Comparison Down to 3 choices of tractors - Comments please -before I decide

70Boozer · Jan 6, 2016

Have looked for, at and researched for a tractor since August, 2015. I will be using it on about 150 acres that I own. Some clean up work where trees are being removed, general mowing and some dirt/ debris moving. I have 3 choices that I can live with, these are local dealers 30 miles or less and I realize they are not all equal tractors in size but all are capable of doing what I need and meet the price range I want. Need honest opinion of the tractors as far as usage, dependability and maintenance are concerned or any ideas people who own these brands want to share.

Tractor #1 is a Massey Ferguson 4609I 90 hp used with 117 hours owner wants a cab tractor and dealer is selling it ( salesman's father owner)

Tractor #2 is a KIOT1 DK90 least expensive but unknown to me 90hp

Tractor #3 is a Kubota 7060 70 hp

All have the same equipment, and are very similar in most areas

Thanks

davesl708 · Jan 6, 2016

I admit I am biased. I chose Kubota because of its history and track record for dependability and longevity.
My BX is 13 years old and only maintenance has been a seal and some hyd. hoses.
I have a friend with a 30 yr old Kubota he puts several hundred hours a year on and has had very little maintenance on it. He has over 25,000 hrs on it in commercial and residential work. Kubota keeps a good resale value as well.

The other brands have had similar track records but I find the least issues with Kubota's around here.

I don't think you have a bad choice in the list so which one do you feel most comfortable in. You will be spending a lot of time in it.

RedNeckRacin · Jan 6, 2016

Personally for 150 acres I'd want as much hp as I can afford. That being said, I think you need to specify your tasks a bit more. General mowing is vague at best. Are you mowing a yard or brush hogging 125 acres once a year? Do you have any implements currently? Do any of them have a loader? What about 4wd? What are your future land uses that you decided to pick up 150 acres? ?

I'd be very hesitant to pick anything without knowing more.

ovrszd · Jan 6, 2016

I'm with RedNeckRacin, we need more info. Especially whether they are 4wd and with/without FEL???

Those two things would be at the top of my "want/need" list.

GManBart · Jan 6, 2016

If you don't have any hard requirements (like doors to get through, etc) that Kioti is quite a bit more machine...size, weight, FEL and 3pt power, than the other two. Since you're comfortable all three would handle the tasks you have in mind, it really should come down to which one feels the most comfortable to you. Stuff that bothers me might not be an issue for you, and vice-versa. I would expect many years of trouble free service from any of the three.

Piston · Jan 6, 2016

What transmission comes on the M7040? I believe the Kioti requires clutching with every shift.

If transmissions are apples to apples, I would go with the Kioti (this is coming from a Kubota man)

70Boozer · Jan 6, 2016

The work being done will consist of clearing brush and small trees from land that is being cut for hardwood approx. 60 acres now. Also, waste from the cutting will be stacked and burned, the mowing will be on about 50 acres of open pasture now with more to be done later. We have an additional 76 acres that will be fenced and cleared later in the year (final purchase of the property is scheduled in 6-8 months. this is not included with the 150 acres already mentioned . Furthermore, there will be many acres that will need cleanup following bulldozer work after the cutting. This is the initial work planned and later the tractor will be a farm/ranch machine with a small cattle operation.

varmint · Jan 6, 2016

I'm a Kubota guy, and don't really know squat about what you will be doing, but... I would go with the biggest, heaviest tractor that you feel comfortable on. I would test drive each, and go from there. Obviously, you are getting SSQA and mulitiple hydraulic remotes. Cab?? Kubotas have a stellar reputation for reliability, and I would presume the 7060 does as well. I just like the features they offer, maybe instead of size and weight, more features. Life is a trade-off, generally, so have fun!

70Boozer · Jan 6, 2016

Implements owned by myself and Brother. HD Grapples, HD 7' &8' brush hogs, box blade, loaders, tiller. The 76 acres being acquired will be joint ownership. And he has the dozer.

Luke'sScreenName · Jan 6, 2016

Seems like you will be doing a lot of loader/grapple work. So bucket visibility will be very important.

I imagine there could be considerable difference among your choices.

Siting on each should tell you which is better. I've sat on some utility tractors at the fair that had shockingly poor visibility.

Oh, and lot of pictures please!