You can get a JD1025R with the attachments you want for what you are willing to spend. I have one with 60" MMM. The 60" has Thicker steel than the 54" or 72" and thicker than the competition. I use it on some pretty rough areas. It also does a great job on the lawn around the house. I have a 3046R I use for all my heavy work & the 1025 tills, mows hauls firewood and general yard & garden work. You get what you pay for.
It sounds like you are in the market for a subcompact unit. I agree with a couple of folks that have said TYM, LS, Mahindra, etc will give you more bang for your buck. However, I believe the best tractor brand you can buy is the one that has the best dealer by you. Go to your local dealers, talk to them, tour the service department. If they happen to have a similar tractor to the one you are looking for, do a test drive in a dirt pile. Any dealer that refuses to let you drive around a tractor needs to be removed from the list, regardless of the tractor color. Since you are somewhere around central Arizona, you might consider a cab, unless you are more in the mountains - I remember those 120+ degree days.
Check out Kioti
I suggest you check out brands like Kioti, Tym, Mahindra, Kubota.
Agreed, that’s why I have Kioti, and Kubota, the only two who make their own complete machines
You can add Kioti to your list. Kioti and Kubota make their own complete machines. The others don’t.
LS and Branson also make their own complete machines...
A bit overwhelming unless you are into a lot of data analysis. I have owned 6 tractors in 25 years, mostly different sizes for different needs. If it is of interest to you, I have never purchased a new one. Tractors can be expected to operate reliably for 30 years, with normal maintenance and very few repairs or breaks (which is why some brands are priced higher) so finding something used that has 1,000 or less would be my prime choice. Normally there is a depreciation factor that I can take advantage of. Select what you think you want, then if you want to find used, consider TractorHouse.com. I purchased 4 of mine through that site, plus a near-new tractor loader. I picked up 2 tractors that were over 400 miles away and paid haulers to bring 2 tractors and the loader to me, using only pictures, from dealers 800 and 1200 miles away. Absolutely no regrets. Use the phone to ask all the questions you have and watch videos of the piece(s) under consideration. At times I still use my local dealer for parts and service.I want to thank you guys all so much! The input/advice has helped me to research brands I never knew existed...
Not saying I am any closer to a decision but the more info, the better my final choice will be.
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I started a spreadsheet as was suggested, ...
I personally would not go for compact tractors but for small used agricultural machines which tend to made to work day in day out, more comfortable to operate, as some one has already pointed out more stable, easier and cheaper to get implements which will be better made, possibly the power coming from a larger capacity, less stressed engine. If not, my choice of the three brands you have listed would be Yanmar, after all they power the Deere's.
I replied to this earlier with my experience. If I offended you or anyone else for being thorough in my reply I apologize. I did not realize we are only suppose to reply the way other people other than the "Original Poster" may be wanting. I am shocked I had someone private message me and tell me my reply was too long and too much and not to do it in the future. Hoodoo, if I spoke out of turn or for too long I apologize and was only trying to offer my opinion and my experience.
LOL...I deal with proper English, structure, and content for 12 hours a day... forums barely get correct spelling from me. But not sweating it, just seemed odd.
It sounds like your making some progress. I know everyone points to the bigger the Tractor the better. I didn’t buy mine to work fields or farm I bought it to work in the woods and help maintain the 1/4 mile long driveway and the 3 miles of trails we once had . I guess the best way to describe what a 25 HP tractor can do is show some pictures. We had the front 40 acres logged and the mess is huge but I’m slowly chipping away.I want to thank you guys all so much! The input/advice has helped me to research brands I never knew existed...
Not saying I am any closer to a decision but the more info, the better my final choice will be.
A couple decisions....1) I do want 4WD. 2) I do not need AC or heat ( the weather is relatively mild). 3) I would like a brand that makes it's own products. 4) Dealer support will be an issue since there are only 2 dealers anywhere near me. 5) I find myself leaning towards the S Korean products as of right now.
I started a spreadsheet as was suggested, and came up with Branson including a front loader, rear box, and brush hog for the same price as Kubotas bare model.....but that was a Branson Dealer in Texas......:-(. I wonder if the one near Phoenix will match?
I will check out Kioti also now. Once again, I appreciate the advice. I wish I was more well funded like my buddies that retired form Corporate jobs, but I always had to be the self-employed Contractor
Someone asked about my neighbors and their John Deeres, they seem to be JD purists, with JD hats, JD riding mowers, JD everything. Not that that is a bad thing, I just think some guys like the name...?
