I just wanted to pass along everything I have learned while searching for a 35 HP tractor. I know this thread will live on for years, so if I can help somebody or pass on some knowledge I am glad to help.
First off, I am looking for a 35 HP Tractor. Why 35 HP? Well, I want to keep the PTO HP as close to 30 HP as possible. 27-32 HP at the PTO so I can easily use my 5' mower or box blade etc. I need a tractor I can work. I need something bigger than the 20+ HP tractors that flood the market, but smaller and lighter than the 40-50HP Ag tractors. On the flip side, I want to keep the tractor semi-light and easily transportable. I want to be able to go through muck in my pasture and not be in a super-heavy machine (40+ HP). There is always a compromise in weight and ability. I feel the 35 HP mark meets somewhere in the middle and is a very capable machine.
The Competition: John Deere, Kubota, New Holland (Ford), and Mahindra. I did not consider Kioti, Bobcat, Case, or Yanmar/Cubcadet. There are no Kioti/Bob-Cat dealers within 2 hours of where I live, so I quickly eliminated them from my choices. Same for YanMar/Cub Cadet. I completely ignored the grey market Chinese tractors and focused on the major brands. This is a serious investment that I want to make sure I buy a tractor I can get parts and service for a long time.
First off, I am looking for a 35 HP Tractor. Why 35 HP? Well, I want to keep the PTO HP as close to 30 HP as possible. 27-32 HP at the PTO so I can easily use my 5' mower or box blade etc. I need a tractor I can work. I need something bigger than the 20+ HP tractors that flood the market, but smaller and lighter than the 40-50HP Ag tractors. On the flip side, I want to keep the tractor semi-light and easily transportable. I want to be able to go through muck in my pasture and not be in a super-heavy machine (40+ HP). There is always a compromise in weight and ability. I feel the 35 HP mark meets somewhere in the middle and is a very capable machine.
The Competition: John Deere, Kubota, New Holland (Ford), and Mahindra. I did not consider Kioti, Bobcat, Case, or Yanmar/Cubcadet. There are no Kioti/Bob-Cat dealers within 2 hours of where I live, so I quickly eliminated them from my choices. Same for YanMar/Cub Cadet. I completely ignored the grey market Chinese tractors and focused on the major brands. This is a serious investment that I want to make sure I buy a tractor I can get parts and service for a long time.