Another confused first timer

[jeff9366]

So would you not recommend me buying in Phoenix.....which is 2 hours away? They of course have many more options than our little area up here in the mountains....

A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after eight years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.


But as you say, I'll start local (I think that limits me to only Kubota and Deere)

Two very good choices. The doors of Kubota and Deere dealers will remain open during economic recessions. Parts will arrive at the Kubota/Deere dealer in two working days during the first thirty years you own the tractor.



Have you had time to read this?

Tractor Sizing - Almost Daily Thread: SUBCOMPACT or COMPACT TRACTOR?

Repetitively typing almost the same advice on the Topic: SUBCOMPACT or COMPACT TRACTOR? is not that interesting. I am going to accumulate some well considered, well punctuated standard replies, then refine the advice. Everyone is welcome to contribute.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[redman135]

1 thing that has not been said is TEST the ergonomics of the tractor. There are differences between tractors that makes 1 just right with all controls falling to hand comfortable and easy to operate. An example of what to avoid is an fel control that requires a stretch to reach this will repidly give you a sore arm and subsequently take the gloss offf your tractor.
Ask your neighbours what tractors they have and what they dislike and like and if possible why this is so. Also if they were replacing their tractor what would they change, and why.
good luck

 

[Hoodoo]

Jeff 9366 - Yes I started reading that already

Redman - My main neighbors use Kubota (2) and JD (2). But they have huge retirement pensions and I do not....

 

[Hoodoo]

Now here's a story - a younger family moved in recently down the road. Husband is a highway patrol officer. His neighbor passed away and the wife just gives him the Kubota tractor........I'm happy for him, but........

 

[DGZRT]

I’ll share a little but I’m a Nubie at tractors. My wife inherited 113 acres and a cabin . Her dad battled cancer off and on for 5/6 years . Not much was done to the land in this time so when we got it the work was plentiful!!
After paying a contractor almost 11k for some cleanup we quickly came to a conclusion we need better equipment. I’m still working with kids in college so money is tight. I did about 9 months of research and came up with three brands of tractors . Kioti, LS, Branson.

The Branson won out because the dealer was close . I chose a 25hp 2515H . I think I’ve made an awesome choice. I only have 48 hours on it but I’ve done more in 6 weekends then I did all last summer. Some of the good things . A tier 4 non regen motor without fancy computers running everything. A good diesel mechanic can work on it , don’t need a dealer.

3 gear hydrostatic trans
2100 lb lift on loader
7 year warranty. This is why you need a close dealer.
One of the heaviest in it’s class
Awesome seat fully adjustable and hydraulic.
quick attach bucket
Cruise control
There is much more I’m just getting long winded.
With the money I’ve saved I bought the third function for a grapple and a box blade.
I might not have awesome resale but I sure have a nice tractor

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[Hoodoo]

DGZRT - That looks good, would certainly work for me. Now I'll see if I can find a dealer in AZ or close....

 

[Hoodoo]

Nearest dealer is in Phoenix, 197 miles away... :-(

 

[DGZRT]

Nearest dealer is in Phoenix, 197 miles away... :-(

That’s too bad . I can agree with the guys that like the big names . I feel you would be doing yourself a disfavor if you didn’t look at the other brands . LS, Kioti, TYM, RK ,Bobcat “Aka a Kioti of a different color. Mahindra. Most of the guys are correct for say big name is better but being broke and worrying about money because you spent 12k more on a tractor makes retirement not so fun . Get a good tractor buy good implements and enjoy ! Driving a tractor is like therapy …

 

[jeff9366]

Here are my parameters: Decent HP (24?)

The demarcation for Tier IV emission controls is 19 kW engine power output = 25.4794 horsepower. No tractor with less horsepower has Tier IV emission paraphernalia.

Branson tractors, like other Korean tractors, are good value. Most or all of the Korean tractor brands have AROUND 1% compact tractor market share in the USA under their primary trademark. I am skeptical even the most successful Korean tractor brand has 2% market share under it's primary trademark. You must critically assess dealer stability while shopping minor brands.

Start with the nearest dealer and work out.



I have a Branson dealer about 30 miles distant (Lee's Custom Services, Branford, Florida) that has kept the doors open 20 years and has been well reviewed on T-B-N.
Were I in the market for a new tractor and price was the primary consideration and if the tractor were to be heavier than a subcompact, I would consider a Branson from Lee's Services.

In the <25-horsepower category the OP is researching the commendable weight of >35 horsepower Bransons is immaterial. There is only so much tractor and implement 25-horsepower can move.

 

[K5lwq]

I disagree with Jeff.

1. Without paying several thousand dollars the market share is not known. This is purely speculation on his part.

2. Many very successful companies have provided good quality products but have a small part of the market share.

3. As far as what is published, Deere is number 1, Mahindra 2, Massey 3, New Holland 4, and Kubota is number 5. But we do not know the market share percentage for each.

I wish someone that has bought the report would or even could post facts instead of misleading information.