Buying Advice Looking to purchase, need as much advice as possible.

[KYCowman]

I'm looking to purchase a new cab tractor with a minimum of 120hp for cattle operation. Primary uses with be cutting, rolling and feeding hay. I'm not interested in any particular make but I want to ensure it has everything I need. I've looked at the 120hp Case for $74K but it seemed cheaply made within the cab for that price. I've also found many critics of Kubota and its lighter weight but also know the JD can cost quite a bit more..... This may be the one and only new tractor I ever purchase new so I want to get it right. Open to all insight and opinions that you guys can provide. Thanks.

 

[ovrszd]

Welcome to TBN.

Friend of mine has two Kubotas for his cattle operation. He really likes them.

Another friend has two CaseIH for his cattle operation. He really likes them.

I think it's absolutely personal preference. I'd try to get as much cab time in each brand as I could to make the choice more likely to be the right choice. Might even look for a used model in your preferred size to do a couple day demo with??

 

[johncanfield]

Have a look around at other hay operations, my guess is you will see mostly green equipment. Dealer support is a very critical component for money making equipment. Good equipment & good dealer = winner, you get the idea.

 

[Roadworthy]

Find the tractor that serves your needs but be sure the dealer can support that equipment.

 

[Jchonline]

Kubota has not been in the large HP hay market for very long. For this reason I would probably go with another known brand with a good history, as well as a good dealer.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I am not into haying, but the guy who cuts our pasture for hay doesn't use anything like a 120 HP tractor. I think his Kubota is only around 65-70 HP.
I am curious as to why you think you need 120HP to run a cattle operation and do haying. With today's 4 WD tractors, a 70 HP will do as much as a 100 HP with 2WD and it certainly doesn't require 120 HP to run a baler.

 

[ovrszd]

I am not into haying, but the guy who cuts our pasture for hay doesn't use anything like a 120 HP tractor. I think his Kubota is only around 65-70 HP.
I am curious as to why you think you need 120HP to run a cattle operation and do haying. With today's 4 WD tractors, a 70 HP will do as much as a 100 HP with 2WD and it certainly doesn't require 120 HP to run a baler.

Around here everyone uses at least 100HP, more common to see 125HP. In hill ground it takes more HP than one would think to wrap a 1500lb bale plus drag it around while doing so. If the hay is compacting good it's possible for them to approach 2000lbs.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I'm looking to purchase a new cab tractor with a minimum of 120hp for cattle operation. Primary uses with be cutting, rolling and feeding hay. I'm not interested in any particular make but I want to ensure it has everything I need. I've looked at the 120hp Case for $74K but it seemed cheaply made within the cab for that price. I've also found many critics of Kubota and its lighter weight but also know the JD can cost quite a bit more..... This may be the one and only new tractor I ever purchase new so I want to get it right. Open to all insight and opinions that you guys can provide. Thanks.

I've only owned Kubota's and for me, they have been bulletproof. I had and 80's Kubota 4500 DT that would pull out cement trucks when they got stuck on my property
As I read a lot on the net seems guys with JD are always fixing them.
As to Kubota being "light" just add weights.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Kubota has not been in the large HP hay market for very long. For this reason I would probably go with another known brand with a good history, as well as a good dealer.

So the Kubota M8 @ 210 HP you're saying is NOT for haying?

 

[RedNeckRacin]

So the Kubota M8 @ 210 HP you're saying is NOT for haying?

He's saying it doesn't have a known track record like the other large tractor manufacturer's. I.E. Ones who make bigger than 200hp machines for more than a few years.