Kubota or mahindra

[4570Man]

Nope not bad at all.
Given other things equal, I will always prefer more weight over less, because maybe you don’t know this, but weight is traction. Weight in the proper place is also stability with something like a raised loader.
Tractors are built for traction and stability.
I see 1-2 threads literally every week about traction and/or stability.

I think weight and HP, outside of build quality, are probably 2 of the most important considerations in a tractor purchase.

I understand weight is important. But comparing a tractor that weighs 3000 pounds and is 40 hp against a different manufacturer tractor that’s 4000 pounds and 40 hp is a stupid comparison. You wouldn’t compare a Ford F150 against a Chevy 2500 because they’re the same HP would you?

 

[Hay Dude]

I understand weight is important. But comparing a tractor that weighs 3000 pounds and is 40 hp against a different manufacturer tractor that’s 4000 pounds and 40 hp is a stupid comparison. You wouldn’t compare a Ford F150 against a Chevy 2500 because they’re the same HP would you?

I don’t think it’s a question of “stupid” to compare them. If one company builds a tractor that’s 40HP and 3,000lbs and another company builds similar frame size tractor that’s 40HP and 4,000lbs and all other things are pretty much equal, then I’d say the tractor company giving you the 4,000lb tractor is giving you more traction and with the 1000lbs properly placed, more stability.

I’ll take the traction, the stability, and probably another thing I didn’t mention, probably greater strength and durability.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Be it as it may, with all things considered, at the end of this discussion I'll buy the Kubota every time.

 

[4570Man]

I don’t think it’s a question of “stupid” to compare them. If one company builds a tractor that’s 40HP and 3,000lbs and another company builds similar frame size tractor that’s 40HP and 4,000lbs and all other things are pretty much equal, then I’d say the tractor company giving you the 4,000lb tractor is giving you more traction and with the 1000lbs properly placed, more stability.

I’ll take the traction, the stability, and probably another thing I didn’t mention, probably greater strength and durability.

Admittedly I haven’t done a ton of comparing to the Mahindra lineup. I’ve ran them before and they’re crude machines that’s not something I want. But I highly doubt the 1/3 heavier machine is the same size. It’s very likely bigger, has bigger tires and a bigger loader. You’re simply comparing a smaller Kubota against a larger Mahindra. Compare a 4,000 pound Kubota against a 4,000 pound Mahindra and I’d bet the numbers look better.

 

[Hay Dude]

Admittedly I haven’t done a ton of comparing to the Mahindra lineup. I’ve ran them before and they’re crude machines that’s not something I want. But I highly doubt the 1/3 heavier machine is the same size. It’s very likely bigger, has bigger tires and a bigger loader. You’re simply comparing a smaller Kubota against a larger Mahindra. Compare a 4,000 pound Kubota against a 4,000 pound Mahindra and I’d bet the numbers look better.

I have 2 Kubota M's. Most (not all) competitors tractors are heavier.
For example, I was looking at a AGCO RT120. It has a ballasted weight of 16,500lbs. My Kubota has a ballasted weight of 14,500lbs.
The tractors are 122 PTO HP and 123 PTO HP respectively-very evenly matched power-wise. The AGCO tractor would be more stable and get better traction, given equal tires mounted at equal widths, axle lock configurations, terrain and conditions.

I like my Kubotas, but they are not the be all end all. There are better tractors made. They are a good choice, but once you find yourself brand loyal, which was just suggested, that company owns you and has you right where they want you. I have 3 brands of tractors. Several other brands of farm attachments.

Brand loyalty is so stupid. Each time you buy, always do your research and buy what suits your needs and budget.

 

[4570Man]

I have 2 Kubota M's. Tractor data has them listed at ~10,000lbs. Most (not all) competitors tractors are heavier.
For example, I was looking at a AGCO RT120. It has a ballasted weight of 16,500lbs. My Kubota has a ballasted weight of 14,500lbs.
The tractors are 122 PTO HP and 123 PTO HP respectively-very evenly matched power-wise. The AGCO tractor would be more stable and get better traction, given equal tires mounted at equal widths, axle lock configurations, terrain and conditions.

I like my Kubotas, but they are not the be all end all. There are better tractors made. They are a good choice, but once you find yourself brand loyal, which was just suggested, that company owns you and has you right where they want you. I have 3 brands of tractors. Several other brands of farm attachments.

Brand loyalty is so stupid. Each time you buy, always do your research and buy what suits your needs and budget.

I’m not brand loyal. I’m a Chevy guy and I’m driving 2 Ford trucks. I’ve had a Deere backhoe too. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Deere mini x either. I’m simply saying comparing equal hp leads to a poor comparison. 100 hp or larger tractors isn’t Kubotas bread and butter either.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I'll add in that a lot of people don't have any other choices then Deere or Kubota. In my particular town there isn't a New Holland dealer in the whole state. The closest Kioti dealer is at least an hour away from me and had bad follow up. The Yanmar dealer is not even a tractor dealer and says he can't get any. The local Bobcat dealer doesn't want anything to do with the tractor line. The Agco dealer is not conveniently located to us and made no effort to earn our business. So I don't think it's always brand loyalty as much as there are no other good choices in the market for many of us. People are often forced to choose between those two brands whether they like them or not. When Ford pulled out of the market in '89-'90 that was the worst day of the tractor industry. There is no doubt in my mind had they not sold off their tractor division they would still be on top and everyone else would of been second and third in this business.

 

[5030]

Anyone who thinks lighter castings on machinery is better, doesn't know much about casting durability on machinery.

SR

The strength in any casting is entirely dependent not on the thickness but on how the internal gusseting is designed and cast in.

 

[paulfun9]

I’m not brand loyal. I’m a Chevy guy and I’m driving 2 Ford trucks. I’ve had a Deere backhoe too. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Deere mini x either. I’m simply saying comparing equal hp leads to a poor comparison. 100 hp or larger tractors isn’t Kubotas bread and butter either.

So if my needs dictate a 40 hp tractor to achieve my PTO needs then to get what I need in wieght for my other tasks I need to buy a 60 HP kubota to achieve my needs in whieght?
Looking at the overall use of a tractor I would say baseline HP is the best place to start and not having to pay more for extra HP to achieve everything else is a good way to drop the riff raff and ******** that comes with brand loyalty from my shopping list!

 

[Hay Dude]

So if my needs dictate a 40 hp tractor to achieve my PTO needs then to get what I need in wieght for my other tasks I need to buy a 60 HP kubota to achieve my needs in whieght?
Looking at the overall use of a tractor I would say baseline HP is the best place to start and not having to pay more for extra HP to achieve everything else is a good way to drop the riff raff and ******** that comes with brand loyalty from my shopping list!

Or you can add weight in various forms
Cast rims
Wheel weights
Fluid filled tires
ballast box on 3 point hitch

Kubota isn’t the only tractor made with a high HP to weight ratio.