Buying Advice 1acre Home Tractor Mitsubishi or Iseki

[jibe717]

I'm going with the heavier and more HP Iseki. When I chose my most recent MF, the 1726E, the extra weight was the defining factor in my choice. That and the price was within reason.

 

[riseandgrind]

The Iseki is my first choice due to the Higher HP and the larger weight capacity. Seems like parts support is about the same for both tractors.
Initially I wanted a HST, but after doing some research it changed my opinion and now I am more open to a standard gear box. Any input on the HST vs Standard on a tractor in this size range?

 

[airbiscuit]

The Iseki is my first choice due to the Higher HP and the larger weight capacity. Seems like parts support is about the same for both tractors.
Initially I wanted a HST, but after doing some research it changed my opinion and now I am more open to a standard gear box. Any input on the HST vs Standard on a tractor in this size range?

What's your budget?

 

[jenkinsph]

Are you planning on using this for mowing? If so get a hydrostatic transmission, that is what all the manufacturers are selling today. That is what everyone else wants in a small tractor.

 

[CDennyRun]

I would go with the Mitsubishi if you have to buy a tractor NOW. I agree withe everyone else, that weight and HP are most important, other than the reliability factor. I personally wouldn't buy a Iseki, and would wait for something better to pop up on the market if you're concerned about not having sufficient weight and HP with the Mitsu. I know people with 18hp scuts that do all the work you're talking about, and weigh the same as the Mitsu, and rave about the performance.

If you have to choose now, either tractor you'll get will probably need wheel weights, loaded tires, or a counter balance if you plan on moving full buckets of gravel. A 18hp CUT will run a post hole digger, 4' tiller, single bottom plow, 4' brush hog, 4' box blade, and the list goes on.

Chris

 

[riseandgrind]

No mowing. Have a riding mower for that.
I'd like to stay under 5k if I spend any more then that I might as well bite the bullet and get one of the 4 brands that hold their **** value so well. This tractor won't be a work horse. It will just get used every so often to keep my property up. Hard to justify spending over 8k for that. Sure hydro sounds nice, but I don't think standard trans will be a deal breaker. Both tractors are so similar seems like whatever I can get the better deal on woe be the winner

 

[airbiscuit]

No mowing. Have a riding mower for that.
I'd like to stay under 5k if I spend any more then that I might as well bite the bullet and get one of the 4 brands that hold their **** value so well. This tractor won't be a work horse. It will just get used every so often to keep my property up. Hard to justify spending over 8k for that. Sure hydro sounds nice, but I don't think standard trans will be a deal breaker. Both tractors are so similar seems like whatever I can get the better deal on woe be the winner

It sounds like you have a good sense of what you want and the best bang for the buck. What matters is that you end up getting your first CUT. You will have the time of your life, learn what you want in your next tractor, and be able to sell this one for what you paid for it when you're ready.

 

[riseandgrind]

It sounds like you have a good sense of what you want and the best bang for the buck. What matters is that you end up getting your first CUT. You will have the time of your life, learn what you want in your next tractor, and be able to sell this one for what you paid for it when you're ready.

Would 5k for either tractor if in good mechanical order be a good deal? Or about average market price with FEL and Box Scraper?

 

[jenkinsph]

Since you won't be mowing with this a gear drive would be okay imo. Pick the one you think is in the better condition and best bang for the buck. Finding a small tractor with fel and rear impement in good shape for $5000 would be reasonable.

 

[jibe717]

I know I'm in the great minority but my latest tractor purchase is a gear drive. My 1726E will be used primarily for mowing. It is planned for it to see little other use. In my case the mowing is just straight strips in between the rows of a fruit orchard and will be in the area of 60-70 hours per year. I did consider a hydro for this tractor but I wanted more tractor instead of the hydro for my budget. Being an almost lifetime farmer I am far more used to gear drive for any job anyway and the biggest draw that a hydro had for me was the need in 1,000 plus hours to have to change the clutch in the gear drive. But in my case that is likely 15 years down the road and I may have a different tractor by then anyway.