Buying Advice Overall best tractor?

20 20 · Dec 9, 2010

One thing folks have to remember, this is not the 40's 50's heck even the 70's, we live in a throw away society now. So who is to say what machine will be around in 20 years, if any? Not saying a certain make won't be here, but finding parts for a 2010{model} in the year 2030 may end up being close to impossible? I know of folks that went to get parts for ole faithfull and instead came back with a monthly payment book and new machine. Society gets sucked into bells and whistles and seem to enjoy competing with neighbor______ too see who can own the bigger fancier machine. There is nothing wrong with that, except for those of us that hate to put ole faithfull down.

campholiday · Dec 13, 2010

Looked at New Holland, John Deere, and Kubota before purchasing the first Kubota back in '04. All had strong product, but the deciding factor for me was the dealer and how I was treated after the sale. It's a roll of the dice when purchasing for the first time. Only time will tell how things are taken care of. Was fortunate to fine a local dealer who has taken good care of my needs. There have been several purchases from this dealer since '04. Good Luck!

TheRealWorld · Dec 13, 2010

Thanks, this is going to be fun, as I am going to buy, I just don't know what yet. I have learned a great deal!

Qapla · Dec 14, 2010

Just a side thought - If you decide on a gear machine as opposed to HST, ask about the clutch.

IMO, a "diaphragm clutch" is a bad idea for a tractor and I would avoid any brand/machine that uses such. (we have such a machine and we are on the third clutch on a 2005)

As for the gear vs HST - I will leave that argument for others

Dr_Zinj · Dec 14, 2010

As I'm sure many of our peers have previously stated: There is no such thing as an overall best tractor.

Tools and machines are built to do specific tasks. There are some more general purpose tools that are able to do more than one specific task; such as using a claw hammer to beat out a dent, or an adjustable crescent wrench for different nuts, but there are different specific hammers for nails and for body work; and you should use a box or socket wrench before grabbing the adjustable one. You wouldn't ask what's the best wrench for hammering nails with, or the best lathe to weld with; the same criteria applies to tractors.

A tractor is a general purpose machine, a general purpose tool. It's first and primary purpose is to pull things. (In fact, the first tractors didn't even have wheels, they where an engine on skids and pulled a harrow back and forth across a feild for plowing using a rope or chain.) Pushing stuff, and powering other machines is secondary.

Now the questions you should be asking are:

1. What are the tasks I need done that I think a tractor is necessary for?

2. What attachments to/equipment for that tractor will I need to do those tasks?

3. How much power will I need to run the tractor and those attachements?

4. How much weight do I need? What's the maximum weight I can use?

5. Will the tractor meet the full range of needs?

5.a. Should I consider getting two or more different sized tractors?
(10 hp 2 wheel drive lawn & garden tractor, 500 hp giant farm tractor with all wheel drive and triple tires on each wheel, etc.)
5.b. Should I consider getting a different specialized vehicle? (Backhoe/loader, excavator, forklift, bulldozer, etc.)

The answers to those questions will determine the optimum range of power and size of the tractor. And even single manufacturers will likely have several different tractor models that will be acceptable solutions to those tasks.

Only after you've answered those questions do you start figuring affordability: owning, leasing, or renting, and the manufacturer and model, reliability and maintenance.

PapaPerk · Dec 14, 2010

TheRealWorld said:
I am brand new here, but would like to know what you all would recommend for price and reliability and parts? I am looking for a 40 HP 4X4.

KUBOTA!!! Basic question, basic answer.

RobertN · Dec 14, 2010

If you woulda said Farmall, I might have agreed with you

Just hard to beat a "letter series" Farmall.

I have also had Kubota, and now New Holland. Was a time I might have made a cute satement like that, but I have found other tractors match up to the Kubota.

Besides making fun statements, it really is a good thing to try as many tractors as you can.

PapaPerk said:
KUBOTA!!! Basic question, basic answer.

TheRealWorld · Dec 14, 2010

Thanks for the input. I heard that there is a Branson tractor that is make in South Korea at the same plant as a popular John Deere. Any one know anything about that?

N80 · Dec 14, 2010

Kubota L4400 4x4 gear model. It has 45hp. It is small and light and tough. I beat the tar out of mine. Three years....maybe four, no problems. Even though it is a Kubota it is cheap. It is very basic. No frills. If I were buying a tractor now, I'd do the same thing. I like to think I need an M5040 or M7040, and I'd love to have one to play with, but the truth is, four years after buying my L4400 it still does everything I want it to and more. The list of things I've done with it gets longer and longer. My main complaint right now has more to do with me than the tractor but my left knee is getting old and pumping that clutch all day takes its toll.....but I'd still buy the manual over the hydro.

So, that's my unabashed plug for the tractor I bought.

But seriously, if you want any decent advice other than us justifying out own purchases, you at least need to tell us what your budget is and what you need to get done with the tractor.