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.

 

[o2batsea]

I'd also try to find someone to job out the clearing job along with monthly hogging. May turn out to be cheaper than buying.

 

[MotorSeven]

I'd also try to find someone to job out the clearing job along with monthly hogging. May turn out to be cheaper than buying.

If your lucky enough to find a guy to do it, actually show up when he says he will and not charge an arm and a leg, then I agree. Hogging 12+ac 3 times a year is going to get expensive. I am guessing around $7-800 a cut depending on the terrain. 3 times a year is a minimum and if you were doing it yourself more like 5-6 times a year.

The reason I bought my first Kioti(CK30) was because I got handed a $1200 bill for hogging a 9 ac pasture that was overgrown by about 3 years. I now have a DK40 and two of my neighbors need their place hogged. I don't have the time to do it and have been calling around for a week with no luck. You would think in these times folks would jump all over a cash paying job....nope.

LB definatly get an FEL w/quick detach bucket, forks, etc, it is one of the most usefull things you will ever own.

 

[lakngulf]

Have you thought about getting a tractor with a FEL? just kidding.

It is probably overkill to get the tractor and hog just for the land maintenance, but guaranteed you will find many more uses....if you have a FEL. I am not sure about price.

 

[LBrown59]

You'll need a loader.

Won't he though~!

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. Thanks!!

Why do you think you can sell lots when the previous. owner couldn't ? ? ?

 

[ustmd]

You have gotten some good advice here.

The one comment I would make (and I say this as a loyal Kioti owner), is there another name brand tractor dealership that is closer to you? It might be worth checking it out if there is.

The pricing seems a little high and if you are new to al of this, there is a good chance you will have some problems/break something early in the game. Two and a half hours (each way) is a long drive.

 

[Lodge Berry]

You have gotten some good advice here.

The one comment I would make (and I say this as a loyal Kioti owner), is there another name brand tractor dealership that is closer to you? It might be worth checking it out if there is.

The pricing seems a little high and if you are new to al of this, there is a good chance you will have some problems/break something early in the game. Two and a half hours (each way) is a long drive.

I'm looking all over. Closest dealer is Kubota, same guy that offered me the Kioti. Seems like their new tractors are very expensive, less warranty, 1000 lbs lighter then Kioti.

There is a Cub dealer 90 miles away that is selling a 29 hp compact w FEL for around 15.5, 2011 with 5 yr drivetrain warranty.

That's about it, have to drive to get to any dealer.

 

[Lodge Berry]

Won't he though~!

Why do you think you can sell lots when the previous. owner couldn't ? ? ?

Not sure why a guy with 3 Kubotas is asking real estate questions on a Kiota forum, but I'll respond because I'm sure you are a good guy.

Obviously, no one knows for sure what they can do in 5 - 10 years, but it's a calculated bet. In 2007, 3/4 acre lots where I bought sold for $360,000. In 2008 we had the worst economic crisis since the great depression. I bought my lots for $13,000 ea at auction.

I'm betting I'll be able to sell lots for a lot more then I paid for them in 5 - 10 years, but if not, I'll have my own little 21 acre paradise all to myself.

 

[lakngulf]

I'm betting I'll be able to sell lots for a lot more then I paid for them in 5 - 10 years, but if not, I'll have my own little 21 acre paradise all to myself.

Good answer.

 

[MotorSeven]

Good answer.

Yep, if you go into an investement with that kind of mindset, then you can't loose:thumbsup:

LB, how about some pictures?

 

[Lodge Berry]

This is an aerial shot from google earth. You can see the gravel road around the perimeter and the lake in the middle. Some of the lot lines are defined by the drainage easements. The trees are live oaks.