I know you all like Kubota but...

[KeithInSpace]

Thank you very much, Mr. N80. That is an excellent summary of what I thought was a fairly simple concept.

If someone wants an extremely heavy machine, don't buy a Kubota. No biggie. But please don't bust on a machine because it happens to be lighter for equal horsepower than the next guy. There are reasons for that and a great many people appreciate it. And if it doesn't seem to affect their "tractorability", let them have a great time.

I couldn't imagine my BX being 500# or 1,000# "better". It'd be darn tough on the yard. I like being able to add my own weight where I want it...front, back, underneath, wherever. And I can strip everything off and have a wonderfully light "floatation" machine that won't sink into the softest spots in my yard.

It's all a matter of need and perspective. And why disrespect the brand forum by calling them Ku-bobos. That's not cool, man. I don't go around calling them John Deere-Dungs or New Hollandaise.

I have respect for each brand as it brings something different that someone out there wants. My next door neighbor LOVES his Crapsman...um...Craftsman mower. Wouldn't ever say a word other than respect for his purchase. If I don't want one, I don't buy one. Don't have to diss the guy...to his face, I mean...

 

[Bill Barrett]

That's interesting Bill, why did you get a K instead of a NH? Would you advise us to go for this NH deal?

Kubota was much cheaper and I have a dealer 7 mi from me. also looked at Mahindra

 

[geedub]

Bill, what about my second question? Can I get a comparable Kubota cheaper?

 

[easygo]

Geedub,

I just took a quick look at the local adds and here are a few prices I found on new machines:
NH TC30 $15,300
Kubota L3400 $16.000
Kubota L3240 $19.000
These are smaller than the machine you are looking at, but it might give you an idea. They are all manual transmission in different gearing. The last one is 8x8 shuttle tran.
I would say if you really need a tractor that big, than you could allways take a look locally and drive others for comparison. Just recently I drove a 20 year old 65 hp Deutz-Allis that had over 5000 hours and it still seemed to work those round bales with ease. Before I bought I just stopped at peoples homes when I saw them using a tractor in the HP range I was looking for. People were happy to tell me all bout their macines and I learned that for WHAT I NEED (!!!!) a small tractor will work just fine, and I'm very happy with it. Two of my neighbers own 200+ acres each and they would sure be fools to even look at a 20-something horse power machine. So. You know what I will do when I need a LARGE tractor? Just walk across the street on ask my neighber.
good luck

 

[geedub]

easygo, I've been told by many people that a 45 HP tractor will be too small. Others have said it would be more HP than we need. I feel good about the range I'm looking at because the "too big" and "too small" comments are about equal.

When people told me that 45 HP was too small I asked what it would not be able to do that a 65 HP tractor could do. My impression is that I could do most everything, just a little slower at times.

You say that 45 HP might be too big so I'll ask you the opposite question; what would I not be able to do because this tractor is too large? I understand that a smaller tractor will always have advantages (storage, cost, fuel consumption, trailering, etc), but I'm asking what things could I not do with a 45.

Please keep in mind; this 80 acre property has over 1 mile of hard clay roads, a 6 acre and a 1/2 acre pond, and 50+ acres of dense woods. Some of the trees here are 3 feet in diameter and there are many that are over 2 feet. There aren't many steep hills, but the elevation varies by 50 feet. I don't know if any of that info makes a difference, but to my inexperienced brain it seems like there will be times when 45 HP comes in handy.

Thanks for the input.

 

[easygo]

Oh no! I would say a 45hp tractor would not bee too big for an 80 acre property and the possible work that can come up. I think there are very few things you will not be able to do because the tractor is big, but that would be much less of a problem than if it is too small. As it was mentioned before it all depends on what you are planning to do. If all the roads are there and you will not build a house, garage or barn or maintain pasture and haul large logs, than a smaller unit could be OK. I meant to say that the small tractor I bought is large enough for MY PROJECTS and if I have the need for a larger one (has not happened yet) I can ask for help. I think on the scale of work you might be looking at a smaller tractor will be a source of frustration. I made my decagon after talking to people and reading many-many-many of the posts on TBN. Here are a few thing that I have seen done in my neck of the woods. I talked to man who maintains 83 acres with a 15 or 17hp tractor (don't remember) and he said it was the best money he ever spent. He uses it to haul out about 50 cords of firewood each year. I'm sure it would work much faster with a big machine but he has the time and it shows that it can be done. There was another guy down the road from me who owned a 40 hp machine and only has 2 acres or so. He used to use it to plow snow and it was sold recently because it was seldom used. A friend of mine owns a 40-something HP Kubota and he used it to clear land and built a house. He also is a building contractor as a side job and it comes in very handy for that too. He started with a 30hp machine that quickly proved too small for the task so he traded up. My neighbor across the street owns a 65hp JD that he uses on his 200+acres of woods and fields and also cuts a bunch of hay for other people. When it goes to that scale it is a different world from what my tractor lives in. These are just a few of the people I came across. Last but not least: I would buy an NH machine any day. As a matter of fact I love JD tractors too. It came down to finding a machine that was in the HP range I wanted and most importantly it fit my budget too. I'm probably among the least experienced people here, but I found that if you post about the work you are planning to do you will get advice from people who have lots of experience.

 

[davitk]

Here are some Kubota prices for you to compare.

Carver Equipment Introduction

Local dealers (WI) have been quoting same, if not slightly lower, prices.


FEATURED SPECIALS
RTV1100 Worksite Utility Vehicle w/cab&air..$16,500
BX1850,18hp,Turf tires with 54" mower.. $8,185
BX2350,23hp,Turf tires with 60" mower.. $9,799
B2630HSD,26hp with R-4 tires - $12,199
B3030HSD,26hp with R-4 tires - $13,949
ZD326S-60 ZTR - $10,299
ZD326P-60 ZTR - $10,775
Grand L3240 hst with R4s - $ 15,499
Grand L3240 hst with R4s & Loader - $ 18,945
Grand L4740 hst with R4s - $21,299
Grand L4740 hst with R4s & Loader - $24,699
M5040HD,4wd,50hp, Hyd.Shuttle, 1 remote, Ag Tires - $ 20,145
B21 Tractor Loader Backhoe, HST- $24,950


Tractor shopping sure is fun, isn't it?

 

[geedub]

Thanks davitk, the L4740 HST w/loader looks to be the most similar with a couple more HP. If I were Cindy I would probably spend the extra $4K, but then I'm horrible with money.

 

[crazyal]

I think you would be fine with a 35 to 45 hp tractor as long as you don't have plans to do much more than maintain your road and some mowing/ brushhoging. I'm not sure how often you plan on mowing the 6 acres and more hp= less time. But if you plan on doing more in the future you might want to think about a "M" series or equivilant. I'm not sure about down there but around here you can find them used much easier than the "L"s and "B"s since they are too big for the average home owner.

I'm thinking if you are planning on logging some of those big trees you will want some weight to move the logs. If you end up with 4 or 5 acres around that pond that needs mowing along with the 6 acres would start to add up. Does the ground get pretty slimmy when wet? If not maybe an even a larger 2wd would be a good choice. Sorry if I didn't help.

 

[geedub]

I appreciate your input crazyal, even if you are crazy.

An M series Kubo would be great, except I'm getting a hydro tranny. (period)