Help me identify the right tractor, I'm two hours from any type of dealer.

[a5t1]

Background: I had a 1 acre lot that was manicured with a GC2300, MMM and FEL. Great machine for what it was, really got me into the tractor / SCUT way of doing things.

Present day: We are closing on a 20 acre hobby farm that currently has no animals. The 20 acres is mostly wooded with two big clearings (maybe a total of 4-5 acres). The clearings are not manicured lawn and I don't think they ever will be (meaning heavier tractor will probably be okay) We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so snow removal is going to be on the top of the list. The gravel driveway is 500' long.

The GC2300 was a really nice machine but would be too small / take to long to perform the workload on this piece. I'm looking for a tractor that can has great FEL lift capacity (gravel, dirt, fill, snow, etc). Strong enough for general farm work although I don't see making hay in the near future. Removing small trees, cleaning up some of the overgrowth is top priority. Nimble enough that I could clean out parts of the barn if/when animals arrive. Strong enough to run either a front mount snowblower or a 3 pt snowblower with a plow mounted on the front for snow removal. A cab is a must due to the weather (aftermarket would be fine).

I would also like to keep the budget to around 15k. I've been reading about the Kubota L3240 which I think fits the needs pretty well. For that price range I'm looking at some used models as new the MSRP is close to 40k. I'm not brand loyal, interested to hear if anyone has thoughts on Kioti CK35? Maybe the L3240 isn't the right choice?

My reliance on a dealer will be minimal as there aren't any in this area. So the warranty issue is almost void...

Any thoughts?

 

[TripleR]

A wide range of tractors would fit those needs, the L3240 is indeed a nice tractor though I would prefer the L3540 just because of the small difference in price and a little added HP. We own and use several brands, my brother just bought a new Kioti CK27 I think and so far is happy with it. I would indeed look at all of the major brands, John Deere, Kioti, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, New Holland etc. especially buying used and you won't need a local dealer.

In my opinion, you are certainly in the right ball park as to size as almost any tractor will often by necessity be something of a compromise.

 

[a5t1]

Surprisingly enough, the L3540 on the used market is quite a bit more expensive. I've found L3240s with the smaller loader start around 12k, the L3540s start around 17k w/ the loader. ~30% price difference, I don't have any experience to know if they're worth it.

Any recommendations on an older model like the L3130? I'm not familiar enough with Deere to find a comparable match...

 

[newbury]

I was in a similar situation last winter/spring. If you read some of my threads I was looking all over for a 40hp tractor that would lift a ton on the 3 point (for logs).

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/266427-l3750-w-1000hrs-good-bad.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/267769-3pt-lift-capacity-l3830.html

I ended up getting an M4700 with 1400 hrs on it for $12K (51HP, 2 ton on the 3pt, 1 ton on the FEL) from a Public Surplus auction.

BUT just before I bought it I ALMOST bought an L4630 from Barlows (Inventory | Barlow Equipment) for about $17K delivered to Tupelo, MS.

After some recent praises about Barlows on here I'd strongly recommend you give them a call, it could be well worth the delivery fee.

Now I'm stuck with a tractor with twice the lift capacity, 10 extra HP and a big smile I'm sure I would be just as happy with one of Barlows.

As an aside I'm "lucky" I found one local to Virginia. Right about when I bought it my son had decided to move into a house I've got locally which has required a LOT of cleanup, and the tractor has really come in handy.

Again - call Barlow's

 

[wolftree]

Check with "rosybrosinc.com" an agressive(low price) Kubota dealer near Dryden Michigan. Your choice in a L3240 or similar sounds like a good one.

 

[TripleR]

Surprisingly enough, the L3540 on the used market is quite a bit more expensive. I've found L3240s with the smaller loader start around 12k, the L3540s start around 17k w/ the loader. ~30% price difference, I don't have any experience to know if they're worth it.

Any recommendations on an older model like the L3130? I'm not familiar enough with Deere to find a comparable match...

No, it wouldn't be worth that much price differential to me. I would think the 3230 would be in the ball park, it isn't giving up much in power, but it does not have the HST+ a feature I like but can and have lived without, I liked my L5030 really well. One of the members has a 3130, but I can't recall who it is. As mentioned there are a lot of different tractors that will work, but the need for a smaller machine does narrow it a bit. A few years ago I left home to buy a 35 HP tractor and wound up with a used 50 HP and was glad I did, but I didn't need for it to fit into really small spaces.

 

[wolftree]

a5t1,

Look at "tractorhouse.com" it is a site for tractor dealers all over the country to post their equipment for sale. You can check the specifications of any tractor (Horsepower, Transmission, dimensions) at "tractordata.com".

 

[a5t1]

a5t1,

Look at "tractorhouse.com" it is a site for tractor dealers all over the country to post their equipment for sale. You can check the specifications of any tractor (Horsepower, Transmission, dimensions) at "tractordata.com".

Thanks, I have the app on my phone and also consult tractordata. Does anyone have exact models of tractor that they would suggest?

 

[a5t1]

No, it wouldn't be worth that much price differential to me. I would think the 3230 would be in the ball park, it isn't giving up much in power, but it does not have the HST+ a feature I like but can and have lived without, I liked my L5030 really well. One of the members has a 3130, but I can't recall who it is. As mentioned there are a lot of different tractors that will work, but the need for a smaller machine does narrow it a bit. A few years ago I left home to buy a 35 HP tractor and wound up with a used 50 HP and was glad I did, but I didn't need for it to fit into really small spaces.

Thanks, good points. It's always that balance of money and need. In all honesty I could probably get by with a SCUT if I had to. I'm trying to find that sweet spot on price. For example a SCUT (bx25 for example) with a BH and loader can be found used for 13k. I can also pickup a L3240, no cab but heavier loader for that price. Seems like that's a lot of tractor for the 11k-13k price range...

 

[cmore]

I looked at Kubota, Mahindra, John Deer and Massey Ferguson ad they were the only dealers close. When I saw the prices for the John Deers, dropped it off the list. Ended up with a MF 2605 4x4 as it seemed to have the strongest loader and they had better prices. Plus it did not a bunch of electronics and is made simpler. Started out as a choice between Kubota and Mahindra and was leaning on the Kubota LT3200DT (also looked at the L3800 DT) so rented one and it was ok but a little higher priced and smaller than the MF2605. The biggest turn off for the Mahindra was even the new tractors were showing faded paint after a few months. Only have 33 hrs on the 2605 and am satisfied so far. If I had planed on selling it any time might have went to the Kubota but the MF will be my life time tractor.

 

[newbury]

Steer away from a BX class machine if you want to go into the woods, move logs or handle moderately deep snow on a 500' driveway. They are built LOW on purpose.

Look at what your going to want to move and how you want to move it. What's a "great FEL lift capacity" 500 lbs? 1K lbs? 2K lbs?

My B7610 is rated for 700lbs, my M4700 for 2,000lbs (Kubota numbers their loaders by capacity in kilograms).

Lot's of peeps move wood using the 3pt alone. Lot's more weight capacity, less maneuverability than the FEL, you can't lift as high.

What's

Nimble enough that I could clean out parts of the barn if/when animals arrive.

?
Are you going to try and muck out horse stalls by driving into a 5' wide stall with your FEL? My B7610 might do that my M4700 NO WAY.

You were not real clear in your "budget statement" if you expected to get the tractor with FEL, cab, snowblower and plow for $15K or the tractor and FEL for $15K.

Do you have any idea what your neighbors own? If you get the same brand they might be able to give advice a lot better.

 

[wolftree]

For Kubota, look at L3130, L3200, L2800, L3400, L3800, L3240. For John Deere, look at 650-670-690, 750-770-790, 850-870-890, 950-970-990.

Though older, look at John Deere 1020, 1520, 2020 and International Harvester 444, 454, 464. These are ag utility tracors in 30-40 Hp.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks, good points. It's always that balance of money and need. In all honesty I could probably get by with a SCUT if I had to. I'm trying to find that sweet spot on price. For example a SCUT (bx25 for example) with a BH and loader can be found used for 13k. I can also pickup a L3240, no cab but heavier loader for that price. Seems like that's a lot of tractor for the 11k-13k price range...

We really like our SCUTs, but would not have considered them as an only tractor, as mentioned, they have very limited ground clearance, about 8.2" and while great for mowing and some light woods work, they just don't do well in the woods; trust me, we have replaced tie rods on both of ours. A large B Series is about as low as I would go such as B2630/3030,3000, 3200 etc. or equivalent in any other brand.

 

[a5t1]

I'm trying to narrow in on the frame size of the B series or the L series in the kubota brand. Because we get so much snow, I think the heavier framed tractor would be more beneficial?

This is going to be our only tractor, I'm now convinced that a SCUT would not cut it.

There are no neighbors that have tractors of the era I'm considering.

Budget depends, I think it's reasonable to find the tractor, FEL and maybe a cab (even aftermarket) for 15k.

 

[texasjohn]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-equipment-manufacturers-ratings-dealers.html

Reading this thread may be useful .

 

[a5t1]

I was in a similar situation last winter/spring. If you read some of my threads I was looking all over for a 40hp tractor that would lift a ton on the 3 point (for logs).

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/266427-l3750-w-1000hrs-good-bad.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/267769-3pt-lift-capacity-l3830.html

I ended up getting an M4700 with 1400 hrs on it for $12K (51HP, 2 ton on the 3pt, 1 ton on the FEL) from a Public Surplus auction.

BUT just before I bought it I ALMOST bought an L4630 from Barlows (Inventory | Barlow Equipment) for about $17K delivered to Tupelo, MS.

After some recent praises about Barlows on here I'd strongly recommend you give them a call, it could be well worth the delivery fee.

Now I'm stuck with a tractor with twice the lift capacity, 10 extra HP and a big smile I'm sure I would be just as happy with one of Barlows.

As an aside I'm "lucky" I found one local to Virginia. Right about when I bought it my son had decided to move into a house I've got locally which has required a LOT of cleanup, and the tractor has really come in handy.

Again - call Barlow's

As I get closer to a final purchase I'll be sure to give them a call. I keep an eye on auctions but they are pretty few and far between up here. Thanks for the tip though!

 

[vrmnthntr]

My first tractor was a Kubota B7800. It was a great tractor with plenty of power for the size it was. I lost count of the hundreds of tons of dirt and gravel combined I moved with it when building my house. I cleared 2 acres of large hardwood trees with it also. It handled a 5 foot rotary cutter fine. I moved snow with the front end loader and rear blade. It was ok for that, but you're talking about a snowblower which is obviously better. We don't get large amounts of snow here.

I now own a L3540 and sold the B7800 to my brother in law. The extra weight and size is exactly what I was looking for. The B7800 seemed so light for the jobs I was doing. While moving dirt or tilling I would have to be in 4WD. With the L3540 it has much more weight (I also have the tires loaded) and I find I am rarely in 4WD. The loader capacity is also a plus for the L. I found myself thinking, "Man. Wish I had gotten the larger tractor to begin with." The cab is also great to have. It was my wife's idea and I'm glad she wanted it more than me.

With 20 acres, I don't think you could go wrong with a larger tractor. The B series is nice, but for heavy work I would look to a heavier tractor. I am not loyal to brand. I have Kubota mainly because the dealer works with me. The John Deere dealer would not even call me back. But they make great tractors too. I have driven my share of those also. Good luck.

 

[a5t1]

My first tractor was a Kubota B7800. It was a great tractor with plenty of power for the size it was. I lost count of the hundreds of tons of dirt and gravel combined I moved with it when building my house. I cleared 2 acres of large hardwood trees with it also. It handled a 5 foot rotary cutter fine. I moved snow with the front end loader and rear blade. It was ok for that, but you're talking about a snowblower which is obviously better. We don't get large amounts of snow here.

I now own a L3540 and sold the B7800 to my brother in law. The extra weight and size is exactly what I was looking for. The B7800 seemed so light for the jobs I was doing. While moving dirt or tilling I would have to be in 4WD. With the L3540 it has much more weight (I also have the tires loaded) and I find I am rarely in 4WD. The loader capacity is also a plus for the L. I found myself thinking, "Man. Wish I had gotten the larger tractor to begin with." The cab is also great to have. It was my wife's idea and I'm glad she wanted it more than me.

With 20 acres, I don't think you could go wrong with a larger tractor. The B series is nice, but for heavy work I would look to a heavier tractor. I am not loyal to brand. I have Kubota mainly because the dealer works with me. The John Deere dealer would not even call me back. But they make great tractors too. I have driven my share of those also. Good luck.

Thanks! This is exactly what I needed to hear. Sounds like I'll continue to be looking at L series or equivalent.

 

[KYDan]

I am an unabashed Kubota fan, I am on my second and probably last one now as they are durable and hold their value. If you doubt about size go larger and you won't be sorry. Kubota offers some pretty good reasonably priced insurance as well that may pay for itself if you damage the tractor or more likely the loader. It is $250 deductible and it covers the pick up and return costs to the dealer as a part of the coverage. The L or possibly the MX series would seem to best suit your needs from what I have read here. If you get a loader be sure to get the SSQA for the loader as it greatly enhances the ease of changing loader attachments. There is a seemingly endless array of attachments available for the loader and 3 point hitch system. Extendable arms and adjustable sway bars for the 3 point hitch will also make use much easier and changing attachments much quicker. These features are available on most brands. Check each brand and model for features that are included in the base price in order to be able to make valid comparisons. Warranty service is a big deal also. A local dealer is better in the event of service needs even though there are none very close to your location. A dealer 250 miles away is better than one 1,000 away. Consider a new machine and talk with the dealer. Some offer 0 % financing if money is an issue and being new to tractors the insurance is cheap if you break something while you are learning. Over the years I have had a lot of old iron and it worked pretty good and I got by with it. However, my first new tractor was a joy and I spent a lot more time using it than I did working on it and improvising. Good luck.