Advice on smallerish tractor for the woods

So I'm perusing classifieds and clist for what I think I might want in a tractor I can use in the woods. Most of my property is hilly but has always been accessible by cutting the right trails for my quad by creating switch backs - they aren't level and loaded trailers hung on trees aren't fun nor are attempting to drop snags with maybe a ~700lb 4wheeler on leaf littered slopes.

NEED/WANTS
-FEL
-Backhoe - who doesn't want one?
-low CG don't need to roll it over
-PTO capability - don't need this for mowing, occasional bush hogging, possible tilling, maybe a chipper(want)
-Non-EPA CF'd engine so I've ruled out anything brandy new.

Not partial on colors. Open to any suggestions

 

What kind of a budget you thinking Basod? Want something small to get around the woods? Like maybe not a lot bigger than your four wheeler? How much lift capacity on loader would you like? 500 lbs., 1000lbs., 1500lbs?

 

thanks Eric. I've debated about the HD route but 8-10' wide trails isn't what I'm seeking

 

lifting capacity would be determined at point of contact
there's no boulders here, maybe dig a few stumps.

How satisfied with whatever(insert old model) Kubota you had?

ETA - budget is flexible seems with the 0% financing people believe their used tractors are brand new

 

Very satisfied. Check out the Kubota Tractor/Loader/Backhoe (TLB) series. Construction grade, built tough. They had the B21, L35, L48, great machines. B21, which you can still get used. They replaced those with a B26. The L35s were replaced with the L39s, and the L48 were replaced with the L45. Then there is the M59s! Oh man, would I like to get one of those. But the prices on any TLBs new, and on agricultural tractors are pretty expensive.

I have looked at new many times. But have always went with a nice used one with low hours. I can then usually work them for a couple years and then sell them and get almost all my money back out of them. Just try to take good care of them.

 

I have a guy coming from Vermont tomorrow to look at the 210C. Hopefully he makes it.

Basod. I have often wanted to try one of these.

2011 KUBOTA B26

If you can find something with quick attach front bucket, so you can switch to pallet forks, grapple, other attachments......

That one has hydraulic thumb on backhoe, and front auxiliary hydraulics, for running different attachments like a grapple, already installed. The cats azz. The work that a grapple will save you is just incredible.

 

I also forgot one very important thing. The TLB series has backhoes that are removable. Like, within minutes with no tools needed. Then you put your three point hitch equipment on and you can use a york rake, back blade, brush hog, etc.

 

That's kind of the market mentality that I'm encountering.
Low hour machines without abuse - but how do they not depreciate? especially with 0%/72mo new tractor deals?

this is a feature I'd like

 

So humble, you are.

 

Here is the thing. A piece of equipment does not seem to depreciate like a car, boat, truck does. It will depreciate, but slower. If built well, they are built to last. Are not on the road with salt. Etc. You know how if a truck is four wheel drive it always has the four wheel drive value? Like yeah that is worth 2500 bucks just because it runs and is four wheel drive. LOL

You can get some good deals on new tractors. But I am usually looking at larger tractors. Like the last one I had was the L35. A new Kubota L39, which replaced them, at the time I bought my L35 used, the L39 was over $42,000. I bought the used L35 for $22,000. Then if I go to sell it in a few years, there are a lot more people out there who are going to be able to look at buying mine for around $20,000, then there are the newer one I am trying not to lose my azz on at 38-40,000. LOL

Now. If you are going to keep your tractor for a LONG time, I understand buying new if you can afford it. Then you know you are the only one who has used it and you get just what you want. My machines I have been buying over the last 10 years I knew I would eventually sell them after a few years and like not having soooo much money invested in them when it came time to sell.

 

I've been very happy with my Kubota BX but it might be smaller than you're looking for. My recommendation is to find the dealer with the best after sale support in your area and then figure out the best model to suit your needs.

 

Good advice.

Another thing to consider Basod is what type of tires you want. With the Kubota TLB series they are built more for construction site. So they only offer the R4 Industrial tires. You can not get R1 Agricultural tires.

The R1s are much better in dirt/mud/snow with deeper lug. But will tear up your lawn more. So depends on where you plan to use it most, and what you plan to do with it.

 

Gasifier I get where you're coming from on the slower depreciation.
I'm guessing the finance deals probably inflate the used market just as much as these tractors with 4yo 160hr machines are probably still under lien or freshly out from underneath and the owner thinks they have more in it after financing implements that have been used as well.

Broad question on diesel hours - what's a cutoff for TLB's that shouldn't be considered

 

When I buy something used I try to find something with less than 2000 hours. Now, the L35 I bought, I think it had less than 200 hours on it. Guy used it for some projects he had and then it sat in his barn after that. If you can find something that has been kept inside, big difference. As far as hours go, I have seen some machines with 3500 hours on them that were like new. And some with 1200 hours on them that looked like they had 12,000 hours on them and were on their last tire.

Most of these diesel engine tractor will go 8-10,000 hours on them if well cared for. Some I've seen with more on them.

 

As a mechanic that busts his knuckles on this stuff daily, in a fleet environment, I say find an old retired guy that has one to get rid of. Old timers, which I'm just getting close to myself according to the herd of kids that call me dad, are usually meticulous about maintenance and you have a great shot at a great machine. Bought my BX with 1000 hours and all loader pins were tight as well as everything else I could find. Grease everywhere was a good sign to me. Not leaks, but someone may not have taken the time to wash it like a sports car but they still found time to grab the grease gun.

 

I suggest the 3038E John Deere. I have one and love it. It is not a bell and whistle tractor, but runs well and skids logs well with a Norse 350 winch. I will say it does not have a removable back hoe. I intend to buy a mini excavator since putting the backhoe on and off to me is a royal pain.

 

Deere makes nice equipment. I don't know if you have seen the new Kubota or John Deere quick attach backhoes or not. But they are a breeze to come off and on. After you have done it 3 or 4 times you can take them off or put them on in less that 10 minutes. No more long, under the frame mounts. Two hooks they set and hang on on the bottom and two big pins that go through them on the top. Very slick.

 

Sage advice
I'm not a whippersnapper myself but ~20yrs removed from full time tractor seat duty.
The Kubota Bx and deere 1 series look like little capable machines. I need to go sit on one just to confirm I'd need a Shriner Circus hat to run one