A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

[wasabi]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I also bought a non "big 3" tractor...a PT 2445. Simply put I got way more capacity and versatility for less money. (see MossRoad's post as to why). If you would like to know more I'll be pleased to elaborate. Am I happy with it?....I'd buy another in a NY second!

 

[RedDog]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A couple of questions from a novice researching his 1st. tractor purchase. I want to get info on non-big 3 tractors also so I can make an informed buying decision.

Can anyone who owns a non-big 3 tractor tell me why they bought what they did. <font color="blue"> I bought it because it had everything that I want. </font> Was it the features that stood out on the tractor? <font color="blue"> Yes. Front locker is extremely nice, and being able to raise and lower the hydraulics from the rear of the tractor is very time saving and safe. </font> Good dealer? <font color="blue"> I don't consider him a dealer,,, to me he is a good friend. </font> Sheer price? <font color="blue"> Price was very very nice, much cheaper with more features. </font>

Also, anyone who has owned a non-big 3 for a while now how is it holding up? <font color="blue">Very well. No problems with tractor. I did have my bucket fall off several times from the "bobcat style" quick attach/detach plate. It had faulty pins which were replaced, making it very nice taking on and off. </font> How is your dealer service? <font color="blue"> Non applicable. Haven't needed it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif</font> Are you as happy with it now as when you first bought it? <font color="blue"> /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif What can I say,, I would do it again. </font>

RedDog <font color="orange"> Kioti DK65 </font>

 

[joetria]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I looked at all of them, including the big 3, and ended up purchasing a Kioti dk35SE hydro. Simply because i know it is a brand that is known and reliable but mostly because it just felt right. I do not like the rocker pedal. I prefer the two separate pedals for forward and reverse. Also, the front bucket loader control is near the seat, therefore, you don't have to reach out to use it, just makes it a lot easier. The seating area is spacious and the controls are well laid out. I do believe that any of the more common names will be good tractors, and trust me, i have been looking for years. I drove them all. But, something about the dk35se hydryo just struck me and i knew on the spot that i would own one. I get it on Friday (tomorrow) and i can't wait. My wife doesn't understand my excitement. (she doesn't get it) Good luck. joe

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I looked at all of them . . . Good luck. joe

Wow, this has to have set some sort of a record.

It has been almost exactly 4 years since the last post (previous post was April 4, 2003)

 

[Adiredneck]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

My wife doesn't understand my excitement. (she doesn't get it) Good luck. joe

She may NEVER get it. Mine doesn't. My obsession with tractors is about as foreign to her as is her obsession with shoes. I ask: Where will THEY be in 20yrs (or 6 mos.)?

 

[coasterez]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I was looking for the most features for the $. I tried several. Funny thing is I liked just about everyone of them. I was looking for a digging machine, but didn't want one too big. This weighed heavily in my decision. I went with a Kioti CK25. Features for the price are hard to beat. But, mostly I liked it best because of its size, stance, and weight. Had mowing been important in the equation, I probably would have picked differently. Your planned tasks should play an important role in which one you choose. Different machines have different strong points.

I've only had it for a year, about 110 hours on it. So far, it couldn't be better. I've had zero problems. I think good dealer prep. goes a long way to eliminating those "initial quality" problems, as most are related to assembly/adjustment. I was fortunate to have chosen a good dealer (Wallace) that makes sure everything is right on the tractor before delivery. He also did not cut corners and go "cheap" on implement installation hardware. For example, he installed rear remotes for the backhoe using half inch hydraulic lines. He didn't even have to put the rear remotes on, and he could have used smaller hydraulic lines. I guess what I'm saying is that dealer quality will carry over to the tractor's quality.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy Kioti again. But, then again, I wouldn't hesitate to buy Mahindra, Branson, or Agco either. I also like TYM a lot. But, will TYM be selling and servicing in the U.S. 10 years from now? I hope so. We'll just have to wait and see on that one.

Just about all of them are making good machines. The trick is to find the one that best fits your needs from a quality dealer. Do that, and you won't be dissatisfied.

 

[scott_vt]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

Wow, this has to have set some sort of a record.

It has been almost exactly 4 years since the last post (previous post was April 4, 2003)

Mornin Bob,
OK I guess Im considered a newbie on this forum even though I originally registered in 2004, of course I imediately forgot my password !
The original poster Donotdelete originated the post in 1969 ? Heck I was just gettin out of high school back then Was there actually a TBN in 1969 ? or has someone hacked our great site ! I always thought the original oldtimers were registered on 2000 ?

Please set me straight !

Thanks !

 

[tallyho8]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

Not to mention but DONOTDELETE made 5000 posts between May and July 2003 and his info says he's a new member with 0 posts?

5000 posts in 3 months must be a record.

Could this be a moderator or someone with TBN increasing the ratings?

 

[Oleozz]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

Can anyone who owns a non-big 3 tractor tell me why they bought what they did. Was it the features that stood out on the tractor? Good dealer? Sheer price?

Also, anyone who has owned a non-big 3 for a while now how is it holding up? How is your dealer service? Are you as happy with it now as when you first bought it?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Standard features on the Kioti that other manufacturers consider options, price, liked the looks and style and seemed like a solid tractor. My farming friends are always talking about a good solid tractor, Kioti gave me that feel.
I have 140 hrs, only problem to date was the heater in the cab. We repaced the thermostat but the original was fine, the "fix" was a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator and got good heat from that point on. It starts well, I use mine for plowing snow and ground, harrowing, cultivating, loader work, and bush hogging, so far everything has worked great. I really like the electric 4wd engage, you can shift into 4wd on the go and not feel a thing. The electric PTO is another nice feature.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

A couple of questions from a novice researching his 1st. tractor purchase. I want to get info on non-big 3 tractors also so I can make an informed buying decision.

Can anyone who owns a non-big 3 tractor tell me why they bought what they did. Was it the features that stood out on the tractor? Good dealer? Sheer price?

Also, anyone who has owned a non-big 3 for a while now how is it holding up? How is your dealer service? Are you as happy with it now as when you first bought it?

Thanks
(I have spring tractor fever, I think the only cure is to buy one /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

I believe one buys factoring price and specs. The NB3 market seems to me to offer a better value in this regard, altho sometimes a bit less finesse in controls and details of use. The problem I see is in knowing whether the specs are provided and supported to a robust enuf degree that they can be used to their full extent long term without failure. The buyer assumes this - especially as it relates to the power train of the tractor and to the use of implements designed for the tractor. It is assumed that the package is integrated, so to speak.

I have a 2006 Mahindra 7520 4wd equipped w factory approved FEL and BH. It is an impressively capable tractor. However, it has failed in a way that causes me a lot of worry about its suitability to deliver its full spec without self damage. The tractor has had its little problems, many of which are proceeding to resolution far too slowly. The diligent attention of the company is an issue here and speaks poorly of their finish to the sale. Regardless of the fact that I should be spared the aggravation, I have encountered something much worse. - - The camshaft gear broke at 172HRs. Sounds like a fluke until you get the whole picture. This gear drives the cam and acts as an idler between the crank and another gear on the opposite side which drives the hydraulic pump and the alternator and engine fan. This is a big hydraulic pump - 17GPM with 5GPM on top of this for the PS. It is hard to turn at full system pressure and the alternator and fan add to this gear load. The kicker is that this is a helical gear. The angled teeth result in a 100# thrust inward where driven by the crank and outward on the opposite side where this "idler" drives the pump gear. The web of this gear is pretty thin and has 4 holes down near the hub that weaken it more. The continuous thrust reversal in use flexes the web and has led to breakage near its hub on mine and a few others. This part of the system is on its second upgrade by Mahindra and the part still looks marginally adequate. It may last forever if you only use it as a tractor, but loader and BH work is much more prone to use full system pressure and cause this gear to flex beyond its harmless limit and eventually break. What if you want to use full system pressure continuously to drive a hydraulic motor? - - What about the increased load you would put on by naively adding a higher capacity alternator?

Its fixed and running again, but I dont believe this 17GPM spec - a great selling point - is supported robustly, as a buyer would expect. In my experience hydraulic pump drives dont break - especially if theyre going to take the whole engine down with them. This part of the system is inconsistent with Mahindras image of building heavy and strong. Any other gotchas lurking???!
larry