Help me decide - Massey vs Kubota - 40-50hp

[Mich4x4]

Thanks again. Very helpful. Yes my local Kubota dealer is about 7 miles down the road. They seem to be very nice, honest folks that offer good advice. At least so far. They also asked me where I lived and being local, they wanted my business. The salesman really took care of me on the price. I think I'm right around 16% off MSRP.

 

[Geotech]

I have the L2501 - same frame as the L3901, less HP.

I consider these tractors as such:

L2501, L3301, L3901 series = Ford Ranger
L4701 = F150
MX = Super Duty

I think you are also looking at Cat 2 implements for the MX vs Cat 1 for the L (not 100% sure on the L4701). This may be a consideration for additional functionality and also additional cost. If you are starting at L4701 vs MX4800, I can't see you being satisfied with a smaller L3901. The MX is heavier with a stronger loader and costs nearly the same. There are a couple Messicks videos on youtube that discuss the MX. Worth a look before deciding.

It's really a simple decision after all. Go with the MX4800.

Now, if you really don't need that much tractor, that's a lot of extra green.

 

[MaineGuy1]

He's talking about US market share, where Kubota is around 50%, Deere next (about 20-25% if I remember right), and everyone else combines for the remainder. So he's right that even if you combine those other brands they are still less than Kubota in US market share. There are some interesting threads about market share posted on TBN if you want to read more about it.

Mahindra sells a lot of tractors worldwide, probably the largest overall. But you have to take the number with a grain of salt since they are often rebranded machines made by other brands (TYM, Mitsubishi, etc). Some of those other brands could claim large numbers if we base it on units manufactured.

Yes, but even so the US market is a small market compared to world wide. I am not saying Mahindra is better, just saying they sell the most tractors, period.

 

[arrow]

Wow. Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it. I step away from the computer for 2 days and come back to 20 responses containing great info, opinion, and advice. Thx

I蛟､l touch on a few questions.

I do plan on keeping this tractor for a very long time. No plans to sell and this is likely why I知 being so indecisive. When I buy, it will be a long term purchase so I want to make a good decision.

Grand L. I looked at these and really dont need/like all the added tech features. I知 looking at a gear drive MX so the HST plus offered with the grand, really isnt all the appealing to me. I bet it is super nice. Id rather pay for a tractor that has more capabilities than features. Heck, the last few trucks I had were in work truck trim and a few had crank windows.

I doubt the additional money to go from the 3901 to the MX 4800 will be a huge deal in the future. I laughed about the couch cushion comment. Lol.

I visited the dealer this weekend with the best pricing (happens to be my local guy). He was very nice and super helpful. I知 pretty sure I知 going with the MX4800DT. Taking a few more days to sleep on it and then I値l decide.

There's only really one criteria: What fits YOU best. Ergonomics, size for work being done, financial criteria is all about YOU. All the rest is heresy which can certainly help in the long run but meaningless unless you try out stuff. I used two Kubotas last fall. Both MX's geared. One was older 80's type and the other a 99 with a cab. The first Kubota was a bear to shift. The second newer one was better but not ergonomic enough for me. If I had one wish that day leveling out an indoor riding area was that I had a hydro. The irony of it was that I was a die-hard gear guy until that day. I now have no problem if I were to acquire a larger tractor than the normal home-owner compact being a hydro. If in the budget, I'd get a hydro MX 4800 in a heart beat.

 

[sixdogs]

Mitch4X4...it makes me smile. You may buy this as a "forever" tractor and may well keep it forever but this will almost surely not be your last. These things are like rabbits and one often begets another. You'll see when your future thread of which M Kubota to buy pops up. Don't think so? I used to be more than happy with my 8N and separate 9N loader tractor. It was all I would ever need. But not want. Stay tuned.

You can get extendable 3pt arm ends as a dealer option on an MX. It's a nice thing to have, and my MX5100 has them, but not all that vital. I only use them maybe once a year on something difficult. Second, 16% off is as good as you'll get. It's extra good since it's from a nice dealer that will keep an eye out for you. Dealers need to make a living.

 

[Fastball]

I guess you have gotten a hundred-odd responses by now...so I will just give my 2 cents.
All depends on what you want to do, I suppose. If you are just looking for general duties on smaller acreages, the L-series is perfectly fine. The 3901 and the L47 are both great and should allow you to do pretty much everything. They will brush-cut, till and run most PTO implements with no problem. Put a grapple on them, and they will pick up logs and brush with little problem The MX has some serious weight, however, compared to the L...so it would be better for more ground-breaking stuff like plowing virgin ground or using a backhoe. Not sure if an MX would be hands-down better for general duty stuff. If there is a big price jump, not sure if it would be worth it. If the price diff is not a problem, you will not go wrong either way.

 

[DieselnHooters]

I think it needs to be said that in the tractor world those MX are really not that big, They are definitely not ag tractors and still too light to be considered utility although the decal on mine reads UTILITY SPECIAL lol.


What they truly are is a niche compact economy machine.

 

[TheMadOne]

I think the MX tractors are at most at home in a homesteader type application. Not to say they can't be used in other ways(they're tractors, and therefor versatile.)

But if you have a few animals to feed out, a few pastures to hog/hay, basic property maintenance, crap to spread, maybe even a couple acres of feed crops, they make a good deal of sense IMO, especially if you find the M6060/7060 a bit out of reach, financially speaking.

 

[Jstpssng]

Whatever you decide to buy I very strongly suggest that you acquire the shop service manual- especially since you plan to keep the tractor for a long time. Whether you make it part of the deal or have to shell out the cash, the $120 or so will pay for itself many times over.

 

[Mich4x4]

Whatever you decide to buy I very strongly suggest that you acquire the shop service manual- especially since you plan to keep the tractor for a long time. Whether you make it part of the deal or have to shell out the cash, the $120 or so will pay for itself many times over.

Yes sir. Good idea. I think I'll take your advice and add the manual to my tab.