What Brand and Tractor to Buy

[woodman5455]

First off I am a first time tractor buyer. I have only owned riding mowers in the past. I own about 2 ac. and am looking for a mower with a front end bucket for light yard work both dirt and gravel and snow clearing. I would also like to add a roto tiller to it as well. I thought of also a back hoe if I might be able to find some light work in my area that would pay for it and also make me a dollar or two.

My yard is hilly with trees. Not sure what I need. I do want to purchase a used machine since my funds are not that great. I have been looking on Craigs list and ebay.

I guess I am just so confused on how much to spend, what brand, what size is going to do the job that I will be happy with. I do not want to buy to small but do not want to buy two large either.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Just started on this site and am spending hours reading right now.

Thanks

 

[mjncad]

Welcome.

Your lot is about the same size as ours and I have a 26HP CUT (Compact Utility Tractor), with 20HP at the PTO that has done all I've asked of it and then some.

Since you have hills, make sure you get 4WD.

I tried to find a used machine when I was shopping for one; but ones in decent shape were close to the same price as a new one. With that in mind, you might check and see if the manufacturers you eventually narrow your choice down to have good financing programs in place.

If you stick with top tier brands (e.g. JD, Kubota, NH), parts and service should be relatively easy to obtain, which is important. If you go with second tier brands, parts and service may be relatively available or it may not depending on where you live. If you go with Chinese or gray market brands, you are venturing into uncharted territory in my opinion. There are a number of members with these tractors that are happy with them; but they tend to do all their own maintenance and repairs. I won't push a brand as you need to find something that fits you and your comfort level.

If you do very limited backhoe work, I suggest you rent a mini-excavator. It will be cheaper to rent and more versatile. Be careful about hiring yourself out to do tractor work. Without insurance, you are truly walking a tightrope without a safety net. That's why I quit doing it. Plus, depending on your state/province, they make you get some sort of license for the machine so you can pay taxes on it since you are doing commercial work. That's another reason I quit doing sideline jobs with mine. If these aren't issues for you; then best of luck to you in making some bucks with your toy.

 

[Boondox]

Welcome aboard!

First off, narrow down your intended usage. While there are tractors light and nimble enough to mow your 2 acres without tearing up the turf, they IMO lack the mass to do real backhoeing work. Digging up stumps, for example, routinely threw my big L3010 around like a toy. And I echo Woodman's concerns about the risks. If you had a tiller it might bring you a few bucks on the side, but don't expect to make enough at it to pay for your habit.

If you think of it as a land yacht instead of a tractor, the expense won't be so shocking! :laughing:

I'd highly recommend buying Muhammad's book online (on the home page) to get some clear, objective input on the size tractor you need.

I'd also suggest checking out your local dealerships in terms of service and reputation. You'll deal with them for years, so it's good to find one you feel good about. In terms of tractor color, IMO the quality is up there. The only reason I drive orange is because our local green dealer wouldn't give me the time of day once they found out I only wanted a $30k CUT. They have since gone out of business.

Pete

 

[TripleR]

What they said for the most part. There are always the exception such as the house contractor in my area who does all of his site prep and finish dirt work with a BX24, but like I said, he is the exception.

We have a dedicated backhoe, but usually rent as it is too much trouble to take out of hibernation. If your projects justify one, they are great, but if not they just take up space.

I have similar terrain and use a BX2660, but John Deere, Kubota, Kioti, Mahindra, Massey et al, make good machines. Narrow your parameters as much as you can and spend some time on them and test drive as many as you can.

Good luck.

 

[Gizmo2]

Welcome,
First things first, what local dealers do you have nearby?

Of the local dealers what is your take on doing business with any of them in terms of fairness and responsiveness to you as a customer and a long lived customer?

Don't be confused as to how much you will spend, most of that goes away the closer you get to actually picking a tractor and then completely gone by the time you are signing the papers. LOL! I had no intention of trading in my older tractor and buying new but once I got on the new one at the dealers and took it for a test run, just for the heck of it, it was all but over. It seems all logic had left my brain. I don't regret it for a minute though.

 

[Egon]

When you are looking for used machines the condition of the machine and parts availability may be concerns to look at.

For business purposes do your "before purchase homework", find out if there is a need and if you could be competitive?

 

[Thomas]

While doing your home work stop by dealers..set on different models also to try out..get a feel..plus take some fact sheets..let the dealers know your interested in good trade in..place wanted ad on b-boards.

 

[woodman5455]

Thanks Guys. I just downloaded Muhammad's book and that should help

 

[greystone]

dont buy new holland

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks Guys. I just downloaded Muhammad's book and that should help

While the book is a little out dated by a few years, it is a very good place to start.