Woberlin:
Yup, considering all that. Despite the recommendations from a few well intentioned guys here, I've decided that a small TLB with a blade and a few other goodies would best work for the majority of my needs. I've been looking out for a good, used JD 110 TLB, but they seem to be scarce, since they're realitively new, and those I've found all seem to be pretty close to a price I was quoted for a new one. (I've got experience with Deere, on bigger machines, but have rented a Kubota a few times, and like them, too.)
Now I see that Kubota has come out with the L39, and looks to undershoot Deere by a good bit of pocket change. Have several dealers, both brands, within 50 miles, so I may just go negotiating a bit.
I'm good friends with the local rental guy, and may approach him with buying his Kubota rental, when he replaces it. (He often sends me jobs where someone wants to rent a piece of equipment, trys for an hour and screws up, then asks him if he knows an operator - pretty sweet deal for me!!!!) Not keen on buying a formal rental unit, but I've rented this one several times, and can pretty much quote it's history. I'd feel better with his, than buying someone else's rental simply because I know where this one has been.
Guess the biggest question in my mind is whether or not to start competing with the guy I presently work with - He knows I want to go out on my own, and frankly, is surprised that I haven't done so, already. He's been darn good to me, pays pretty well, we can throw a dirt clod at each other and then smile, and he keeps me as busy as I want to be. (Which means I can do a few side jobs on rented equipment, or take time to do other things.) I'd really hate to ruin this union, and get myself tied down with having to work, simply to pay for a piece of equipment. Right now, I'm working because I want to, not because I have to. Interesting development is that since I griped about never getting to operate in an earlier post, he's taken to letting me play in the seat some this week. (Karma at work?)
If I were 15 years younger, and had to feed a family, I would simply go for it. But I'm 85% comfortable in my present situation, thus I'm not racing to buy my own. I figure that, if the stars are right, sooner or later I'll luck into a good piece of equipment, at a good price, and the little birdy on my shoulder will tell me what to do.
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement.