??? Comparing New Compact Tractors ???

[Mcourchesne]

I love the responses guys...I'm within stones throw away from pulling the trigger.

So the larger size I just need to justify in my head...but one last question...why not MF?

I've got a dealer in town who's been there for 50+ years but even I though not to check them out. Is it that MF dealers are not as plentiful or convenient as JD and Kubota dealers?

The 2305, BX23 and GC series all seem to be exactly the same with very minor differences.
Is it safe to assume the same goes with the 2320, B series or MF series?

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

You just need to get what you feel is best for you size and model wise. If you are comfortable with the Massey dealer and you like what they offer there is no reason not to go with one. In regards to the number of dealers/models in any given area that seems to be a regional thing.

 

[Gittyup]

There is no reason not to like MF. You should definitely check them out before deciding.

 

[Altex]

I agree. Compare, compare and compare. Check out MF, especially if he's right in town. You want to be informed of all your options. Even if you don't end up going with MF, it will really help solidify your choice. And you won't be thinking later, I wonder what an MF is like.

Don't be in a hurry pulling that trigger. Take your time to make sure.

 

[KML]

I think you'll do fine with any of those three, they're all great tractors and as you've mentioned, the differences are small and come down to personal preference and the dealer.

One thing I'd like to mention that always gets me flamed by the Kubota crowd but here it goes:

In this class of machines your looking at 800 to 1000 pound lift on the FEL. IF you think in the future you may want a set of pallet forks or a grapple, the JD's a quick attach from the factory. The Kubota solution is a pin on and needs an adapter that WILL drastically reduce your lifting capacity. Just do a search to see what the Kubota guys go through to get QA. Those cheap universal (skid steer) attachments are usually 400+ pounds and the adapter pushes the load out further from the lift arms, plus the weight of the adapter itself and your looking at a seriously reduced lift capacity with those attachments. It's fine if you have a tractor with a 2000Lb lift but these smaller machines really take a hit.

Some folks don't ever intend to use a grapple or forks so it's a non-issue for them and may not be for you. Just wanted you to think about it and realize that feature before the purchase.

I don't know how the MF is set up, so you may want to check it out. With the 0% for 72 months they are pretty attractive right now!

 

[LBrown59]

MC,

Is your mind set on a MMM? Have you considered a 3PT Finish Mower?

I believe a 3PT Finish Mower is less expensive, easier to hook up/attach, and easier to maintain. "It can even be better for some things like backing up to mow ditch banks etc..."

As you have other uses for your tractor, the MMM's low clearance might get in the way and taking it off and on is sure harder than with a 3PT Finish Mower.

Just trying to give you options. And here's link that shows MANY different attachments, in case you haven't already viewed it.

Everything Attachments - 3 Point Hitch Attachments, Tractor Attachments, Skid Steer Attachments

Some good videos (Video library - bottom left in yellow) in there that show uses and connections.

Not if you just leave it on like I do.

 

[Tractordawg]

I think I would go bigger than a BX. The New Holland T1520 (35HP) has great discounts now and 0% for 60 months. Its a Japanese made tractor.

 

[phyxer]

You will be happy with any of the "big 3"......JD, MF or Kubota. All fantastic tractors with suttle differences which helps us all to decide between them. If you are picking between these three then I would put the most weight by far on the dealer relationship! Good luck and enjoy!

Troy

 

[Brutismax]

DEMO! Get the dealer to let you try the bx size and b series size tractors then you can see how much more capable the b is, stronger lift capacitites,more ground clearance,3 range hydro, not much heavier than a bx. Best way to answer any questions is by using them, not just mowing but doing some actual work with them. I like my little tc, but a medium range in the hydro tranny would make a huge difference, like someone else said with 2 ranges its either road speed with very very little pulling power or lo range and very very slow speed. The kubota b2x20 series is in a class by itself with 3 range.

 

[vtcatrules]

I am in the same boat as you. I mow 2 or 3 acres of lawn. it is not flat. And I bush hog around 10 acres of fields with some pretty steep areas with very wet swampy areas. I have looked at the BX and the JD2305 and even found a couple of used ones that were in great shape for less then $10k but I can just see them not having the traction for my hills or getting it stuck with only 6 inches of ground clearance. I think I have narrowed it down to a JD2320 or a Kubota B2320. The Kubota with a FEL and a 54" MMM is around $1400 cheaper then the Deere. It is a couple of inches shorter and it weighs a little less wich I am thinking is better for mowing the lawn with. The B2620 is $400 cheaper then the JD2320. The John Deere dealer is 3 miles from my house and although there is a Kubota dealer 5 miles away I have got better pricing from the next dealer around 25 miles farther away. The salesman at the John Deere dealer lives just down the street from me and is a really great guy, plus I like green. My heart is telling me to buy the Deere but my conservitive brain is telling me to buy the Kubota. The Kubota salesman is a customer of mine and my step father bought a used B7500 from him.The Kubota's 3 range tranmission I think would be very handy on my steep hills in the fields. I usually borrow my bosses SAME Minni Taures to mow the fields once a year with a 6 foot rotory bush hog. The only problem with that is that it is a alot to mow in one week after work and it almost always rains enough so I cant get into some of the areas. It is also an aircooled 28hp ? tractor and it is ether going to fast and heating up or I feel like I could walk faster. I know a B2320 or a JD2320 with a 4' or a 5' light duty brush hog will take longer to mow with but having it here all the time I can pick and choose the days. The other thing is I have $10k to $12k to spend on a tractor so if I buy new I will have to finance some of it. The Deere will cost more if I fanance it, John Deere credit charges the dealer a particapation fee I will loose a $300 rebate if I take the 0% for 36 month offer. Kubota offers 0% for 60 months with no fees. I have considered a Massy or a Kioti but with out a MMM or a dealer anywhere near me I think I am going to pass on those. I also have a gravel driveway over 500 ft long and want to do alot of other projects.