What to do? What to do?

AndyMA · Apr 11, 2004

The 4310 sounds too small for that size property. I'd keep the 5420 and hand a bigger mower on it. For the tight places consider a Country Home Products Brush Mower. If possible I'd keep both machines.

Andy

_RaT_ · Apr 11, 2004

Both tractors are brand new. Do you guys actually use them? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You should get excellent value for them.

ScottAR · Apr 11, 2004

I guess I don't understand what you two are trying to accomplish?? Do you need capital for some other venture? I would think the more tractors the better... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Kyle_in_Tex · Apr 11, 2004

( Both tractors are brand new. Do you guys actually use them? )
Yes and no, the 4310 is 1.5 yrs old and it gets used the most. It will be used more when I actually build and live on the 26 acres. The 5420 had over 210 hours on it when my father in law bought it. He had planned on using it to reclaim his 52 acres but decided on waiting until he retires in 10 years or so. I guess the fact that he rarely uses it, (I've put about 35 of the 40 hours on it since in our possession) he just thinks his money could be better spent elsewhere. His land needs root plowing, disked, planted and fenced to get it to the point where he'd like it. The root plowing alone will set him back $250-$300 per acre. I guess he's thinking if we combined our monthly payments into one tractor, it would make more economical sense. We'll see what happens when the dealer calls him and tells him what I'm predicting (that we'd both take a big loss initially). If I had some calves helping with the mowing, I feel I could keep up the place with the 4310. But I also feel that a 4710 would be alot more tractor than my 4310 and yet alot more maneuverable(sp?) than the 5420. I just wished we'd have done this in the 1st place...Kyle

jinman · Apr 11, 2004

Kyle, It seems to me that you are worried most about mowing, but you have many jobs that the 5420 could do. I think you'll be happier with the 5420 in the long run with your acreage and plans. Your trees don't seem to be the major area you mow. How wide is the 5420? I'd think you'd have to look out for the canopy under low branches a lot more than width. Besides, you can buy a cheap 5' rotary cutter for between your trees and get a 7' for the open areas.

Why not keep the 5420 and see how it works out. If things don't seem like they are working for you, then sell the 5420 and buy the 4710. You don't want to spend all your spare time mowing with something that's too small to get the job done. You need some spare time to catch some of the fish out of your nice pond. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

GerardC · Apr 12, 2004

Ditto. Buy a nice 25HP Garden Tractor.

Gatorboy · Apr 12, 2004

( Look at the attached photo and you try to mow between those trees with a 5420. )

It doesn't look that bad to me. I'd even give it a go with my M8950 and 15' Flexwing.

I'd definitely keep the 5420, and depending on how nice you want to keep the grass around those trees -- get a Scag or similar walk-behind with sulky, or a Billy Goat High Weed mower -- for trimming.

smilingreen · Apr 12, 2004

Keep the 5420, sell the 4310 and get a JD 757 ZTR mower/ 5'deck.

Kyle_in_Tex · Apr 13, 2004

Thanks to everyone for replying. Here's the latest news,

1)Our dealer offered to sell the 5420 for 6% commission. Told father in law to sell 5420 and use some proceeds to mend fences and buy 6-12 calves for the growing season. Downside is manure everywhere and no 5420. Upside is freezers full of meat.

2)After we sell 5420, and if my tractor can't keep up with the shredding, then we'll look into a 4710. Which BTW, sells new for $23800 Includes, Hydro,MFWD, 460 FEL

3)He calls back and says he would hate to need a tractor and not have one. He's having reservations about selling his.

BTW, FYI a new 4310 like mine w/hydro,MFWD, 430 FEL sells for about $18,300 down here.

Chillimau · Apr 14, 2004

What percentage off list will your dealer sell for?

If you sell the 5420 try it on your own first. They don't last long at all around here in the paper and are pretty far and few between in the newspaper.