Comparison deere 4100 vs kubota bx2200

[mg448]

I'm looking for a small 4wd machine to keep my driveway clear and mow a couple acres of lawn. I would like to spend $5000, but I can go up to $8k. I had another thread going on here, but I've really narrowed down what I want. I want 4wd, diesel, belly mower(54-60") and snowblower. Not much in my area right now fitting all of those needs, but there are 2 that are close. The first is a Deere 4100 gear drive. 60" belly mower and 4 way hydraulic plow blade. Both "quick attach". 669 hours. Asking $6500
The second is a '02 bx2200. 618 hours. 60" belly mower, 9.5 cu.ft. dump cart, hydrostatic. No snow implements. Asking $5900

Hydrostatic would be easier for my wife to learn to drive, but she could probably learn to mow with the Deere. I definitely want a blower instead of a plow, but I could get by with a plow for one winter and shop for snowblowers in the spring if I go with the deere. Both tractors are roughly the same age and in good condition. Kubota had it's steering cylinder replaced this year.

Both seem like solid machines and within my budget. I would like to add a fel in the future, but don't need it right now. Any thoughts on which machine is a better machine? Which one will it be easier to find a loader for?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[bubbadog]

I would lean towards the Kubota primarily for the hydrostatic transmission. The hydro will be easier for FEL work. I think it will not be hard to find a FEL for either tractor.

 

[paulfun9]

If you think you will need a loader later try to save yourself some frustration by spending a little more now and buy a tractor with the loader. Its actually easy to find the attachments you need later as most will fit anything but loaders are specific to the tractor in many ways and many find themselves not being able to find used later on and end up paying much more for a New one or aftermarket one that will fit.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I would lean towards the Kubota primarily for the hydrostatic transmission. The hydro will be easier for FEL work. I think it will not be hard to find a FEL for either tractor.

I agree

 

[TomSeller]

I would lean towards the Kubota primarily for the hydrostatic transmission. The hydro will be easier for FEL work. I think it will not be hard to find a FEL for either tractor.

Agree.

 

[Spanner]

If you think you will need a loader later try to save yourself some frustration by spending a little more now and buy a tractor with the loader. Its actually easy to find the attachments you need later as most will fit anything but loaders are specific to the tractor in many ways and many find themselves not being able to find used later on and end up paying much more for a New one or aftermarket one that will fit.

I agree.