Choosing my first tractor

[Diwali]

We don't have a lot of snow on our island in Wales so it wasn’t really an issue when I bought my Case IH 248. However, I do a bit of logging, a little landscaping and a lot of field mowing. I had originally thought of getting a 4 wheel drive compact tractor but even second hand prices were way out of my budget and attachments were not any better. Instead I got the two wheel drive 1995 Case and a brand new topper mower and stayed within my budget. I also figured that conventional (old) attachments would be cheaper. The tractor had a FEL already fitted and a cab. Interestingly enough, you mentioned a cab for comfort, but yesterday I discovered a new reason that I was grateful for it; one of the hydraulic hoses on the FEL burst and sprayed oil all over the cab windscreen. If it wasn't for the cab I would have had a face full of hot oil and who knows what damage that might have caused to eyes, skin etc.!! So, whatever you get, include a cab for your own protection! Good luck in your search.

 

[Kirby72]

Thanks for your replies so far. You guys have me thinking about bigger (heavier) tractors than I was originally looking at (Kubota B2650/B3350). I am now looking at 3 tractors with hp in the mid 30’s and weight of the bare tractor of 3000 lbs plus.

The 3 Cab tractors I am currently researching are:
Kubota L3560
Mahindra 2638
Yanmar YT235C

Any opinions on these 3 tractors? Brand reliability, other issues?

 

[jeff9366]

The Kubota HST/PLUS transmission is very helpful. I have an L3560. My third and best tractor.

Kubota is made by Kubota. Yammer is made by Yanmar. Mahindra is NOT made by Mahindra.

VIDEO: Kubota HST Plus Transmission Features - YouTube

 

[grm61]

Don't forget about Kioti.
I would look at the frame size that I have....The NX series replaced the DKSE series that I have (same frame size as mine}, the NX has all the tier 4 final emmisions.

Mine is mechanical injected with a muffler, starting 2014 anything over 26hp has the emissions goodies.
The new DKs are not the same as mine.

They are now building 40/45 horse tractors on the 30/35 horse fame size
Again current Kioti new, in my frame size, would be the NX series.


Good luck

Yes, cab over here, yes lot of snow 16/17 winter, get the cab

I like my tractor :thumbsup:

 

[North Woods]

Of the three models listed which is available from a tractor dealer? In my area there are three tractor dealers selling three well known brands. There are also outlet stores and lawn mower repair places that have added a tractor line to their retail options. Some items are up to 60 HP so they are not small tractors. IMO that does not make them a tractor place. Building a BBQ for display does not make you a tractor mechanic. That is important to me. If something goes wrong I would prefer it to be repaired by someone trained to do so with access to the necessary information. The local lawn mower guy may be a great mechanic for a CUT but I am not willing to make that assumption with my investment. I buy cars from car people, houses from realtors, and go to a doctor when I need to. For me the same applies to tractors. If you are going to fix everything yourself then it may not matter other than parts availability. As many have mentioned here, find the dealer then the product. Oh, and get the "domestic easement" first.

 

[Tractorable]

I also go back and forth between the L3560 and the YT235. Both are Japanese high-quality, high-feature tractors. Both Kubota and Yanmar have been in business for over 100 years, and both companies build the entire tractor from the ground up.

The L3560 is significantly heavier, longer, and taller than the YT235, and it has a more advanced transmission. It is also more expensive. Both have auto throttle. You need to decide if it's important to you to fit the tractor in the garage and figure out if they'll fit.

Both the Kubota and Yanmar have a mid PTO and will accept a front snowblower. Both tractor cabs have heat and A/C.

I'm hedging towards the YT235 because I'd have to chop the ROPS on the L3560 to fit it in my garage (7ft door) and I don't know that I need the weight for my purposes. Your purposes will differ and you'll need to decide if you need the weight and lift capacity of the L3560.

I'm not knowledgeable about the Mahindra.

 

[Kirby72]

As far as dealers go, the Mahindra dealer is an easy 25 miles away, the Kubota and Yanmar dealers are both about 60 miles away and over a mountain pass.

Mahindra 2638 cab has the MCRD technology, which makes the emissions requirements easier to deal with. But, the control layout leaves something to be desired from an ergonomics standpoint. The air ride seat will not go back far enough to make me very comfortable, I am too close to the pedals and steering wheel. There is something wrong with the design, as I am only 5’8” tall! The 3 point controls are right next to my right hip requiring me to raise the arm rest and lean to the side to see it. These types of things are annoying. The Mahindra dealer is the closest of the 3, and the salesman tells me that they will pick up the tractor for free for warranty work, etc. My impression is that they are trying to build their business and reputation as a relatively new dealer.

I have not been to the Yanmar dealer yet to see their tractors first hand. No Yanmar dealers within 200 miles have the exact model that I am most interested in.

Kubota seems to be better ergonomically, probably has a better reputation for quality and reliability, has good parts availability, but is more expensive than the other two.

 

[Kirby72]

Kubota website says the L3560 cab model is 90.6 inches tall, my garage is 96 inches tall.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota website says the L3560 cab model is 90.6 inches tall, my garage is 96 inches tall.

Tractor dimensions are quoted with R1/ag tires as a convention.
If you order R4/Industrial tires the tractor will be less tall.

 

[Kirby72]

Thanks. I definately want R4's anyway