Buying Advice New Tractor Suggestions

[coolnature]

I agree 100% with Luke, Foreman and Pappy. If you are set on JD, I would get the 85E and 240 loader with 12x12 or 24x24 power reverser tranny. If you don't get the loader when you get the tractor, not only will the loader cost more later, you will kick yourself when you realize how much work you could be getting done if you had a loader. And while you are negotiating, get the 3rd function for the loader so it will be grapple ready. As for the 5075E, there is a thread with many posts concerning what appears to be a widespread brake problem.

 

[ragingrooster]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

 

[varmint]

I'll chime in with these observations. GET THE LOADER. They are somewhat specific to the tractor, and why cause yourself an expensive headache trying to install something that works as well as the factory's original? And, get it with standard skid steer quick attach bucket, not a pin on QA. You will find switching to a grapple, or forks, or a snow plow (God forbid) soooo much easier. I'd also get it with at least one set of rear remotes. And, consider this: a neighbor just got a nice new, more powerful tractor. His first comment was- it uses a lot more fuel than the old one. If you don't need more power, it won't really help you. Most tractors run out of traction before hp.

 

[ragingrooster]

Sounds like I need to get one of those 1025 package deals for half the price.

 

[coolnature]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

A used loader will work if you can find one. But the tractor also needs to be "loader ready" which means it should have the hydraulic mid valve and the necessary hardware for mounting the loader.

 

[Got2BTru]

I'll be honest, when I bought my Mahindra a month and a half or so ago, I didn't really see the "need" for the FEL, but I still went with it, even though it was roughly $6k. Boy am I REALLY glad I got it...I've used it for several things that I simply wouldn't have anticipated!

 

[GManBart]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

A used loader will work, but there aren't too many people selling current used loaders, much less the exact one you need, so the supply is very low. Then, realize that you will pay a lot less to buy the loader with the tractor than you will if you go back in a few months to buy it separately....which is likely how it would play out.

For the tasks you're talking about, an FEL is the most important thing/useful thing you can have on your tractor.

Earlier you mentioned pulling stumps....you're not going to pull stumps out with a tractor unless they're very small. Digging them out with the FEL is very awkward, and even digging them with a backhoe is pretty slow. If you're going to cut a trail and get rid of stumps, it'll probably be cheaper, and much faster to have someone come in with a dozer and clear the trail in one shot.

 

[ragingrooster]

Let me clear the air. In my earlier post when I mentioned that I got the tractor priced without the loader, I never said ANYTHING about not getting one. My goal was just to price tractors side by side to get the best baseline comparison possible. Next step was the throw in any any additional items (FEL, box cutter, etc.) in the decision process, and price it up to my maximum limit (probably around $50k) to see where the chips fell. The fact that deer's got 0% financing was a big plus too.

I also understand that I can get almost all of what I need done with less tractor. But, I'm thinking that it's better to go bigger than on the small side. I agree that burning more fuel is a disadvantage, but not one that's overwhelming in my eyes. One other advantage I saw was the weight of a larger machine being a plus. Am I wrong on this?

Once I put add on's like loaders or cutters into the mix, I'm sure LS or Kioti will start to look attractive, and I'm sure they're really good too. The thing that's got me stuck on deere is that no one's really raved about some of the other lines like LS or Kioti, which was really what I was listening for here. Or, if anyone thinks it's really just a matter of shopping paint color (which I doubt) please speak up.

Outside of that, I get the dealer thing. Which is another thing that got me where I am. For instance, I'm sure Got2BTru's Mahindra is a great machine. But, when I went to the local dealer, I almost had to put a gun to someone's head to get them to talk to me. So, they were "out" pretty quick.

I'm very grateful for everyone's feedback, and hope you'll keep it coming. But, since were headed into election time, let's put it to a vote:

In the new mid-size tractor category right NOW, who gives you the most bang for your bucks???

 

[GManBart]

I'm very grateful for everyone's feedback, and hope you'll keep it coming. But, since were headed into election time, let's put it to a vote:

In the new mid-size tractor category right NOW, who gives you the most bang for your bucks???

I suspect people were holding back about brands because that always seems to turn into brand warfare when you start talking one versus another.

In the size machine you're talking about, I think the LS P7040 offers an incredible set of features for the price. 97hp (PTO 85hp), 40x20 power shuttle transmission, over 6K on the 3p, 3,500lbs on the FEL to 136", 16gpm pump flow, 3 remotes standard, and comes in around $50K with a cab, probably $5-6K less open station. I was briefly considering this size machine last year but opted to buy a backhoe to get my dirt moving done. Once I get the bulk of the dirt moved, I may sell the hoe and get a Utility tractor in this size, and I'd definitely consider the large LS line.

 

[BigB1066]

Hello, stay away lite weight tractors. (Kubota). Yes there Great tractors out other (Case McCormick Massey Ferguson John Deere) Check the weight on each one. If your putting hours on this tractor you will see a big difference in pulling or pushing and the ride.

Happy Tractor Hunting!