Horse farm needs tractor

[2manyrocks]

There's currently a 0 interest deal for 72 months on the L2501HST with loader at $328 month for 72 months for first time buyers--not sure if that means first time Kubota buyers or first time tractor buyer. For point of reference, that amounts to $23,616. KUBOTA L2501 - NEW TRACTOR PURCHASE SPECIAL OFFER

The 48.3 hp TYM T474 HST with loader is advertised here in Middle Tennessee for $27,900. I have no idea what financing they offer.

I own the L2501HST. It's a well made tractor. Am not that familiar with TYM and can't offer any opinion as to their long term durability and parts availability, but just mention that particular machine as a reference to price point.

edit: I'm not totally sure which TYM is the most direct competitor to the L2501, but will also say that the TYM T264 hydrostat with loader is advertised for sale for $16,900 here which is substantially less than the L2501.

 

[big bubba]

i'm with the 40+hp school for the new tractor esp if moving round bales. replacing the MF w/similar or less hp just doesn't make sense to me. in terms of sub compacts, the difference between 25 & 40+hp is substantial. fel capacity, weight, & stability alone would be justification. good luck w/the decision, regards

 

[Quickster2]

I had a Yanmar 336D initially and it was 2 small for our 10 acres and hunting property for baling hay & food plots. Went with a Kioti DK45 in 2005 and never needed nor wanted more for my uses. I agree get a mid 40HP tractor and you'll be set most likely. I prefer non-HST for my uses.

 

[WinterDeere]

Nice - He's getting a top of the line tractor with chauffer

If paying someone else to do it were more fun, then we wouldn't own tractors.

 

[Horsetime]

I am the wife. I am looking at something that does not have 400 unmarked levers and a clutch you need to be a gorilla to move.

Budget needs to stay at 20k or 25k or under. Used is perfect but I would still need to finance. Unfortunately budget is going to dictate horsepower I think. We finally purchased a zero turn and have not used the bush hog since last year due to that. If our hay fields continue to get cut by my famer then we would not use it more than a few times a year. The drag has a PTO so we would still need to use the tractor for that.

 

[rScotty]

I am the wife. I am looking at something that does not have 400 unmarked levers and a clutch you need to be a gorilla to move.

Budget needs to stay at 20k or under. Used is perfect but I would still need to finance. Unfortunately budget is going to dictate horsepower I think. We finally purchased a zero turn and have not used the bush hog since last year due to that. If our hay fields continue to get cut by my famer then we would not use it more than a few times a year. The drag has a PTO so we would still need to use the tractor for that.

Then something like the Kubota L2501 would be perfect. It has plenty of power and even if you get a clutch and gear model - less expensive than HST - it will be ever so much easier than that old Massey.

The L is a proven model that has been around Kubota's stable for a long time now. The loader can lift 1000 lbs, and that is plenty. Power steering will make it easy to move with that load.
A good solid choice.
rScotty

 

[2manyrocks]

When I was shopping for a tractor, I was encouraged to buy a HST by others here. The HST costs more, but excels at any kind of loader work where you go backwards and forward a lot because there is no clutching involved. The steering is easy to turn. It's very much like driving any quality Japanese made car. Problem is the price point is likely to be $23k or a bit more unless you can get a few thousand out of your Massey to make up the budget.

Yanmar is another quality Japanese tractor manufacturer. They have a 23 hp model SA325 with loader 1715 lbs that retails for about $19,000. The L2501 is heavier and Kubota has a much more extensive dealer network in the USA. Kubota also tends to have 0 interest financing although there is the added cost of keeping the tractor insured.

 

[Horsetime]

Is there a notable difference between the Kubota and comparable Kioti/Bobcat regarding performance? We have both dealers.

I think I would prefer the HST for ease of use.

 

[rScotty]

When I was shopping for a tractor, I was encouraged to buy a HST by others here. The HST costs more, but excels at any kind of loader work where you go backwards and forward a lot because there is no clutching involved. The steering is easy to turn. It's very much like driving any quality Japanese made car. Problem is the price point is likely to be $23k or a bit more unless you can get a few thousand out of your Massey to make up the budget.

Yanmar is another quality Japanese tractor manufacturer. They have a 23 hp model SA325 with loader 1715 lbs that retails for about $19,000. The L2501 is heavier and Kubota has a much more extensive dealer network in the USA. Kubota also tends to have 0 interest financing although there is the added cost of keeping the tractor insured.

Kubota accepted our horse property insurance for their financing. They also have a substantial discount for horse owners - although apparently not all dealers or models are part of that Equine Discount program.

I hear you on Yanmar. We had one many years ago and it was excellent. But since that time they have a lot fewer dealers, a different marketing model, and don't seem to have the same sort of committment in the US that Kubota does.
rScotty

 

[rScotty]

Is there a notable difference between the Kubota and comparable Kioti/Bobcat regarding performance? We have both dealers.

I think I would prefer the HST for ease of use.

Not regarding performance. In fact all of the similar size perform much the same. There are differences, but they are small. You may hear of differences in loader capacity, but 1000 lbs is plenty. Anymore, and things start to get unstable. BTW, it is for stability that I kind of favor the industrial tread on small tractors.

On the HST, we have one HST, and it has been flawless for 15 years now. Very convenient and in fact it is our favorite..

One caveat is that at just under 25hp - a nice place to be for several reasons - you are also at a point where HST is available in either 2 speed or 3 speed ranges. You definitely want the 3 speed.

The difference in Kubota versus anyone else is more that they are a more proven model with many manufactured versus a less well-known model. That can cause differences in reliability and in resale.
I'm not implying that one is more reliable than the other - but if a problem does arise it is likely to be during warranty. And Kubota has all the warranty advantages that come with a larger operation.

There is also a differece between brands for resale or trade in value. It is real, and it tends to be larger than a difference in initial price.
rScotty

 

[Horsetime]

There's currently a 0 interest deal for 72 months on the L2501HST with loader at $328 month for 72 months for first time buyers--not sure if that means first time Kubota buyers or first time tractor buyer. For point of reference, that amounts to $23,616. KUBOTA L2501 - NEW TRACTOR PURCHASE SPECIAL OFFER

The 48.3 hp TYM T474 HST with loader is advertised here in Middle Tennessee for $27,900. I have no idea what financing they offer.

I own the L2501HST. It's a well made tractor. Am not that familiar with TYM and can't offer any opinion as to their long term durability and parts availability, but just mention that particular machine as a reference to price point.

edit: I'm not totally sure which TYM is the most direct competitor to the L2501, but will also say that the TYM T264 hydrostat with loader is advertised for sale for $16,900 here which is substantially less than the L2501.

I did see this but that offer is only valid if you buy the base model by itself. It looks like there is interest when you add on the loader which makes it $328 a month plus $82 plus interest?

 

[2manyrocks]

Is there a notable difference between the Kubota and comparable Kioti/Bobcat regarding performance? We have both dealers.

I think I would prefer the HST for ease of use.

The HST allows you to easily adjust your speed much like your zero turn does. With a gear drive, your speed is set by the gear selected and RPMs. So you are either going too fast or too slow driving into a pile. With the HST, you have full control over your speed. For anyone moving manure or working in a barnyard setting, I'd say HST is the way to go.

The L2501 has enough weight and between the 4x4 and HST, I am able to move more material grading my steep driveway with the L2501 than with my much larger 35 hp mahindra 3525. The difference in quality in manufacturing is also tangible. The L2501 is like a sports car in terms of manuverability in tight spaces compared to my lumbering 3525.

I can't speak to the performance differences for Kioti/Bobcat. IMO, the thing about the L2501 is it's 100% kubota. Hardly ever see anyone complaining they can't get Kubota parts.

 

[2manyrocks]

I did see this but that offer is only valid if you buy the base model by itself. It looks like there is interest when you add on the loader which makes it $328 a month plus $82 plus interest?

I don't think there is interest when you also include a loader, but I do wonder about the first time buyer requirement.

 

[hslogger]

Many moons ago I had industrial model of your Massey. Mine had same power train but very strong FEL.
I have had an L4400 Kubota FWD with FEL for longer than I can remember right now. So I vote for 40+ horsepower and a detachable front end loader AND SSQA. Now a days a tractor with the skid steer quick attach for the loader assembly is a no brainer. It allows me to use my heavy duty bucket, or my Landpride pallet forks, or my Bobcat manure forks. If they try and sell you one with out a SSQA don't buy it. They will say you can convert later, true, but a PITA. Dealer support and reputation is real important. Chances are you don't do your own oil changes but maybe do your filters. There is no harm in sending your tractor in for routine maintenance if you can afford it. I prefer stick shuttle, but the posters who recommend HST for tight barn work are right. I have ag tires all way around and beet juice in my rear tires.

This tractor has been just great for ten acres of fields, pond mowing, cleaning a 48 by 60 barn with sheep and draft horses, post hole digging, loading and unloading pickups and trucks, piling and sorting wood chips and compost piles, moving trailers, implements, EVERYTHING. This machine has done everything I need, and I also have one rear remote. 40 plus HP, you won't regret it.

 

[2manyrocks]

If the farmer cutting your fields stops doing it, a 40 hp will have no trouble running a 6' cutter. The L2501 operator's manual only recommends a 5' cutter, and even then, you might have to go more slowly than you'd like if the vegetation is thick. That is the weakness of the L2501 as well as the other 25hp tractors in my personal opinion.

 

[jeff9366]

Is there a notable difference between the Kubota and comparable Kioti/Bobcat regarding performance?

Tractor capability is more closely correlated to tractor weight than any other single (1) specification.

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

 

[Horsetime]

Are there any 40hp tractors in my price range either new or used from dealers? I have had a hard time finding used tractors with financing. Must stay under 25k. The difficulty is our price range cash from a private seller fetches us more 1960s era tractors or ones without buckets. Financing seems to only bring new models.

 

[2manyrocks]

Incentive manufacture's financing will be for new models. I don't know what in-house financing a particular dealer or bank might offer on used tractors. The terms for inhouse finance are likely going to vary and to make a profit on the loan. By the time you pay interest and take the risk of buying a used machine to save money, I'm not sure but what buying new with a warranty and incentive financing might be the least expensive option all things considered.

As for searching for 40 hp tractors priced up to $25,000, some dealers will list their tractors on www.tractorhouse.com. Others only post them on their own website.

Close to $25k is the 48 hp TYM T474 at $27,900 in Middle Tennessee.

 

[Horsetime]

Thank you. Searching that website there are a few available in my price range. Concerned about the age of the MF and lack of 4x4 and hydro

2000 NEW HOLLAND TN55 $16,900 776 hours 2 wheel drive​

2022 KUBOTA L3302HST $25k 23 hours mfwd​

2021 KUBOTA L2501HST $22,900 44 hours hydro​

 

[big bubba]

sounds like you're on the right track w/40+hp. if buying used, i would only consider checking it out 1 on 1 maybe even w/diesel mechanic friend, etc. would not purchase remotely for obvious reasons. good luck