Realistic $ for a reliable tractor?

[airbiscuit]

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I’m not entirely confident on what size tractor I need or how much I will actually use it.

wrt your size question.....I used to have both a Kubota B26## and a Kubota L3301 on my yard at the same time, used each more than 1,000 hours.

I can honestly say every job I could do with the L I could do with the smaller B with 2 main exception. The L gets the work done on average say 2X as fast due to size and weight (depending on what the task was of course). Both had buckets and backhoes, Snowblowers and logging winches as well as finishing mower, etc..

Both got the same work done the B only slower.

The only difference was work that could not be broken down into smaller tasks. If the tree is too big to be moved by the B's grapple just cut it smaller. If the stump can't be popped out of the hole with the B's BH just keep digging around and cutting roots more etc.... If the pallet of fertilizer was to heavy to fork off the trailer with the B then I would have to break down the pallet into smaller pallets.

If you can't break the task down to smaller "bites" or you be in a rush then thats when the B was not a good choice.

Conclusion? For sure for me I enjoy the L around my yard way more than my B.

 

[redman135]

OP, you say this is your first tractor.
1) go for hydro trans as these are forgiving of mistakes when compared to geared tractor.

2) Hills: look at the rear rim. Is it 1 pieace or 2 pieace? A 2 piece rim lets you adjust the track(width) wider, HUGE increace in stability at max width. (note tractors are shipped narrow track for ease of shipping.)

3) FEL: ask if the lift capasity is measured at the pins(numbers look good, but not real world), or at the bucket edge(real world accurate nos)

Just some things to help you ask the right questions to get the right tractor fo you.

Also I recomend you ask around, is there a local tractor repair mechaic? If not what is service like via the dealers?

Good Luck in your hunt

 

[paulsharvey]

As airbisk shows, thats one of the issues; brand new CK2620 HST is $19,999 with warranty, fiancing; vs a 15 year old, similar machine at $15,000, of unknown background. Seems like 15 years old, for a 25% savings (and thats only actual savings if you have the cash; cause used equipment loans rates are High, 11%+), just doesnt seem like a lot of savings for the risk. I think id rather pay 5 years and get new, then 4 years and get 15 year old

 

[airbiscuit]

Background:
Recently purchased a house on 10 acres of wooded land in the mountains of Washington state. ~1 mile of trails, small cleared yard (no mowing required), 150ft sloped gravel driveway. Moving from the city I’ve never owned or operated a tractor. I’m about an hour from any dealer, but there’s pretty much all the major brands represented.

Realizing I need some machinery to speed up all the tasks around the property (moving snow, skidding logs, regrading driveway, laying mulch, trail maintenance, etc). Importantly I don’t have grass to mow, though am considering a brush hog for the trails.

Tractor Requirements: FEL, cat 1 3pt hitch, 4wd.

Given all this, what’s a realistic budget for something *reliable*? I’m looking for equipment because I already have more projects than time, and don’t need another one.

As airbisk shows, thats one of the issues; brand new CK2620 HST is $19,999 with warranty, fiancing; vs a 15 year old, similar machine at $15,000, of unknown background. Seems like 15 years old, for a 25% savings (and thats only actual savings if you have the cash; cause used equipment loans rates are High, 11%+), just doesnt seem like a lot of savings for the risk. I think id rather pay 5 years and get new, then 4 years and get 15 year old

Yup. I just did a broad search in his area on Craigslist and Tractor House to show what's on the market. Sometimes budget determines your first tractor. (my first tractor was a 1941 hand start John Deere B @ $75)

 

[Shawn T. W.]

brand new CK2620 HST is $19,999 with warranty

According to the manufacturer website that's just the tractor, add in a loader ... Quite often used tractors will come with an attachment or two also ... The OP is gonna need a few of those too ...

Here is Kioti's prices ... Tractor, loader, grapple (not sure if that includes the hydraulics to use it?) brush hog, land plane, rear blade ...

While I went new on my SCUT TLB, as back in 2022 I couldn't find a much larger used CUT or small Utility with a backhoe without emissions ... I did just this past summer bought a used older CUT without emissions, because it did not have a loader, it was a hard sell for the dealer that had taken it in trade, and after 4-5 months I offered him a bit less, and he took it ... Cost me $16K and some elbow grease but I'm glad to have my used tractor, over three times less the price of a new one that has emissions which I don't want!

I don't do financing ... I save my pennies, then pay cash for what I want ...

 

[paulsharvey]

According to the manufacturer website that's just the tractor, add in a loader ... Quite often used tractors will come with an attachment or two also ... The OP is gonna need a few of those too ...

Here is Kioti's prices ... Tractor, loader, grapple (not sure if that includes the hydraulics to use it?) brush hog, land plane, rear blade ...View attachment 4830409

While I went new on my SCUT TLB, as back in 2022 I couldn't find a much larger used CUT or small Utility with a backhoe without emissions ... I did just this past summer bought a used older CUT without emissions, because it did not have a loader, it was a hard sell for the dealer that had taken it in trade, and after 4-5 months I offered him a bit less, and he took it ... Cost me $16K and some elbow grease but I'm glad to have my used tractor, over three times less the price of a new one that has emissions which I don't want!

View attachment 4830407

View attachment 4830408

I don't do financing ... I save my pennies, then pay cash for what I want ...

Here is some actual prices on new machines, just 2 weeks ago, at an actual dealer.

As they pointed out, and I agree, the 2023, new, DK4520, with loader, 4wd, mechanical shuttle, for $25,000; is a heck of deal.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Well ... Like the " manufacturers quote" says . . . Check with local dealer for actual prices ... You dealer in Florida has some "deals" going on, are they gonna do that on the other side of the country, and the so called "0% financing" deal is $25K without any other attachments ... At least they are honest and upfront about it!

 

[mikester]

Cheap and reliable are like Yin and Yang.

Sell the country lot and buy a condo in Miami.

 

[paulsharvey]

Well ... Like the " manufacturers quote" says . . . Check with local dealer for actual prices ... You dealer in Florida has some "deals" going on, are they gonna do that on the other side of the country, and the so called "0% financing" deal is $25K without any other attachments ... At least they are honest and upfront about it!

Thats what I like about this particular dealer; they arent ashamed to post the actual price, on the marker board, on their website, and even on Facebook Marketplace.

What I've mentioned before; ive got "fire sale" and dealer liquidation ads from others, that match these guys daily price.

Also, I wouldnt think other than sale tax, that there would be much difference between Oregon and Florida prices. Maybe $500, but i wouldnt see 10% difference

 

[edgarrian]

Several factors at play for this. Are you a cash customer. Are you financing. If your cash you can negotiate a bit. I would say at least 1000 to 2000. Dont take no for an answer. Every salesman has a boss they answer to so dont be afraid to make them go ask. Others have given great advice on the older models and modern models.

What i see a lot on facebook is a bunch of homeowners that dont know what the heck they are doing. Abuse is often. So if you go used. Look the machine over good. Test drive it. Put a load on it.

Good luck

 

[paulsharvey]

So, I think we all buried the lead. What are the intended uses on the 10 acres? I dont agree with sizing a tractor to acres; but to the work intended.

Once you have tasks figured out; then we can size the machine/features needed. Then, with that, we can give better advice on price

 

[Shawn T. W.]

OP mentioned ...

Realizing I need some machinery to speed up all the tasks around the property (moving snow, skidding logs, regrading driveway, laying mulch, trail maintenance, etc). Importantly I don’t have grass to mow, though am considering a brush hog for the trails.

--------------------------------

Thats what I like about this particular dealer; they arent ashamed to post the actual price, on the marker board, on their website, and even on Facebook Marketplace.

My guess is the Kioti manufacturer's website price I quoted above is figuring in the so called 0% financing, as they tend to pronote that,bso there tractor loader price is:

So a little bit more than $1600 than your dealers tractor with the "free loader" with the 0% financing price, yes your dealer does seem to have good prices, kinda like Bruno's that sells Massey Ferguson tractors in AR that advertise here, back when I was looking, they had what I ended up buying from my local dealer for $1K less than my local dealer, and offered free shipping, but I never really know when I'm home, and scheduling delivery is a pain for me ... I'm still glad I bought local!

Another thing to think about with buying new, or probably even financing ... Is the lender would probably also require some kind of insurance on the tractor ... I have no idea what it would cost, as I don't have insurance on the tractor I bought new with a personal check, or the used tractor I bought with a personal check ...

I tend to look at the "overall cost" of the tractor, until it's all mine, so if financing I'd add the inflated sales price, plus the insurance to get the final cost ...

I still think if he bought one of the tractor/loader tractor that @airbiscuit posted, and added some used attachments he could still get into my original price, may have to go with forks instead of a grapple though ... In post #2 I said $15 - $18K

 

[paulsharvey]

Yes, insurance; i think mine is $1800 over the life of 60 months? Its financed into the total.

So, with those uses, it sounds like something 4wd, loader, either power shuttle or HST, anywhere from 25-60hp.

Im not partial to the smallest compacts (TYM T25, MF 1526, RK25, JD2 series, Kubota B, CK2510) not that they are bad, they just are a half size too small IMO.

If you go one size, (CK2620, JD3, Kubota L, Tym 2515, ect), i would recommend atleast pricing the higher HP versions (Ck3520, Kubota L3302, TYM 3515, ect). In mant cases its only a couple thousand more, for a significant increase in power.

I have the CK2610, and im mostly happy with the size, and lift capacity, but I tend to be work towards its max at all times in the power side (6 ft box blade, 7 ft chisel/spring tooth cultivator, ect).

 

[paulsharvey]

Also, for the OP, being new to tractors doesnt specifical mean new to mechanical. If you arent the type to do your own work, I would buy new. Getting a mobile guy to come do any repairs, at $200/hr, going to eat you up on a used.

If you do your own repairs, a tractor isnt really different. A lot of machines over 20 years, or 30 years old, parts support is pretty iffy.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

While I'm quite mechanically inclined, 2 years top of my class in vo-tech auto mechanics, and two years spinning wrenches in a big truck garage . . . I have not seen any problems with sourcing parts for my 21 year old Kubota L5030 ...

I'm guessing the OP has a more limited budget than a new tractor would allow ... But also mentioned both $5K and later $15K ...

Ideally I’d love to stay under $10k but I would rather spend a bit more and get something I will want to actually use vs an expensive lawn ornament.

We don't know his bank account, and if he is planning on a cash sale, or financing ...

 

[rScotty]

For $15-18k you should be able to buy a 4x4 small compact (not a Sub-Compact) with a loader, land plane and brush hog ... Check out TractorHouse.com | New & Used Farm Equipment For Sale and put in your zip code ...

Another idea is see what is available locally to RENT for a weekend, maybe a little Kubota BX or B would work for you, or a L sized tractor, rent one for a weekend, then rent a different sized one the next weekend ... ?

ETA - if they have John Deere's to rent the BX is similar to a 1 series, B is similar to a 2 series (although JD makes 2 sizes of the 2 series!) and a L is similar to a 3 series ...

Thanks Shawn,

Over the last 20 years at TBN we've seen a lot of posts by newbies wanting to buy tractors to do small acreage chores...which is great. Of course, there are a lot of opinions about brands, prices, new, and used.

What happens is our newcomer is quickly overwhelmed with opinions and still has only a rough idea of what he expects the tractor to do or how it feels to run one.

One piece of advice most all told timers here do agree on is that for the novice, renting ANY tractor for a weekend is money well spent. I don't recall that anyone has ever actually followed that advice, but I still think it would be worth doing.

Good luck in your search,
rScotty

BTW, I don't see any downside to getting an older tractor. Just be sure to get a nice older one with everything working. Tractors age slowly, and rarely need more than routine maintenance.

 

[paulsharvey]

Thanks Shawn,

Over the last 20 years at TBN we've seen a lot of posts by newbies wanting to buy tractors to do small acreage chores...which is great. Of course, there are a lot of opinions about brands, prices, new, and used.

What happens is our newcomer is quickly overwhelmed with opinions and still has only a rough idea of what he expects the tractor to do or how it feels to run one.

One piece of advice most all told timers here do agree on is that for the novice, renting ANY tractor for a weekend is money well spent. I don't recall that anyone has ever actually followed that advice, but I still think it would be worth doing.

Good luck in your search,
rScotty

BTW, I don't see any downside to getting an older tractor. Just be sure to get a nice older one with everything working. Tractors age slowly, and rarely need more than routine maintenance.

Even when I had thr Kubota L285, I did rent a Yanmar, compact, with back hoe. I had to mine, spread, and grade about 25 yards of fill for an above ground pool.

If we are honest with ourselves; you can get a Lot done with a proper machine in a weekend. Possibly enough that a weekend rental 3 times per year, and an ATV, may be all you need?