Ready to pull the trigger on 1026r and need reassurance.

[bucktaker]

Have you tried out any equipment on your porperty? Get a test drive or go to a rental and rent a tractor for the day. I would think a 3038e witha loader, bush hog, and maybe a rfm along with dedicated yard machine would be the ticket.
Being a jack of all also means is not really the best for a certain task. I would want R1 tires for your hills

I rented a Kubota L3200 on my place and found while it had plenty of power it was uncomfortable after a few hours. I am familiar with the Gallipollis Ohio area and their hills.

 

[HunterWare]

I replied on another thread re: the utility of the 260BH on a 2305/1026R here. I personally have found mine to be worth every penny but I understand the case of the people who have chosen the other way (in fact the post after mine in that thread seems a pretty good and useful description of that kind of experience).

I recently got an inclinometer and have figured out that I've been able to safely and repeatedly mow 20deg across the slope in a 1026R w/out FEL and w/ loaded tires and 60" MMM. More than that gets quickly out of my comfort zone, and even 20 is certainly known/smooth area, lean uphill, slow, and MFWD type of thing for me. 15 is completely comfortable even with Loader and BH on (but avoid stupid and of course belt up).

I hope this helps, and love mine.

 

[finley31]

Thanks for that link HunterWare. I really like your shed and retaining wall, that is the type of projects I could see myself doing in the future. I already have a couple retaining walls on my cellar that I plan on replacing as soon as my other priorities are taken care of. As far as using a larger tractor, I think it's something that I could occasionally use, and as far as that goes, my grandfather has two large tractors with plenty of attachments and lives less than a mile away, and I have a father in law a couple more miles out the road with equpment as well. I see myself being comfortable with the smaller tractor for mowing which will be it's main use.

I replied on another thread re: the utility of the 260BH on a 2305/1026R here. I personally have found mine to be worth every penny but I understand the case of the people who have chosen the other way (in fact the post after mine in that thread seems a pretty good and useful description of that kind of experience).

I recently got an inclinometer and have figured out that I've been able to safely and repeatedly mow 20deg across the slope in a 1026R w/out FEL and w/ loaded tires and 60" MMM. More than that gets quickly out of my comfort zone, and even 20 is certainly known/smooth area, lean uphill, slow, and MFWD type of thing for me. 15 is completely comfortable even with Loader and BH on (but avoid stupid and of course belt up).

I hope this helps, and love mine.

 

[swick1]

I have a 1026r tlb. The hoe is better than a shovel. It seriously needs more swing and about 2 ft more reach to be worth the price. It is good ballast though.

 

[finley31]

I went after work yesterday and got the ball rolling yesterday. Final price before taxes was right around $22,500 with the H120, 260BH w/ 12" bucket, and 60" autoconnect with 0% for 60 mo. I came in right before closing time so they are gonna get the papers ready today and I will either go in today or monday and finalize it.

 

[bradrich18]

Congratulations. Sounds like you got everything you need for it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

 

[jenkinsph]

I went after work yesterday and got the ball rolling yesterday. Final price before taxes was right around $22,500 with the H120, 260BH w/ 12" bucket, and 60" autoconnect with 0% for 60 mo. I came in right before closing time so they are gonna get the papers ready today and I will either go in today or monday and finalize it.

Man I would really think about this all weekend before signing up. $22,500 is alot to spend on a tractor that small with limited abilities. I suspect you will have a tough time getting your monies worth out of the backhoe.

 

[lilranch2001]

Man I would really think about this all weekend before signing up. $22,500 is alot to spend on a tractor that small with limited abilities. I suspect you will have a tough time getting your monies worth out of the backhoe.

I agree, but you do see a lot of them sold, so they either work well, or they are very expensive toys

 

[TripleR]

I agree, but you do see a lot of them sold, so they either work well, or they are very expensive toys

I wouldn't buy one, but they are really useful tools for some, JOHNTHOMAS has owned everything from a BX to an L3240 and loves his BX25. While I own bigger tractors, I managed to do quite a bit with my BX before my wife took it away from me and I had more to do with my sons in school and working. Even retired, there are still only so many hours in a day.

 

[jd670]

I see alot of utility companies using the 'Trenchman' pull behind backhoes to dig with in my neck of the woods. They are powered by 18 to 20hp gas engines and seem to do a good job. Their buckets are small and reach looks limited. I would say the 260 backhoe would work well on the 1026r. I have seen alot of 2210's and 2305's with them digging around at some of the farms near me. I'm guessing they do a good job. May take a little more time to get the job done, but that's have the fun. I agree, 22,500 is alot of money but a 3000series outfitted the same would be in the mid thirty's easly. Backhoes are expensive. I don't care what the brand is. I paid $5200 for my 447 back in 2004. TripleR is right, I see a bunch of BX's with backhoes on them. I guess they have there place in the world. Bottom line. If you can afford it, and it's what you want, plus get the job done for you, then go for it.