1.33 acres, heavily wooded and overgrown... Need advice on a tractor purchase!

[Biker1mike]

... However a BX or B might make sense for someone who wants a toy and only has 1-3 acres.

My B is not a toy !!!! It is a tool that does exactly what I need it to do.
I have a nice engineer's hammer in my tool box but I do not need it drive finishing nails in trim.

 

[minthral]

My B is not a toy !!!! It is a tool that does exactly what I need it to do.
I have a nice engineer's hammer in my tool box but I do not need it drive finishing nails in trim.

Yea I agree it is a tool and has it's place when working in tight spaces. I'm just saying it's also a good pick for someone who wants to buy a tractor for entertainment and getting work done isn't primary concern. Fact is if there is no space constraint, a larger tractor will get the work done faster and better.

 

[mcmxi]

My B is not a toy !!!! It is a tool that does exactly what I need it to do.

I had a BX25 for five years, and although it was "toyish" compared to the MX and M that I have now, it certainly wasn't a toy. It did a lot of work, and over a weekend was capable of completing a project that would have taken weeks or months by hand.

At times I miss the BX, particularly the backhoe, and in retrospect I was probably foolish to sell it along with a bunch of implements for a mere $19k. That said, other than the backhoe, I really wouldn't have a use for it these days, and as much as I despise renting equipment, it'd make a lot more sense renting a mini excavator for those times when I need to dig a trench or hole. That's a lot more cost effective than keeping a BX25 around to use for a few hours a year.

 

[ve9aa]

Yea I agree it is a tool and has it's place when working in tight spaces. I'm just saying it's also a good pick for someone who wants to buy a tractor for entertainment and getting work done isn't primary concern. Fact is if there is no space constraint, a larger tractor will get the work done faster and better.

I am on 2.2ac but I chose the BX for the small size and still able to run a nice 48" front mounted snowblower.
Unlike MOST people here, that was actually my #1 need (weird, eh?)

My 2nd need was to be able to get in between cars, under the very low garage door (lower than most here) park it in my miniscule garage (inches count) and also snowblow up a walkway that is unable to be widened.(brick walls) My mower deck is the same size as my TG and over the years trees, bushes,paths and whatnot were all sized to pass a 54" deck. (or a 48" snowblower)

For me (personally) the BX is the perfect toy, errrr, TOOL.
If I had a larger garage opening, wider driveway and wider paths to snowblow & mow, it would've made sense (even at only 2.2ac) to buy a B or maybe even an LX

So, what works for one guy, won't work for another.

Count me as another vote not to buy a tractor w/o a loader.

 

[Elliott in GA]

It might be too far for you, but the Kubota dealer in Waynesboro, GA had several compact Kubotas (below an M series) of various sizes on the lot with loaders. They are not my dealer, but I drive past them on my way to our property in North Georgia.

https://www.burketractor.com/ (their website does not correctly show their inventory)

The Deere dealer down the road from Burke Tractor has at least 25 compact tractors with loaders plus lots of heavy Ag equipment (full sized utility tractors open and cab, combines, sprayers and etc.). Their main lot is full, and so are their lots across and down the road.

 

[MOOTS]

I've been looking. Nothing used around me, at least not that I have found yet...

After I sold my LX, I found a low hour (125) MX on marketplace, for a very fair deal. This was about the time stuff started slowing down from the covid shutdowns. He was upgrading to a M.

 

[lynnmor]

I called Messick's, probably the largest dealership within 400 miles of me. They have something like 11 B2601 on the lot, not a single loader and no idea when the next one will come in. He said they are still waiting on loaders that were ordered in 2021, so going back 8+ months on some models.

I suppose you contacted Burke Equipment? When I bought, Messicks had nothing and said that they couldn't give me a date but would put me on a waiting list. I called Burke and they had two in stock, so I bought there. I don't recommend Burke for several reasons, but sometimes you do what you gotta do.

Burke Equipment and Burke Tractors are two different companies.

 

[XSpecBx]

I called Messick's, probably the largest dealership within 400 miles of me. They have something like 11 B2601 on the lot, not a single loader and no idea when the next one will come in. He said they are still waiting on loaders that were ordered in 2021, so going back 8+ months on some models.
I appreciated the honesty rather than just throwing out a number like "90 days!", with nothing to justify it.

He cautioned me of the local dealer who said 4-6 months even. If Messick's isn't getting an expected delivery date, why would a smaller dealer?

I'll keep calling though. What I've found from my photography business is that the smaller retailers sometimes have inventory because "everyone shops at the known big stores". Makes sense.

The next challenge is getting it home. I don't have a trailer, and my truck (4cy 2015 tacoma) likely couldn't tow it even if I did have one.

Try PARCS in West Virginia. They seem to have stuff.

 

[CGMKCM]

I would hire someone that does forestry mulching to get rid of all the vines small trees and do a rough clean up around the big trees. After that decide what your tractor needs will be. mulching

 

[Shekkie]

I was bored and did a search of a half dozen dealers in my area and found a few B26 and B2601 models with loaders available so they are out there……. certainly if you are willing to travel or have shipped. I would only order as a last resort unless time is zero factor.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Assuming you got a decent amount of land, I'd recommend to jump into an L first. However a BX or B might make sense for someone who wants a toy and only has 1-3 acres.

He's got 1.33 acres.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

About poison ivy...
.... Put some round up on the remaining bottom vine and leaves.

Regular RoundUp is not very effective. In fact, the company sells a product made just for killing poison ivy.

grab it with thumb or grapple to move it somewhere far away (preferably a burn pile).

Burning poison ivy is a very bad idea. The urushiol will be in the smoke and breathing that in can put you in the hospital or possibly the morgue.

There is some evidence that it is destroyed by ordinary composting, but there isn't much research on it.

Basically after messing with it, I always conclude I'm just wasting time and it's best to just leave it and let nature do it's thing.

Agreed! Cut it at the base, let the vine die on the tree. Kill the base with some serious poison made for poison ivy.

The best way to avoid getting poison ivy rash is to take some disposable tows, get them damp, and then rub your skin. This will 'soak up' and 'friction remove' most of the oil (think of it as tractor zerk grease).

Whether it's poison ivy or automotive grease, the most effective way to get rid of it is by starting with NO water. Use dish soap (Dawn works great) or waterless hand cleaner, like GoJo or a similar product. Use that with no water until the grease is well worked into the cleaner, then start adding a bit of water at a time.


You'll find the grease comes off much more thoroughly and easily than if you start with any water.

 

[Henro]

While I promoted the BX23S, and still feel it would be a capable tractor for the OP, I now, after learning more about the current offerings, think the B2601 might be the best fit.

Probably what I would choose today given the same situation. Not sure how the prices compare, but over the long haul likely doesn’t matter. Never did for me after 20 years.

Best of luck to the OP in his decision. Please don’t choose a M or MX though. I can guarantee those would not be the optimum tractors for your needs. LOL.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Agree, as much as I use my BX23S, a B2601 with loader would be the better choice. Having independent rear brakes is a HUGE must for 'clearing trails' and 'hauling logs', 2 of his projects.
If he can find one,even 2-3 hrs away, he probably should buy it. No way it'll lose any real $$ value in the next few months, especially when they get scarcer then hen's teeth.

 

[B737]

No way it'll lose any real $$ value in the next few months, especially when they get scarcer then hen's teeth.

HAHAHA! have you ever sold a 9 month old B2601? I have. Dealers offered 50% on trade-in, and private buyers offered 20-35% of its price 9 months previously. So yes, the OP stands to lose depreciation from driving it off the lot. They are not 'scarce'.

The best advice is to buy the right tractor the first time.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

from post #133...
Getting a quote from my dealer on the B2601. He said the issue is going to be a 4-6 month wait time on the front end loader..

That implies there are ZERO B2601/loaders and none available for +-6 months, so 'scarce' in that area.
So someone wanting or needing one will pay a good buck for their 'new ride',especially
One of those 'supply/demands' deals. The economy is 'weird' to say the least.
Gal up the road is selling a 2ac corn field for $1,000,000.

heck right now gas is $1.50/dsl is $1.95

 

[MountainMeadows]

I called Messick's, probably the largest dealership within 400 miles of me. They have something like 11 B2601 on the lot, not a single loader and no idea when the next one will come in. He said they are still waiting on loaders that were ordered in 2021, so going back 8+ months on some models.
I appreciated the honesty rather than just throwing out a number like "90 days!", with nothing to justify it.

He cautioned me of the local dealer who said 4-6 months even. If Messick's isn't getting an expected delivery date, why would a smaller dealer?

I'll keep calling though. What I've found from my photography business is that the smaller retailers sometimes have inventory because "everyone shops at the known big stores". Makes sense.

The next challenge is getting it home. I don't have a trailer, and my truck (4cy 2015 tacoma) likely couldn't tow it even if I did have one.

Give Marshall Machinery in NE PA a shot. They have several outlets. I purchased my L2501 from them back in May and had to wait 2 months for the loader but when I was at the dealership on Thursday they seem to have replenished their stock. I saw several L + B tractors with loaders.

 

[Rdrcr]

HAHAHA! have you ever sold a 9 month old B2601? I have. Dealers offered 50% on trade-in, and private buyers offered 20-35% of its price 9 months previously. So yes, the OP stands to lose depreciation from driving it off the lot. They are not 'scarce'.

The best advice is to buy the right tractor the first time.

Really?

I sold a 12 month old B2601 for $1K less than I paid new. Had I not committed to the first buyer, the guy behind him was willing to pay $2K more.
Now, had I tried to trade the B2601 to a dealership, yeah I would expect the offer to be much lower.

Our experiences selling a B2601 are the complete opposite. Perhaps that has something to do with timing and area, I don’t know?

Mike

 

[B737]

Really?

I sold a 12 month old B2601 for $1K less than I paid new. Had I not committed to the first buyer, the guy behind him was willing to pay $2K more.
Now, had I tried to trade the B2601 to a dealership, yeah I would expect the offer to be much lower.

Our experiences selling a B2601 are the complete opposite. Perhaps that has something to do with timing and area, I don’t know?

Mike

Yeah it was not a pleasant process. This was also during “the great shortage” Lots of tire kickers and crazy low balls. Was much easier selling the BX than the B2601.

what I learned was, just because it’s a machine doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to depreciation, particularly one purchased new.

 

[Rdrcr]

Yeah it was not a pleasant process. This was also during “the great shortage” Lots of tire kickers and crazy low balls. Was much easier selling the BX than the B2601.

what I learned was, just because it’s a machine doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to depreciation, particularly one purchased new.

That’s really interesting. I recouped all of my B2601 investment (including tax) minus $1K. And, like I mentioned, had I not committed to the first buyer, the gentleman behind him, offered $2K more which would have covered the entire original purchase price. I didn’t have any “tire-kickers”, all inquiries were serious and no low ball offers.

I basically used my B2601 for an entire year, for $1K. Nothing wrong with that.

I’ve read about many other members, and talked with friends, coworkers and neighbors in my area having the same experience with tractors. They (Kubota & JD) retain their value in my area. And, with the research I’ve done regarding tractor prices in general, which increase yearly, if you buy the “right” tractor and maintain it, they can be a great investment over time.

I don’t know the hours or condition of your B2601 but, I’m still shocked to hear you didn’t recoup the majority of your investment when it was sold.

Mike