used, AND TAKE CARE OF IT, you can usually get what you paid for it! Amazing but true! What else can you say that for?

I personally like buying good used municipal equipment. It tends to be heavy duty, and you know it has been well maintained, and that things were replaced as needed, regardless of price!

 

[margaritaville1972]

Axman,

have you considered the TYM T233? Hydro trans, tons of good stuff for a limited time offer of around $11000.00 Comes with a five year warranty too. Theres a dealer in Monroe Wa.