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Originally Posted by Colby Forest  [color="Navy"]...Have also been considering a Kubota M5040 HDC (50 hp engine) w/cab & LA1153 loader, 2 rear remotes, 4WD, R4's. The rear end on the Kubota looks heftier than the NH and Case. Should I be comparing this to the DX60 and the NH 4060/T2420? Or is it comparable to different models in those makes? Would really appreciate thoughts on what models are comparable across Kubota, New Holland and Case in the 50-60 hp range. Apples to apples... |
I don't think you are apples to apples to apples here. As you observed, the Kubota M series is heftier. The M series is more of a true utility tractor, comparable to a NH T4000 (formerly TN), the JD 5 series (formerly 5000 series) or the CaseIH Farmall "C", but maybe a little lighter in weight. All these model numbers will be confusing because the manufacturers have been completely changing their numbering systems this past year and there is a mix of old and new still in some inventories.
You should remember that NH and CaseIH/Farmall models are basically all equivalent. I don't know much about Case but I think what you are calling DX has been changed to Farmall 31 thru 60 models. These are compact utilities identical to the NH 4060/T2420 you are considering. There really is no comparing to do as they're identical. The closest JD comparison would be something in the 4000 series, or in Kubota something in the L model lines.
Personally I prefer the true utility tractor to the
CUT when you start getting into higher horsepower units; as you noted they are a lot heftier. The Kubota M and some of the L models can have a creeper trans added by the dealer if you find you want/need it for the snow blower. Look at the displacement of the engines when comparing, that will give you another indication of "heftiness".
I think what complicates your decision making is the desire for a backhoe with a cab and wanting to use several 3-pt implements as well. Do you need the hoe to be easy on and off or will you only remove it once or twice a year? If most of my work was going to be with the loader and backhoe I would look for a true
TLB. The loader/backhoe can add a lot of stress when added to a
CUT or full size utility. If you can swing it financially you might be better off with one smaller new unit and one larger used so that you can have the best setup for the backhoe and leave it on most of the time. And the new unit could be a backup for the used if something is out of service, or vice versa. If I were only going to buy one brand new machine I'd go with the full size utility in any of the major brands that has the best backhoe mounting.
Keep looking, researching and asking questions here; don't make a hasty decision. I wouldn't be scared off by the Kubota dealer's lack of knowledge since Kubota has a solid reputation.