Gentlemen I need your help on Tractor Purchase

[Glenn9643]

I'm not trying to sell you anything... I've only looked at the 471's briefly. Either will be a good tractor.
I did notice that you didn't mention 3PH capacity or hydraulic flow ratings. That might be enough to swing it for me one way or the other.
And I noticed you priced a Bushhog FEL instead of the Massey? Any particular reason? Whichever FEL, I'd consider the capacity/ratings there too. I wouldn't let $750 become a deal breaker if I was more comfortable on the other tractor or the other dealer was obviously superior. The weight might be a factor if you need to trailer the tractor very often. Good luck.

 

[cbpldc]

I don't have any tractor experience, but I may be able to answer your question as to why a dealer would service a customer who purchased from them before one who didn't.

It's all about money, whether they'll admit that or not. When it comes to warranty work, no one really likes it , but it pays the bills on the off months. If you had a chance to do work that you know is going to pay less than what you know you should be paid for, would you do it for someone who has put money in your pocket before (and also likely after the warranty period is over) or someone who's just using you because you're close?

More than likely, you'll take the customer who's been good to you in the past.

I work in the warranty dept. for the big blue C, so I know how the game works.

Good luck in your tractor purchase.

Chris

 

[3RRL]

Chris,
Do keep in mind that being close is a real plus.

I frequently go the the neighborhood hardware store because he's right around the corner...even though he might charge a little more. But with the price of gas these days, traffic, and aggravation, I save by using the nearby store rather than spending several bucks more on gas (and a shrink) driving to Home Depot unless it's a large price-difference purchase.

Unless I'm way off base, I don't think the dealer would do that if he knows the user is close by. I think he'll figure out that this guy will be back a lot for many things?

 

[BIG_R_Jr_3]

Hey Guys thanks the for inputs and questions, seems like all I want do with my time now is consume Tractor Knowledge, I'm loving it... OK here we go...

HYDRAULICS ON KUBOTA M6800

Pump Capacity ( 3-PT ) 11 gpm

Total Flow: 17 ( dealer told me, can't find on spec sheet) ?

Lift capacity @ 24" behind lift point: 3,307 lbs.



HYDRAULICS ON MF 471

Total Flow...........22.7
Steering Flow........7.1
3-PT Hitch Flow.....4.4
Auxiliary Flow......11.2
Combined Flow....15.6

Lift Capacity @ 24" behind lift point: 3,212 lbs.





The FEL loader capacity question on Both are:

Kubota FEL #LA1002 mounted on M6800:

Max. Lift Height ( pivot pin ).....................................114.2"

Lift Capacity (max height).....................................1,985 lbs.

Lift Capacity (pivot pin max. height).......................2,580 lbs.

Lift Capacity (bucket center)..................................2,205 lbs.

Breakout Force at Pivot Pin....................................3,750 lbs.



Bush Hog FEL #M446 mounted on MF471

Max. Lift Height (pivot pin)........................................127.0"

Lift Capacity (max. height).....................................2,450 lbs.

Lift Capacity (to 59" Ht. @ pivot pin)........................4,530 lbs.

Lift Capacity (to 59" Ht. 31.5" forward of pivot pin)....3,320lbs.

Breakout Force at Pivot Pin....................................5,630 lbs.



MF FEL#1050 mounted on MF471

Max. Lift Height.......................................................121.0"

Lift Capacity (max. height @ pivot pin)....................3,200 lbs.

Lift Capacity (to full height)....................................2,400 lbs.

Breakout Force at Pivot Pin....................................2,500 lbs.


Ok, that took me longer than I thought it would, but some real good stuff to look at and consider.

My Dealer on the MF suggested the Bush Hog FEL over MF Brand FEL. He said "a less money for a little more power".
I guess he was right by looking at these numbers.

Also the question regarding dealers distance from me 20miles or 40 miles. These two dealers are the closest to our property its not a problem for me either way.

 

[Soundguy]

I like that extra engine hp, extra weight, larger platform, and better fel lifting.. not to mention lower price. ( not knocking the kubota.. it's not a bad tractor. )

I it wewre -my- money and i was buying tomorrow based on those pro/cons listed.. I'd be bringing home a red tractor.

the fel breackout number is also a no brainer in my book.

Soundguy

 

[tjkadar]

PTO HP
M6800 62 hp

Engine Gross
M6800 70.9 hp

Rated RPM
M6800 2600

Displacement
M6800 202

Clutch
M6800 Hydraulic Shuttle/Multiple Wet Disc

Transmission
M6800 8F/8R Fully synchronized

Diff Lock
M6800 Front & Rear

Final Drive
M6800 Inboard Planetary

Brake
M6800 Mechanically operated, multi plate wet disc

PTO Type
M6800 Live-hydraulic independent

Hydraulic Type
M6800 Open

Hydraulic Pump
M6800 Gear pumps

Total Pump Output
M6800 17.1 gpm (11.0 main pump; 6.1 steering pump)

Hydraulic Outlets
M6800 One (2nd & 3rd optional)

3-point Hitch
M6800 Cat I & II (looks to be the same as the Kioti)

Hydraulic Controls
M6800 Position, Draft, Mix control

Lift Capacity at Lift Point
M6800 4550 lbs

24" Behind LP
M6800 3310 lbs

Steering
M6800 Hydrostatic

Fuel Tank
M6800 25.1 gal

Cooling System
M6800 9 qts

Engine Oil
M6800 11.3 qts

Weight with Cab (MFWD)
M6800 6175 lbs (cab model with standard ag tires)

Ground Clearance (Front Axle)
M6800 18.1 in


Kubota does make another FEL that fits the M6800 that will give you a bit more power. However, the Bushhog FEL looks hard to beat. Will the Bushhog FEL give you that kind of performance on a Kubota?

Based on those number, I think the FEL would give the MF the edge.

With the tractors that close, I would go with the tractor that suits me best. Is it possible to drive both of them on your property?

 

[BIG_R_Jr_3]

Hey all right another day dawns and more feedback to go with, sweet.

Both Tractors are open station w/rops and I believe the weights I listed were right, Kub 5,185 lbs. & MF 6,305 lbs.

Gas Tanks I see are about equal Kub 17.1 gal. & MF 17.4 gal.

I've driven both Tractors and like them both, the Kubota is a little smaller and the MF is a little bigger.

I'm sure Bush Hog makes a FEL for the Kubota M6800 and I will try to find out spec's on that. My Kubota Dealer does not sell Bush Hog so maybe thats why it was never mentioned. I believe he's trying his best to offer me his last M6800 loaded just the way it sits, its not easy finding M6800 now that new ones (7040) is being offered. He and I know he's got one of the last ones out there and it will sell to me or someone else at his location or another dealers location.

Everything else I believe you mentioned on spec's are exactly what I listed, please inform me if I'm overlooking something important...


The time is running out for me to make up my mind and I'm getting really excited about it. Less than 7 days to go...

 

[IslandTractor]

Good luck. You have the rather wonderful yet difficult task of choosing between two great machines. The choice may be hard but at least you know you cannot make a mistake.

 

[tjkadar]

Specs are the same, I just have a few listed that you didn't and had the gross hp listed too. If everything else is equal, then I think I would go with the MF. Those loader specs look pretty good.

At this point, I think you're really down to personal preference. The numbers game puts you in the red tractor and I really don't see any reason why you would be unhappy with it. After all, Santa Claus prefers red! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BIG_R_Jr_3]

Thanks for all the help guys, maybe if I Wish really hard tonight and ask Santa to bring me a Tractor for Christmas then I could let him decide. I know I have been a really good boy these past few years and have never asked for any thing from him for atleast the past 35 years or so.... Hey I just watched the DVD movie "The Polar Express" with my family and "I Believe".....Merry Christmas Everyone.......