New Kubota L2501 or slightly used Massey Ferguson 1739E

[drab m]

I am at the point where I need to stop looking at tractors and buy one, so I can get some work done. The two options in front of me right now are a new Kubota L2501 or a (barely) used 2015 Massey Ferguson 1739E. The price is basically the same between the two.

Either one will do the work that I need, but the 1739E will do it faster I think. Mostly it involves loader work, and also Bush Hogging some CRP ground.

The appeal of the Kubota is that it is new, comes with a new warranty, and I really like the low rev, detuned sense that it is not really trying when it produces it's 25 hp.

The appeal of the MF is, of course, quite a bit more horse power. It has some warranty left. Rationally it seems the no brainer to go with the more power in the same physical size. But I guess I have a nagging worry that down the line I will have to deal with the expense of Turbo repairs and DPF issues that are not a concern with the Kubota. I am not sure if those are real worries. I would like people's opinions on that.

I guess, my heart kind of wants the Kubota, but I can't think of a rational reason why it is the better choice between the two.

There are, of course, a dozen other tractors to consider, but if I went bought one this afternoon it would be one of those two.

 

[jeff9366]

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 1739E tractor information

Massey Ferguson 1739E Compact Tractor | Maple Lane

Maple Lane shows weight of the MF 1739E/HST as 2,767 pounds, bare tractor. Kubota L2501/HST weighs 2,623 pounds, bare tractor.

Massey Ferguson 1739E has 39.5 horsepower, using a turbocharger. I have never owned one but Shibaura engines get good reviews here on T-B-N. Kubota L2501 has 24.8 horsepower, normally aspirated. Kubotas are all Kubota.

If condition is close to equal I favor the slightly used Massey Ferguson, based on its 59% horsepower advantage. The MF will load in a spritely fashion. The L2501 may seem slow. Time is money.

I speculate you can operate a 6' Rotary Cutter behind the MF; 5' behind the L2501 and shallower bites too. Real world, the MF will potentially mow a given area in 35% less time, with the turbo blowing.

Quality and proximity of Massey Ferguson vs Kubota dealer would be important to me.

ITS NEARLY A DEAD HEAT. If you were going to work a field a 7,000' altitude I would heavily favor the MF turbo, but you are low, not high.

You will not go wrong with either tractor. Both are 12,000+ engine hour tractors with proper maintenance.

You did not say, but I presume the L2501 would have an HST transmission for loader work.

One additional thought. After 1,000 engine hours, both tractors may be down 5% or so in power. After 8,000 engine hours both tractors may be down 10% in power. You will not notice on the MF. You might notice on the L2501.


I have had no issues with the Tier IV / Final emission controls on my 2013 Kubota L3560, other than cost increase of $4,000 over L3540. L3560 does have two additional horsepower and is purported to have 15% improved fuel efficiency over L3540 due to direct fuel injection.

 

[drab m]

Those are pretty useful thoughts. Thanks

 

[Snobdds]

I would go with the Massey, I know I'm biased.

Here's what I would look at since your doing a lot of loader work. What tractor has the bigger front end in terms of axle and housing. I know I went with the Massey because the front end of the 1710 was so much more heavy duty than the Kubota bx. A bigger front end is worth it...

 

[AxleHub]

I'd consider 2 things that weigh in the Massey advantage. Both the kubota and Massey are newer designed tractors . . nothing "old design" in either one . . . but I would believe the resale value on the Massey would be higher by a fair amount.

Secondly you mentioned there would still be "some" warranty on the Massey . . and I believe a more accurate term would be . . A fair amount of remaining warranty.

Lastly . . What is the difference in axle capacities and 3pt or fel capacities . . I'd assume a benefit to the Massey again.

 

[CreekyB]

My choices came down to dealer location, reputation, and cost. I went with a Kubota L2501 which in my case was a little bit bigger than I was looking for. Kubota's 0% financing was the thing that won out in the end. It made a tractor package that was $9,000 more cost almost that much less over the life of the loan.

In your case both are great tractors and would serve you well. If financing were out of the picture I would personally go with the MF, more tractor for the same money. If financing is in the picture the longer Kubota Warranty from buying new, along with the Kubota insurance that is available and the 0% interest would be the choice for me.

 

[AxleHub]

I don't remember if the op ever said if the mf was at a mf dealer location or not. However in our area of the country . . many credit unions are promoting loans for vehicles and boats at 1.99% and I would think compact tractors might qualify for thosebtypevrates. Bear in mind I said credit unions . . Not banks . . Big difference.

 

[bspeedy]

Massey might spec out better and may be a better machine for you IF you have dealer network and support nearby. In my area, the nearest MF dealer is 2 hours away. Parts from MF (as far as I can tell) are only available from a dealer. So... I would have to figure out what I need, call the dealer, hope he orders the right thing, pay full list price. Wait for it to come in on his regular order, get an extra charge to ship to me via fedex, wait for the fedex, and then install and go back to work.

With Kubota, I can go to one of my two or three local dealers and order a part same-day - or maybe it is in stock. Or, go on-line to Messicks and order a part and have it shipped right to me at a substantial discount. Having done both, I will not put up with the struggle of owning a Massey in my particular location. Check out your specific situation and act accordingly.

If you do have local dealer support, I would go with the MF. Nice stout tractor in my opinion.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . Or, go on-line to Messicks and order a part and have it shipped right to me at a substantial discount. . . .

It is a real blessing to have Messicks online parts ordering with their parts diagrams. I just ordered and received a new steering wheel for my Kubota BX23 from Messicks, and it was really easy and very fairly priced. (Less expensive than I expected.)

I wish there was a similar online source for my Kioti.

 

[TheMadOne]

I'll add my two cents into this.

I have a L3301, basically the same tractor as the L2501, just with a few more HP and I find myself, when doing dirtwork(loader, Boxblade, Ratchet rake) almost always running out of traction before power. Even in four wheel drive with the rear diff locked I'm digging for China instead of stalling. That tells me that a similarly weighted tractor with more power, like the L3901 or the Massey 1739E would be even worse. So the L2501 is probably a good power/weight ratio for that kind of work.

The Massey has a huge advantage with PTO driven implements. The rule of thumb for brush mowers is 5 PTO HP per foot, so you could have a 6' VS 4' brush mower. That would be a big time saver. As would larger PTO implements all around. Of course, larger implements cost more as well...

I'd also like to reinforce the above comments about dealer location. Buying the "right" tractor can save you a few dollars or hours. Finding the right dealer can save you time, money and so many headaches it's not funny.