Help me pick a tractor (25-45 HP)

[ridingintexas]

I didn’t read all the replies but listening to your question, I’m surprised that no one (that I read) recommended a Mahindra! Mahindra is the only utility tractor on the market that doesn’t have to use DEF or any thing extra around emissions (up to 100 H.P.).
I have had a 3510 and loved it. I now have a 5145 with a third function and love it. It is quite abit heavier than the 35-40 horse (wider as well) but it’s been a great work horse. I would strongly recommend a 35-40 horse Mahindra all day and all night!!!!!

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

I don’t know where you live and what dealers are in your area, but that is very important. Buy from people you can trust and feel comfortable with. Buy local! If you expect support and service, buy from someone nearby. Don’t drive over 50 miles to save a few hundred bucks. I would not worry about the emissions issue. I have owned two under 50HP tractors with no problems related to re-gen. Both of mine were Kioti tractors. I had a CK3510 HST open station, and just recently upgraded to a DK4720SEHC cab tractor. My only other comments are buy as big as you can afford and haul, and buy a cab tractor. Don’t do what I did and think the cab will be a problem around your trees. The cab is no taller than the open station ROPS tractors. Yes, the cab tractor is more expensive, but the comfort and added safety of the cab is a no-brainer in my opinion. I’m 75 and live in Texas. The heat and cold, and danger of bee or wasp attack while using your tractor here justifies the added cost!

 

[Tractor2011]

I own a Kubota L3940HSTC. It has served me well over the last 12 years on 10 acres. Whatever you decide to buy, here are a few things to in mind:

* PTO horsepower is typically lower than the tractor's full rated horse power, so research the PTO horsepower spec and size your rear attachments accordingly.
* Unless you enjoy working in the heat and cold, get a HVAC Cab model
* Having close access to a service/parts facility is an important factor
* Having a 3rd function valve for the front loader adds a lot of attachment functionality
* Having the ability to store your tractor inside (or at least under roof) is a major plus

 

[Gregor J]

Kubota Grand L3560
Kubota L4701/4802
Massey Ferguson 1835/1840M
Kioti DK4220/4720/5320

These are all ~3500lb machines with the sweet spot wheelbase of about 70 inches. Gives you the weight to get work done combined with the maneuverability to get around in your woods. Will run 6ft implements.

3500lb bare tractor + 1000lb loader = 4500lbs with 900lbs left over for an implement puts you at your 5400lb weight limit. Instead of loading your tires use removable wheel weights to adjust the weight as needed.

All will fit in a standard 7ft garage with the ROPS folded down except for the L3560. Kioti DK offers one rear remote standard.

I have the 2022 L3560 LE and went that route because of the added weight compared to the L3901. And as silly as it sounds, because the gas refill is on the low right side, not on the hood. I'm on rolling land with about 100' of elevation change over 40 acres. It's my first tractor, under 100 hours, but I'm happy with the purchase. I'm mostly wooded, planted pines, which seemed hard to maneuver in at first, but you'll figure it out over time. It DOES fit in my standard garage door opening by less than an inch with the ROPS down, so measure first if needed. I'm going to add rear wheel spacers, there are a lot of "pucker" moments that I don't like. Good Luck!!

 

[Redlined0002]

John 904-813-4740

I have a 2012 Kubota MX5100 HST with a Quick detached loader and bucket. 601 hrs. Pre-emissions. $28,500 $28,500

Its also 4 wheel drive. And I can deliver or arrange shipping

 

[tradosaurus]

I didn’t read all the replies but listening to your question, I’m surprised that no one (that I read) recommended a Mahindra! Mahindra is the only utility tractor on the market that doesn’t have to use DEF or any thing extra around emissions (up to 100 H.P.).
I have had a 3510 and loved it. I now have a 5145 with a third function and love it. It is quite abit heavier than the 35-40 horse (wider as well) but it’s been a great work horse. I would strongly recommend a 35-40 horse Mahindra all day and all night!!!!!

They don't have a regen which forces the tractor to burn hot for a period of time to burn the soot off of the collector but MF (and Mahindra) has a mCRD (DOC system) system which runs hotter all the time to burn off the soot. This is not new technology and is really is dishonest for a tractor mfg to tout this as a benefit over DPF.

 

[adhuts13]

yanmar 235 Would be my choice. 10 year warranty/ stronger than most the other tractors its size and the best return for warranty rate out of them all at less than 1%. Also best value around as well

 

[Hermio]

Holy cow. I guess something is wrong with me. I have 65 acres, I have a Kubota L3130. And I loose power since I am at 8000 ft. I feed large bales also. I recently bought a cab tractor since I couldn’t stand snow blowing in an open station at -40°F! I mow 55 acres with a 5’ woods. I say that HP is not that important. My L3130 is a good size for doing everything.

You lose power.

 

[Hermio]

I can’t comment on your brand picks other than my previous boss had a smaller Kubota and loved it.
Crushed him when it was stollen from job site.
I also agree you need to look a larger tractors with F.E.L.
My take on front end loaders is they don’t pick up Near what a bobcat or excavator will.
My 28 hp excavator will easily pick up double what my 58 hp tractor will do around the sawmill.
I say this time and time again.
A FEL on a tractor is an attachment.
And that’s the weakest point on the tractor.
I see guys try and do dozer work or bobcat work with a tractor and wonder why they broke, bent or turned the unit over.
And a FEL will turn a tractor over especially with no rear ballast in a heartbeat.
Myself. I bought an 06 John Deere 4720 with FEL. And it has exceeded my expectations.
Plenty of power but the lifting on the FEL is the only shortfall. But it sure is helpful for quick nimble what I consider light work.
If you can find an older nonabused unit that solves the emissions issue.
I also have hydro trans and it has been very nice. I didn’t think I would like it. But it’s been a blessing.
Hopefully this offers some help.
Cheers

My Mahindra 5035 is fairly stable even with no rear attachment. The 1300# liquid ballast in the rear tires helps. Normally I do have something on the back except when I am dragging logs out of the woods.

 

[Jimmyob]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

I'd go with the L3901. I have the lx3310 with brush hog, grapple, 8" wood chipper, post and tree puller and a few other implements. It does the job, I love it and I wanted maneuverability in the woods. But that extra 6 hp would be nice. So if you have a good deal on a used 3901, I think you'd be happy with it. The regen has not been an issue at all. Just keep working and it finishes in 15 - 20 minutes. Good luck!

 

[RCRJeremy]

Your situation sounds pretty similar to mine, moving trees, cutting trails, etc. I'm on just over 60 acres and while I have someone else cut and bale the fields, my Kioti CK4010 has been amazing. Regen has been a non-issue. It goes quite a while between regens, and when it does run, I just keep going, barely noticing. I wanted a cab for the summer heat and dust, but budget kept me on an open station, which as it turns out, is the only way to go if you have any amount of wooded area. I would have busted out every window a dozen times if I had gone with a cab. Maybe I should do more tree trimming Anyway, I can't recommend the Kioti highly enough. I did a LOT of shopping before I bought and I still believe I got the best value in a machine.