Getting something newer

The thought has crossed my mind to get something newer...

Been thinking about getting a bobcat to add to the arsenal...

I have a ford 821 w/ 703/713 loader backhoe, and a ford 641

I think I might be able to get 4k out of the hoe, it is in OK shape, but runs and digs well; might be able to get 3500 out of the 641 (rebuilt motor, "working" restored - a nice clean, good running tractor - so I might be able to clear 8k in selling my old junk.

Figure about 8k to find a "decent" older bobcat - something like a 700 series.

I would be 16k in for 3 pieces of equipment

On CL there is a Kubota L2900 4WD w/ loader 8 speed HST for 9k - this should do everything my 641 does + most of what I use the backhoe for (only used the hoe once) - plus the backhoe is too big and the hoe's boom is always scraping trees and getting in the way, the thing is very useful, but a handful to use; fun to mess with but frustrating when you need to get something done

So should I take my 16k and buy something newer or will I miss messing with the old stuff?

Is there something that a 35HP hydro could not do?

I will use it for:
grass cutting (mostly)
Moving stuff around the house (now use the carry all and the loader)
spreading gravel (making a driveway to the garage)
general grading
Backfilling the garage I built (this is why I am looking at buying a bobcat)


I have 5 ac, don't do any farming, just general land maintenance

What does everyone think?

Who has done it - good or bad outcome?

I don't even know if I'd mess with the bobcat. That Kubota should do the backfilling fine.
I had a smaller Kubota B1750 with a loader and added a 6 ft woods backhoe. It was amazing what it could actually do. Just takes a few more trips then something with a bigger bucket. Only thing I had problems with was I lift and move stuff and you are limited in lift height and capacity.

I'm with Mike: Get the 'Boter, forget the skidsteer.

I've got a little JD compact (750) and with the bucket on the front, a box blade and a 3PH-mounted backhoe, it's done everything I've ever asked of it.

Skidsteers are nice for BIG operations, but a PITA to work on, expensive to maintain and limited in their uses without EXPENSIVE attachments.

JMHO, YMMV.

I can kind of relate, having a challenger MT 265, 33 hp compact, as well as a 3600 ford, and my 850 ford.

The thing you'll notice is the mass of the older tractors, they're wider, heavier and being its hundred series fords that you want to replace, see if you can demo or take a ride, use the Kubota or similar, then get back onto one of your Fords, its like driving a late model muscle car, then driving a late 60's, early 70's muscle car, theres a feel to each that is very different.

The 33 hp challenger with FWD, hydrostatic, is great in small areas, quick say when you want to back in to mow something, using the loader and overall maneuvering, it is quicker and easier, its just nimble for a lot of things, but it does not have that heavier and more stable feel to it that my 850 has, which has quite a bit of ballast, it will go places that 265 would likely tip over, I have to deal with hills around here. So its nice to have that heavier old utility size tractor for some things, and the compact for others, some thoughts on it as I used spend time on the 265 during the day and have to come home and use my ole clunker, the contrast is very noticeable.

Well, since I don't have a small utility tractor that can get in the tight spaces, I always use my skid loader. I have a 1020 with a 47 loader, but its too big for some of my barns.

For what you want to do, get the tractor loader. Its more versatile.

Cuda you are confusing me.. You say * SPEED then hydrostatic. If the L 2900 is an 8 speed it would be KUBOTA GLIDE SHIFT called GST transmission.
No problem and in all honesty probably better, but in any case you will like a L series KUBOTA.
The loader might like just a little in lift capacity from what the hoe has but sure will out maneuver it. Watch what engine you get in your Bob Cat no parts for some of the engines that are not KUBOTA.

You may as well buy the nicest tractor you can and forget the skid-steer. Buy something a bit heavier than the L2900, with a bigger loader. I can't imagine that the L2900 would replace the 641 in the weight category.

I did everything you are wanting to do with a 1979 L245DT Kubota. Kind of small, but got the job done, and it was all I could afford at the time.

If I were you, get the tractor. You didnt say how big the backfill job on the barn is, if you are having fill brought in, they should be able to get it close. The gravel driveway, the trucks will spread most of it when the dump.

My two cents.

Rick

Thanks for all the comments!

Some good stuff here!

I am not sure about the speed, I just assumed hydro in looking at the info on tractor data, I guess it is a shuttle shift? - not too up to speed on the new stuff. I have a JD lawn tractor with hydro and it is very easy to move around. It sounded like this was like a hydro shuttle shift? - pick a gear and you can go fwd or backward up to the max speed of the gear?

Anyway it sounds like the bobcat is a lot of money and limited use. A friend at work might have one for sale, used by him on a farm - he is looking to upgrade (higher lift) - if he makes me a good deal I might buy it do what I need and sell it even (they appear to hold their value)...

Also the tractor I saw was sold by the time I called; did not realize what a deal it was.

Ans I know a thing or two about the difference between a muscle car and a new car... part of the reason I got into the old tractors - this is what is leading me not to do it... (BTW: I have a 66, 67, 73 cuda)

Well, I am not a very smart man!

I ended up buying a Mustang 940 off of craigslist for $4500 delivered.

Looks like a nice machine, but with this my plans to get something newer are all but crushed - there is something wrong with me that I am wanted to keep beating my head with repairs...

Things may have been different if I jumped on that Kubota...

You don't want a skid loader, it will tear up your yard. They are very useful machines, but not for your application. For you spending allowance and intended use you need a late model compact tractor with an fel.

Good thread! Been thinking the very same thing to help clean out my barn (wife insists it be done every day for 43 llamas and we aren't getting any younger!). Have a 9N and an 8N, the 9N has pretty much permanent duty on the manure spreader and the 8N does the brush hog and blade work.

Was also wondering if a skid steer or a CUT would be better, leaning toward the CUT and more specifically a Kubota, since I'm about equal distance from three different dealers. The input here has been very helpful. There seems to be a number of used 'botas out there. Would like to have a 'hoe but a FEL and a mower is probably what we can afford. Looking at the BX series since we need something small to get in the barn. The local JD dealer has a BX2230 for what seems a decent price, at least what I've seen on Tractor House. Kubota also has 0% financing now on new ones. Have a 7'6" height limit and the pens are 20' x 60' with 10' wide doors at both ends. I'd have lots of uses for the FEL outside the barn. Just need to get some things paid off first before we can get really serious.