When I started looking at new compacts with a hydro trans, I expected to find that tractors are tractors. I didn't expect to find a lot of difference between them other than the color of the paint. Boy, was I wrong.
Branson - Had never seen or heard of this brand before until I joined this forum. Googled for a dealer that was close enough to go see them. Turned out to be an OLD farm store that's still operated by the same people who opened it probably 60 years ago. Only a few tractors on the lot. Parts and service in the future would be questionable. Nobody here knows anything about them, so resale would be non existant.
Kioti - Lots of reviews online of leaks and random issues with these. Dealer here doesn't like to take trades or do any dealing on a new tractor. In order to get an independent PTO you have to go to the SE model which is a $2k upcharge. Brake pedal is on the same side as hydro directional pedals which I hate. Makes work in sketchy areas more dangerous. Brake is a single pedal, no independent control. Cruise control only standard on the SE models. Some reviews show that the tires are garbage and dry rot quickly. Unsure about parts/service support in the future.
Mahindra - Uses a treadle pedal on most models which I HATE. Also no cruise control. Also over priced. Bad reviews online regarding parts and service availability. Emissions models use a DOC which needs the engine to run hotter 100% of the time, which means higher fuel consumption.
Massey Ferguson - Uses a treadle on a lot of models. Automatic NO for me. Lacking a few features compared to other brands. Otherwise a decent offering, but, dealer network around here is sparse.
John Deere - Two choices here: bare bones tractor with almost NO features for the same money as the competitors, OR, an equally equipped tractor for a FAR higher price tag. I found that only the "R" series has a decent build quality and feature set, and that the "R" on the hood automatically tacks on several thousand dollars. On the standard "D" and "E" series, the clutch engagement is the worst in the industry on the gear transmissions, and the hydros don't have cruise control. Gear case is aluminum. Tractor weight is too light. Tires are smaller. 2 range instead of 3 range. Proprietary loader attachment means you must use only Deere attachments. Loader does not quick park like other brands for the same money. Several bad reviews online regarding quality issues and warranty repairs. Lowest loader capacity in the segment. Lowest 3-point hitch lift capacity in the segment. Mid PTO not offered on most models. The Yanmar engines are loud as ****. The hydro trans whines like a stuck pig. I'd have to wear hearing protection to use a 3025E for a day. Are these people kidding?
Kubota - Treadle pedals on everything. Automatic NO. Also, tractors look like they're from a 1980s 3rd world country. Prices are INSANE. Reviews online show these to have the worst issues with emissions equipment among the brands. These people must be kidding.
So in the end, that's how I ended up with New Holland again. Independent brake pedals, brakes on the side where they belong, twin hydro controls, cruise, rear remotes, quick park loader, skid steer bucket, cast iron driveline and castings, mid-pto, bucket level indicator, larger tires, brush guard, excellent dealer network for parts and service, one of the highest loader lift capacity ratings in the class, one of the highest hydraulic flow volumes in the class, one of the highest 3-point lift capacities in the class, the whole nine yards. And for the same money. It was like if I could take all of the things I liked about the other brands and blend them together on one tractor, it would be a New Holland Workmaster. So I went round and round a lot and always settled back on the blue brand.
