Getting Serious About Buying My First Tractor......Which One?

RollTide1974 · Mar 21, 2019

I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos lately. I am between a Mahindra 4540 or a Kubota MX5200 or L4701DT. My land as you can see from the aerial pic is about 95% pasture land. I have a couple of hills that I bush hog, the one pic gives you a general idea of one of the hills (the other hill is steeper). As of now, I do not have any animals on my land. I just bush hog it when needed, but am planning on eventually getting some animals (probably cows). We have roughly 26 acres, and the chance of us expanding that is slim to none. Just looking for any input from all you experienced folks. This will be my first tractor, and I am a city boy living on some land

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What I like about the Mahindra is how heavy it is (5k). I have also been told it's a benefit that it doesn't have to ReGen. I know the dealer personally and he is stand up guy. I honestly don't think I'd have any issues with warranty work.

With the Kubota, I have heard great things about the reliability, and they have some great rates/package deals right now. The one thing and maybe the only thing I don't like on the Kubota is how light it is compared to the 4540.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

CobyRupert · Mar 21, 2019

Weight is a benefit. Weight is traction. Weight is stability when lifting FEL and attachments.
How do FEL & 3 point hitch lift ratings compare?

Kubota is a good company and has had good products, but how can one speak of reliability when regen hasn't been around for very long?
:2cents:

ericm979 · Mar 21, 2019

Start with a list of the operations you want to do with the tractor. Then figure out the implements you'll need to do them. Then figure out the tractor you'll need to run the implements.

Many of us make spreadsheets to compare tractor models when shopping, to avoid having to flip back and forth from web site to web site.

TheMadOne · Mar 21, 2019

RollTide1974 said:
I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos lately. I am between a Mahindra 4540 or a Kubota MX5200 or L4701DT. My land as you can see from the aerial pic is about 95% pasture land. I have a couple of hills that I bush hog, the one pic gives you a general idea of one of the hills (the other hill is steeper). As of now, I do not have any animals on my land. I just bush hog it when needed, but am planning on eventually getting some animals (probably cows). We have roughly 26 acres, and the chance of us expanding that is slim to none. Just looking for any input from all you experienced folks. This will be my first tractor, and I am a city boy living on some land .

What I like about the Mahindra is how heavy it is (5k). I have also been told it's a benefit that it doesn't have to ReGen. I know the dealer personally and he is stand up guy. I honestly don't think I'd have any issues with warranty work.

With the Kubota, I have heard great things about the reliability, and they have some great rates/package deals right now. The one thing and maybe the only thing I don't like on the Kubota is how light it is compared to the 4540.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I'll just leave that here. I can link more videos of the same tractor having issues.

mcfarmall · Mar 21, 2019

Kubotas are the Honda or Toyota of tractors. Mahindra is the Kia of tractors. John Deere is the Chevy or Ford of tractors. LS and TYM are the Chrysler of tractors.

Shots fired!!

RollTide1974 · Mar 21, 2019

Coby-----I'm not sure on the 3 point hitch, but I believe the FEL the 4540 lifts about 700 more.

Eric----That's a great idea with the spreadsheet...thanks!

MadOne----I will watch the video, but I am assuming there are similar videos out there about Kubota.

TripleR · Mar 21, 2019

You will get a lot of good info here; been operating tractors for over 60 years and still sought and benefited from some really good TBN members. We have flat lands as well as hills, so one tractor may be good at both or better on one than the other. Weight has been mentioned and it can help or hurt depending on terrain, job to do etc. Some of our tractors have no added weight, no fluid in tires while others have fluid filled tires and cast centers or weights. You can add weight easier than reduce. Good luck.

dodge man · Mar 21, 2019

I'll just comment on weight. It can be both a good thing and a bad thing. The bad is it can rut the ground if it is a little bit soft. The good is it allows you to do more work faster, such as lift larger loads. You really need to tell us what you want to do with your tractor. Mow, move dirt, finish mow etc?

RollTide1974 · Mar 21, 2019

Dave----I would envision it being used mostly for bush hogging, working on the driveway, and potentially moving hay to feed livestock down the road.

oosik · Mar 21, 2019

My 2009 Kubota M6040 came to me weighing around 5200#. By adding the FEL & grapple - RimGuard loaded rear tires - HD Rhino rear blade - - I've kicked the weight up to 10,100#. What might have been considered a fairly light tractor is now, pretty much, a heavy weight tractor.
It was not the cheap way to go but everything I added was something I have needed/wanted anyhow.