1 tractor rest of forever -- what brand?

[Sid Post]

We have been using motor oil in our 544k industrial loader's hydraulic system since it was new and it has 10000 hours now. No problems so far.

Older tractors are pretty forgiving generally. Our JD 4620 (old 2wd 135HP tractor) lacked all the emissions and nannies of modern tractors so, I doubt lightweight motor oil would have damaged the hydraulic system, transmission, or rear end. Either of the two hydraulic oils at the ABC Autoparts would be a safe bet as well.

With my Massey or Kubota, I'd be looking at thousands in repair costs if I used either of those oils.

Comparing an 'antique' tractor and a modern one is a bit like comparing a horse and buggy to a modern pickup.

 

[Sid Post]

After all the side tracks in this thread, I'll try to get back to the OP's question.

Check your local dealers for financial stability and time in business. It is nice having a good dealer and service department for support "when" your forever tractor goes down for service. Nothing is perfect so, service matters.

An older premium tractor that has been well-maintained is a great option. I tractor that isn't routinely worked at 100% of capability will be a much easier one to live with long term due to longevity without breaking anything.

Avoid early emissions controlled tractors.

One thing about something like a Kubota L-2501 is it has the L-frame size and hydraulics for loader capacity without TIER 4 Emissions stuff since it is under the power threshold.

 

[Zork]

I would guess that Kubota is the most popular compact tractor these days. Thinking that it and John Deere are 1 and 2? So, I have a Mahindra but I might sell it in order to get exactly what I need in a tractor. Primary needs are pasture clipping 7 acres and use in a 50-acre woodlot for managing trees and trails. Was thinking that JD or Kubota would provide...

- parts availability
- dependable
- design
- performance
- ease of maintenance
- resale ability down the way
- plenty of dealers

If you could find exactly what you want in a tractor, what brand would you buy? Being as dependable as possible, easiest to maintain, parts availability and ability to resell down the way are very important in this discussion. Easiest to maintain probably No.1 because I am age 70 and do maintenance and repairs that I can but I am not the type that relishes tinkering, lol, plus, I work alone mostly. Buying used would be great if one is found but not averse to buying new if have to. Should be my last tractor.

Doesn't have to be JD or Kubota but that's my thinking.

TIA!

I'm a little younger than you and my list encompasses one brand in several models. The 1950 Ferguson T020 I have seems to me a forever tractor that just keeps going. With that said, I have a 2004 Branson 3520 that has had very few problems, so I don't know about parts. For your purposes maybe something larger. With Green/Orange you might do better with Kubota as the people I know with green models seem to have all sorts of electrical problems that require dealer visits multiple times a year.

 

[chorsken]

I would guess that Kubota is the most popular compact tractor these days. Thinking that it and John Deere are 1 and 2? So, I have a Mahindra but I might sell it in order to get exactly what I need in a tractor. Primary needs are pasture clipping 7 acres and use in a 50-acre woodlot for managing trees and trails. Was thinking that JD or Kubota would provide...

- parts availability
- dependable
- design
- performance
- ease of maintenance
- resale ability down the way
- plenty of dealers

If you could find exactly what you want in a tractor, what brand would you buy? Being as dependable as possible, easiest to maintain, parts availability and ability to resell down the way are very important in this discussion. Easiest to maintain probably No.1 because I am age 70 and do maintenance and repairs that I can but I am not the type that relishes tinkering, lol, plus, I work alone mostly. Buying used would be great if one is found but not averse to buying new if have to. Should be my last tractor.

Doesn't have to be JD or Kubota but that's my thinking.

TIA!

 

[JONNY BOYYYE]

I would guess that Kubota is the most popular compact tractor these days. Thinking that it and John Deere are 1 and 2? So, I have a Mahindra but I might sell it in order to get exactly what I need in a tractor. Primary needs are pasture clipping 7 acres and use in a 50-acre woodlot for managing trees and trails. Was thinking that JD or Kubota would provide...

- parts availability
- dependable
- design
- performance
- ease of maintenance
- resale ability down the way
- plenty of dealers

If you could find exactly what you want in a tractor, what brand would you buy? Being as dependable as possible, easiest to maintain, parts availability and ability to resell down the way are very important in this discussion. Easiest to maintain probably No.1 because I am age 70 and do maintenance and repairs that I can but I am not the type that relishes tinkering, lol, plus, I work alone mostly. Buying used would be great if one is found but not averse to buying new if have to. Should be my last tractor.

Doesn't have to be JD or Kubota but that's my thinking.

TIA!

probably should pick massey, john deere, or kubota to get somewhat of a American made or assembled tractor, even though a tractor that small usually has foreign running gear..You will get better resale value and parts availability...

 

[netmizor]

I would guess that Kubota is the most popular compact tractor these days. Thinking that it and John Deere are 1 and 2? So, I have a Mahindra but I might sell it in order to get exactly what I need in a tractor. Primary needs are pasture clipping 7 acres and use in a 50-acre woodlot for managing trees and trails. Was thinking that JD or Kubota would provide...

- parts availability
- dependable
- design
- performance
- ease of maintenance
- resale ability down the way
- plenty of dealers

If you could find exactly what you want in a tractor, what brand would you buy? Being as dependable as possible, easiest to maintain, parts availability and ability to resell down the way are very important in this discussion. Easiest to maintain probably No.1 because I am age 70 and do maintenance and repairs that I can but I am not the type that relishes tinkering, lol, plus, I work alone mostly. Buying used would be great if one is found but not averse to buying new if have to. Should be my last tractor.

Doesn't have to be JD or Kubota but that's my thinking.

TIA!

I’ve had an M4020 Kubota for over 20 years and this year is the first year I’ve had to do any serious maintenance on it. The fuel injector pump failed and had to be replaced. I chose to have it rebuilt and the cost was over $1000. Except for the pump. I’ve only only had to perform routine maintenance. I would talk to local people with tractors about the local dealerships in your area to see what they have experienced with regard to maintenance and parts. in my area Kubota and John Deere are the most common tractors.

 

[Trophyduck]

When I was looking for the same thing to fit the same needs your looking for, I ended up with an LS. More bang for the buck And built well also

 

[Sawguy50]

I wanted a smaller tractor, I was impressed with Yanmar.

I bought an ex3200 in 2011 and so far not one hiccup.

 

[stormcom]

Nothing is forever. I had a Yanmar AF520 and loved it until I saw a Massey 1758 Hydro and took it home. I have about the same requirements as you do. I looked at JD and Kubota. Theirs would fit under a standard garage door. Whatever you get, ask them to rent one for 30 days. Then put the rent to the purchase price. I had issues with my Massey and hydraulic oil. Switched it to full synthetic and issue went away. So we all have our issues. You never said what the issue is with the Mahindra. If it is paid for and does what you need, keep what you got.

 

[willidav]

I have a similar situation, 9 grassy acres and 45 wooded. A critical factor for me was convenient dealers. I ended up with another Kubota because I could get more for slightly less and JD uses some proprietary functions (front quick mount) that make you only use JD attachments. Yes, you can buy a universal adapter for more money and wait for it to come in and get installed. Additionally I had a several Kubota's over the years and had great experience, always selling for more than I paid many years later (always have bought used). I sold my last BX25d for an L3902 which is working great for me.