Buying Advice Best engineering/technology in a tractor? Which manufacturers?

[Chris Allen]

My first post. This is a great forum.

I see mostly CUTs here, but hopefully some of you folks can still help me out. I am in the market for a 65-75hp tractor, FEL, and cab.

So my question is.....
Which manufacturers have the finest engineering and technology in their tractors? When it comes to automobiles, I take my cars German or Japanese. I just love the engineering and technology that goes into these cars. I would like to have the same attributes in my tractor. I am an engineer by profession. Nothing gets on my nerves more than sloppy tolerances and overlooked design flaws. There are, arguably, more important traits to a tractor, I agree. But this is a priority for me, so I'd like to start here.

Thanks!

 

[RoyJackson]

If you're into German cars, both Mercedes and Audi have pretty poor reliability record nowadays. BMW is better, but not what is was at one time. Porsche is still top drawer...but that is a very limited production car that's practically handbuilt.
Japanese cars do have a great reputation. Both of my current vehicles are Japanese (Subaru and Nissan pickup). Of course, the Nissan had to have a replacement engine installed at 65000 miles (bought it used and the engine was replaced under warranty). We all know what's going on with Toyota.

So, as far as the best engineered tractor...that depends. If your idea of "best engineered" is nonessential bells and whistles, probably any of the big three. If your idea is best basic engineering for toughness and reliability as well as great dealer support, probably Deere and Kubota.

 

[LBrown59]

My first post. This is a great forum.

I see mostly CUTs here, but hopefully some of you folks can still help me out. I am in the market for a 65-75hp tractor, FEL, and cab.

So my question is.....
Which manufacturers have the finest engineering and technology in their tractors? When it comes to automobiles, I take my cars German or Japanese. I just love the engineering and technology that goes into these cars. I would like to have the same attributes in my tractor. I am an engineer by profession. Nothing gets on my nerves more than sloppy tolerances and overlooked design flaws. There are, arguably, more important traits to a tractor, I agree. But this is a priority for me, so I'd like to start here.

Thanks!

No shortage of Japanese tractors.

 

[roger 4400]

Hi. If you check ,most of the"" small tractors ""60 hp and less are mostly japanese.......Massey Ferguson are japanese,like John Deere , New Holland, of course Kubota ..etc... You look for technology... but a tractor should give a good service for at least 25 years (normal use) . I bought a new Massey, but I,m shure it will not outlive my Old Oliver that is 51 years old BECAUSE IT WAS A SIMPLE MECHANIC.....no computers and no electrical connections that will corrode and give wrong messages to the computer....I still believe that the simpliest =the most durable.( but do you want durability or technology it,s your choice, it is your money) The best thing make a list of what you need and want , go visit dealers AND TRY YOUR TRACTOR because what is the best tractor for me do not mean it will be the same for you, the only test is the SEAT test , how you feel on your machine and how you feel with the different controls . Check the oil flow everything is hydraulic on a tractor.Good luck and give us news on your purchase.

 

[timswi]

I wouldn't get too hung up on technology..In the tractor world, funtionality and quality are far more important...Flashing, shiny things cause nothing but trouble if they aren't necessary. The Amish have it right on this.

 

[ChuckinNH]

In tractors form should follow function, and function for the intended use should rule. Unfortunately tractor manufacturers have found that cup holders sell more tractors than individual brakes you can use, 3pt controls that allow you to control the 3pt. , tires that you can find chains for, clearance for those chains if you can find a size that fits, air flow over the engines that keep the grill from clogging, and overheating the engine when mowing, etc. Like software, companies compete on "feature lists", and I am being very color blind about all of this.

 

[MFRED]

Fendt. German, awsome tractors. Expensive though. I don't think they have the 400 series any more though, so they're out of the hp class.

I personally think, and yes I own one, that in that hp class the Massey 5400 series can't be beat. They have the best transmission option in that 4 cylinder, mid sized tractor market with the DYNA-4. Hook it behind the Perkins engine and it really can't be beat.
Excellent weight, excellent balance in the machine, excellent hydraulic options. Put an ALO/Quickie loader on it and it's quite the machine.
Tha cab is quiet & comfortable and everything is at a good reach. It just seems to ba a well thought out tractor. All my opinion of course.Some will say they don't like the cab, but for my 6'5" self it fits better than the rest.
Of course it will be more expensive than the rest. Except Fendt.

 

[area123]

I happen to be an engineer for John Deere. I can tell you all of the compact 20 series are american engineered & manufactured (30-60hp), the smaller hp are designed by Deere and built by yanmar, the larger tractors are a mixture of german, & american engineering. I'm not a tractor engineer really so don't quote me on those statements. I do know that some of the premimum 6000 series come from our German facility and are excellent tractors. The larger hp 5000 series are American engineered.

Don't know if that helps or not.

 

[sweettractors]

My first post. This is a great forum.

I see mostly CUTs here, but hopefully some of you folks can still help me out. I am in the market for a 65-75hp tractor, FEL, and cab.

So my question is.....
Which manufacturers have the finest engineering and technology in their tractors? When it comes to automobiles, I take my cars German or Japanese. I just love the engineering and technology that goes into these cars. I would like to have the same attributes in my tractor. I am an engineer by profession. Nothing gets on my nerves more than sloppy tolerances and overlooked design flaws. There are, arguably, more important traits to a tractor, I agree. But this is a priority for me, so I'd like to start here.

Thanks!

I have a machinest background with some tool and die experience and we have been a Machinery dealer for 33 years and we use JD on our farms. Not bragging , however, I can tell a good product from bad from a mile away. JD are Engineered well, Dependable, affordable and dealer support that is top of the line. Ken Sweet

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have a machinest background with some tool and die experience and we have been a Machinery dealer for 33 years and we use JD on our farms. Not bragging , however, I can tell a good product from bad from a mile away. JD are Engineered well, Dependable, affordable and dealer support that is top of the line. Ken Sweet

I know it is one mans opinion, but why don't you rank some of the brands you have dealt with. I would be interesting to know what you think. I am sure their are some great equipment that is superbly engineered to the point that nobody can afford to buy it.