Another "Help me pick a tractor" thread

[TheMadOne]

To really compare the tractor brands and prices, you need to get prices for the same size tractor, with the same features from each company. Pick a PTO HP size that you think you need and get a quote from each dealer and tell them how you want it equipped. Right now the Branson looks way, way cheaper and the Massey quite a bit cheaper, BUT, they are 2-3 sizes smaller tractors. I think if you tell the dealers what specs you want and compare apples to apples, you will find much less difference in price. Dealers can easily make their tractor much cheaper by quoting a little smaller tractor with a little less features and if you don’t compare carefully, you don’t realize that. Make sure you try each tractor out before you buy. You may find out that there are some that you hate the control layout or how they operate and how comfortable you feel on them. You don’t want to end up with a tractor that you don’t like, or are scared to operate.

I think he told the dealers his applications, and the result is the above chart. Kind of an interesting look into the JD dealer's mind. The Kubota dealer doesn't have a less expensive option with a cab and a gear drive.

 

[niterydr]

Agree 100%.
The listed models are not in the same class/size.
The New Holland Website has a good comparison tool.

Weight/Lift Capacity/PTO HP/Price are good starting points.
But also there are tractors that are the best on paper but on real world application they are not quite there, and the opposite could be true too. Tractors that are listing xyz but when you need them to perform they deliver beyond expectations.

It is very important that you try the machine, or at least something similar, before you buy.

Good luck!

I also agree and I am confused as to the recommendations as I gave them all the same requirements:
Ability to stack round bales
Ability to drag a 6' brush hog
Cab, 4wd

I'll have to approach some of them again and go from there with a baseline. It seems that Kubota is a bit larger than I'll need based on the specs.

Ultimately I'll probably be making 4 road trips to drive them. Numbers were off websites/sales people/tractor data.

To help steer the dealers...
For a 6' brush hog, PTO should be? 21-35 hp?
For stacking rounds, 1500lb capacity to be safe @ full height (at pins?) ?

The rub is the cab. JD and Kubota both said I could be fine with an open for smaller/cheaper but I do not want to deal with Texas heat, dust, bees, etc. If I do get an open my chores will be at night then.

 

[TheMadOne]

I also agree and I am confused as to the recommendations as I gave them all the same requirements:
Ability to stack round bales
Ability to drag a 6' brush hog
Cab, 4wd

I'll have to approach some of them again and go from there with a baseline. It seems that Kubota is a bit larger than I'll need based on the specs.

Ultimately I'll probably be making 4 road trips to drive them. Numbers were off websites/sales people/tractor data.

To help steer the dealers...
For a 6' brush hog, PTO should be? 21-35 hp?
For stacking rounds, 1500lb capacity to be safe @ full height (at pins?) ?

The rub is the cab. JD and Kubota both said I could be fine with an open for smaller/cheaper but I do not want to deal with Texas heat, dust, bees, etc. If I do get an open my chores will be at night then.

Kubota went as large as they did because their smaller cabbed units, the Grand L line, are almost as much or more money than the M6060. There's less than 1,300 difference between a L4760 with cab and FEL and M6060 with the same options. The cabbed next model up, the L5460, lists for 600 more than the M6060!

Kubota should really offer economy cabs on the MX machines, and maybe the standard Ls.

 

[niterydr]

Kubota went as large as they did because their smaller cabbed units, the Grand L line, are almost as much or more money than the M6060. There's less than 1,300 difference between a L4760 with cab and FEL and M6060 with the same options. The cabbed next model up, the L5460, lists for 600 more than the M6060!

Kubota should really offer economy cabs on the MX machines, and maybe the standard Ls.

I know it is crazy, I feel that I am in no man's land here. John Deere was about the same. I asked about the 4 series as on paper it seems sufficient but it is more than the 5 series...even the sales guy was like "well now that I compare the two, not sure why anyone would want a 4 series unless the 5 series can't physically fit; that's foolish"

 

[TheMadOne]

I know it is crazy, I feel that I am in no man's land here. John Deere was about the same. I asked about the 4 series as on paper it seems sufficient but it is more than the 5 series...even the sales guy was like "well now that I compare the two, not sure why anyone would want a 4 series unless the 5 series can't physically fit; that's foolish"

The Grand Ls are supposed to be really nice, and some people have to have HST. That said, if I was shopping for anything bigger than the L4060 I'd have to at least test drive a M6060. I'm going to look at a L3560 over the weekend, and I might jump into a M just because. Not that I can afford the 10K+ upcharge.

 

[4570Man]

The Grand Ls are supposed to be really nice, and some people have to have HST. That said, if I was shopping for anything bigger than the L4060 I'd have to at least test drive a M6060. I'm going to look at a L3560 over the weekend, and I might jump into a M just because. Not that I can afford the 10K+ upcharge.

There’s almost no good reason based on fact not to get a HST on a compact tractor. Almost all reasons are based on incorrect information or an illogical fear of change. Everyone I’ve ever known to claim that enjoyed all the other comforts of modern life so I’m not sure why you’re holding yourself back with a 150 year old transmission.

 

[niterydr]

Going to test drive the M6060 tomorrow as it is in town and check it out. I drove my neighbor's 5100E for a good 3-4 hours last weekend so that is still fresh from a test and compare standpoint. I know the 5055E I am shopping against is smaller than the 5100E I've driven, but on paper the Kubota looks to have everything I want and don't want (lighter, less length, less height, more width).

 

[TheMadOne]

There’s almost no good reason based on fact not to get a HST on a compact tractor. Almost all reasons are based on incorrect information or an illogical fear of change. Everyone I’ve ever known to claim that enjoyed all the other comforts of modern life so I’m not sure why you’re holding yourself back with a 150 year old transmission.

I don't disagree, but if you're shopping for a utility tractor and the heavier, more capable tractor is less money...I'm not sure why you wouldn't at least test drive unless there are hard space restrictions or you need to do loader work all day every day. There are plenty of reasons to own a Grand L6060 over a M6060 or M7060. Even if it's as simple as "I want it". But you're getting less weight and PTO hp per your money. The things you're getting instead are harder to put into numbers, but have their value, as shown by the volume of Grand Ls sold.

 

[BAP]

I think he told the dealers his applications, and the result is the above chart. Kind of an interesting look into the JD dealer's mind. The Kubota dealer doesn't have a less expensive option with a cab and a gear drive.

One thing to remember though is that a lot of tractor salespeople nowadays, have little clue as to what a particular model is capable of doing. You need to do your own homework if you are going to be happy with it.

 

[4570Man]

I don't disagree, but if you're shopping for a utility tractor and the heavier, more capable tractor is less money...I'm not sure why you wouldn't at least test drive unless there are hard space restrictions or you need to do loader work all day every day. There are plenty of reasons to own a Grand L6060 over a M6060 or M7060. Even if it's as simple as "I want it". But you're getting less weight and PTO hp per your money. The things you're getting instead are harder to put into numbers, but have their value, as shown by the volume of Grand Ls sold.

I’d have to say the opposite. My L3240 was a WAY nicer machine than my grandpas L3800. Unless there’s a good reason why you absolutely have to have the bigger machine I’d rather have the smaller nicer machine.