Any Feedback from Users of the New Tier 4 Tractors?

[TSO]

Don't know about the price bump, but the new Tier 4 engine is a Shibaura. Same engine that's in the NH Boomer 3050 (and probably other NH models). Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted too much $$ for their Tier 4 engine.

I know that the NH guys rave about how great the Shibaura-made NH tractors were, so I don't think going to a Shibaura engine is a step down for LS.

I like the Shibaura builds... My old Ford commercial mower had a 3cyl 27hp Shibaura diesel and it was great... And my current Hustler Super-Z zero turn has a 25hp Shibaura diesel.

Shibaura made tractors for NH for many years, the only real complaints i know of are related to electrical issues.

With that said, I'm really happy with the Mitsu in my R4047... Seems like a real good engine so far.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Would I be out of line by suggesting a Kioti RX6010 with power shuttle? :thumbsup:

It's the next size up from the Kubota Grand L, and a lot more tractor, with roomier cab. Since you wouldn't be paying for the HST+ it may be a comparable option. I really don't know how much they go for, but I know they come standard with a lot of items, like rear remotes.

If there was a good Kioti dealer near me, I'd probably already own the DK50 cab with HST. But the closest dealer I'd trust is 1.5 hrs away on the other side of the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

 

[Piston]

If there was a good Kioti dealer near me, I'd probably already own the DK50 cab with HST. But the closest dealer I'd trust is 1.5 hrs away on the other side of the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

I understand the convenience of a nearby dealer, but at the same time, it is highly over rated (especially on TBN). Of course, it's up to the buyer, so if a close dealer was important to me, then I'd rule out the Kioti brand as well. However, in my opinion, I'd rather have the tractor that fit's my needs and feels the best ergonomically with a dealer further away, than have a close dealer with a tractor that barely ever goes to the dealer, that I am not "as" happy in. You potentially put thousands of hours on the tractor, but only a fraction of that at the dealer.

I personally think that if a DK50 Cab with HST is your ideal tractor, and one that you know you would be very happy in, then why worry about a 3 hour drive to and from the dealership? You'll probably make that drive what, maybe once or twice a year? If that?

I've had my tractor 3 or 4 years now, it went to the dealer once, and that was only to load the tires with Rimguard, which wasn't even the dealer the tractor was purchased from anyways. My father has owned numerous tractors and has never once taken any of them to the dealer.

I'm not trying to make it sound like it's a bad idea to have a close dealer, but just seriously consider how much of an effect over the long term, that a 1.5 hr drive one way, will really have on the ownership of your tractor. Like you said, this could be your last tractor, why settle for less to save an hour or two in the car?

 

[KenB2920]

I understand the convenience of a nearby dealer, but at the same time, it is highly over rated (especially on TBN). Of course, it's up to the buyer, so if a close dealer was important to me, then I'd rule out the Kioti brand as well. However, in my opinion, I'd rather have the tractor that fit's my needs and feels the best ergonomically with a dealer further away, than have a close dealer with a tractor that barely ever goes to the dealer, that I am not "as" happy in. You potentially put thousands of hours on the tractor, but only a fraction of that at the dealer.

I personally think that if a DK50 Cab with HST is your ideal tractor, and one that you know you would be very happy in, then why worry about a 3 hour drive to and from the dealership? You'll probably make that drive what, maybe once or twice a year? If that?

I've had my tractor 3 or 4 years now, it went to the dealer once, and that was only to load the tires with Rimguard, which wasn't even the dealer the tractor was purchased from anyways. My father has owned numerous tractors and has never once taken any of them to the dealer.

I'm not trying to make it sound like it's a bad idea to have a close dealer, but just seriously consider how much of an effect over the long term, that a 1.5 hr drive one way, will really have on the ownership of your tractor. Like you said, this could be your last tractor, why settle for less to save an hour or two in the car?

I agree in you should get the equipment that suits your needs and to be comfortable to you.

The reason I also like a close dealer is I stop at my dealer periodically. I guess my setting may be different but they are small town people even though they are big business. They don't "act" like salesman, they act like your neighbor because they are.

Another reason I like my dealer close isnt because I am afraid my tractor will need service do to faulty equipment. Nope, I like them close for mistakes I make and I can go grab a part real quick.

Being I go there enough, when I smashed my windshield, I called them up, ordered the part with nothing more than giving them my name. Not bad only going 2 miles to make the pickup when it came it.

That can be rebutted by, well order it online and have it shipped to your house.

I also like when I had a team of guys over cutting down trees, splitting wood etc, a buddy was driving and happened to break the valve stem causing a flat tire. I drove to the dealer, grabbed the part and had the machine back up and running in 20 min.

That can be rebutted with, well its most likely a standard valve and I could of got it at the local hardware store.

So having a dealer in my back yard IS a nice perk. It wouldn't make me buy their equipment, but it does come into play.

 

[LindenBruce]

Regarding the Tier 4 stuff. I got an e-mail today from a Mahindra rep. I had e-mailed them and LS last week. The Mahindra rep told me they are going to continue manufacturing Interim Tier 4 with reduced NOS compact tractors under 50hp until calendar year 2014. So I guess supplies of those tractors won't dry up until sometime next year. However, I think it's more of a "Get'um while their hot!" kind of thing. The LS rep is out of the office so I haven't heard from them yet. Just an FYI. B.