Buying Advice 40 hp-- which brand?

[GFirkus]

Hi guys. I currently own a '53 allis ca and rented a 3033r jd to do groundwork for a pool, and decided I new a newer tractor. I have done a bit of research, but need help. I need a tractor I can work on and repair myself (hyd cylinders with welded female fittings instead of male nipples). I broke a elbow off the jd and the cylinder had to get rebuilt. To me thats unacceptable that I couldn't remove broken pipe thread and install new elbow. I've split my ac to change clutch in the past. I want hst, 4x4, will have backhoe, loader lift 2000lb or more, joystick for loader on fender, and back blade for snow. Open station. I was pretty set on a kioti nx4510, then learned more about branson, ls, and massey. I think the ck series is just a bit to small for me. All maintenance will be done by me unless under warranty. I have very heavy/rocky soil. Chores will include- fire wood, move logs to staging area, plow snow, build roads/trails, food plots, misc. landscaping. I have 40 wooded acres. I want to get a tractor that I will keep for 30 years. I don't want $ to be a big issue in the decision, but it always is. Any advice?

 

[Tractorable]

Welcome to the forum.

Any new tractor that you buy will be computer controlled with Teir IV emissions equipment unless you stay under 25hp. So like everything else in life it’s a trade off. New tractors are not as easy to fix as a 1952 Ford 8N but they’re far more reliable and capable.

Most on here will recommend renting construction equipment to do heavy ground work like digging a swimming pool which compact tractors aren’t designed for which is probably why you busted the 3033r.

All the brands nowadays build good tractors. The Korean tractors (TYM, Kioti, Branson, LS) tend to be robust and less expensive. The Japanese tractors (Kubota, Yanmar, Iseki) tend to be refined and a little more expensive.

For a 2000lb loader lift capacity you should be looking for a 4000lb machine. The Kubota MX series is rugged, capable, and good for woods work.

 

[Mike Madison]

I would look for a Case or Deere (or Cat) construction tractor with backhoe, used, with a few thousand hours on the clock, for about half of the price new. Maybe have a dealer put into shape for you, or buy it from a dealer. Better to be a bit over-powered than under-powered. Should last the rest of your life.

 

[vvanders]

If you goal is something you can keep for 30 years then your best bet is to go with a brand/model that's popular and going to stick around.

Our Ford 1500 is almost 37 years old and despite being Ford/New Holland it's near impossible to find any parts from existing tractors much less new parts. 8N/TE-20/etc are easy because there's a following.

If I were you I'd probably lean towards JD, Kubota or *maybe* LS since they do NH as well.

My personal vote would be MX4800, doesn't have the bells and whistles that you see with the Grand L(which will help you when it comes to repair time) and a bit more utility oriented but similar specs. I say this as someone who just did the 40HP search and landed on a L4760.

 

[ning]

Any new tractor that you buy will be computer controlled with Teir IV emissions equipment unless you stay under 25hp

My Branson 3520h - 35hp - isn't computer controlled. It's got a passive DPF (no regen cycle) and runs fine (due to lack of computer control) without the DPF, though I personally haven't done this.

I know OP said 40hp - I'm not sure if the larger Bransons (40+hp) are similar - but I wanted to counter this blanket statement.

 

[Navvet]

Personally, I don't like the idea of DPF, more stuff to burn out / screw up.

While no one here has mentioned the "Red" tractors, I am completely satisfied with mine.

 

[jeff9366]

Allis Chalmers CA

1950 - 1958
Row-Crop tractor
Previous model: Allis Chalmers C

The live PTO on the CA was due to a hand clutch that "broke" the right side of the rear axle, causing the differental to spin freely.

Production:
Manufacturer: Allis Chalmers
Factory: West Allis, Wisconsin, USA
Total built: 39,499
Original price (USD)
$1,900 (1958 )

Allis Chalmers CA Engine:
Allis Chalmers 2.1L 4-cyl gasoline

Allis Chalmers CA Power:
Drawbar (claimed): 18 hp [13.4 kW]
PTO (claimed): 23 hp [17.2 kW]
Drawbar (tested): 22.97 hp [17.1 kW]
Belt (tested): 25.96 hp [19.4 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 13 gal [49.2 L]
Hydraulic system: 2 gal [7.6 L]

Rear Hitch:
Type: Allis Snap Coupler*

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: live
Rear RPM: 538

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 82 inches [208 cm]
Weight: 2835 to 5045 pounds
Front tire: 5.00-15
Rear tire: 10-24


CA Serial Numbers:
Location: On top of transmission, by shift lever
1950: 14
1951: 322
1952: 10539
1953: 22181
1954: 31424
1955: 32907
1956: 37203
1957: 38618
1958: 38977
Final: 39513

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
Steering: manual
Brakes: differential mechanical contracting band
Cab: Open operator station

Hydraulics:
Capacity: 2 gal [7.6 L]
Pressure: 3200 psi [220.6 bar]

Belt Pulley:
Diameter: 8 inches [20 cm]
Width: 5.5 inches [13 cm]
RPM: 1220
Speed: 2555 ft/min [778.76 meters/min]

Page information:
Last update: January 29, 2016
Copyright: Copyright 2016 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[jeff9366]

I have 40 wooded acres.

I need a tractor I can work on and repair myself.

I want open station, hst, 4x4, will have backhoe, loader lift 2,000 pounds or more. I want a tractor that I will keep for 30 years. I don't want $ to be a big issue in the decision, but it always is.

I have very heavy/rocky soil. Chores will include- fire wood, move logs to staging area, plow snow, build roads/trails, food plots, misc. landscaping.

Kubota has about 49% market share in compact tractors. Deere has about 19% market share in compact tractors.
Kubota and Deere will be around in thirty years. Some tractor brands with avid supporters on T-B-N have 2% market share or less. Absolutely nothing wrong with this avidity, T-B-N is an enthusiast's site, but be aware.

Your spec for minimum one ton FEL lift skews choices available to heaviest tractors with HST.

VIDEO KUBOTA MX SERIES: Kubota MX series walk around and features by Messicks. | MX48 MX52 MX58 - YouTube

Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube

 

[radios1]

I would look for a Case or Deere (or Cat) construction tractor with backhoe, used, with a few thousand hours on the clock, for about half of the price new. Maybe have a dealer put into shape for you, or buy it from a dealer. Better to be a bit over-powered than under-powered. Should last the rest of your life.

there you go, I never understood people's fascination with imports.. they'd never stand up to any of these..

 

[MESSMAKER]

You said a 40hp unit. Might want to step up to 50-55hp. Might not be that much more and you will have all the capability you need. The only reason i would go smaller is if you plan on moving it from place to place a lot.