smit360 said:
Need some help from some of you guys out there. I have 200 acres of land and i currently have a 3120 doing my barn chores. I have 40 horses right now. That number will increase to 80 very soon. I also am planning to do my own round and square baling. I need to get a bigger tractor. I will be keeping my 3120 for tight quaters. I am deciding between a 5525 or 6430 deere and a M9040 kubota. I am more leanign towards the deeres right now, always have had deeres. What tractor shold i get. I will be pulling a manure spreader, haying, cleaning paddocks and bush hogging the pastures with this new machine and need to know what is best before I make a costly purchase. Thanks in advance for the help.
Jay
I'm going to answer your question with a question. Are you able to do any/most/all of your own mechanical work? If not, skip right on past the recomendations for OLDER tractors like the 4020 Deere and such. They WERE the best in the field 40 years ago. Their reputation is still one of a ledgendary tractor. They raised the bar for all to follow.
They're now antiques.......
That's not a bad thing, but if you aren't able to work on one, or you can't justify paying to have work done, they aren't for you. Take that from someone who farmed with old tractors.
I get the distinct impression you're looking for new and dependable.
Now back to your question. My son just bought a 6430 2 weeks ago. I haven't even had the opportunity to climb in the cab yet, but I've heard all sorts of praise from him. You seem to have a good indication as to what size tractor you want and need. From there, it's a matter of what your wallet says you can afford (or is practical). It is possible to go "too big", but I'm thinking that's not an issue with the choices you've laid out.
Deere has a great line of AG tractors. Kubota has a great rep too, but is still a relative newcomer in the big tractor world. I don't know that you'd be doing wrong with a Kubota, but a Deere would be a safe way to go. EXPENSIVE way, but safe.
How's the dealer situation where you live? I'm not one of those who think that's the #1 issue when buying a tractor, but it is important. Does Deere have a good dealer in your area? How about Kubota? Any other brands have good dealers? Don't cut yourself short. Look at AGCO (I'm a Massey Ferguson fan myself) New Holland, and all the rest.