Comparison 1st time tractor buyer

[ChuckPTractor]

Hello all. I am going to be buying a sub compact tractor. I will need it to dig a couple french drains, post holes for support, and for decks eventually. Also for snow removal in the winter, mowing in the summer, gravel/dirt moving for driveway/foundation for shed and I need to reslope some of my lawn. In a few years planting trees and odd things around the house. I have roughly 3/4 of an acre and have been researching the following tractors:
1. Kubota BX23S only dislike is the loader capacity. 613lbs dealer 22 miles away
2. Massey Ferguson GC1725MB most hp, pto hp, dealer 35 miles away, told won't be any until January
3. Yanmar SA221 and SA324, same dealer as Massey Ferguson, has on lot. not much on them. are they reliable? Will I be able to get parts in the future?
4. Mahindra Emax 20. least amount of hp. dealer 35 miles away
All are comparable in price. Within a couple grand.
Is the SA221 too small? Seems like it would work for my needs. Is the 324 better?

I think all my research has now confused the crap out of me. Yanmar on paper seem to have the best features, lifting capability and hp. But I can not find much about them. I don't want to buy a new tractor and not be able to find someone to fix or repair major breaks. I plan on doing all the general maintenance myself. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Diggin It]

Don't overlook us little blue fellers!!!

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...d-show-your-pics-post5805500.html#post5805500

 

[Roadworthy]

Welcome to TBN!! You'll find Yanmar is one of the top names in compact tractors. They were (maybe still are) manufacturing to be sold as John Deere as well. I looked at the 424 but it was smaller than my Kubota. If I was digging any serious post holes I'd probably rent a Bobcat, but my post holes are three feet deep and probably twelve inches in diameter - maybe fifteen. To answer your question, generally Yanmars are quite reliable and parts are available. They may be assembled in Georgia - not sure on that one, but I believe they're a Japanese company.

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN Chuck.

Have you done research on Kubota B models?

 

[ChuckPTractor]

Took a quick look at them but the price goes up quite a bit around here from the BX series.

 

[johncanfield]

I can personally attest to the high quality of Yanmar and Kubota - top quality equipment. Also consider Deere, I'm super happy with my 4720 (way larger than you want, )

 

[jeff9366]

VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=messicks+kubota+BX23s

 

[shooterdon]

Try to drive the different models and see what you like.

Then evaluate the dealer.

I bought an LS based on price as it was far less expensive that the "big" names and the dealer is outstanding. Good luck!!!

 

[Jchonline]

Also TYM. I would avoid RK as it sounds like people are having real issues getting a service manual from them as they are made by TYM. Once they resolve that it might be worth a look.

 

[MoMower]

I’m partial to Massey, on my second (2014 gc1710, now a 19’ GC1723e) zero complaints on either.

My Massey dealer also has yanmar, they are sexy with the gold wheels, but that’s all I know about them.