Need Some Advice

[Lodge Berry]

I have recently purchased a foreclosed development consisting of 14 lots that are between 3/4 and 1 acre and surround a 6 acre lake. It's pretty grown up with weeds and wax myrtles.

I'm trying to figure out what I will need to maintain this property for the next 5 - 10 years. Hopefully, the economy will recover and I can start selling lots then to cover retirement.

I went out to our local Kubota dealer and was looking at their used inventory. They recommended, based on my requirements, a 2009 Kioti CK30 HTS.

The tractor is a 2009 without an FEL. It has 3 hours on the clock. It was initially purchased in November 2009, so the bumper to bumper warranty is good for only 4 more months, and the drivetrain warranty is good for 2 years and 4 months. It has turf tires.

The closest Kioti dealer to me is a 2-1/2 hour haul. Based on my conversation with Kioti today, I could have fluid services done locally, but any repairs would have to be done at a Kioti dealer or the warranty would be void.

The deal I have been offered is $10,500 for the Kioti, $1,500 for a new 60" 160hp bush hog (not sure about brand), and $1,800 for an 18 foot 7k equipment trailer. So, $13,800 for the package.

Since I've never done anything like this before, I'd appreciate any advice on the following:

Based on my application, does this package make sense?

Is it a good deal, given no FEL, shorter warranty, and distance to a Kioti dealer?

Thanks!!

 

[magicheater]

You'll need a loader.

 

[bearhawk]

You'll need a loader.

No doubt about it, look for a tractor with a loader.

Where are you located?

 

[RoMad]

I think for what you are looking at the tractor would be fine but I would never buy one without a FEL. The price doesn't sound that good to me either. I think I would keep shopping. Have you been to the Kioti dealer and priced tractors there?
If you are keeping up only 8 acres because you have a 6 acre lake you could probably use a smaller tractor. I have a Kioti ck 20 for my 10 acres with no pond and it is plenty of tractor for me.
Whatever you do, good luck and keep us informed.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

All the dealers I spoke with before I bought my tractor told me I'd be using the loader a lot and not to buy a tractor without one. It was good advice. For resale value alone, I wouldn't consider one without a loader. Use it almost as much as the mower. And it pushes me out of snow banks when the wheels won't..

 

[robbyr]

I concur with the others, if you dont get front end loader, you will soon wish you had. And for what its worth, we recently got one of those DR brushcutters and i was very pleased with its performance

 

[MarkV]

What struck me was a 2009 tractor with 3 hours on the meter? That don't sound right.

MarkV

 

[Lodge Berry]

I'm glad I asked. Guess I need that FEL.

The story on the tractor is it was bought by a guy that was going to use it to drag golf balls out of ponds but the contract fell through.

What does it cost to add a FEL?

 

[jimmyj]

I don't know prices in your area but you should talk to a kioti dealer to get a comparison on the price and the loader. Good luck.

 

[RoMad]

When I was tractor shopping I priced adding a front end loader just by googling some outfits that sell loaders and it was in the $3500 range if I remember correctly.
To give you something to go on my tractor is a 2003 CK20. I bought it off of an individual who bought it new. He had 3 acres he mowed with it. He was selling because he was moving to town.
It showed 180 ish hours on a meter that didn't work. It came with a FEL, bush hog, and finish mower. I was not beat up at all, but had not been well maintained. It was stuck in 4wd but I didn't know it when I bought it. (it was a corroded lever and an easy fix).
I paid $5,000 and it has done very well for me. I have gotten tons of advice from this forum and it has really helped.
Keep shopping and you will find a tractor that will meet your needs.