johnandcaren
New member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 13
As a first time tractor buyer, I found comments on this site extremely valuable. And while I make no claim my comments here are technically accurate (I'm a newbie after all), it seemed fair and respectful to repay the site with my experience.
I just bought a new toy and here are my comments for what they are worth.
Have: 7 acres in N. Arkansas. 3 are open, 4 wooded, with a fair slope in the mid section. A road needs maintaining, lots of cleaning up, etc.
Wanted: Compact, about 25-30 hp, with FEL, BB and brush hog, all 5 ft.
Originally wanted used, but was surprised at the high cost of used vs new, plus the warranty now days is just too good to pass on. I wanted my budget to be in the 10 - 12k range but quickly had reality set in, so upped that to 15 - 17k.
Reviewed: Lots of online reviews, this site and others. Really valued others direct experience. Settled on giving a serious look to:
Deere
Mahindra
Kubota
New Holland
Massey
After going to dealers, driving, etc I learned the following, some of which surprised me.
1. I was really OK with a gear unit. I thought from reading and having a zero turn mower I'd only consider hydro, but the gear is actually just fine and it saves money. If prices were equal, then I'd go HS, but with saving money the gear is fine. After 5 hours over a few days including lots of FEL work, I'm happy with the gear - SO - at least consider/drive it if your looking.
2. Deere just didn't fit me physically.
3. Kubot is clearly a high quality product, and clearly they just wanted way, way too much money. Again if money was no object, I'd probably have a Kubota but it was and I don't now. Really liked that 3300 but only the B2320 was in my range, and it only handles 4 ft implements.
4. Massey tried to sell me Kubota. When I asked why, they said Massey was just too expensive to try and sell their compacts. I guess they are really good, or whatever, but I got nowhere with Masseys.
5. Mahindra was the next to last dealer, had a great unit I loved, the 3016. Size, fit, finish, quality, all seemed up there and workable. Price was acceptable so I put on the short list. Dealer a good person also which counts.
6. Went to New Holland last as due diligence, but per phone conversations couldn't afford one. I wanted the Boomer 30. At first the salesman said I was right, it was out of my budget. Then for some reason he said " Well let me see" and started on his computer screen. Seems there was an additional promotion and all of a sudden he was the lowest price instead of the highest. Driving the Boomer 30 was the same experience as the Mahindra, but cheaper.
What did I learn?
1. Find a good dealer.
2. Try to wheel and deal them - apparently they have wiggle room once they realize you are serious.
3. Drive the units. Compare size, gear vs HS, etc.
4. Give gear a chance "IF" you are concerned with cost and it makes a difference.
5. Make a chart. I listed spec topics top to bottom, then different units across the top so I could compare lift capacities, HP, weight, size, etc.
6. Lastly, if you read this far you are probably a newbie also so Read Up On Safety. These things hurt a lot of good folks every year we don't hear about so be careful and LEARN how to be safe.
Good luck.
I just bought a new toy and here are my comments for what they are worth.
Have: 7 acres in N. Arkansas. 3 are open, 4 wooded, with a fair slope in the mid section. A road needs maintaining, lots of cleaning up, etc.
Wanted: Compact, about 25-30 hp, with FEL, BB and brush hog, all 5 ft.
Originally wanted used, but was surprised at the high cost of used vs new, plus the warranty now days is just too good to pass on. I wanted my budget to be in the 10 - 12k range but quickly had reality set in, so upped that to 15 - 17k.
Reviewed: Lots of online reviews, this site and others. Really valued others direct experience. Settled on giving a serious look to:
Deere
Mahindra
Kubota
New Holland
Massey
After going to dealers, driving, etc I learned the following, some of which surprised me.
1. I was really OK with a gear unit. I thought from reading and having a zero turn mower I'd only consider hydro, but the gear is actually just fine and it saves money. If prices were equal, then I'd go HS, but with saving money the gear is fine. After 5 hours over a few days including lots of FEL work, I'm happy with the gear - SO - at least consider/drive it if your looking.
2. Deere just didn't fit me physically.
3. Kubot is clearly a high quality product, and clearly they just wanted way, way too much money. Again if money was no object, I'd probably have a Kubota but it was and I don't now. Really liked that 3300 but only the B2320 was in my range, and it only handles 4 ft implements.
4. Massey tried to sell me Kubota. When I asked why, they said Massey was just too expensive to try and sell their compacts. I guess they are really good, or whatever, but I got nowhere with Masseys.
5. Mahindra was the next to last dealer, had a great unit I loved, the 3016. Size, fit, finish, quality, all seemed up there and workable. Price was acceptable so I put on the short list. Dealer a good person also which counts.
6. Went to New Holland last as due diligence, but per phone conversations couldn't afford one. I wanted the Boomer 30. At first the salesman said I was right, it was out of my budget. Then for some reason he said " Well let me see" and started on his computer screen. Seems there was an additional promotion and all of a sudden he was the lowest price instead of the highest. Driving the Boomer 30 was the same experience as the Mahindra, but cheaper.
What did I learn?
1. Find a good dealer.
2. Try to wheel and deal them - apparently they have wiggle room once they realize you are serious.
3. Drive the units. Compare size, gear vs HS, etc.
4. Give gear a chance "IF" you are concerned with cost and it makes a difference.
5. Make a chart. I listed spec topics top to bottom, then different units across the top so I could compare lift capacities, HP, weight, size, etc.
6. Lastly, if you read this far you are probably a newbie also so Read Up On Safety. These things hurt a lot of good folks every year we don't hear about so be careful and LEARN how to be safe.
Good luck.
