Choosing the right tractor

[Cranblue]

There is no MX5000. Did you mean MX6000?

MX 5400 is 3,734 lbs I also have never heard of MX 5000 ?? There was 4800 and 5200.

 

[cathy liebchen]

That is not much difference. I do like the lift capacity of the mx better. I have been researching but so many choices can be underwhelming. It a great time as far as choices go to be shopping for a tractor.

The MX is much better than the orphan 4701, our dealer doesn’t bother to order them except for golf courses

 

[Mej13579]

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth. These are the bones of a tractor purchase.

Once these decisions are made you can move on to tractor brands and not be overwhelmed.

(Half the tractor brands will have only 50% of their models actually available within six months due to supply chain probl

 

[Mej13579]

Well I do need trails knot so much for the 4 wheeler but to remove logs for firewood. I also had the plantation pine thinned a few years ago and there is a lot of cleanup to do. I have no brand loyalty but I'm trying to get the best tractor to fit my situation. No doubt kubota is a great quality machine and is in the consideration. But ultimately just trying to make a good decision. I agree there is no rush. I have to admit I'm enjoying the search and I like to hear all the great info and opinions of the people on here.

 

[jyoutz]

The MX is much better than the orphan 4701, our dealer doesn’t bother to order them except for golf courses

I too prefer and own the MX, but this description as an “orphan” doesn’t make sense to me. It’s irrelevant how many models share the same frame. The only thing that matters is the specs for the particular machine and is it a good fit for the tasks at hand. The upgrades for the MX are what I like: telescoping lift arms standard (like them better than a quick hitch), more loader capacity, flat platform with rubber matt, category 2 hitch, and beefier rear axle and front wheels. But if my uses included more landscaping work than utility work, I would prefer the L4701.

 

[jeff9366]

The MX is much better than the orphan 4701, our dealer doesn’t bother to order them except for golf courses

My local Kubota dealer has not stocked an L4701 since I bought my first tractor there in 2010.

His unit volume is in the BX, L2501 and MX. Maintaining parts inventory is so much simpler for the MX series, relative to the single iteration L4701.

 

[Cranblue]

My local Kubota dealer has not stocked an L4701 since I bought my first tractor there in 2010.

His unit volume is in the BX, L2501 and MX. Maintaining parts inventory is so much simpler for the MX series, relative to the single iteration L4701.

Well the MX and L4701 share filters size and fluid types !!! Your dealer is stocking parts for L4701.

 

[Hermio]

My advice would be to consider getting a tractor and a zero turn mower. I mowed for years with a tractor. It was a crappy way to mow. It took about 3-4 hours to mow 5 acres, with a 5' rear mount finishing mower. And I had to go back with a push mower for the tight spots. My ZTR gets the whole job done in less than 90 minutes. So, I would get that to mow your lawn, and a 25-30 Hp 4WD tractor for the rest. That size tractor could handle a 5' bush hog, a 5' roto tiller, a 5' rear blade. It could probably pull 4000# in a cart on level ground and may be able to drag 1500-2000#. If equipped with a loader, it could probably lift 1000# or so. My preferred brands on the tractor would be Kubota or Mahindra, but there are other good tractors out there. My ZTR is a Bad Boy, but there are many good brands for them. But get a fabricated steel deck. The stamped ones will not hold up. The cheapo ones usually go for about $3000. Bad Boys go for about $5000. Pro models by Kubota, Exmark, etc., can go for $10-15K. Main difference is cutting speed. The bad boy mows at about 5 MPH. Most pro models can do 10 MPH or faster. The Dixie Chopper can mow at about 17 mph, if your ground is smooth enough to tolerate such a speed!

 

[Mej13579]

I do have a zero turn but 2 things hinder it. In the spring we get a lot of rain which by the time the field dries out the grass is above 2 feet. Second is hog damage. My field will almost buck you off the zero turn in some places. So I need the tractor to combat those two factors. I have a mz61 husqvarna zero turn which I will use for upkeep. Yes it is faster overall.

 

[Waco Branson]

Great post, very important to many new to tractor buyers,

Mej13579.​

Please re-read the posts by

Torvy just below your original post,​

dodge man on page 2,​

and

rademamj1 on page 3.​

My property is very, very similar to yours and rademamj1.

Get as big (highest horsepower) a tractor as you can afford. I have never heard anyone say, "I wish I had a punier tractor."

Branson will most likely give you the best bang for the buck with horsepower and options.

It will lift plenty. There is no statistical difference between the ones mentioned. It's not worth getting the wrong tractor. Just make 5 trips instead of 4.

Get the tires filled with antifreeze to add weight.

Get a grapple. You will use it.

You can mow around the pond by going forward and back, backing toward the pond with your shredder/mower. You won't turn over and the back wheel of your mowing deck may get muddy but you won't get stuck, especially if you go into 4WD and posi-traction.

Get a cab, but be eternally vigilant about low limbs and brush that may break side view mirrors or scrape the cab. (I know from experience, not wisdom.) Get an A/C. You are in Texas. Also, get a blue tooth radio that will play your phone.

Get "country tires" which your dealer can help you with. Tell him your situation. If you mow when it is not totally dry and hard, you need traction.

A tiller is a good implement. Be sure to get gear driven (vs. belt). If you have to ration your buying, save this for later and use the tines on your box blade to "plow."

Keep us posted on what you did and how it works out for you.

Blessings and Merry Christmas.

 

[Mej13579]

Thank you Waco branson. That will help me a lot in my decision. I used to work on farms and tractors all through high school. But I'm so far away from that time in my life I'm basically a unlearned tractor buyer. I appreciate the info.

 

[LIVOD001]

What I'm not seeing on here is that none of the major brands make their own tractors under ---__??<__--- usually 75hp so check on that brand directly to see if you don't get a better price
We own a 55hp branson open cab

A 65hp mahindra cab tractor made by tym

And a 85hp massey made by massey

All went through farm credit nice bank/ credit union with dividends

We bought all tractors new and all implements used
Hope this helps and good farming

 

[Mej13579]

Those

What I'm not seeing on here is that none of the major brands make their own tractors under ---__??<__--- usually 75hp so check on that brand directly to see if you don't get a better price
We own a 55hp branson open cab

A 65hp mahindra cab tractor made by tym

And a 85hp massey made by massey

All went through farm credit nice bank/ credit union with dividends

We bought all tractors new and all implements used
Hope this helps and good farming

Do you like your branson?

 

[Boss 302]

Take your time, do a lot of research and most of all don't be color blind. There are an awful lot of equal tractors in all colors not to mention don't skimp on weight.

 

[KERRY1961]

I have 25 acres in East Texas. I am looking for a new tractor. I have about 5 acres to mow. Sometimes in the spring it rains a lot and by the time the field dries the grass gets 2-3 feet tall. My zero turn mower is getting beat up pretty bad.
I have mostly woods but I tried to put trails in but a 4 wheeler , chainsaw and weed eater just isn't cutting it and I can't keep them from getting overgrown.
I also had my plantation pine thinned and I need a lot of clean up. I have a mixture of pine and hardwoods. I have some huge oaks down but can't get to them with what I have now. Got about 300 yards of driveway that needs some work. I have a pond that needs cleaned up around the edges and cleaned out when it gets low. Plus some general dirt work and such.
I am looking for an all around workhorse in around the 50hp range still nimble enough to navigate in the woods.
The 3 tractors I'm seriously considering to aquire in about 2 months are the massey ferguson 2850e, kioti dk45se, or the kubota l4701. I'm looking to get a grapple / 3rd function, a mid range rotary cutter, boxblade, and if I can swing it a tiller. Looking to make a long term investment. To get it paid off before I retire in 6 years or sow.
My credit is not great but should have a large down payment almost half.
Any suggestions on what I should be looking at.

Check out Tractorhouse.com So You Find A Tractor With Low Hours And Has a nuff Horse Power To Do The Job

 

[1700E Dreamer]

I have 25 acres in East Texas. I am looking for a new tractor. I have about 5 acres to mow. Sometimes in the spring it rains a lot and by the time the field dries the grass gets 2-3 feet tall. My zero turn mower is getting beat up pretty bad.
I have mostly woods but I tried to put trails in but a 4 wheeler , chainsaw and weed eater just isn't cutting it and I can't keep them from getting overgrown.
I also had my plantation pine thinned and I need a lot of clean up. I have a mixture of pine and hardwoods. I have some huge oaks down but can't get to them with what I have now. Got about 300 yards of driveway that needs some work. I have a pond that needs cleaned up around the edges and cleaned out when it gets low. Plus some general dirt work and such.
I am looking for an all around workhorse in around the 50hp range still nimble enough to navigate in the woods.
The 3 tractors I'm seriously considering to aquire in about 2 months are the massey ferguson 2850e, kioti dk45se, or the kubota l4701. I'm looking to get a grapple / 3rd function, a mid range rotary cutter, boxblade, and if I can swing it a tiller. Looking to make a long term investment. To get it paid off before I retire in 6 years or sow.
My credit is not great but should have a large down payment almost half.
Any suggestions on what I should be looking at.

I have the Massey 1738E , hydro, quick disconnect bucket / forks , 4X4 with R4 tires, purchased in 2014, has about 400 hrs on it now, no issues so far, love it , could always use more power , but that's a guy thing. It does not have the extra hydraulics lines ,( front or back )you will need with the grapple or the center PTO for a mid mount mower. Just something to watch out for before making the purchase , Not sure if the three you listed have this , We use a backhoe, box scraper, rototiller , snow blower, post hole digger, brush hog , finish mower attachments
If I could recommend one item. if you can swing the added cost , get the quick disconnect bucket with the forks, well worth it. Good Luck

 

[finn1]

What I'm not seeing on here is that none of the major brands make their own tractors under ---__??<__--- usually 75hp so check on that brand directly to see if you don't get a better price
We own a 55hp branson open cab

A 65hp mahindra cab tractor made by tym

And a 85hp massey made by massey

All went through farm credit nice bank/ credit union with dividends

We bought all tractors new and all implements used
Hope this helps and good farming

Deere and Kubota aren’t major brands?

They both make pretty much all of their own tractors in their own Factories at various locations around the world.

 

[Torvy]

Deere and Kubota aren’t major brands?

They both make pretty much all of their own tractors in their own Factories at various locations around the world.

Fair to say about Kubota at this point. Deere has Yanmar's engines in Series 1-4. Deere is like everyone else with the small stuff. They are importing parts and assembling them here.
On small tractors, TYM and Branson use mostly Kukje engines (they own Kukje).

LS uses a Mtron engine...their own brand.
LS fully makes the Case and NH small stuff.

Kioti uses a Daedong engine - their parent company. Kioti makes the Bobcat, too.

Massey uses Iseki to build their small stuff.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

No I haven't visited any dealers yet.
I do not want a cab due to a lot of work in the woods.
I'm considering a hydro bit I think I could make due with a shuttle shift.
I am leaning toward ag tires.

I have a MF1760 cab tractor which is almost identical to the 2860 with exception of the motor.

While the heat and a/c are nice, the two main reasons I had for getting the cab tractor were bees and spiders.

I'm less than 200 miles south of you so we have very similar environments. I've got 25 acres of timber and trails, and my 1760 does just fine in the woods although there are times I wish I'd gone with a flail mower over the brush hog, just due to the turning radius.

The 1760 is a hydro and has the R4 tires, but when it's wet and marshy she'll sink to her axels if I'm not careful, I'm seriously thinking about adding a winch for just such occasions.

I went with Massey because the local stealerships here are either Massey, Kubota and one that sells bitty Mahindras. The Massey folks will pickup and deliver at no charge when I need maintenance which is one reason I went that direction.

 

[Tractorable]

Fair to say about Kubota at this point. Deere has Yanmar's engines in Series 1-4. Deere is like everyone else with the small stuff. They are importing parts and assembling them here.
On small tractors, TYM and Branson use mostly Kukje engines (they own Kukje).

LS uses a Mtron engine...their own brand.
LS fully makes the Case and NH small stuff.

Kioti uses a Daedong engine - their parent company. Kioti makes the Bobcat, too.

Massey uses Iseki to build their small stuff.

Best I can tell, Kubota and Yanmar (both 100+ year old Japanese companies) are the only purebreds in the compact tractor world that build the entire tractor, including the engine, under their own name. No rebranding, rebadging, outsourcing, or trade names to obfuscate what you’re purchasing.