Hi everyone. First time viewing site and it is quite informative. I have 6 acres that needs considerable tractor related work that I have decided is too much to stricly look at rentals or hiring. Initially I was considering a skid steer but I have more lately been looking at 'newer' compact tractors with loader and backhoe. Skid steer seems to be too much with a backhoe that seems to be essential for my needs. Work I need to do is pull small to medium tree stumps, trench work, some light to medium grading, reprofiling for drainage, etc. I have looked at some newer compact Kubotas in the 23-25 Hp range but a little beyond what I desire to spend for a good solid machine that will not be an operational or maintenance liability. These machines new are around $14-15K. I'd like to keep the cost in the $8K range if at all possible. Seems like some folks suggest to go as big as you can afford but that would put me into an older tractor that may be a land monument if it has any significant problem. I greatly appreciate any specific advice folks could offer me on recommended make, model, Hp, year range, etc. Thanks in advance. Great site. dand
Tractor Purchase Advice Requested
- Thread starter dand
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You're probably in the same situation as a lot of folks who start looking. I started out looking at some pretty light tractors, large garden tractors really - then I worked my way up to something that can easily do what I need. I'd up the $$ you're looking at spending, or consider contracting for some of the work you want to do. You can check out the Chinese tractors but keep an eye on parts availability, service, etc. Not to discourage you, but realistically I doubt you'd get something in the $8000 range thats going to be large enough, or in decent enough shape for your needs. You never know though... you may find a bargain out there.
Good Luck searching. I think you'd get more replies if you give the folks a clue where you are - it helps to know people in the area, and what dealers are around.
Take Care,
Good Luck searching. I think you'd get more replies if you give the folks a clue where you are - it helps to know people in the area, and what dealers are around.
Take Care,
Thanks for the reply. To add more information to my post as you suggest (regarding my location, etc.) I live just NE of Columbus, OH and land is generally flat but gently sloped with mostly clay soil with some trees in the sappling to 12+" size that I am currently thinning but leaving the stumps that I would like to extract with the backhoe, fill in, level and plant. Thanks again. dand
I just heard the register ringing... more $$... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
OK - If you want to get a tractor with a good back hoe on it then I think you really need to be lucky... I'm talking break the bank lucky to get a tractor with that set-up. Just a thought, but you may want to see what brands are around you - check out the tractors with front end loaders that are in a comfortable price range and ask about Back hoe rental. The dealer I bought from rents a lot of implements - for example I've cleared about 2 acres and I need to clean it up soon - I'm renting a york rake from them to get it done. From what I understand it is about $6000 to purchase the unit I'm renting for around $250 for a weekend.
Have you looked at any brands yet?
OK - If you want to get a tractor with a good back hoe on it then I think you really need to be lucky... I'm talking break the bank lucky to get a tractor with that set-up. Just a thought, but you may want to see what brands are around you - check out the tractors with front end loaders that are in a comfortable price range and ask about Back hoe rental. The dealer I bought from rents a lot of implements - for example I've cleared about 2 acres and I need to clean it up soon - I'm renting a york rake from them to get it done. From what I understand it is about $6000 to purchase the unit I'm renting for around $250 for a weekend.
Have you looked at any brands yet?
Interesting consideration/opinion to maybe stay with a tractor with loader only setup and rent a backhoe. As far as brands I haven't really focused on a brand or model as yet just looking at everything in general. With what I describe would you generally suggest to stay with a compact tractor with loader (and if very fortunate get a backhoe thrown in should I stay with budget) or reconsider a skid steer loader that I could also rent a backhoe? Thanks, dand
I have to be honest - I've never rented or driven a skidsteer - others here have a lot more experience in that regard.
I can't say where you should start, but you're likely to get some good advice from a reputable dealer in your area. See what is closest and start there. There are several good choices for brands - see which shops you like the best and I think everything else will fall into place.
6 acres is a good sized area to work - I'm on 8 here, and I'm only working 1/2 of it at best. I wouldn't go too small with a CUT if I were you. In the long run you'll be really happy you got a stronger tractor.
I can't say where you should start, but you're likely to get some good advice from a reputable dealer in your area. See what is closest and start there. There are several good choices for brands - see which shops you like the best and I think everything else will fall into place.
6 acres is a good sized area to work - I'm on 8 here, and I'm only working 1/2 of it at best. I wouldn't go too small with a CUT if I were you. In the long run you'll be really happy you got a stronger tractor.
Dand,
You might take a look at a Power Trac PT422 with over 40 attachments available you can find what you need. 4WD, articulated, 22HP machine only $6500, bucket $300, Small backhoe $1000 and maybe a few other items and not bust your budget. These little machines will do a lot of work, we have six different models. They also come with quick attach which allows you to change attachments in seconds. Prices may change the first of May due to steel price increases.
www.power-trac.com
Good luck,
EB
You might take a look at a Power Trac PT422 with over 40 attachments available you can find what you need. 4WD, articulated, 22HP machine only $6500, bucket $300, Small backhoe $1000 and maybe a few other items and not bust your budget. These little machines will do a lot of work, we have six different models. They also come with quick attach which allows you to change attachments in seconds. Prices may change the first of May due to steel price increases.
www.power-trac.com
Good luck,
EB
grandad
Platinum Member
Hi, dand, welcome to TBN. You live in a beautiful part of Ohio, not far from where I grew up. As you probably know, the area between Columbus and Cleveland has had lots of farming over the years, and while not like it was 40 years ago, farming is still a part of the rural scene up there.
So this is just a suggestion, but I wouldn't give up too quickly on finding a decent, good-sized older farm tractor that would have the weight and power to do your initial land clearing and grading. Your $8k budget would get you a really capable older John Deere, New Holland, Massey or other make that could do the job and later be sold for something smaller once the heavy work was done.
You may have to do some serious tire-kicking to find something that's not totally worn out, but such machines are definitely around and central Ohio ought to have its share.
Best of luck... and I hope you have as much fun getting started as I am having with my place!
So this is just a suggestion, but I wouldn't give up too quickly on finding a decent, good-sized older farm tractor that would have the weight and power to do your initial land clearing and grading. Your $8k budget would get you a really capable older John Deere, New Holland, Massey or other make that could do the job and later be sold for something smaller once the heavy work was done.
You may have to do some serious tire-kicking to find something that's not totally worn out, but such machines are definitely around and central Ohio ought to have its share.
Best of luck... and I hope you have as much fun getting started as I am having with my place!
Bob_Skurka
Super Member
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- 7,615
Given your budget, a Chinese tractor is a possible option, without the backhoe. But I really don't like them, especially for a newbie, because they are gear units. I think Blackwell may have given the best overall advice with the Power Trac PT 422. I'd prefer the PT425, but the 422 is in line with the budget and from what I saw when I was looking at new tractors they are amazingly capable units at very competitive pricing. Unorthodox looking, but absolute tanks.
I think you can find a good capable tractor with loader in the 25-35 HP range for the $8,000 price you want, but with backhoe, add probably at least a couple more thousand for used. I don't think you would need a larger tractor than those as I do much of what you mention and more with my 21HP CK20 Kioti. Finding such a tractor may take some time and patience, but if you're good at researching, you'll find one. If you're not mechanically inclined, toward tractors, I think you should avoid Chinese unless you know someone that can do the little piddly things that seem to go wrong with them in the beginning. Usually minor irritations, and then they seem to be doing pretty well with the bugs worked out. I'd avoid buying gray market tractors as well for the same reason, mechanics and parts prices/availability. If you're a good tractor mechanic, you wouldn't be asking these questions anyway. Try to find a not so old used tractor with loader, maybe later you could add an inexpensive backhoe like Koyker or some others. Keep in mind that you may only NEED the backhoe for a short time to get immediate problems solved, and then not use it for long periods, so maybe planning well and renting for a weekend you could get all that done right away and not be stuck with something you don't really need any longer. Hope this helps. John
DIYGuy
Gold Member
At $8000, I doubt very much that you will find a full TLB package that isn't in the well used category, likey to have just as many if not more issues as a grey unit or a chinese tractor.
A new chinese TLB from a dealer will cost about $12000, something in the 25hp size, as long as you're willing to wrench a little bit, drive a gear tractor, and put up with low end fit and finish.
Parts availability on the chinese units isn't an issue any more as there are two large national dealers, and several smaller dealers that stock parts. There are american cross-overs for all the filters, radiator hoses, and few minor mod needed cross overs for things like thermostats and ignition switches if you want to upgrade them from their chinese counterparts.
I went the chinese route as I don't mind getting my hands dirty every once in a while.
Conversely, A nice new package from any of the name brand dealers will be in the $17k-$25k range with a used unit being about 2/3 of that.
If the BH is only going to be a once in while thing, perhaps you can look at something that does 90% of what you need, then rent for those few times that you need the other 10%. The BH is the expensive option here, about $3k on a chinese unit.
I have used a skid steer to move large rocks and landscaping prior to my tractor and it really tears up the ground. A different animal all together.
Only you can decide how much sweat equity you want to put into your tractor. For me, a new chinese tractor was the way to go. For you, it might be a used Kubota.
A new chinese TLB from a dealer will cost about $12000, something in the 25hp size, as long as you're willing to wrench a little bit, drive a gear tractor, and put up with low end fit and finish.
Parts availability on the chinese units isn't an issue any more as there are two large national dealers, and several smaller dealers that stock parts. There are american cross-overs for all the filters, radiator hoses, and few minor mod needed cross overs for things like thermostats and ignition switches if you want to upgrade them from their chinese counterparts.
I went the chinese route as I don't mind getting my hands dirty every once in a while.
Conversely, A nice new package from any of the name brand dealers will be in the $17k-$25k range with a used unit being about 2/3 of that.
If the BH is only going to be a once in while thing, perhaps you can look at something that does 90% of what you need, then rent for those few times that you need the other 10%. The BH is the expensive option here, about $3k on a chinese unit.
I have used a skid steer to move large rocks and landscaping prior to my tractor and it really tears up the ground. A different animal all together.
Only you can decide how much sweat equity you want to put into your tractor. For me, a new chinese tractor was the way to go. For you, it might be a used Kubota.
fire72
Bronze Member
I'd strongly recommend against a skid loader for the work you have in mind. Skid loaders are optimized to be great for loader work, but you give up a great deal of versatility and the ability to use many implements.
I'd agree with many of the other posters that $8k is pretty low end for a TLB; renting equipment or contracting out the work that needs a backhoe and shopping for a tractor with FEL may give you better options in buying equipment.
Just NE of Columbus puts you just about in my neck of the woods. There are multiple dealers in the area for all of the big three manufacturers, and several others that carry Mahindra, Long, Tafe, and other lower volume Asian imports. Take your time looking around and asking questions. Keep an eye on local classifieds and Equipment Trader, Auto/RV, and other publications for used equipment - much of what you find there never shows up online.
Good luck and enjoy the hunt.
I'd agree with many of the other posters that $8k is pretty low end for a TLB; renting equipment or contracting out the work that needs a backhoe and shopping for a tractor with FEL may give you better options in buying equipment.
Just NE of Columbus puts you just about in my neck of the woods. There are multiple dealers in the area for all of the big three manufacturers, and several others that carry Mahindra, Long, Tafe, and other lower volume Asian imports. Take your time looking around and asking questions. Keep an eye on local classifieds and Equipment Trader, Auto/RV, and other publications for used equipment - much of what you find there never shows up online.
Good luck and enjoy the hunt.
RobertN
Super Member
You're right, a skidsteer might not make a good first tractor in this case. I would not rule out one of the newer tracked loader type units though.
In the case of a skidsteer, a buddy is doing this kind of work on a piece of property right now. It is working like a champ. But, he is expierienced with the machine too. It's a $25k machine which is out of the price range discussed here. He's grading, removing rocks, stumps, cutting roads, etc.
This talk about CUT's having the market on implements is, well, not correct. I have a CUT, and there's lot of implements; I have used a fair amount of them.
I have used skid steer, track-loaders, and some implements for them.
There are TONS and TONS of implements out there for skid-steer/track-loaders. It is amazing how many. It is also amazing how productive they can be.
Check out www.bobcat.com I do not have a Bobcat, and would probably get an ASVi-RC30 track-loader before a Bobcat, but the Bobcat web page is a great example. Look at the implements there. On top of that, the other OEM's have thier implements, as well as a thriving aftermarket.
There's loaders, backhoes, concrete mixers, concrete pumps, scrapers, dozer blades, mowers, augers, laser guided grader blades, brroms, bale handlers, bale squeezers, breakers, chippers, cutters, rakes, mowers, grapples, packers, planers, rippers, 4 in 1 buckets, snow blowers, snow blades, harley rakes, stump grinders, sprayers, tillers, sod layers, booms, compacters, saws, the list goes on...
Skid-steers/track-loaders are amazingly versatile, and have tons of implements. What really seperates them from CUT's is price; they are more expensive, especially the hydraulic drive implements. CUT's are flexible, no doubt, and much less expensive.
Sorry to rant; it is not personal.
In the case of a skidsteer, a buddy is doing this kind of work on a piece of property right now. It is working like a champ. But, he is expierienced with the machine too. It's a $25k machine which is out of the price range discussed here. He's grading, removing rocks, stumps, cutting roads, etc.
This talk about CUT's having the market on implements is, well, not correct. I have a CUT, and there's lot of implements; I have used a fair amount of them.
I have used skid steer, track-loaders, and some implements for them.
There are TONS and TONS of implements out there for skid-steer/track-loaders. It is amazing how many. It is also amazing how productive they can be.
Check out www.bobcat.com I do not have a Bobcat, and would probably get an ASVi-RC30 track-loader before a Bobcat, but the Bobcat web page is a great example. Look at the implements there. On top of that, the other OEM's have thier implements, as well as a thriving aftermarket.
There's loaders, backhoes, concrete mixers, concrete pumps, scrapers, dozer blades, mowers, augers, laser guided grader blades, brroms, bale handlers, bale squeezers, breakers, chippers, cutters, rakes, mowers, grapples, packers, planers, rippers, 4 in 1 buckets, snow blowers, snow blades, harley rakes, stump grinders, sprayers, tillers, sod layers, booms, compacters, saws, the list goes on...
Skid-steers/track-loaders are amazingly versatile, and have tons of implements. What really seperates them from CUT's is price; they are more expensive, especially the hydraulic drive implements. CUT's are flexible, no doubt, and much less expensive.
Sorry to rant; it is not personal.
Thanks to all who have reviewed and replied to my request for advice for tractor purchase. Lots of experience and very informed advice. I am looking at the various suggestions offered including some of the manufacturers and models stated. Thanks again, dand
jinman
Rest in Peace
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- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
Dan, on a budget of $6000, you can get a lot done with just exactly the equipment you need through renting or hiring the work done. Many of the jobs you noted would take an experienced dozer operator a very short time to do and the daily cost should be $800 or less for a large dozer. If you wanted to consider it, I'd even look at a long-term rental of about three months and see if I couldn't do the jobs myself. I just seems to me that pushing stumps, trenching, grading, and contouring are the ideal things for a dozer, and for only 6 acres, you should still have plenty of money left over. If you were putting in a pond, it would be different, but $6,000 for 6 acres seems to be a very ample amount.
You could spend $6,000 on a tractor and spend all your spare time for 6 years and still not be finished. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I think your budget says "rent or lease," but not "buy." /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
You could spend $6,000 on a tractor and spend all your spare time for 6 years and still not be finished. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I think your budget says "rent or lease," but not "buy." /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
The big question becomes........how long are you planning on keeping this tractor? A s-s is just not versatile enough in the long run,yes it can do somethings better,but also somethings worse.
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the replies and advise on my search for a TLB. What I really need is a backhoe and a loader. Having looked at a wide variety of equipment, specs, etc. I am now looking very seriously at a very slightly used Lay-Mor Model LB30 TLB. These are made mostly for the rental industry and it seems to be a very well built machine. I am looking at a LB30 that has a Robins 22 Hp gas engine although I'd prefer the Kubota diesel option but when its used options are limited. Cost is roughly $11k, which is over my original goal of around $8k but it seems to be able to do what I will need.
Does anyone have experience with the Lay-Mor LB30 possibly with the Robins engine? Please advise any information or experience you may have.
Thanks, dand
Thanks for all the replies and advise on my search for a TLB. What I really need is a backhoe and a loader. Having looked at a wide variety of equipment, specs, etc. I am now looking very seriously at a very slightly used Lay-Mor Model LB30 TLB. These are made mostly for the rental industry and it seems to be a very well built machine. I am looking at a LB30 that has a Robins 22 Hp gas engine although I'd prefer the Kubota diesel option but when its used options are limited. Cost is roughly $11k, which is over my original goal of around $8k but it seems to be able to do what I will need.
Does anyone have experience with the Lay-Mor LB30 possibly with the Robins engine? Please advise any information or experience you may have.
Thanks, dand
