New or Used, would love advice

[MountainsSkies]

I have been holding off on buying a new tractor forever. Finally today getting ready to jump. Too bad I waited because apparently prices went up just last month (not by much though). My local dealer has a used L4060 with backhoe that just came in last week. 800 hours, 2020 model (same as 2025). So one year left on the powertrain warranty vs. 6 years on a new one, but about a $15k less than a new one. No cab on the used one, but I am thinking of no station anyway. I know folks swear by the cabs, but I will be doing tight work in the woods, and the cab might be tight in there. I will be doing snow blowing, but I am used to doing that with other equipment, and being exposed. Worth it? Worth holding out for a new one for no miles and the extra years of powertrain warranty?

BTW, new one would have a decent rebate, but because it is the end of the year, there is some question whether I could get that (have to get a serial number on the new tractor, which would be ordered, or and up with whatever the rebate would be be in the new year, so who knows what that would be.

Love folks' thoughts.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

couple things that stand out to me that you mentioned…

1. Buying new tractor
2. Also Mentioned ‘cabs’

it’s not my money but I’d figure out what you want and then get that. Now is the time to decide cab or not and likewise if want new or used.

if either of those things is going to weigh on you in the middle of a heavy wet snow storm (or dry dusty day in summer), I’d fix that now. (But maybe a removable canopy is a consolation prize in this case - I have a removable canopy and very happy with it, but I don’t believe it is a substitute for a cab with air filters and hvac - JMHO)

No doubt 15k is a lot, but buy once cry once. Either way gotta pay the piper.

good luck.

 

[Shawn T. W]

For the most part I really like my open station better, unless it's 90°+ and HUMID, and I gotta mow ... Then my cab is a delight!

The cab is much more cumbersome to get in and out for me on my L5030, for just a second to pick up a rock or something, then jump back in ... The open station feels more like I'm part of, and can interact more with the surroundings better, I just seem to be more aware of branches near by that could take a swipe at my face, than in a cab ...

In my mind ... 800 hours is about broke in ... If any major manufacturing problem was going to happen, it probably should have happened by now, the only real possibility of a negative would be, depending on how it was run, the DPF could need to be replaced, some have clogged up at 500 hours, others go over 2000 hours ...

 

[PaulL]

$15K is a lot of money. If it's the same tractor you would buy anyway, just cheaper, and you don't mind used equipment, then I'd go for it.

If you're not really hurting for money, and you'd like a machine on which the only broken things are things you personally broke, then hold out for a new one.

If you want a cab, then don't buy a tractor without a cab, hold out for a used with a cab, or a new one with a cab.

I know, not super useful advice, but the reality is that most of this depends on what you want, not what we advise. It's hard to go wrong here. The 2020 machine will be fine. A new one will be excellent. Only you can know whether new is worth $15K for you.

As for cab, I think it comes down to your climate and environment more than anything else. I've only ever had an open station and it's never been an issue, but I live in a part of NZ that never snows, never really gets all that cold, never gets all that hot. I don't use my machine to make money, so if it's raining I don't go out. Dad had a cab on his tractor, loved it because he'd be out all day mowing pasture, keeping the dust and sun and rain off was a big deal for him.

As for being in the woods. I always figure that a branch or tree that breaks your cab would probably have otherwise broken your face. I've been hit in the face a few times with branches on my open station, and I don't like it. I'd probably rather it had hit my cab.

 

[Donystoy]

I purchased my tractor new with a cab after considering an aftermarket Curtis cab that I would be able to remove the doors and rear window in the summer. After getting the tractor with the cab I am very happy with it. Nice to be able to do comfortable tractor work in on hot days or snow blowing in the winter in comfort. The only drawback with a factory cab is that the backhoe is mounted 9" farther out. I frequently use the tractor in the woods without any issues. You just have to be aware of your surroundings. One added bonus with a factory cab is that it keeps the yellow jackets from stinging you when you inadvertently disturb a ground nest. Got stung enough times on the b7200 over the years.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

My advice is to decide on Cab Vs No Cab first……..

After you have decided that; My personal preference (with very few exceptions), is to “buy new” and keep it forever.

My neighbor has had 2 or 3 (maybe 4 or 5 ??) tractors in the 5 years I have known him. (it seems like there is a new one in his yard every time I go up there)

All have been cabbed models, except the newest one.

After talking to him, I get the feeling he regrets that, However the reason I think he decided to switch was the number of times he has had to replace glass…...

I (obviously) dont have a cab, but I also don’t put that many hours on it either, and I have a plow on my truck for snow removal.

If I was located in high temp/humidity states, there is no question I would want/must have AC.

 

[chim]

I bought used tractors (Cub 154 LoBoy, Ford 1210, Kubota 4240HSTC) and new tractors (Kubota B7500HST & Kubota L3200HST).

I appreciate the warranty that come with a new tractor and the fact that I'll know how it was used and taken care of since it left the dealership. With the exception of the Ford throwing a rod early in its career, no big problems with any of them.

The L4240 is the only one that I bought with a factory cab and is by far the most capable and comfortable of the bunch. With the cab it would be possible to get dressed for church and mow before leaving for the service. I did build a cab for the L3200 but it had heat only. It was great to be out of the weather when it was cold. Doors lifted off when the weather was warm but the bugs and dust were able to get in. During certain dust/pollen parts of the year I'd be hacking lung fung for a day after mowing.

It was difficult for me to drop $26K on my current L4240HSTC that I bought used with 977 hours on it at the end of 2018. It came from a small used tractor dealer. Fortunately, with over 1600 hours on it now it has been fine except for a failed expansion valve on the A/C a few years back that I replaced myself.