Nah, it sounds like he needs to hang out around auctions. Around here, you can get a 50 year old tractor that run great for $2000 or under.

We rented a 45hp New Holland with backhoe it was great, after half day I learned to use the loader and didn't even need the backhoe to rip-apart the dirt/wood piles I was moving.

For now I`d like one with the large/big bucket, and a box scraper But for a 5-6yr old one like I rented it's 15-20k No time soon.

I would love a backhoe too. I have been waiting for one to show up cheap here:

http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

Start watching the equipment companies and the financial lenders thereof. MANY small to medium contractors are finding it too difficult to maintain the monthly payments for their equipment and are down sizing or flat failing. You would be shocked at the deals out there right now.

If we didn't just buy a house... darn! L O L

Someday.

Boat = hole in water to put money into!

House = hole in land to put money into!

Todd, good luck on the house updates. We moved this summer but most of our changes are cosmetic rather than repair issues. Can take our time and do it as money permits.