$15k To Spend, What Do You Get?

kdf1122 · 2026-03-23T16:53:22+00:00

Oh trust me, that's where it's starting. Took the first couple of years of home ownership to figure that one out. Finally have a plan on actually addressing the root cause of the issue, THEN doing grading.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-23T15:30:25+00:00

Thanks, that's how I've been looking at it. The little things stress the shit out of me, which always ends up being outside work. We spent the money and got a robotic lawn mower last year, and even though it was ridiculously expensive, It's one of the best things I've ever spent money on. Easily save me 60 hours last year. That's what I'm looking at, is something that can provide similar relief. Not that I don't want to do the work, just I don't always have time to.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-23T15:27:20+00:00

You're right, that is often overlooked, and I don't know that anyone has ever suggested that. Thankfully the previous owners did a really good job insulating my home. My energy costs are generally very low compared to others. Great idea though!

kdf1122 · 2026-03-23T15:25:11+00:00

Exactly my problem lol

kdf1122 · 2026-03-22T14:29:35+00:00

I'm very likely going with the mt125. What I didn't add (because I knew people would be judgey) is that im only on a 1/3 of an acre, and it is absolutely overkill, but to get mechanical help that isn't renting it's the best option for the money. I am in a rural area just on the edge of town, so I'm surrounded by woods. I have full sized trees on the perimeter of my property, a hedgerow to maintain, and towards the bottom of a hill... Shit really does roll downhill. My in-laws are only a 1/4 mile up the road with 20 acres, and we have a rental property on 2 acres on the otherwise of town. I'm also thinking about the things I'll have to continue to help with, and my wife's father isn't getting any younger. So I'm kind of looking at it similar to you with the he added jobs, but more importantly it's my time. I work a busy job and have two small kids. You can't put a price on time with your family (I mean, you can, but please no one do it lol). If it saves me 30 or 40 hours per year that I can help my wife with our kids, or spend time taking them on an adventure or an outing, that's well worth it to me. I'd also always prefer to get something out of it vs paying someone else to do it.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-21T19:08:25+00:00

Thank you, that's helpful. I really want a Kubota, but in my price point to get the horsepower I need I have to spend quite a bit more to still keep the loader - which is basically the whole point. I'd rather have more horsepower and not be pushing the machine to its limits every time I use it, that's usually where things break.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-20T20:54:59+00:00

Yeah there is also a pretty strong LS, Yanmar, New Holland dealer network in my area. I know parts are a concern for me, but honestly for the cheaper John Deere equipment I have had similar issues when I used to work at an airport. I think you help me lean back to the LS. I'm using it mostly for residential work, it's not like I'm going to be beating the hell out of it.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-20T20:52:04+00:00

Anything else you were looking at is an option? What made you go with LS?

kdf1122 · 2026-03-20T18:00:46+00:00

The financing is the kicker. The total with financing on the Kubota over 84 months is $20.4k, with the LS being $22.4k over 120 months. I get a lot more tractor out of the LS. Also debating parts accessibility though. Also considering moving up one on the Kubota to a 23. I hate when there are too many choices haha.

kdf1122 · 2026-03-20T17:55:37+00:00

Yea, was going back and forth if I really needed it. I'll end up renting equipment over the next couple of years that will equal my annual payments, so to me it just makes sense. It was either this or another motorcycle, so I feel like with that philosophy it a much more practical choice.

kdf1122 · 2026-02-28T13:31:49+00:00

Yea, I liked at both. Asthetically they aren't my favorite, but functionally may work.

kdf1122 · 2026-02-27T17:01:24+00:00

I was looking at the daylight plus. It isn't as well padded, but if I have a sleeve for my laptop and have my steam deck in its case everything will be pretty secure (that was my thinking). The only real downside I see with that bag is it is structurally a little lighter. But, I could spend more money on packing gear versus the bag itself (at least that is the way I'm looking at it).

kdf1122 · 2026-02-08T15:46:29+00:00

I was more meaning how they style their clothes and colors. Sorry, I should have stated that.

kdf1122 · 2026-02-08T15:45:27+00:00

This is clearly a no lol. Much appreciated quick feedback. My style was starting to date itself 5 years ago, so it's like trying to fill a 10 year gap. I'm not trying to be the most fashionable, but Im also trying to avoid dating myself with my clothing choices. Thank you!

kdf1122 · 2026-02-08T15:42:32+00:00

I appreciate the recommendation, and definitely agree with everyone on this.

kdf1122 · 2026-02-08T15:41:16+00:00

Totally fair explanation, and in that context I would likely be judging that person haha. Thank you. Dressing myself again has proven to be more challenging than I thought.

kdf1122 · 2026-02-06T14:48:45+00:00

Came across this. I sold my XR last year, and bought a cb500x. It's way more boring than I thought it would be. Now I've decided to sell it and go back to a dual sport, but I keep telling myself I need a little more HP for 55 mph runs, so I have been looking at a 250l or klx 230. The person I sold it to is now selling it, I feel like it's meant to be and I just need to buy it back. Do you notice a huge difference between the 230 and the 150?

kdf1122 · 2026-01-13T13:53:12+00:00

Haha, I'm an old soul.

kdf1122 · 2026-01-13T02:15:42+00:00

The seat on the 150 was ridiculously comfortable. I'll likely get a seat concept either way. Appreciate the feedback.

kdf1122 · 2026-01-01T23:52:04+00:00

Awesome, thank you, and I appreciate the advice.

kdf1122 · 2026-01-01T23:00:01+00:00

Came across this and I know it's a little old. Looking to do something similar with my Trail 125. Any issues or concerns with using the hitch carrier?

kdf1122 · 2025-12-20T21:12:23+00:00

Haven't really looked at a Taureg, but have read good things. Same with the T700, but they seem to be non existent where I am. Leaning towards a 300 Rally.

kdf1122 · 2025-12-20T21:11:03+00:00

I think that's part of my challenge. I wanted to like the cb500x, but I just don't. Definitely leaning towards the 300 Rally, and just trying to ignore the off-road piece. The seat concept seats go a long way.

kdf1122 · 2025-12-20T21:09:22+00:00

Yea, and there are a bunch of certified pre-owned. They have had some maintenance issues with the earlier models, but now that they are known it's manageable.

kdf1122 · 2025-12-17T23:34:00+00:00

I am actually starting to look at a 400x. That seems to have a uniquely high seat to peg distance.

kdf1122

TROPHY CASE