1st time buyer - 35 hp comparisons

[CloverKnollFarms]

Of the three, I’d go with the Yanmar. I would have liked to, but they have poor dealer support in these parts. I went the TYM route to avoid the complexity of an ECM controlled engine and fault codes I can’t read without a dealer tool. They are the only ones selling a modern tractor without the ECM motor and with mechanical fuel injection instead of CRD

 

[KBA CPA]

To talk about the land, I’m located in Louisiana and the ground we have is pretty much all flat everywhere.

For the 100 acre wooded area, I’d say between all the trails and shooting lanes, there might be 10 acres of ground to brush hog. The rest is woods. Sorry for the confusion!

Regarding the used market, it’s hard to beat the financing deals of 0 - 2% interest rates when going rates are 6%+. I’d think it would make more financial sense to finance at the lower rate and use cash for investing/paying down higher interest rate debt.

I should mention too that I only have a ram 1500 so I can’t get too much tractor without upgrading a lot of other things too!

Thanks everyone for the input

 

[KBA CPA]

I'd typically love to steer you towards Kioti, and the CK series are their bread and butter, but I'd want to know more about the dealer. 8 months is a very short period of time, yet you've got to start somewhere. What was the impression you got when you spoke with them? Have you had a chance to visit them?

Have you parked yourself on each machine?

There isn't a bad tractor on your list, it seems like you've done some homework.

All dealers were nice that I spoke with - none really too pushy other than just saying that they don’t know when and if the current deals would expire. All seemed to be relatively knowledgeable about their products.

I have not gone sit on any of them except the kubota but it does seem like the joystick controller being on the fender as opposed to sticking out next to the steering wheel seemed way more comfy.

 

[tacticalturnip]

All I can do is imagine the humidity where you're at, and my gut is screaming for you to get a cab. However, I suspect you're not a hairy, overweight man from the northeast, and perhaps you're more climatized to that than I would be.

I'd be swimming in the seat.

 

[CoolTech]

You seem to know what HP you want/need... but as or more important is the size and weight of the tractor. My first small tractor was the Kubota L2501 - which was really a wonderful tractor but most importantly, it allowed me to really learn what I valued/needed after having used it - rather than just reading everything I could until then.

I was relatively brand agnostic when I looked to upgrade the L2501 and I created a LOT of spreadsheets comparing the specs of various brands and models. Dealer proximity and capability are important attributes, but frankly I wanted to buy a tractor that I never would have to go back to the dealer with. As for parts and maintenance items, the internet has served me well.

I ended up purchasing a Kioti DK4210SE Cab model and I couldn't be happier. 250 hours on it now and I've never had a single problem or issue. I'd recommend considering to move up to the DK series given how large you property is and the uses that you have described.

 

[jyoutz]

You seem to know what HP you want/need... but as or more important is the size and weight of the tractor. My first small tractor was the Kubota L2501 - which was really a wonderful tractor but most importantly, it allowed me to really learn what I valued/needed after having used it - rather than just reading everything I could until then.

I was relatively brand agnostic when I looked to upgrade the L2501 and I created a LOT of spreadsheets comparing the specs of various brands and models. Dealer proximity and capability are important attributes, but frankly I wanted to buy a tractor that I never would have to go back to the dealer with. As for parts and maintenance items, the internet has served me well.

I ended up purchasing a Kioti DK4210SE Cab model and I couldn't be happier. 250 hours on it now and I've never had a single problem or issue. I'd recommend considering to move up to the DK series given how large you property is and the uses that you have described.

Agree. More emphasis should be on machine weight and frame size instead of hp. Also loader lift capacity. More weight and frame size means more stability and traction to the ground.

 

[KBA CPA]

You seem to know what HP you want/need... but as or more important is the size and weight of the tractor. My first small tractor was the Kubota L2501 - which was really a wonderful tractor but most importantly, it allowed me to really learn what I valued/needed after having used it - rather than just reading everything I could until then.

I was relatively brand agnostic when I looked to upgrade the L2501 and I created a LOT of spreadsheets comparing the specs of various brands and models. Dealer proximity and capability are important attributes, but frankly I wanted to buy a tractor that I never would have to go back to the dealer with. As for parts and maintenance items, the internet has served me well.

I ended up purchasing a Kioti DK4210SE Cab model and I couldn't be happier. 250 hours on it now and I've never had a single problem or issue. I'd recommend considering to move up to the DK series given how large you property is and the uses that you have described.

I’ve read really good things about those DKs

 

[KBA CPA]

All I can do is imagine the humidity where you're at, and my gut is screaming for you to get a cab. However, I suspect you're not a hairy, overweight man from the northeast, and perhaps you're more climatized to that than I would be.

I'd be swimming in the seat.

lol!!! I’m quite the opposite as your described being only 5’4!! Funny enough, we visited CO recently and when I tell you I couldn’t sleep at all due to my nose and throat being so dry….. I never missed the humidity more.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I’ve read really good things about those DKs

I mean, yeah, but don't you actually want an NS6010HST with a cab?

 

[jyoutz]

I mean, yeah, but don't you actually want an NS6010HST with a cab?

Work in the trees might be costly with a cab.