I purchased a Kioti DK45SE for the 12 acres we have. I'm delighted with it so far, although I haven't been able to use it much yet.
In my search, I decided what tasks I needed to do first, and then what size implements I needed to do those tasks in a reasonable period of time. Since my primary task in the long run will be mowing land that is currently a hay pasture, the rotary cutter was the implement that determined the tractor size I needed. A number of friends I trust on another forum advised me that I would want a 6' mower, and one that would be heavier duty than those available for the lowest price. I decided that for me, important factors were a cab, HST, and at least two rear remotes. While I probably could have done with a DK40SE if it were open station, I went to the DK45SE to compensate for the horsepower robbed by the air conditioning.
Once I decided on the size, then I went to all the dealers I could find within 50 or 60 miles to be able to sit on all the different brands to find which ones fit me the best. My short list came down to Kubota, Massey Ferguson, and Kioti, but the price of the Kioti was the final deciding factor.
So my recommendations are:
1. Decide on the tasks you will do over the next five or ten years, and the proportion of tractor time each will require.
2. Decide on the size implements you need for each task. One time tasks, if requiring more tractor than more common tasks, can be farmed out, or by using rental equipment.
3. Once you know what size you need, visit all the dealers, try each model in that size out, get literature on them, and check out what you think of the dealer and his facilities.
4. Decide what optional features you need on your tractor.
5. Once you have narrowed down what models of tractors will fit your needs, visit the deals for those tractors again to start talking prices. Your final decision may turn out to be much easier than you think, once the quotes are in.
6. Have fun looking!