Comparison If you couldn't choose your brand tractor . . then who ??

[oldpilgrim]

since i was torn between the Mahindra, which i bought, and a Kioti which i didn't, i guess if the Mahindra was not available, i would get a similar sized Kioti.

 

[CDennyRun]

Just for fun:

I've never looked into Mahindra, but here are some videos for new buyers on the market of CUTs. I'm sure there is some bias here, and there are many good functions on the competitors side, but it can be educational for people shopping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB2uYkjLxEU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvYT5iGLu2k

Chris

 

[gladehound]

For my response to make any sense one has to understand why I bought my current Kioti DS4510HS (large frame CUT)over the other options. The answer is simple, I had decided that I was willing to spend 20K on a Tractor with FEL and wanted the most tractor (hp & FEL capacity) for my money. It also had to have good reputation for quality and either HST, CVT, or hydraulic shuttle because my left knee has some issues. Was really looking for a large frame CUT or small UT.

My primary uses are woods management, snow removal, gravel drive maintenance and expansion and light construction.

Had I not found this particular tractor I'm not sure what I would have ended up with because it would have totally depended on what the deal was. I can tell you what I would not have ended up with and perhaps by process of elimination I land on an alternative.

John Deere - For my 20K, I could not get a large or even medium frame CUT. So JD is out even though the dealer is in walking distance
Kubota - The MX series is similar to what I have - I have multiple dealers - it's a possibility. But doubt I could get one with HST for 20K. So that's out.
MF - on paper I really like their tractors, just can't find one around here.
LS - within an hours drive and good value, but no hydraulic reverser or HST that I'm aware of for a 20K large frame CUT or small UT.
NH - Not a fan of the loaders on their CUTs and no hydraulic reverser on the small UTs
Mahindra - was looking for a deal on a 4035 or 5035 with power reverser but these were both way beyond my 20K budget new.
Yanmar - don't even know where I would buy one (other than at my local JD dealer)
TYM - Was a bit nervous about some things I read and don't think they have a hydraulic reverser.

Had I not found the DS4510HS, I would have been forced to buy used which is not a bad thing. It was actually my original intent. I probably would have ended up with a slightly used Mahindra 5035 with hydraulic reverser.

Make no mistake about it. I am not brand loyal. I don't think my machine is the best. In fact, I think it is inferior in many ways to many other large frame CUTs. I bought it because it was the best value (for me and my purposes) in a new 20K tractor w FEL and hydraulic reverser that i could find at the time.

 

[sd455dan]

What would I by new -
mmm, bought used tractors but researched and still would be happy to own-

these models even though they have since been replaced.

Cabbed Kioti DK 55
Mahindra 5530
Cabbed JD 5420 Since at this point I am clearly dreaming....

 

[AxleHub]

Yes, I threw that in as an afterthought. It struck me as humorous that someone in a previous post (with a location listed as Florida) would say "LS tractors start in cold weather". Sort of like seeing a gun review from a guy in Fairbanks Alaska leaning towards an AK47 because they work well in a sandstorm

From now on I'll have to read your posts with a little better insight . . . that was pretty clever humor on your part

Especially if you're from a place like Wisconsin where cold isn't just a rarity

 

[AxleHub]

Oh my goodness.. relax. This is a forum! You asked people to respond based on their thoughts of what they would buy if the brand they are loyal to didn't exist. If you read my post, you'll see that I also stated that in my opinion JD was overpriced (a good reason to not consider the brand in my opinion). I'm sure they make a fine tractor, but I wouldn't consider one based off of two very important things IE; customer support per my dealer, and price. Sorry I added how I was treated.. I didn't know the rules were so strict in threads you start.

Chris

Chris I'm a little confused why you felt I was writing about you. I'm not about strict rules. What I don't like is when posters allow the impression given to newbies that one lousy saleperson or one weak dealer customer support situation should keep buyers from searching for a brand they are interested in.

My opinion has always been that one person not doing their job in a business is no excuse for me as a buyer not doing mine or preventing me from succeeding at my job as a buyer. I like to stress that in all my writing because too often newbies are too easily led to avoid a good quality brand just because one dealer is weak or lax in their efforts I'm not about strictness . . I'm about encouraging determination. I typically like your posts. I'm not sure why you felt I was talking about you.

 

[gladehound]

What would I by new -
mmm, bought used tractors but researched and still would be happy to own-

these models even though they have since been replaced.

Cabbed Kioti DK 55
Mahindra 5530
Cabbed JD 5420 Since at this point I am clearly dreaming....

I also looked at the 5530. Only thing I didn't like was that 1st gear seemed too high.

Was very close to buying a used DK55. Nice size and capability. No hydraulic reverser but could have probably lived with it given that the tractor fits me well my knee isn't too bent when clutching on this model.

Hard not to recommend the DK55 for anyone wanting a good basic tractor in that overgrown CUT to small UT size range.

 

[sd455dan]

I also looked at the 5530. Only thing I didn't like was that 1st gear seemed too high.

Was very close to buying a used DK55. Nice size and capability. No hydraulic reverser but could have probably lived with it given that the tractor fits me well my knee isn't too bent when clutching on this model.

Hard not to recommend the DK55 for anyone wanting a good basic tractor in that overgrown CUT to small UT size range.

Yes that would have been my first choice - big enough to do the job and small enough to work in the woods.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I am pretty loyal to Kubota from my years of owning couple of them but I purchased a used New Holland TL100 and haven't had any regrets with it. Now if I had to replace either my Kubota M7040 or New Holland TL100 I would go with the Massey 4608/4609/4610 they do have a 3cyl.diesel but I'm not going to get into the DPF or urea of the others. I looked at new kubotas the other day and really like the looks and interior over the massey but the massey isn't a bad looking tractor and the engine would make me go with it over the others offered.

 

[CDennyRun]

Chris I'm a little confused why you felt I was writing about you. I'm not about strict rules. What I don't like is when posters allow the impression given to newbies that one lousy saleperson or one weak dealer customer support situation should keep buyers from searching for a brand they are interested in.

My opinion has always been that one person not doing their job in a business is no excuse for me as a buyer not doing mine or preventing me from succeeding at my job as a buyer. I like to stress that in all my writing because too often newbies are too easily led to avoid a good quality brand just because one dealer is weak or lax in their efforts I'm not about strictness . . I'm about encouraging determination. I typically like your posts. I'm not sure why you felt I was talking about you.

I assumed you were referring to me, because I said I wouldn't buy a JD based off the fact that myself and many others have had bad experiences with the parts department. I understand what you're getting at, but I would imagine a newbie looking for a tractor isn't going to not buy JD simply because someone on TBN had a bad experience at their local dealer. If they decide not to... well that's up to them! Ha ha

I appreciate what you meant with your statement, but just keep in mind this is a forum, and people will always get off topic if a thread lasts long enough. It's just human nature.

No harm, no foul. Good day!

Chris