Comparison Replace 1956 MF TO 35 with compact

[Nickak8]

I own a ‘56 MF TO 35 with a loader and am considering a newer (preferably used due to cost) compact tractor. The loader for it is way too large and no amount of ballast fixes that, no power steering, no 4x4, and feel like it’s a ticking time bomb before more stuff breaks. I have 6.5 acres of property in Michigan with a mix of yard, field, and woods. I use a 5’ brush hog for paths in field and woods, 5’ box blade for grading gravel driveway and landscape projects, and loader for snow removal, landscaping, downed trees, large rocks, etc.

I’m open to different brands. I think around the 30-35 hp mark is what I want/need but feel free to debate that. I have looked at sub compacts but don’t think they could handle my 5’ brush hog and box blade well plus limited loader power and ground clearance. I’m also think going over 40hp is overkill in terms of power and size and the prices rise quick.

What I’m looking for help on is what would be a good replacement tractor for what I currently have. I would like something that: will handle current implements, is 4wd, cat 1 w/540 pto, loader, is reliable and will last a long time without issues, at the lowest price point possible. I am not loyal to any brands, I don’t care about fancy features, comfy seats, cabs, etc. I also do all of my own maintenance so something I can maintain. I have found JD, Massey Ferguson, Branson, and New Holland dealers near me. I sat on a MF 1735e that seemed nice and the area is flooded with used JDs. Can you guys recommend brands/models that you think would fit my needs?

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[searcyfarms]

the large rocks and downed trees are the only obstacle i see for you regarding size/weight - you are going to be up over 4000 lbs with your unit including loader so consider that when looking at the 30+hp units

3515R - Branson Tractors is around 3000lbs and add the loader you are up around 3500 i would guess but looking for used items might be difficult for Compact tractors in that brand just due to the amount of them around vs a JD/NH or MF.

3 series deere are going to be a lil on the lighter side so you might want to look at a 4 series

Massey.......1735E sounds like a good fit for power/weight if you can find one of those I havent heard any horror stories on those personally but id do some digging just in case.

N/H would be harder to find also just due quantity used - something like the boomer 33 or 37 is the current model you could go with a workmaster but they are a shuttle not a hydro trannie

here is a nice kubota - Kubota L354HSTC 4WD 37HP Tractor, Cab/Air/Heat, Loader, SSQA Bucket - farm & garden - by dealer - sale

so lots of options!!!!

 

[Nickak8]

searcyfarms - thanks a lot for the quick, detailed response. Branson looks nice but like you said read it’s hard to find parts/service. I also noticed the JDs seem to be light in the 30hp range. The 4 series get pricey quick. I really like the Massey but only new around here, don’t see any used. I’ll keep an eye out. Also I don’t mind and would actually prefer a shuttle instead of hydro tranny. That Kubota is super nice but don’t really need a cab and a bit out of price range.

I plan to hit the 3 dealers here soon and see what they have new and used.

Thanks again for info.

- Nick

 

[mcfarmall]

Ausra Equipment in Dowagiac is a Branson dealer...right down the road from you.

 

[Nickak8]

mcfarmall - thanks, I saw that. What are your thoughts on Branson tractors?

 

[jeff9366]

Nickak8

I have 6.5 acres of property in Michigan with a mix of yard, field, and woods.
I use a 5 brush hog for paths in field and woods, 5 box blade for grading gravel driveway and landscape projects, and loader for snow removal, landscaping, downed trees, large rocks, etc.

A Kubota L2501 should nearly meet your requirements. It is is one of Kubota's largest volume current models and many are available used.
An L2501 is simple mechanically. L2501 will be one increment smaller/lighter than your TO35.
Bare weight of L2501 is 2,700 pounds.
Ferguson TO35 is about 3,500 pounds, bare tractor weight.

I'm open to different brands. I think around the 30-35 hp mark is what I want/need but feel free to debate that.

Due to the requirement that new tractors over 25-horsepower meet stringent Tier IV emission rules, which requires two stages of emission upgrades over older models, new tractors jump from 25-horsepower to about 33-horsepower with very few, if any, new tractors around 30-horsepower.

What I'm looking for is a good replacement tractor for what I have. I would like something that: will handle current implements, is 4wd, cat 1 w/540 pto, loader, is reliable and will last a long time without issues, at the lowest price point possible.

I am not loyal to any brands. I do all my own maintenance so something I can maintain. I have found JD, Massey Ferguson, Branson, and New Holland dealers near me.

SEARCYFARMS made a very high quality recommendation to you, but you dismissed it in your lack of product knowledge.

Kubota L354HSTC 4WD 37HP Tractor, Cab/Air/Heat, Loader, SSQA Bucket - farm & garden - by dealer - sale

This Kubota L3540 was the last mid-30-hp Kubota produced before Tier IV emission controls became mandatory. You should give this 3,600 pound bare weight tractor consideration. It is a gooood price for that model. Difficult to find deluxe model tractors that are simple. This is an example of deluxe + simple. It will handle all your 60" implements with ease.

I don't care about fancy features, comfy seats, cabs, etc.

You will.

VIDEO: Kubota L354 - YouTube

I have the successor model, a Kubota L3560. Tractor nirvana.

Can you guys recommend brands/models that you think would fit my needs?

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to identify potential tractor applications first, then determine bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications.

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise.

Most tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres.

Ferguson TO35 is about 3,500 pounds, bare tractor weight.





Kubota L3540

2007 - 2013 L40 Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: Kubota L3430
Next model: Kubota L3560
Series next: Kubota L3940
Series back: Kubota L3240

Manufacturer: Kubota
Original price (USD): $21,157 (2011)

Variants:
L3540GST: gear
L3540HST: hydro
L3540HSTC: hydro cab

Kubota L3540 Engine:
Kubota 1.8L 3-cyl diesel

Kubota L3540 Power:
Engine (gross): 37 hp [27.6 kW]
Engine (net): 35 hp [26.1 kW]
Gear PTO (claimed): 29.5 hp [22.0 kW]
Hydro PTO (claimed): 28 hp [20.9 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 11.6 gal [43.9 L]
Hydraulic system: 11.1 gal [42.0 L]
Front axle: 6.9 qts [6.5 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Rear lift (at ends): 3,750 lbs [1701 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 2.650 lbs [1 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540
Engine RPM: 540@2550
Mid PTO: semi-independent (optional)
Mid RPM: 2000

Dimensions:
Weight: 3,296 lbs [1495 kg] (GST)
3,395 lbs [1539 kg] (HST) 3,748 (HSTC)

Wheelbase: 71.1 inches [180 cm]
Length: 115 inches [292 cm]
Width: 59.8 inches [151 cm]
Height: 90.7 inches [230 cm]
Ground clearance: 14 inches [35 cm]
4WD turn radius: 8.9 feet [2.7 m]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Differential lock: standard
Steering: hydrostatic power steering
Brakes: mechanical wet disc
Cab: Two-post ROPS. Grand CAB on L3540HSTC.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 11.1 gal [42.0 L]
Valves: 2 to 3
Pump flow: 8.3 gpm [31.4 lpm]
Total flow: 13.2 gpm [50.0 lpm]
Steering flow: 4.9 gpm [18.5 lpm]

Electrical:
Ground: negative
Charging amps: 40
55 (cab)

Battery:
Number: 1
Cold-cranking amps: 582
Volts: 12

Page information:
Last update: November 21, 2014
Copyright: Copyright 2016 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[rScotty]

I own a ?6 MF TO 35 with a loader and am considering a newer (preferably used due to cost) compact tractor. The loader for it is way too large and no amount of ballast fixes that, no power steering, no 4x4, and feel like it痴 a ticking time bomb before more stuff breaks. I have 6.5 acres of property in Michigan with a mix of yard, field, and woods. I use a 5 brush hog for paths in field and woods, 5 box blade for grading gravel driveway and landscape projects, and loader for snow removal, landscaping, downed trees, large rocks, etc.

I知 open to different brands. I think around the 30-35 hp mark is what I want/need but feel free to debate that. I have looked at sub compacts but don稚 think they could handle my 5 brush hog and box blade well plus limited loader power and ground clearance. I知 also think going over 40hp is overkill in terms of power and size and the prices rise quick.

What I知 looking for help on is what would be a good replacement tractor for what I currently have. I would like something that: will handle current implements, is 4wd, cat 1 w/540 pto, loader, is reliable and will last a long time without issues, at the lowest price point possible. I am not loyal to any brands, I don稚 care about fancy features, comfy seats, cabs, etc. I also do all of my own maintenance so something I can maintain. I have found JD, Massey Ferguson, Branson, and New Holland dealers near me. I sat on a MF 1735e that seemed nice and the area is flooded with used JDs. Can you guys recommend brands/models that you think would fit my needs?

Thanks in advance,
NickView attachment 612676

That's a real nice old MF tractor. I was around when they were the go-to utility tractor. But like you say, too heavy on the front end, no PS, no 4x4, and at the end of the day you feel almost as tired as if you had done half the work by hand.

All the brands sound good. If you like Massey, no reason that I know of not to go with them. A few years ago - a decade or so - either NH made an updated copy of the old Ford/Massey utility tractors called a Boomer. Old stying but with all the modern stuff you are missing. Partly styling, partly update. The model was called a "Boomer". They are a beautiful machine with a good rep, weight, 4x4, PS and all the stuff you want.....and being 10 to 15 years old now they ought to be right in your price range. Why not look for a good used one of those with low hours? You could do worse. I almost bought one myself.

We replaced our old utility tractor with a real cadillac - the Kubota M59. I wouldn't recommend that you go there....too expensive. But I did learn a few things. All of the modern utility tractors are going to weigh less - maybe half as much as the Massey. And they make up for some of that loss of weight in HP. So if it were me, I'd probably be looking in the 40 to 45 hp range, get an SSQA on the loader.... you may find something with cat. I/II 3pt. Get position control on the 3pt and draft control if available.
Lots of implements use hydraulics these days, so an accessory hydraulic outlet on the FEL and also somewhere behind may well come in handy. They can be added later but cost more.

Modern tractors being light & high HP are also noticibly less stable than the older ones. Don't expect that you can widen the rear stance much and not at all on 4x4 front. I find that using R4 industrial tread tires helps a lot with stability and is nicer when I go across an area I don't want to beat up. All the brands offer that kind of tire as an option now.
I don't load the tires with liquid...but that's a personal choice.
good luck,
rScotty

 

[Nickak8]

jeff9366 - thanks for the detailed reply. I did not intent to come off as dismissive towards the L354, just above my price range and not looking for a cab. Good points on weight and emissions, did not know that. Does seem hard to find something under 40 hp with similar weight to what I have now.

I found a L2501 on CL based on your comment. What are your thoughts on hours/price? What’s considered low hours/yr?

Great Mower Mowers Mahindra UTV Kubota Tractor Echo Wood Chipper - farm & garden - by dealer - sale

 

[jeff9366]

L2501 starts as an economy tractor. The list of potential options is long. "Mowing" tractor usually indicate 2-WD. I could not give you an opinion on price without knowing exactly what options tractor has.

Check out L2501 options for yourself:
https://apps.kubotausa.com/configurator/BuildMyKubota.aspx?pgId=1&bmId=1060&sId=125

L2501 will spin a 60" light or medium duty Rotary Cutter through moderate length grass. There is only so much 25-horsepower can do.
L2501 should be enough for your other applications if you do not rush, thereby straining the tractor.

VIDEO: Kubota L251 - YouTube




Tier IV emission standards require tractor manufacturers to add or revise pollution reduction technology on new tractors generating over 19 kW power = 25.4794 horsepower.

Stricter Tier IV off-road diesel engine emission reduction standards phased in on dealer tractor inventory during 2009, impacting tractor prices. To meet Tier IV requirements tractor suppliers had to add a secondary emission processing device called a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) monitored by a rudimentary computer circuit.

Most manufactures can meet Tier IV requirements without a Diesel Particulate Fillter up to about 27 horsepower via engine design and injection timing.

DPF is used by the majority of tractor manufactures for more powerful tractors, but not all.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures exhaust particulates (soot) in a ceramic matrix. When tractor engine runs sufficiently hot, accumulated particulates burn off periodically without operator intervention. If engine is not run continuously hot long enough to burn off particulates, diesel soot accumulates in the matrix. Once heavy soot accumulates in DPF the tractor forces soot clearance with the tractor parked and throttle open to about 2,200 rpm for about sixteen minutes, which makes the DPF REALLY HOT to burn off all accumulated soot. Burning off accumulated soot, either during operation or parked is called REGENERATION.

Regeneration is an infrequent DPF event with my Kubota L3560 three cylinder engine.
Generally once every sixty engine hours. (Very consistent in Florida due to warm weather.)
The average residential compact tractor operates eighty engine hours per year, according to industry surveys. Therefore most compact tractors will only require regeneration once or twice per year.

3,000 hours DPF Life / 80 hours = 37.5 years of residential use prior to DPF replacement.

Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.
At some point in time DPF needs to be replaced.
At some point in time tractors with mufflers need the muffler replaced.

 

[jeff9366]

The next heavier Kubota economy tractors are the MX series, which have been around a long time.
MX series are 3,700 pounds bare tractor weight. Lots of MX series Kubotas out there used.

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

KUBOTA: https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/mx5800.pdf?sfvrsn=1c71be0c_4


Here are previously owned tractors around zip code 49067 for sale on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...lc=1&_salic=1&_sop=7&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&_fosrp=1


KUBOTA MX TRACTORS ON EBAY:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=KUBOTA+MX&_sacat=91953

 

[CADplans]

After I bought my JD 4105, I was looking at tractordata.com, and noticed that the JD 4105 is virtually a physical clone of the Ford 8N and the TO35,,
(wheelbase, width, tire sizes,,, etc,,,)
I have always wondered if the designers of the 4105 copied the two older tractors??
Yes, the 4105 has some modern conveniences,, but, that is really what you want,, right??

I now know why that size tractor was so popular,, my 4105 is a "Do-It-All" sized machine.

Maybe looking at tractordata.com will help you find the right machine,, not to big, not too small,,, just right,,,!! :thumbsup:

 

[searcyfarms]

so are you ready to draw straws or flip coins yet for that tractor lol, you have options and there is that 4 series i was talking about and i am like jeff in that i dont think you would be happy with a lighter or less powered tractor than what you have been used to.

Most all are going to be hydro unless you looks specifically for something that is not - they are a 3 speed hydro i believe on the deere when u jump to that size same for the kubota in that size anyway, my favorite thing on my 2038R is the bucket joystick its awesome!!!! between that and the cruise control and deck lift its a no brainer for my daughter and wife.

These newer tractors are very user friendly

Enjoy your search, sorry i cant help much on the branson we dont have a dealer close in my area - take your time and drive it and sit in the seat and feel the levers and seat position and controls, they are different especially with the dual pedals for hydros vs teeter totter type on the kubota, some like different styles of controls and if you are a tall fella u might need some extra leg room etc....

 

[rScotty]

jeff9366 - thanks for the detailed reply. I did not intent to come off as dismissive towards the L354, just above my price range and not looking for a cab. Good points on weight and emissions, did not know that. Does seem hard to find something under 40 hp with similar weight to what I have now.

I found a L2501 on CL based on your comment. What are your thoughts on hours/price? What痴 considered low hours/yr?

I'll be curious to hear what you decide to get and why. And if the discussion here on TBN has helped you to form any opinions.

About your question on what makes for low hours and years. First off, you'll normally hear hours expressed as total hours rather than hours per year. That's probably because the years don't matter much if a tractor is kept inside or at least under a shed or ventilated tarp. If it just sits outside in the weather and is more than a couple years old I'd be careful. New tractors don't sit outside with the same impunity that older tractors did. So years don't matter as much as the total hours used. And HOW it was used matters more than hours or years.

But to give you a ballpark answer.....with some sort of cover and decent maintenance - not necessarily "by the book"...but decent upkeep, I'd say that for 4x4 compact or utility tractors anything under 500 hours would qualify in my opinion as low hours. Then from 500 to 2000 hours would be medium hours, and anything over 3000 hours would be higher hours. Again, all of those numbers are for compact tractors made in the last 20 years.

I have personally bought tractors with many more hours. In fact we have two now that had over 5000 hrs. when bought. IMHO, after about 3000 hours everything depends on how they were used and maintained. That's because it isn't really hours so much as the type of use, maintainance, upkeep, and storage that age a tractor. I should also make the point that I understand & enjoy mechanical things and enjoy doing my own light mechanical work.....especially on well-maintained older machines.

There are plenty of older tractors available in fine condition. Now that people don't do so much of their own mechanical work, there are very good values to be had in used equipment. I wonder if a lot of tractors are getting passed along between owners without ever seeing a dealer?I don't see good used older machines at the dealers very often.
rScotty

 

[cathy liebchen]

Time to retire the 60 year old machine. There have been a lot if improvements since then.

For 6.5 acres you don't need a real big heavy tractor. People here will always recommend bigger and lots of add ons that run the price up accordingly

In Michigan a cab seems like it would be a must have, so Jeff's suggestion of a Grand L is perfect, if pricey for your budget.

If you want open station unit a Kubota L01 is perfect for your needs- we have an L3901 and it is a beast in a small size.

We just bought an old strip mine property (100 acres) and got an MX5800 for it and another tract nearby

There is a reason there are tons of late model JD for sale- Kubota not so much.

 

[Nickak8]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm looking for my newer tractor armed with more info thanks to you guys.

There are a bunch of used 3 series JDs and I really want to like them but the more i compare specs the weight of the tractor and loader capacity seems a little lacking. The price of them is pretty high to not get a bigger tractor.

I found a L2501 used in good shape and within my price range. It is a little light on PTO HP to spin my 5' brush hog. The size is in line with the 3 series of JD but a little heavier. Do like that it has a shuttle trans instead of hydro. Again a little bit smaller.

I talked to the Branson dealer near me and he sold a used 3015R i was interested in. He said he has a new 2018 model 3515R he would do a cash price of 18500. With financing he said would have to add the loader cost and be another 3500. I can come up with the cash but want your guys input. It is right around 3000lbs and 35HP. The PTO HP online says 22, seems low for a 35HP tractor with shuttle trans? It has a size up in tires from the L2501 and JD 3 series. I like the sounds of it and the price can't be beat for a new tractor, but how about reliability? I did ask him about parts availability and he admitted its not as quick as say a JD or Kubota but in his opinion (from a sales guy) reasonable. Whatever that means. Let me know your thoughts.

- Nick

 

[searcyfarms]

i have no experience with them but havent heard any horror stories with them either, that does sound odd for a 35 to be down that much at the pto - im showing 28pto hp on the 3015 and 30pto hp for the 3515 on their website so i think that is more accurate

cant offer anything on the branson parts either, since your not making a living with it that might be a bit of a trade off for less $$, do you plan on keeping it for the rest of your life or trading it and or selling and desire resale $$

if those are out then seems like a good option

 

[rScotty]

I talked to the Branson dealer near me and he sold a used 3015R i was interested in. He said he has a new 2018 model 3515R he would do a cash price of 18500. With financing he said would have to add the loader cost and be another 3500. I can come up with the cash but want your guys input. It is right around 3000lbs and 35HP. The PTO HP online says 22, seems low for a 35HP tractor with shuttle trans? It has a size up in tires from the L2501 and JD 3 series. I like the sounds of it and the price can't be beat for a new tractor, but how about reliability? I did ask him about parts availability and he admitted its not as quick as say a JD or Kubota but in his opinion (from a sales guy) reasonable. Whatever that means. Let me know your thoughts.
- Nick

I know that the price of a new tractor can be a big shock and start you immediately looking for alternatives. But when you look at other dealerships ask yourself which ones look like they are tractor dealers and which ones look like general stores also selling tractors.... Admittedly that doesn't tell you a thing about the merits of the different tractors, but it does have some bearing on getting parts, service, and how their whole service side works for you
.
For a lot of people I'd say that since this is their first new tractor in a long time or maybe forever, they should stay with a major brand until they know a bit more about tractors in general. But since you have enough experience and like to do some of your own wrenching that doesn't apply so much to you. If you are not going with one of the major brands, it might make sense so stay basic on the tractor. Go with the tried and true. That means manual tranny or shuttle shift rather than HST.

Check out their service manual and parts manual - that will tell you a huge amount about the company and where they put their values.

For the engine, you want the old style mechanical fuel pump with separate injection instead of a common rail system. Hopefully no emissions control or minimal & easy to get to, and minimal computer control or none at all. Brakes should be self-serviceable.

At least ask about the the availability of common service items like water pumps, gasket sets, and U-joints. Those kinds of things are surprisingly available for the old TO35, but check on newer machines.
luck, rScotty

 

[Nickak8]

Alright guys I've done a lot of looking a got my excel sheet going. What I've found is that I really have 3 options: 1) Used major brand in the size I want, 2) New off brand in the size I want, 3) New major brand that is smaller than I want. Think i've eliminated #3.

Here are the two machines i have my eye one now.

1) Kubota L3540 HST - 2011 - $16,900 - 975 hours
Link: 211 Kubota L354HST for sale in Byron Center, MI. Byron Center Byron Center, MI (616) 877-

2) Branson 3515R - 2018 - $17,900 - New
Link: New 218 Branson 3515R 35hp Shuttle Shift Tractor w/Loader - farm & garden - by owner - sale

These two tractors are pretty much identical in price and size/power. So, do I go with a major brand that I know will have parts available but has almost 1,000 hours and who knows how its been maintained/treated? How soon will stuff start breaking? Or do I go with brand new tractor in off brand? I mean it would be really cool to have a new tractor and do all the maintenance to really make it last. My fear is when something does go out how do i find parts? I tried googling Branson Tractor Parts and I can't find much of anything. If i do the same for Kubota i can find them no problem. On the flip size I probably only use my tractor 2 hours a week. That is almost 10 years of hours on the Kubota. Also, the Branson has free delivery, not sure on Kubota.

Thoughts?

 

[rScotty]

What was #3 again??

 

[searcyfarms]

have you flipped a coin yet? i find plenty of info on branson.com - they are owned by the same parent CO as TYM tractors - great WTY, better than Deere not sure what kubota offers - 2 yr bumper to bumper and 6 on engine/trannie on the branson is nothing to sneeze at, not knowing on the used one that is Out of WTY is a tough one.

1000 hours are not a lot overall but know what was done in that 1000 hours is another thing. All of the used equipment I have purchased from tractors/to SS i have talked to the previous owners - my dealers all provided the info as it was a requirement for the sale - did i end up buying them all NO, but the ones i did buy i was glad i made it a requirement and got to talk to the previous owners.

you might hear the kubota loyals say id rather own a 50 y/o kubota than a brand new whatever the make - so all in all you are paying 1000 bucks for a 6 yr wty and new vs possible repairs and older, that kubota will hold its value better but if you plan to keep the branson till u die its a moot point on the kubota

if you dont like/dont prefer/dont want the hydro - thats a given to go with what you want vs kicking yourself for not

have you sat on both and driven them and felt the seat/loader position/pedals/steering/controls for lifts, view of the hitch, sound, ride position, comfort, im serious, does it feel good and fit you? if not no amount of years will overcome that every time you get on.