Buying Advice John Deere, and some questions

[jgrreed]

I am seeing a little bit of brand bias in a thread.

This is not meant to be a peer-reviewed, unbaised, publication. This is an open forum where we're all entitled to our own opinion, and 'representation' is purely random based on who likes what color, and who is logged in at any given time. I like green. I've liked green since I was about 2 years old. I like Boxer dogs, and Blonde Girls. I like MGD. I like Will Farrell (esp as Ron Burgandy, now that was funny!!)

Until there is a TractorByNet section of the Cochrane Database, there'll be bias.

Just pick a color that you like, get the best deal you can on it, be safe, and have fun!!

Oh, buy yourself a set of wrenches with you money you save on your Mahindra!!! :laughing:

I'm kidding!!!

-Jer.

 

[RPW]

As long as any brand of tractor isn't abused, is maintained according to schedule, small problems fixed right away so they don't become big problems pretty much any brand of tractor will work for you as long as you use it within the limits of the machine. For some of us (myself included) have abused our machines to some extent or another. This is where the quality of the brand becomes more important. With some brands you can get away with more abuse than others. We then gravitate to those brands because we know we can get away with pushing our machines beyond there designed specifications. I think this is where a lot of our brand bias comes into play. To the OP you can always get a smaller machine than the *desired* model and use it to the extent and time you have available. Maybe you can't mow that 80ac pasture in 8 hours, so what as long as you don't need the machine for a living that's ok. As you go through the years you will define your needs better and you can always trade up. Some of us either don't want to or can't so we get the machine we believe will last us for the rest of our lives. Sadly as we go from year to year we'll always find something that we wish we'd have bought with our tractors at the first. In my case I wish I'd have bought the backhoe for my machine now it's pretty much out of the question and in the event I'll need a backhoe I'll either rent or hire the job instead of doing it myself. Then again I may get lucky and find that bargain on CL or at an auction. As it has been said many times before define your most pressing needs that you can justify for the next 5 years and buy accordingly. Also I believe the most important item regardless of brand is support. If you don't have the support you will be dissatisfied with the brand you purchased.

Good luck.

 

[Pushing_Tin]

This thread is bringing to my attention something that I hadn't noticed before. Mind you I don't notice much. My wife makes up for it though, she can spot a blonde hair on a yellow shag carpet.

For the first time on TBN, I am seeing a little bit of brand bias in a thread. In my recent research into the tractor world before finding and buying my new tractor, I came to the loose conclusion that:

o Most all the major brands offer tractor models with size, specs and features that match up with the same size, specs and features of a number of other manufacturers.
o When looking up list prices, you will find tractors of like size, specs and features to be priced VERY closely from one brand to the next.
o Most any of the major brands are quality built machinery.

My $0.02,

Of course there is brand bias! The thread is about JD! People are always biased, Ford vs Chevy, Stihl vs Husky, Yankees v Red Sox, Coors vs Miller, Apple vs Microsoft so on and so forth. Everybody has a reason for being biased, nothing wrong with it imo. I think there are a lot of good tractors, I've just had good luck with JD and my dealer, so I stick with them.

The only thing I would consider about an "off brand" is the resale value if you aren't planning on keeping it indefinitely. Not sure how a Mahinda or Kioti would hold up resale wise compared to a JD or Kubota after 3-5 years. Other than that I would test drive all of the different brands and see which one suits you best, then see what kind of deal you can get. I think all of them are still offering 0% for 4 years or more.

 

[Ruark]

I chose a Mahindra 4025 based on quite a bit of homework. The HP is just right for my 25 acres of native grasses, cedar and oaks. It pulls the HD Howse shredder easily, as well as my 6' box blade and 7' rake. Any more capability would be excessive for my property.

I didn't really need 4wd, but since it has a loader, the rear tires have fluid, and I usually work with an implement on the back like a 6' box blade. Plus, the 4025 2WD is HEAVY. It's about 4500 basic, plus another 1700 for the loader, plus the tire fluid and a rear implement, and you're easily pushing 7,000+ lbs. This thing is built like a TANK.

My tractor work involves a lot of FEL work, so that's something I looked at. So, Mahindra's muscular loader was a strong selling point. It has 4400 lbs. breakout, down to 2700 at full height. The comparable Kubota loader (L2800) does 2700 and 1100 lbs, respectively. JD 300, 1700 & 800 lbs. New Holland 110TL, 1600 & 720 lbs. The Mahindra loader easily swoops up anything you can get it in, and I've never had a hint of rear wheel traction issues. So that was important for me.

It's EXTREMELY easy to handle. The power steering is excellent; as heavy as this tractor is, you can actually drive it with your little finger. It has differential lock, manifold preheat (no glow plugs), draft control, etc.

Plus the warranty is good - 2 years bumper to bumper, 5 years power train. Excellent dealer. Easy financing. Great price.

This NOT a Mahindra "cheerleader" post. I'm just describing the reasons I chose one.

Ruark

 

[tony Cecil]

Well I think a good dealer that is near by is where I would start.....I have always had J D the past thirty years, and recently got a Kubota--as there was no J D dealer with in sixty miles.....which is a shame.....The Kubota is a fine tractor, and have had no problems...The 4x4 wheel drive is particularly good with the front end loader, and if by chance you get near a ditch, as any tractor will get stuck easily.....Tony

 

[foggy1111]

I chose a Mahindra 4025 based on quite a bit of homework. The HP is just right for my 25 acres of native grasses, cedar and oaks. It pulls the HD Howse shredder easily, as well as my 6' box blade and 7' rake. Any more capability would be excessive for my property.

I didn't really need 4wd, but since it has a loader, the rear tires have fluid, and I usually work with an implement on the back like a 6' box blade. Plus, the 4025 2WD is HEAVY. It's about 4500 basic, plus another 1700 for the loader, plus the tire fluid and a rear implement, and you're easily pushing 7,000+ lbs. This thing is built like a TANK.

My tractor work involves a lot of FEL work, so that's something I looked at. So, Mahindra's muscular loader was a strong selling point. It has 4400 lbs. breakout, down to 2700 at full height. The comparable Kubota loader (L2800) does 2700 and 1100 lbs, respectively. JD 300, 1700 & 800 lbs. New Holland 110TL, 1600 & 720 lbs. The Mahindra loader easily swoops up anything you can get it in, and I've never had a hint of rear wheel traction issues. So that was important for me.

It's EXTREMELY easy to handle. The power steering is excellent; as heavy as this tractor is, you can actually drive it with your little finger. It has differential lock, manifold preheat (no glow plugs), draft control, etc.

Plus the warranty is good - 2 years bumper to bumper, 5 years power train. Excellent dealer. Easy financing. Great price.

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I have not been around many Mahindra tractors....and have never sat in the seat of one. I'm sure they are good tractors from the way folks write about 'em.

One thing I need to say about your post tho......I find "balance" to be an especially good trait of a well designed tractor. It may mean more than a higher level of specifications. It does little good for a tractor weighing x lbs to have a lift capacity of xxx lbs. All you may do is spring the loader or break axles...etc etc. So.....after you fill the bucket with dirt and can still lift more....where are you going to put the "more' if the bucket is full?. Or, say you pick up a rock that breaks your front spindels....well.....you get my drift.

 

[doall]

I think the cost separation between JD, New Holland, and Kubota(all major brands too) is different in other areas of the country. Here there was a great difference. In other places (on this site) I have read where my tractor (NH 3040) would have cost more than the JD of same size. Just shop around and find the deal that's right for you. As far as 4wd, it's nice but not a gotta have. The fel I would highly recommend. I love my New Holland, but there is nothing wrong with a Deere.

 

[TripleR]

Some seem to be substituting bias for preference. When I use the term, it is used as per definition, "An unfair preference for or dislike of something. "To influence somebody or something unfairly".

While I may prefer one over the other, I try not to be biased one way or the other.

 

[jgrreed]

Some seem to be substituting bias for preference. When I use the term, it is used as per definition, "An unfair preference for or dislike of something. "To influence somebody or something unfairly".

While I may prefer one over the other, I try not to be biased one way or the other.

Exactly!!!

"Bias" is a bad word that is related to a situation where one is in a position where they should/are obliged to give an non-opinionated report of an experiment or situation. When I do research at work, I am obliged to design studies, and report them, in as unbiased a method as possible.

I like Green. That is a preference.

-Jer.

 

[8404]

In my oppinion you wont want to mow those Finger lake, rolling hills with a FEL on your tractor. It totaly messes up you center of gravity especially going doun hill. and if you do have a FEL you will definatly want 4wheel drive to keep the back end from slidding when you go doun hills. UNless you can easily unhook and rehook the FEL then i beleive your better to save money and set you tractor up for mower work on those hills and use something else for loader work like a true perpose build backhoe.