Builder-
The way I put the info about the Iseki/Massey/Challenger on here sounds a lot harsher than intended. Remember, I don't know squat about tractors. My point really was that the Iseki are being sold by multiple manufacturers and also that one of the manufacturers (Massey) is a branch of another company (Agco). Just seems like a lot of hands in the pot so to speak.
Complicating matters for me is the fact that I have a Case IH David Brown tractor (1975 ish) that I can't get parts for the engine/hydraulics, so it's got me a little gunshy of going with an engine (John Deere Included with the yanmar diesel in the case of the tractor I'm looking at) that is not made by the manufacturer of the tractor. When a tractor is not made by the manufacturer, that concerns me as well.
I was looking at the bobcats as well (and still may purchase one) but have the same concerns. If the price is right, I'd be foolish not to buy becuase it's a kioti and I can get service there if I need to. That being said, if it's the same price as the kioti, then I'd feel better about buying the real kioti just because who knows how long bobcat will carry it.
This all gets really complicated in a hurry.
Thing is, the JD dealer is right around the corner from me so it probably makes sense to deal with them. But, not as good financing arrangements and it's a yanmar..... round and round we go.
Again, not pinging on your Challenger, or anyone elses tractor, no matter what the brand. Everyone makes decisions for a reason and we all take our best stab at the right thing to do at x time.
What do you see as the biggest differences between the Iseki's and the Kubotas or Deeres, for the same type tractor? I know it's not a feature thing becuase the Iseki/Challenger/Massey, have more feautures than the deere I'm looking at. So where is the difference?
Any idea as to how much less I can expect to pay for a challenger than a comparably equipped Kubota?
The Massey was priced the same as the the deere and seemed very similar except for a few features (right down to the 3 cylinder turbo).
First, let me say, you are asking all the right questions and being very smart going about buying your tractor the way you are. The best thing you have going for you is you have no brand loyalty. Forget who makes the tractor and buy the one you like best in your price range.
I had to buy a 2 yr old used tractor. Got the one in the photo above for a steal for only having 550 hours on it. I like buying clean used equipment as long as it's not Chinese in which case I will not buy at all.
I agree with you about Kubota. The practically make the entire tractor and I like that, too. I've had 3 past Kubotas (245DT, L-35, L-39) all were excellent. When I bought my '05 Challenger, I was trying to negotiate a deal on a Kubota M-4900 with a cab. It was an awesome tractor and I wanted it. The problem was, I had a budget I couldn't exceed, and the seller and I couldn't come to terms.
However, you shouldn't let the fact that your tractor was made by outsourcing to other companies bother you. Deere is far and away the biggest and outsources a lot. Look at it this way: My Challenger is the same as the Massey or AGCO versions, so even though the 200 series is no longer made, I'm thankfull the Massey/AGCO versions are still made so I can get parts for many many years after parts start to disappear for Challenger 200 series..
Are you capped by a budget? If not, I'd lean towards Kubota or Deere based on their excellence in engineering and soundness as industry leading companies.
Especially since you like your tractor being made mostly by the manufacturer. However, if you read more about tractors, you'll find that subcontracting is the way most are built these days. Don't let that worry you too much.
If there's a trustworthy dealer in your area that wants your busines, that would play a big role in my decision, too.
I use mine for harley raking, loading dirt, snowplowing and mowing. It's got a very nice cab with AC, tunes, etc. Could have a better seat, though. 
