Buying Advice Rookie here, looking for advice...

[TripleR]

You've probably already addressed this by saying that you're looking at tractors with loaders, but, if I was only going to finish mow 6.25 flat smooth acres, I'd be looking for the biggest, baddest zero turn mower that I could find and forget the tractor.

That being said, you will always find uses for a tractor with loader, so you probably couldn't go wrong by buying one with a finish mower.

Do you actually need a tractor for anything but finish mowing?

Just something else to think about.

 

[k0ua]

At the old location I used to finish mow 7 acres every 2 weeks, with a NH TC33DA, and it did a great job, the hydro made it a breeze to get under all the trees with the Befco rear 5 foot finish mower. The super-steer helped too. And I found plenty of uses for the loader too. There is nothing wrong with finish mowing that much with a good tractor. It was really sort of fun.
James K0UA

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Going to go drive JD again today...anything I should be looking for? It's a brand new machine.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[bonefish101]

OK, thanks all for the responses. I went and drove the 2520 again last weekend, took the old lady and made her drive it too (now she's almost as sold on getting a tractor as I am). Thought I was ready to pull the trigger, had priced in some extra's, 72" finish and a 60" rotary and had been thinking about how to finance all week. Anyways....Bobcat calls me on Thursday, said they had reworked the price and if I bring my own finance I can get the CT235 for $150 more than the JD2520. I went back and drove the 235 again yesterday, nice machine, a lot more weight and power but it does not ride like that sweet little 2520 and I think it might be overkill for my needs.

Now I am back to square one, I dont know which to choose!!!!!

I also now have another question for you guys. What is the best way to finance if I need to bring my own dollars? I have about 6k spare that I can put down but I wont qualify for 0% because of the epic failures of my ex wife. I would describe my credit as fair, mid 600's last time I checked. I dont want to tie the tractor to the house unless I absolutely have to. Can I qualify for any kind of Ag credit if I'm not a farmer?
All suggestions greatly appreciated

 

[k0ua]

Wow hard choices..Ultimately you will have to decide, But the JD 2520 and the bobcat 235 are not even in the same class, I am sure the JD is sweet, and you seem to really like it. and it may be the one for you. But I would have to think hard about that cat. its capacity is just so much more. As for the mowing I am sure the JD will be a nimble and quick machine and will do all you will ever need, but for loader work, no doubt the bobcat will out work it , also another thing is the 3pt lift capacity is greater, and the adjustable lower links on the bobcat is something you will really appreciate if you do much swapping of the implements. Of course you can get the Imatch for the JD, and buy IMatch compatible implements or modify other not compatible implements to solve that. So capacity's aside tho, the dealer you are the most comfortable with and the excellent resale value and reputation of the JD should weigh heavy in your descision . Good luck, in your hard choice.
James K0UA