Gene:
We are just about neighbors and you have good taste. My unit is exactly like yours except I have the R-4's rather than the R-1's.
Your dealer is about right on the dollar amount. I paid $32,130 for mine, just after Christmas. Actually, I ordered one just after their introduction. The R4's are more expensive than the ag's and I have the excavation bucket, 72" wide and 3 sets of remotes. The material bucket will not stand up to the power the loader has. My personal preference is the R4's for the wider footprint which equates to better loader stability. The 853 has a lot of capacity and a high lift so you need a big footprint. I actually spaced my wheels at the widest offset too. I don't believe in loading tires, I made a set of weight adapters similar but not quite like the ez-weight system. Actually, they are so slick, I am thinking about producing them myself. I deal with Dans Farm Supply in Adrain, specifically, Steve Bolen. I have purchased my last 5 Kubotas there. Super folks and service to match. I had my 5030 for over a month before I ever signed any paper on it. Steve told me to try it out and if I didn't like it, return it. Needless to say, I didn't /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you want to come and play with mine, send me a private message. It's nice to try before you buy!!