Used Compact Tractor Questions

Hi guys,

First post, been reading and soaking in lots of info so far but still have a question.

Background:  We have purchased a 10 acre property here in SW Ontario and will be building our new home on it this fall.  I have a 1/2 acre bush, about 1 1/2 acres lawn and the rest is untilled grass.  The property has been untilled for a number of years according to neighbours. (We purchased from an estate)

We are planning to use the tractor for landscaping, likely lawn mowing once it's too big for our rider, tillage of a decent sized garden and long term I plan to have a small barn with a few animals so will be also used for related activity.  We had considered getting a loader/backhoe as the backhoe would be very handy during landscaping our new home but have since decided the extra cost would not be justified as we could rent a mini-excavator for a couple days and get a lot of jobs done at once.

There is a 2005 New Holland TC21DA, used, for sale nearby with FEL, MMM, small cultivator and counterbalance with 240 hrs and he's asking 16k, private sale.  There is a dealer a bit away with a 2007 Kubota BX2350 with FEL and MMM with only 75 hrs listed for 12,500, but I would have to add a tiller to that price as well as taxes and delivery, likely taking me close to 15k all said and done.  I also need to add to either tractor a snow blower, so capability needs to be considered but cost is in addition to both so not a factor in the decision.

I did call the local New Holland dealer and he suggested the price on the TC21DA is reasonable compared to replacement (new) value with all those attachments.

OR, should I be seriously considering a new tractor?

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Mike

Given what your doing the larger tractor would be preferable. Price new and used, you'll probably find that your only saving 10-15% off new prices by buying a clean used compact... and your giving up financing and a warrenty.

No. Price out a new one first!!  And questions is if you are Financing or writing a check.

I am a John Deere Dealer in Alberta.  Our new tractor to compare to the TC21DA is the 2305 (though our machine is 23.5 Engine HP and Power Take off 18 HP, Hydrostatic).  With FEL and MMM, and Rotary Tiller is 19000 plus tax. This will give you a brand new machine with Warrentee, versus something you do not know what the guy before you did.  Also note, if you are thinking about a backhoe for the 2305, that the Backhoe is a factory installed option.  Buy it separately, not installed at factory, the cost will go up.  It is $5800 versus $7200.

 I am not sure what your John Dealer will sell it for, but should be close.  So a more powerful machine of $18,000 new vs $16,000 New Holland, it does not make sence.  The Kubota, well if you add a tiller, you are talking close to $15000, no warrentee (Oh, the BX2350 was only produced in 2006, so it is older than you think).  As well, if you finance used, with used interest rates, you are going to pay $3K to $5K more.  Deere right now has 0% for 36 months.  A New Deere is a better deal.

With the TC21DA, the guy bought the tractor back when the Canadain Dollar was low compared to the US.  Back in 2005 the dollar was 20% to 25% lower than the US dollar, and since these tractors come from the States, he paid 20-25% more than you can get a new one now. He has a high selling price as he probably bought it high, and he is trying to get back out what he paid for it.  Why should you have to pay the difference.  With the way the dollar is, 2008 is the best year to buy new, but hurry, our doller is crapping out.

But remember, these machines are not made to move Heavy bales.  The lifting capacity is only from 600 lbs to 900 lbs depend on the machine.  If you are thinking Hay bales, you need to think bigger.  But hay moving tractors are only $20,000 to $30,000 (they are too big to do any small landscaping, mower jobs - needs to be a second tractor).

As well, John Deere, though price with new machines will seem to be more expensive (Deere is the Highest quality manufacture out there - with quailty you add price).  Other companies to compete with deere, attract customers with lower spec machines, lower service and higher attachment cost.  Look at auction sales, people recognized that John Deere is good quality, and are willing to pay more for them.  This mean, if you buy a Deere, the value never goes down.  Yes, you may pay $1000-$2000  more, but you will get that in the end.  As well. New Holland, and Kubota have a horrible parts record.  After 5 years, parts start being discontinued, and became harder and harder to get.  With Deere, parts are guarrenteed to be availabe for 15 years, and after that, we have a great network of suppliers that will get you that part.  We have people with 30 year machines that we get up running in less than a weekIf you do end up buy anywhere else, please remember this 10 years down the road when something goes, and you have to wait 2-3 months so they can get your part manufactured.  I am sure your growing grass and starving animals will understand.

So price is never a good thing to go one, when buying an item that is essential for the day to day property maintenence required.