Green, Red, or Orange

[TonkaToy]

I am new to this, sorry in advance for the long thread. I am looking to buy my first tractor, my Craftsman lawn tractor notwithstanding. So I am relying on the wisdom of everyone on this site. I have a small property, about ｽ an acre, but over the next couple of summers, I have a lot of landscaping to do where a BH and especially a FEL will definitely be handy. I am looking at a Kubota BX25, MF GC2410, or JD 2305, all with BH, FEL, std mower (54 in.) and rear mount snow blower. After the landscaping is finished, 2 to 4 summers, it will be primarily for mowing and snow removal, but want an all around good machine. I visited the 3 dealers and read as much as I can on these forums. The MF and BX25 don稚 have as many reviews as the JD. Compared to someone who uses these to make a living, mine will have moderate use, but to justify the cost, I want something that I hope to have running strong 15 to 20 years down the road. The JD had many complaining about the non fold down ROPS, lights with the FEL and seat, these are minor quibbles. Of more concern, many commented on its wobbly or not stable without extra weight. I am personally leaning towards the MF, because of the many small features I like, operates very well at low RPM, proper design and overall good machine. All these machines are supposed to be very reliable. Dealers in my area are all decent, so it is not an issue. Can anyone give me reasons to not go with the MF for one of the other two? Or give me reasons why not the other 2 and stick with the MF?

Hoping to pull the trigger in the next week or so.
Thanks

 

[wagonguy]

Only had my 2305 for 3 weeks so far, but have 22 hrs on it. dug 150 ft pipe ditch,graded driveway,moved bunch of dirt, moved buckets full of gravel, dug3 pits for water runoff,lifted car motors and concrete slabs & big stones,etc. Dont have mower so cant comment on that. Has tach, turns nice,easy to manuever,like the fel stick right at side,and it'll lift either fel or bh at idle -I only run engine at 1500-1900 rpm when using BH,more throttle really doesnt make much difference on actual digging, just when running down road in high range. It is not a fast raise or turn like a dedicated excavator or SS but I got it to learn how to use. So far so good. I will agree seat is little sticky to swivel,but still beats using shovel and pick.But no horn...i want a horn.

 

[AndyMA]

Only had my 2305 for 3 weeks so far, but have 22 hrs on it. dug 150 ft pipe ditch,graded driveway,moved bunch of dirt, moved buckets full of gravel, dug3 pits for water runoff,lifted car motors and concrete slabs & big stones,etc. Dont have mower so cant comment on that. Has tach, turns nice,easy to manuever,like the fel stick right at side,and it'll lift either fel or bh at idle -I only run engine at 1500-1900 rpm when using BH,more throttle really doesnt make much difference on actual digging, just when running down road in high range. It is not a fast raise or turn like a dedicated excavator or SS but I got it to learn how to use. So far so good. I will agree seat is little sticky to swivel,but still beats using shovel and pick.But no horn...i want a horn.

So buy a horn

Andy

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

any of them should meet your needs - and last, so it comes down to comfort, price, and dealer. if you like the GC the best of those 3, then it's obviously the one for you.

good luck!

 

[phyxer]

There is nothing bad to say about the MF you have chosen. My buddy has the GC2310 and he loves it. He's had it for 2 years and has yet to have a lick of trouble with it. You won't be sorry your chose the MF so go get it and get to work! I love my Kubota and I think you'd be just as happy with one of them as well but I truly doubt anyone can give a GOOD reason NOT to buy the MF; especially when you throw in their financing incentives!

Troy

 

[KML]

There is no reason not to pick the MF. All three of the machines you've considered are great little tractors but if the MF feels the best to you and the dealers are all good ( the single most important factor!) than sounds like an easy choice. The MF financing also sweetens the deal! Enjoy your new tractor!

BTW, with a backhoe, get ready to become very popular in your neighborhood!

 

[James Loehr]

You have a fun group to pick from. I have orange and like it very well. When I was shopping and looking at the same choices you are the red was my favorate but no dealer close I could live with. The Massey has some of the best features of the green and orange. With a good dealer I might have went red.

 

[medicshawn]

I have a Kubota and like it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them either. My only comment would be make sure you're comparing apples to apples. What do the specs look like Loader capacity, BH performance-breakout and digging depth. How easy is it to remove the loader/backhoe/ ? What's the ground clearance? I'm assuming you're talking about a mid mount mower. How easy is that to remove? Who has the biggest capacity? Unless you need a smaller deck to due clearance etc. How easy is it to adjust cutting height?

 

[foggy1111]

I agree that all the major colors make a fine product....and you should buy the one that feels best to you and has a good dealer to support. BUT...if you ever want to trade...up, down, or sideways....or just want out.....the GREEN paint will have buyers beating a path to your door. (also can be said about orange paint in many areas of the country I 'spose).

 

[bostonbear]

i'm a green man but whent with an orange MX5000. for me it was service location (the deeler near you) the hydraulics at the time the green and red spool valve for the bucket was up or down. the orage could lift and rotate at the same time. also the green under 100hp is made in mexico. the oragne is at least japan. that data is from my cousins. one is from the regional sales for New England, my in law cousin is out of goldman's in LA. Red is out of the question because of the half clutch thing with the PTO, and no deeler with in 50 miles. bacilly are you ford, chevy or dodge? and can your wife run it? was my big decision.