Buying Advice Advice much appreciated!

sheepfarmer1 · Oct 15, 2020

So we just bought a farm and now need to buy a tractor. All we need it for is pushing snow around, moving round bales and running a brush hog. To avoid undersizing myself I figured a 45HP with loader, 4x4 and at least 1 set of rear remotes to cover all eventualities. We will hire out all haying etc.

Kubotas are popular around here and I was looking at what is available for used and realized that they are about the same as new.

So I go to the dealer in town and they show me an MX5400HST for $34k and an MX5400DT for $32k. I've driven a heap of tractors and don't really care either way but it seems like there is less to go wrong with the DT? Anyway, they both seem fine. I notice they have a couple of NH Workmaster tractors and so ask about them. The salesman just says "those are lease return, you should buy new". I have to pry the information out of him but find out they are a 2017 Workmaster 60 with 300 hours for $29k and a 2019 Workmaster 70 with 218 hours for $32k. Both have the balance of the factory warranties remaining.

Both NH tractors are more HP than I think I need but I don't see that as being a problem. They both have some warranty left on them. Only wild card is that they are used but it seems to me that I would be ahead to buy NH rather than the Kubota.

I had to drag the information out of the salesman - is that because he won't get any commission on the used but will on the new?

Am I missing something with the NH tractors?

The only thing I'm looking for is a reliable tractor that does what I need it to do. I have no opinion on make or model and I don't need or want any fancy options. I can change filters if I have to but that is the extent of my mechanical abilities. I've looked on craigslist etc but haven't found anything that I think will work and at least with a dealer I figure I can go track them down if something goes wrong down the line.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks

hks003 · Oct 15, 2020

I have an LS G3038, which is essentially a workmaster 40 with a different loader. They're solid tractors, but bare bones.

I don't know much about the MX kubota line, but do they have remotes? Third function? Loader level indication? Cup holders? How much of that do you have to have? Would like but don't need? Could do without? Do the New Hollands have the "can't do without" features at a minimum?

When I bought mine, I saw a lot of people griping about no cup holders on their tractor. I looked at that and said I'll be working, why do I need a cup holder?! Well, now that I'm using it to prepare a house site and am on it for several hours at a time, a cup holder for coffee on Saturday mornings and water in the afternoon would be kinda nice.

All that to say, don't get hung up comparing strictly HP and price, what other features does one have the other might not?

All amenities and features equal, I wouldn't be scared of the New Holland, they've been doing it a long time. But don't save $3k now and have to spend it later adding remotes and third functions or something.

kawakx125 · Oct 15, 2020

Do you have a Kioti dealer near you?

Cat_Driver · Oct 15, 2020

Two things no man should ever say......are more HP than I think I need , and .....I hve too much money

texas42 · Oct 15, 2020

you stated "The only thing I'm looking for is a reliable tractor that does what I need it to do. I have no opinion on make or model and I don't need or want any fancy options. I can change filters if I have to but that is the extent of my mechanical abilities. I've looked on craigslist etc but haven't found anything that I think will work and at least with a dealer I figure I can go track them down if something goes wrong down the line."
Will the dealer service/repair the NH if something goes wrong?

TxMN · Oct 15, 2020

I just bought the MX5400, I live in PP, out by Ray Rob, my 3rd Kubota over last 10 years, was determined to get a little more than I needed, the 5400 is heavy, HST was my preferred option, Industrial tires. I am using all 6 ft implements. Have a lot of mowing to do, it handles it well.
I have only used Denton Kubota dealership, always given me good service and fair price, I never priced another brand, everyone I know all say Kubota is best engineered and most durable.

Qapla · Oct 15, 2020

We have two New Hollands - one of them is a Workmaster gear tractor and the other is a TC40D HST with a FEL and backhoe

They both work fine and have had relatively few problems. The TC40D was used when we got it and had been worked hard and left to sit so we had some issues from the beginning but we worked them out and have not had that many problems since.

The Workmaster was new and has been mostly trouble free.

Are the other tractors you are looking at gear or HST?

I prefer the HST since I mostly do FEL and backhoe work with it. For me, the pedal controls on the NH are much easier to use than the one on the Kubota. That is me because I prefer the double pedals of the NH to the rocker pedal of the Kubota. This is another thing you need to consider. Drive all the ones you are looking at and make sure the controls are comfortable FOR YOU.

oosik · Oct 15, 2020

I've had my M6040 for eleven years. Never once had to have any work done to it. I do my own service. It's not hard - just takes a little time and the proper supplies.

I've had two tractors. Both are/were geared. Never found any need for HST nor anything other than geared.

With the grapple, RimGuard loaded rear tires and rear blade it weighs - 10,100#.

Superb traction and more than enough power.

fruitcakesa · Oct 15, 2020

oosik said:
I've had my M6040 for eleven years. Never once had to have any work done to it. I do my own service. It's not hard - just takes a little time and the proper supplies.

I've had two tractors. Both are/were geared. Never found any need for HST nor anything other than geared.

With the grapple, RimGuard loaded rear tires and rear blade it weighs - 10,100#.

Superb traction and more than enough power.

I have to second that with my cabbed M. With bucket, loaded tires and ballast its about the same weight. Geared Hydro shuttle
Only had it 3 years but it has always been strong and super reliable with no traction problems.

pmhowe · Oct 15, 2020

Sheepfarmer1
I was looking for a tractor back in 2012. I looked at John Deere, which was my first choice. The dealer didn't have time to talk to me. He pointed to the models on the showroom floor, and I was left to choose. I left, and didn't choose. I went to the Kubota/New Holland dealer. The had lots of Kubota tractors on the lot, no New Holland tractors of the size that interested me (less than 40HP). I asked why, and they said that they didn't sell many New Hollands. I bought a Kubota and was very happy with it. However, I have always wondered why I didn't have a good offering of New Hollands. My conclusion, after talking with others, is the dealer makes more off the sale of a Kubota. Just my guess.

I am currently looking for another tractor - I moved and had to sell the Kubota L4240. Now I want something much smaller. The New Holland is an option. Since it apparently is made by Kioti, Kioti is an option, also. The few dealers I have explored so far tend to carry Kubota and New Holland, and push Kubota.
Phil