Where to start? 30ish HP Utility Tractor

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for the added info guys. I think I'm going to stop by a local LS dealer tomorrow to try to get some sense of scale with these newer machines.

I think you will find the 1020 to be a much larger frame size than the similar hp models today. A comparable tractor that is as close as I can think of would be a Deere 5045 utility tractor.

I had an 820 in good shape that I sold after buying a new 4520 cab in 2009. While I liked the 820 it just wasn't getting used anymore, the new hydro cab tractor was the "go to" machine. If I were buying a new tractor today in this size range it would be the 4066R, good power, easy to operate and comfortable.

I also like the Kubota hst plus transmission with hi low coupled to the hst.

 

[Cooter76]

I dropped-by the local LS dealer on Friday. After comparing a few models side-by-side I now have a better idea about tractor sizing. Just seeing the 3PHs in person was enough. They had a XR3037 (36.2HP) that was probably the lightest-duty tractor I could see fitting my dad's needs. Something along the size of their XR4040 seemed like a safer bet, though. The guy I spoke to at the dealership was very friendly and seemed to know his market.

 

[GManBart]

I dropped-by the local LS dealer on Friday. After comparing a few models side-by-side I now have a better idea about tractor sizing. Just seeing the 3PHs in person was enough. They had a XR3037 (36.2HP) that was probably the lightest-duty tractor I could see fitting my dad's needs. Something along the size of their XR4040 seemed like a safer bet, though. The guy I spoke to at the dealership was very friendly and seemed to know his market.

The XR4040 is a very nice machine. I had the previous version in that frame size (R4047H) and it was flawless. Around here an XR4040H runs $23,500 give or take.

 

[grm61]

I dropped-by the local LS dealer on Friday. After comparing a few models side-by-side I now have a better idea about tractor sizing. Just seeing the 3PHs in person was enough. They had a XR3037 (36.2HP) that was probably the lightest-duty tractor I could see fitting my dad's needs. Something along the size of their XR4040 seemed like a safer bet, though. The guy I spoke to at the dealership was very friendly and seemed to know his market.

Youre on the right track looking at the 40 to 50 horse frame size at a minimum.
Anything less I think would be a disappointment after climbing off a 5000 lb tractor.
If you could find a left over tier three machine would be a good thing as well.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I dropped-by the local LS dealer on Friday. After comparing a few models side-by-side I now have a better idea about tractor sizing. Just seeing the 3PHs in person was enough. They had a XR3037 (36.2HP) that was probably the lightest-duty tractor I could see fitting my dad's needs. Something along the size of their XR4040 seemed like a safer bet, though. The guy I spoke to at the dealership was very friendly and seemed to know his market.

I assume the dealer was RCO. They are a very reputable dealership. Good people and straight shooters.

 

[Cooter76]

I assume the dealer was RCO. They are a very reputable dealership. Good people and straight shooters.

Yes, it was RCO. I forgot the guy's name, but he mentioned this forum.

 

[GManBart]

Yes, it was RCO. I forgot the guy's name, but he mentioned this forum.

I talked on the phone, and e-mailed with the folks at RCO...super people!

 

[Cooter76]

My dad finally went to visit some dealerships yesterday.
- First stop was Mahindra, where he found out the local dealership has plans to build a new facility, including a service department. They currently outsource service & maintenance to an independent shop with a good reputation that is not too far from my parents. He looked primarily at the 1538 HST. I think he's a bit hesitant about the unfamiliar brand, but he didn't have anything bad to say about it.
- Next was the local Case dealership to look at a used 45a 2WD. He seemed to think it was overpriced for what it was.
- Last stop of the day was the local John Deere shop, where he looked at a 3038e. He was surprised by the competitive price, and seemed to think the JD would retain its value better on name alone. They're also going to give him a bid to fix the 3PH on his 1020, which he'd likely use as a trade-in.
He plans to visit Kubota later this week, then start crunching numbers. My guess is that they'll be showing him the L3800 as a competitor to the 3038e.

Does anyone have specific recommendations or objections to any of these models? I've seen mention online of the 3038e as having a cast aluminum rear housing and that the FEL is not removable, nor is it skid-steer compatible. I don't know if any of these things are a real concern. Mahindra's website has a comparison chart between these models, plus a New Holland 35. Of course, the Mahindra's specs are the best in almost every category.
One of the salesmen told him that a 4WD is equivalent to a 30% larger 2WD tractor. Sound plausible?

Thanks!

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Did he go to RCO and look at the LS tractors? I would bet he'll get more for his money there than at the John Deere dealer. I'm not knocking Deere, but you do tend to pay a premium for them. I think the "E" series are much more price competitive with brands like Kioti and LS, but you give up some weight and some highly useful features that are standard on the LS and Kioti. But if the goal is to buy a tractor with green paint, the "E" series is the cheapest way to do it.

 

[GManBart]

My dad finally went to visit some dealerships yesterday.
- First stop was Mahindra, where he found out the local dealership has plans to build a new facility, including a service department. They currently outsource service & maintenance to an independent shop with a good reputation that is not too far from my parents. He looked primarily at the 1538 HST. I think he's a bit hesitant about the unfamiliar brand, but he didn't have anything bad to say about it.
- Next was the local Case dealership to look at a used 45a 2WD. He seemed to think it was overpriced for what it was.
- Last stop of the day was the local John Deere shop, where he looked at a 3038e. He was surprised by the competitive price, and seemed to think the JD would retain its value better on name alone. They're also going to give him a bid to fix the 3PH on his 1020, which he'd likely use as a trade-in.
He plans to visit Kubota later this week, then start crunching numbers. My guess is that they'll be showing him the L3800 as a competitor to the 3038e.

Does anyone have specific recommendations or objections to any of these models? I've seen mention online of the 3038e as having a cast aluminum rear housing and that the FEL is not removable, nor is it skid-steer compatible. I don't know if any of these things are a real concern. Mahindra's website has a comparison chart between these models, plus a New Holland 35. Of course, the Mahindra's specs are the best in almost every category.
One of the salesmen told him that a 4WD is equivalent to a 30% larger 2WD tractor. Sound plausible?

Thanks!

I don't think Deere holds its value all that much better than any other brands these days...maybe a little bit, but not enough I'd worry about it. I don't like the 2-range HST transmission, the aluminum rear end, or the non-removable, non-SSQA loader.

Even an LS G3038 will have a 3-range HST, weigh 500+lbs more, have an FEL that goes higher, and lifts 50% more, plus more hydraulic pump flow, and more powerful 3PH, removable FEL, and SSQA standard...all for around $16K last I recall.