What would you offer for this Mulch Layer

hunterridgefarm · Dec 13, 2013

I have a chance to buy a used mulch layer just like this one Berry Hill Drip Irrigation :: Agriculture :: Equipment - Mulch Layers, Bean Planter, More :: Plastic Mulch Layers :: Mulch Layers :: Compact Raised Bed Mulch Layer 48. This Machine lays 36", 42" and 48" Plastic Mulch.

This is actually the one I have been looking at and saw a listing yesterday for a used one. I called and the people and they used it last season for strawberries, so they basically used it one time for several rows. It has 75% of the plastic mulch (48" wide) and 75% of a roll of drip tape with it.

They are going to send me a couple of pictures sometime today before I go look at it.

My question is they are asking $1800.00 for it. The new one is $1950.00 of course you need to add tax and delivery to the final price which would take ti to about $2100-$2500. Tax is 6.75% and I have not received a delivery cost yet.

The used one is about 1 hour 45 min away so I have to figure time and diesel fuel plus pulling the trailer if it will not fit in the truck bed. To get it in the bad I would most likely need to disassemble some of it.

To me $1800.00 is a little high compared to a new one and taking everything into consideration. I was planning on buying one next year but if the price is right I will get the used one.

I am not one to try and stick it to people but I do like a good deal

. I was thinking of offering $1200 to $1500.

What do you think?

I don't think they would take the $1200 but it is worth a try.

I don't have access to great internet on the weekend so it will be next week before I can let you know how it goes.

DFB · Dec 13, 2013

How wide is the inside distance between the wheels on the tractor you plan to use it on?

hunterridgefarm · Dec 13, 2013

Don't know for sure but it is a Kubota 3130 with the rears set as wide as possible. I pull a 5" hog and tiller behind it. So I am guessing 5-6' to the outside.

oosik · Dec 13, 2013

Wow! Glad I took a gander at the link you provided. I was thinking you were buying a layer of mulch(8" of organics, of some size). I was wondering how that would work??? This is a machine that lays down a layer of plastic. Like you say, unless you can get the folks to lower their price I would purchase a new one. Any problems with the new one go directly back to the dealer. This piece of equipment is obviously a lot more complicated than a disk harrow or moldboard plow which a lot of times can be fixed with a LARGE hammer or a welder.

DFB · Dec 13, 2013

But inside distance allows you to bed shape and bury the plastic in on tilled ground that you haven't run over and packed down with your wheels.

I'm very happy using the 2 foot Holland model I have for many years. I would think one is less than $500 new still you get approx. a 15"-18" wide single row to plant depending on the adjustments

How important is having a raised bed shaper pan to you

When it's all said and done with the little Holland the plastic is slightly mounded higher than the ground in between which gets packed down by your tires. They also offer a drip tape attachment

randy41 · Dec 13, 2013

depending on the picture it sounds like a good deal. you'll get more than $100 worth of mulch plastic and the drip tape is worth something. and if you can save on the shipping.....

hunterridgefarm · Dec 13, 2013

DFB said:
But inside distance allows you to bed shape and bury the plastic in on tilled ground that you haven't run over and packed down with your wheels.

I'm very happy using the 2 foot Holland model I have for many years. I would think one is less than $500 new still you get approx. a 15"-18" wide single row to plant depending on the adjustments

How important is having a raised bed shaper pan to you

When it's all said and done with the little Holland the plastic is slightly mounded higher than the ground in between which gets packed down by your tires. They also offer a drip tape attachment

Post another pick of the Holland.

I like my garden purity

so a raised bed shaper is important to me.

Actually if I continue on the crazed notion of planting everything I can get my hands on, sweating profusely during the summer, battling weeds, and planting 3 acres and working a 45-50 hour a week regular job...I need one of these

Seriously, we are increasing to 3 total acres this year and the mulch layer will decrease my work load by 50% at least due to weed control and another 20% due to drip irrigation, maybe more. Of the 3 acres 1 ac will be used for crops not needing the mulch.

I really need to go look at this unit before making an offer and if this deal goes south I will buy next year. I have talked to people who say removal of the plastic is a lot of work but I will make a mulch lifter to help with that.

DFB · Dec 13, 2013

We used to use a larger Ag tractor (NH 3930) with the wider width mulch layers wheels set out for 6 ft centers...that's the difficulty with compacts and with the wide widths like the R4 tires have for using mulch laying equipment.

Here the link to some old photos again...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/photos/12794-mulch-layer.html#post140238