something to factor into your decision is that if you don’t include the BH in your initial purchase, then you will probably never get one. they are definitely empowering, and I have been able to do a lot of things that otherwise would have gone undone.
Yea, seems to be a great forum with an active membership. Which is why I came here to begin with. I really appreciate all the advice. I think I would love a backhoe, and find excuses to use it. But right now, after evaluating what I really need it for, I think I'm going to pass on it. I'm 35, so I still have a few ditches left in me lol.
I agree 100%. Even if one is available, all the extras like the swivel seat, rear hydraulic connections, etc. make it seem not worth it. On that note, with the 260b having its own seat, that would seem to make it a bit easier to add later. I thought I read somewhere a while ago the swivel seat bracket itself was like $800 from deere.
Is it common for tractor prices at a dealer to be firm? In the conversation I had, he wouldn't budge on the price and only offered oil and filters. If we were talking $19k vs $21k, I think I'd already have it in my yard. Is that unreasonable?
The power beyond is one aspect but the other is that there's a separate sub-frame that must be installed to carry the backhoe. Adding a backhoe later basically means disassembling the tractor to bolt the sub-frame onto the frame and then re-assembling it. By the time you've gotten the backhoe installed you were better off getting a new one from the factory with the sub-frame already installed.I agree 100%. Even if one is available, all the extras like the swivel seat, rear hydraulic connections, etc. make it seem not worth it. On that note, with the 260b having its own seat, that would seem to make it a bit easier to add later. I thought I read somewhere a while ago the swivel seat bracket itself was like $800 from deere.
If you decide to forego the backhoe. I'd still recommend getting the power beyond. It offers an easy path to more affordable hydraulics from 3rd party vendors like Summit should the need arise.
I have a 260B for my 2025R, it is ironically on the 2025R right now. But honestly, I am not sure I would buy it again.
In hindsight for me, I would probably just rent a mini X or hire the excavator work done. I just don't really use it all that often, and even though not all that hard to take on and off, I for some reason still hate screwing with it.
When I do use it, I keep finding I am wishing I had more hydraulic flow so that I could operate it faster and smoother then what the 2025R can give it.
There has also honestly only been maybe two projects that I could not have done without it, or renting an excavator.
I have a stump bucket for my loaders also bigger tractors that can dig or pop stumps out much faster then I can dig them out with the 260B.
In my case I would likely skip the 260B if doing it all over again.
I don't think that anything is negotiable right now. My family owns a car dealership and from what I've heard they're so low on inventory that they refuse to negotiate with anyone as it's guaranteed the vehicle will sell soon at the higher price. I'm willing to bet tractor dealers are the same.
The power beyond is one aspect but the other is that there's a separate sub-frame that must be installed to carry the backhoe. Adding a backhoe later basically means disassembling the tractor to bolt the sub-frame onto the frame and then re-assembling it. By the time you've gotten the backhoe installed you were better off getting a new one from the factory with the sub-frame already installed.
Honestly, I'd say that the 1025R on the lot, if it's what you need, is the better deal financially and you'd have it PDQ. If you order one it could be a few months before the dealer even gets it. I know because I'm playing the waiting game on my factory ordered 2025R.
I spent about an hour after work today working on digging out a 15" locust stump. It's slow work getting the dirt dug out and it'll be a job getting the stump dug out once I've cut the tap roots which are easily 8".
In your case you have a garage full of larger tractors that would certainly make easy work out of it.
In my case the 260b is small but steady. I've still got a few years till I retire so I need a tractor that works on my schedule as in before work or after work or on weekends.
Renting a mini-ex and having to learn how to use it efficiently while having the pressure of being on the clock is a consideration folks need to keep in mind.
Still no regrets about ponying up the $$$ for the tiny 260. It's slow and weak compared to real machines but for homeowner duty it works and on my schedule which is what is key.
Yea, seems to be a great forum with an active membership. Which is why I came here to begin with. I really appreciate all the advice. I think I would love a backhoe, and find excuses to use it. But right now, after evaluating what I really need it for, I think I'm going to pass on it. I'm 35, so I still have a few ditches left in me lol.
I have space for the tractor, but was thinking the loader and backhoe will have to sit outside. Not ideal, but it is what it is for now. I have a few stumps, but not many. Not wanting to really clear much of my timber except trails and some underbrush around the edges. The one project I could see it coming in handy is when I do put up another building in a few years. But I stay pretty busy and honestly would probably have someone build it for me.
New user, but been lurking for the past couple of years trying to decide what to buy.
I know value and worth are personal, but I'm trying to decide if I should buy a used tractor or wait and get a new one.
I found a 2016 1025r with a loader, backhoe, and 54" mower. It's at a dealer asking $21k. Has right around 150 hours and looks in very good condition. I'm in the Midwest. I think a new one configured the same will be around $26k. 2.9% for the used one and 0% for the new as far ss financing goes.
I have 10 acres of mostly woods with about an acre of yard around the house. I have a gravel driveway to maintain, but I already have a plow on my side by side for snow removal. I need to run some drainage lines around 150' which is my justification for the backhoe to the wife, but I'm sure I will find other uses once I have it. I could also rent a small track hoe for a day and be a few thousand ahead.
Again, I know it's a personal decision, but what has been your experiences? Does the backhoe get used a much a you would like? Or should I skip this one and save quite a bit of money that I can use on other implements?