Upgrade or Not? That is the question

[Rail Dawg]

I have an L3800 and want the M9960. I have 10 acres and some gullies I would love to work on over time.

In the end it will be used mainly for mowing and such...

Those sure are nice tractors...

 

[john_bud]

You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

 

[bandit67]

You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

And you know this how?

The dealer he is working with sells low and gives an excellent trade-in value.

I've never had a dealer give me your "extreme" use excuse over a factory designed 4pt backhoe, either.

 

[crazyal]

Will the backhoe work with the new tractor? If so why get rid of it?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

You will lose your shirt, pants, socks, and tee-shirt on the deal. The trade in value of the backhoe, etc is very low. The dealer may even greatly degrade your tractor trade value due to "extreme" use / abuse caused by the backhoe.

I'd keep it and just look for an older used 80-120 hp tractor with loader. A quick look showed many in the 10-20,000 range.

And you know this how?

The dealer he is working with sells low and gives an excellent trade-in value.

I've never had a dealer give me your "extreme" use excuse over a factory designed 4pt backhoe, either.

You know I had the exact same thought when I read that absolute declaration as fact. Surprised that there is someone that has traded more than me on TBN (Trading again Friday).:laughing: He must be doing all of his trading with someone other than the dealer (Barlows)we trade with. I to have never heard that from Steve on any trade I've ever made and that has been several (Did I say I'm trading again Friday?) times over the past 10 years.
I say TRADE man TRADE!!!!!! :cool2: Or Don't and save that money for, well whatever your saving it for besides some pure happiness.:licking:

 

[ddb123]

The second part of your original post is about reassurance that a 35 hp tractor is no slacker. Well you nailed it right there. Yes, a larger tractor will do more. But a 35 horse tractor will do a lot. You said yourself it never let you down. It also has the Grand L bells and whistles. I have a Grand L and those bells and whistles sure are nice. I traded down in power to get those bells and whistles. My new tractor has never let me down and those bells and whistles keep me in the seat longer. I have 10 acres and I think you and I both could get by with a B series. Quite well, in fact. It sounds to me like you do have all you need.

I am not trying to play devil's advocate or talk you out of a trade. It sounds to me like you should be happy either way. If an MX5100 is what your heart desires, by all means go for it. But no, a 35 hp tractor is by no means a slacker.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Bigger is not alway better. I have a 70 HP and just last June bought a B26 Kubota TLB. That little sucker really surprised me with the power to push brush piles, dig with the FEL and backhoe. In fact it is so strong that I rarely even crank the 70 HP tractor now. It gets used for mowing, discing and any large dirt moving task since it will haul 3 -4 times as much dirt as the B26. The little tractor gets in places that the LS wouldnt dream of too. Bigger is not alway better. I could do everything on my 12 acres with the B26. The LS cab is great for those dust or cold days but other than that, I prefer small and maneuverable.

 

[JoeBuyer]

If I were you based on your property and usage I would stay with what you have. Not worth changing.

 

[maximus1277]

You know it's time to trade when you realize you've been thinking about another model while you are working with yours.



That's exactly how marriages come to an end!

 

[Jay4200]

So I guess more than starting another debate about model versus model, L versus M, or even HP versus maneuverability, I am interested in knowing how do you tell when it is time to trade up. Or at minimum, some reassurances that a 35 hp tractor, such as my L3430HST, is no slacker, is still plenty of tractor, and can handle its own.

That's easy. As soon as you have a dream where you are driving the MX, that's when you go out and get one. Either that, or if your wife lets you.

JayC