JonLeonard
Silver Member
I made my rounds this weekend of tractor dealers in my area. I got to ride alot of different machines and get a feel for the different dealers. Originally I was looking for a tractor in the 25-30 hp range, but I quickly came to the conclusion that a smaller unit would do the work I needed. There is also no way I could afford the $$$ to buy the bigger units.
I plan to use the tractor to maintain about 700 feet of gravel driveway, mow about 9 acres, 3 every week, rest once a month or so. I would also like to do some general landscaping, fence installation, move bales of hay to our goats, etc. I think any of these tractors will do the job, but Im looking for input.
Here are the prices I got
John Deere 4010, HST, Industrial Tires, Valve for Loader $10,220
60" Mid Mount mower $2220
Total 12440
Rebate of $700 (this dealer wasnt offering the full $900, as they didnt comply with the open house stipulation)
Total cost of $11740
Kubota 7500, HST, Industrial Tires $10,000
60" Mid Mount Mower $1950
Total cost of $11,950
New Holland TC18, HST, Industrial Tires, Folding ROPS, Filled Tires $9350
60" Rear Discharge, Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $11550
Cub Cadet 7254 HST, 25Hp Gasoline Engine, Industrial Tires, 4WD $9995
60" Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $12,195
The JD dealer did not have any of the small chassis 4000 TEN series tractors in stock, so all I could do was get the price. He also told me he had no idea when he would even be able to get one.
The Kubota and NH are both sold theby same dealer. I drove both quite a bit and each had its advantages. The Kubota was quiter and drove very smoothly. Its operator platform was flat, and easy to get in and out of, and the seat was comfortable. The TC18 was louder and not as smooth running, but *seemed* more powerful. The dealer told me he believed the TC18 actually had more torque than the Kubota 7500 despite the 2 1/2 hp difference. The TC18 has position control on the 3ph, cruise control, and a substantially better weight rating on the 3pt as well. NH also offers a rear discharge mid mount mower which seems to be a very nice option. The transmission whine of the TC18 was more noticable then the 7500, but not overbearing.
Lastly was the brand new Cub 7254, just of the truck on Friday. The dealer had a hard time getting it started (not a good sign). The engine was the loudest of the bunch, and the transmission whine was very loud.
There is a large hydralic cylinder on the 3ph that I did not see on any of the other brands. I assume that the lift mechanism is built into the casing on the others, and this one was simply exposed. Seemed wierd. I also noticed that the step flexed slightly when I got on the tractor, which seemed to indicate less strength than either the Kubota or NH. The dealers that I have talked to about Cubs dont inspire confidence, they seem to be more "mower dealer selling tractors". I prefer the reverse.
So, after my first look, I am leaning toward the TC18, not quite as refined as the Kubota, but heavier duty and more features.
Any opinions/experiences to share?
Jon
I plan to use the tractor to maintain about 700 feet of gravel driveway, mow about 9 acres, 3 every week, rest once a month or so. I would also like to do some general landscaping, fence installation, move bales of hay to our goats, etc. I think any of these tractors will do the job, but Im looking for input.
Here are the prices I got
John Deere 4010, HST, Industrial Tires, Valve for Loader $10,220
60" Mid Mount mower $2220
Total 12440
Rebate of $700 (this dealer wasnt offering the full $900, as they didnt comply with the open house stipulation)
Total cost of $11740
Kubota 7500, HST, Industrial Tires $10,000
60" Mid Mount Mower $1950
Total cost of $11,950
New Holland TC18, HST, Industrial Tires, Folding ROPS, Filled Tires $9350
60" Rear Discharge, Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $11550
Cub Cadet 7254 HST, 25Hp Gasoline Engine, Industrial Tires, 4WD $9995
60" Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $12,195
The JD dealer did not have any of the small chassis 4000 TEN series tractors in stock, so all I could do was get the price. He also told me he had no idea when he would even be able to get one.
The Kubota and NH are both sold theby same dealer. I drove both quite a bit and each had its advantages. The Kubota was quiter and drove very smoothly. Its operator platform was flat, and easy to get in and out of, and the seat was comfortable. The TC18 was louder and not as smooth running, but *seemed* more powerful. The dealer told me he believed the TC18 actually had more torque than the Kubota 7500 despite the 2 1/2 hp difference. The TC18 has position control on the 3ph, cruise control, and a substantially better weight rating on the 3pt as well. NH also offers a rear discharge mid mount mower which seems to be a very nice option. The transmission whine of the TC18 was more noticable then the 7500, but not overbearing.
Lastly was the brand new Cub 7254, just of the truck on Friday. The dealer had a hard time getting it started (not a good sign). The engine was the loudest of the bunch, and the transmission whine was very loud.
There is a large hydralic cylinder on the 3ph that I did not see on any of the other brands. I assume that the lift mechanism is built into the casing on the others, and this one was simply exposed. Seemed wierd. I also noticed that the step flexed slightly when I got on the tractor, which seemed to indicate less strength than either the Kubota or NH. The dealers that I have talked to about Cubs dont inspire confidence, they seem to be more "mower dealer selling tractors". I prefer the reverse.
So, after my first look, I am leaning toward the TC18, not quite as refined as the Kubota, but heavier duty and more features.
Any opinions/experiences to share?
Jon