First Tractor suggestions

[EddieWalker]

Because of your physical size, I think the only way you will find what you need is to go sit in a bunch of tractors, and see what works for you. I'm a little guy compared to you, but at 5'11" and 240 pounds, I've noticed a huge difference in how comfortable some tractors are and how cramped some feel.

Where I live, there are several places that have a huge number of used tractors to look at. When I was looking, I went there to see what I liked the best. Besides seeing what was the most comfortable, I also got a good feel of the brands that I felt did not hold up very well for the number of hours they where used.

I believe that Kubota is the standard that all the other brands compare to. If you look at another brand, the question you should ask is if it's as good as the Kubota? Then compare the features for the same money. Kubota is also going to be the most expensive. If you know what you want, there are some excellent tractors out there that will offer more extras then the same HP you will get in a Kubota.

I also had a $40,000 max that I wanted to pay for a tractor. What I saw for under $40,000 wasn't what I wanted. All of them would have been a compromise on something. When I looked at brand new, there where only a few brands that I liked. Fortunately, Massey was offering 0% interest on their tractors, and I was able to get a lot more then what I wanted, for a monthly payment that I was comfortable with. I signed the paper for it two months ago, and it could arrive any time, but might not be here for another 4 months. It is what it is.

 

[ljjhouser]

Welcome to the forum. You budget cap is close. Kubota is a great tractor. But you may be able to get a larger tractor in your budget by looking at Koiti or LS Kioti has a lot of followers who really like them.
Also look at the dealer - will it be in business in 5 years? Are they close? Are the helpful when you have questions? Do they have interest free financing if you want to use it? With insurance? All questions to consider. Do they have tractor + some implements included in a package. Implements can be added later, but one or two needed at first maybe cheaper included with tractor. If using financing, extra implements usually must be financed WITH the purchase of a tractor. That means picking up an implement after tractor purchase may be a cash only sale.
Again, glad you are here. Best wishes.

 

[espacef1fan]

The only advice I can give you right off the bat (given the parameters you posted), you want a geared transmission and NOT hydro. A clutchless powershuttle is preferred, but a synchroshuttle (have to use the clutch to operate the reverser) would do as well.

Kubota is a fine tractor, you can't go wrong there. Massey Ferguson is good, too, and not nearly as expensive as John Deere (or Kubota). Either way, it may be difficult to buy new with your budget.

Going geared means he could go a little older.

OP- Is there a maximum size that tractor can be?

Do you need a cab?

 

[Dragonpharm]

When I was looking to buy a new tractor the best deal was the LS. Kubota dealer near me is overpriced and didn't have great past experiences with them as well. That said, I ended up purchasing a used tractor because new wasn't available and the right deal came along. My tractor is about 40 HP and it fits me well. I'm a pretty large guy too. Always thought I'd go hydro but bought a shuttle. It is very easy to operate and you avoid the slight power lost for HST. Buy as large and heavy of a tractor as budget allows. I prefer 4 wheel drive (mostly front assist) to the old 2wd tractor I own. The 58 HP Massey is a beast but the 4wd is much better for loader work and just generally better overall.


Would absolutely recommend getting a zero turn mower when the time comes for finish mowing. So much faster and easier. Ironically I bought a zero turn as well last year and ended up with enough equines that I won't be using it much any more. Live and learn I guess.

 

[Torvy]

There are 11 or 12 common makes of tractors in the US. Some of those sell models made all or in part by others.

JD is the best known and has the highest prices for what you get. Some people love them because of the large dealer network or the illusion that they are buying American. From what I can tell, they make a good tractor, just not for my money.

Kubota is often the next most expensive for what you get. Sometimes a discount or particular configuration may make them a good cost play. Advantages are a bigger dealer network than anyone except JD. They also have a wide range of tractors, so if you want a scaled down model or even a 2wd, they sell them. If you are looking for a beefy machine or one with lots of features, Kubota will lose on price to many of the 'lesser known' brands.

AGCO (Massey Ferguson) is an old brand, bit (at least around here) seems to be losing a lot of dealerships. They have a wide range of tractors and a distinct economy line. You can get them at better prices than Kubota not JD, but deals vary widely. AGCO is very big in the large AG tractor world, so they may have good service departments, but check out your dealership.

Kioti (also builds the Bobcats) is probably the next most common brand in terms of number of dealers. Most that I have seen also sell at least one other make. Pound for pound you will get more tractor with Kioti than with the big 2. I'm not as big as you, but I found Kioti to feel a bit snug for me. Definitely check them out for yourself.

LS (also makes many Case and New Holland models) is another brand, I would estimate is about on par with Kioti in terms of dealer network. If your eyes don't like red or orange, you can get LS (blue). They have a wide variety and a distinct economy versus higher end line. Pricing will be among the best, but your deal may vary.

TYM and Branson are now owned by TYM. Tractors are beefy and tend toward a less complicated emissions system. The two are distinct and are sold at different dealerships. Branson will be a little more metal and rugged. TYM will be the most features for your money of any brand. Drawbacks would be fewer dealers in some areas and less name recognition. TYM makes some store brands like RK as well.

Mahindra is one of, if not the biggest brand worldwide. Their tractors are made by various other brands, so it is hard to say what you are getting. It will vary depending on models. Prices tend to be on the lower end. I don't know much else as my wife's sources told us to avoid them...always listen to your wife. (Happy life)

Yanmar makes engines for a lot of other brands, including John Deere. They sell their own now, too. No dealers anywhere near me, so not on my giant list.

Zetor is a Czech brand but tends toward bigger tractors. They make a few small ones, but have been hard to find around here.

There are a few more out there, others can likely give you more details.

 

[m1garand762]

Don’t rule out a brand because the local dealer is expensive. Call around you will be surprised at how much price difference there is between dealers. I saved thousands by getting on the phone and calling. Take your best price to the local guy and tell him to meet or beat it. If he won’t have the best price put it on a truck and ship it to you. It doesn’t cost that much to ship a tractor

 

[Waltert]

I just bought a Kioti DK4210 se a month ago and am quite pleased, I also have a Kubota MX5100 as well I use on an island property i bought new in 2012 which is an awesome rig and I have run the snot out of it, it's beast for it's size, the Kioti is a real nice rig as well, the cockpit feels more open than the MX5100, has good power and is only slightly smaller in exterior dimensions, both good mid size rigs with Kioti costing less by a fair bit,

 

[MESSMAKER]

I just bought a Kioti DK4210 se a month ago and am quite pleased, I also have a Kubota MX5100 as well I use on an island property i bought new in 2012 which is an awesome rig and I have run the snot out of it, it's beast for it's size, the Kioti is a real nice rig as well, the cockpit feels more open than the MX5100, has good power and is only slightly smaller in exterior dimensions, both good mid size rigs with Kioti costing less by a fair bit,

This is a good choice. You can get this one in a lot of different HP choices as well. The Kubota Jeff suggested is also a fine choice. Bobcat sells rebranded Kioti tractors through their huge dealer network. Get as much HP as you can afford. Get a loader. I know it was suggested to get a power shuttle transmission. A fine choice, but hydrostatic is very, very handy. You should be able to get in the game for less than 35 thousand.

 

[Reddogs]

Looking to purchase my first tractor and would appreciate some suggestions…

Location: Michigan
Operator: Big Guy 350lbs, 6’6”, big size 16
shoes
Uses:
-maintenance/yearly rebuild of 1/2 mile dirt/gravel driveway
-clear and farm roughly 6 acres in relatively mucky soil
-post hole digging for 1/2 mile stretch
-harvesting trees for firewood (grapple)
-pulling mower
-tilling 3 acres and farming it
-occasionally snowplowing 1/2 mile drive
-intend to use a rotary cutter, box blade, post hole digger, and grapple (finish mower down the road)
-may eventually lease 10 acres of farm land to farm

Appreciate your advice!

My budget is capped at 40K. Preferably less.

Have been looking at the Kubota L/Grand L series but open to any alternatives

I would look at the John Deere 40 series Compact Tractors | 43-66HP 4 Series Small Tractors | John Deere US

and compare it to the Kubota... Florida Coast Equipment | Kubota Showroom | Compact | Grand L60 Series

 

[plastikosmd]

JD 3 series here. Smaller that what you want but so happy

I agree with the above

-visit the dealers around you (that may allow you to make your decision immediately, happened to me)

-try on to fit for you (at your size, who needs a tractor? Lol)

-negotiate, for the top 2 brands, u you may see very little difference once you start talking, same for all the other machines tvm va kioti etc