I need help too!

[lablovers]

ooo:Greetings to all. Am new to TBN and need a little guidance. In the market for a tractor and I am overwhelmed by all that is available. Have 5 acres and about 2 1/2 acres are usable. Live in California at about 2,200 elevation. This means some side hilling and stability is important. Looking for tractor, loader and backhoe. Backhoe to build a new house, after that will be used mostly to plant trees etc. Loader and future scraper will be for landscaping, cleaning and maintenance. Have been looking in the 30 HP range. Leaning toward a Korean model because of price/value but have found that they are short on leg room. Seems if you are over six feet tall you can expect to be cramped. Looking new as most of the used stuff is pretty beat up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DavesTractor]

Lablover,

Welcome to TBN. I'm also in California. What part of the state are you in?

Not all the Korean makes are built so "compact" in the seat area. The Bransons have just got a new seat design, and while on the 10 series it actually shortens the legroom a little, the seat can be changed and things are roomy again. The Mahindra Korean models 2810/4110 etc are quite roomy. I'm 6'0 and 200lbs and I fit well on the smaller 15 series Mahindras (Mitsubishi built) as well.

If you are in our area, I have dozens of Mahindras and Bransons in stock. You can come look and drive.

Straight gear, shuttle or HST is a decision you'll need to make. The HST's are becoming very popular, although they are a little more $$. Also, the size of the hoe will dictate to a certain extent the size of the tractor...or vice versa.

I'm not a Kioti dealer, but the DK series looks roomy. The L series Kubotas are nice as well.

Good luck on your search.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

LL, welcome to TBN.

Dave gave some sound advice there. If you are comfortable outside the big 3 (JD, Kubota, NH), the Branson looks like a well made, well thought out tractor. The Mahindra xx15s are Japanese made and it shows. I do not know who makes the 2810/4110 Dave mentioned. When you see them at a dealer nothing in there construction says 'I'm a cheap tractor'.

 

[Kris]

lablover,
I have a Kioti LK3054 30hp 4x4. I havn't put many hours on it but it has proven to be an excellent little tractor so far. The only knock against it is that it doesn't have a lot of leg room. Not a problem for me because I'm not a tall guy. The DK series have a ton of leg room and they are not as expensive as the tractors that you listed. The Kioti's are well made tractors. You should take a look at them. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[raynman]

lablovers /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif good name I think, if it means what it says.

Dave gave some real good advice, but one very important part of your decision should be the dealer and how they treat you and how they will support the product in the future.

Good luck and welcome to TBN
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Leaning toward a Korean model because of price/value)</font>

I figured I could afford a JD, and the first bid I got seemed that way. But I went all around for bids on several manufacturers, and bought a Deere less than the local Korean offerings. In your area, it could be the opposite. (or it might be another brand like NH or Kubota...) But all it takes is one dealer that wants the sale.

My point isn't that you HAVE to get a big three, but that you shouldn't just assume they are overpriced and won't work. There are advantages with each brand.


As to your needs, I have similar terrain, and am very pleased with the stability and maneuverability of my 32hp. I do the the R1s and have them set out wide.

I really like mine. There are some really good products out. Makes choosing hard, but you should be able to find something that will make you happy.

 

[DAP]

Of the big three (JD, Kubota, NH), IMHO, i think that the Boomer New Holland engineers invested the most time/effort/money with respect to ergonomics (comfort and fit). That's NOT to say they have a better tractor, just my personal experience/observations between the three brands.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[lablovers]

Thanks to everyone who responeded I appreciate all the good info. It seems that sometimes to much information adds to the confusion. I read about problems with all the brands and can focus on the negative. Yes, there are good points to all the tractors making the final decision tough. Side bar on the question of my name. We are lab lovers. We have two yellow labs and they are about as pampered as possible. But that is ok, they are part of the family.

Dave, we might have met at the World Ag. Expo. I was sitting in a tractor in the Branson Booth and we talked about the lack of leg room. You were very helpful. I am located in the Aurburn, California area. You had suggested the 3510 and I do like it but would really like to bump up to the 20 series. Price will definately be a factor. Right now $20,000 is my limit. I did find someone on the web that has the Branson (3520?) with loader and backhoe for a little under $20,000. Of course it has to be shipped across the country and then no dealer to rely on for service and from what I have been reading, this is very important. I cannot really get serious until I found out what the tax man has in store for me /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif If we really get dinged could wind up with a peddle tractor. I have liked most of what I have seen from a lot of tractors, of course my wife is concerned with the color. Of course that is ok, since she is being very supportive of my latest crazy idea. Thanks again to all and please feel free to add anything you think I should be thinking about.
Regards,
Richard

 

[Woodbeef]

The Mahindra 10 series is from TYM of Korea.

 

[RobertN]

Where have you looked so far? I am not as familiar with most of the tractors you mention. But, within reasonable distance there are a number of dealers. I got my Kubota used from Gold Country 5 years ago. They seemed good to deal with. I recently got new back R4 tires from them too.

Gold Country carries Kubota and John Deere, although I have seldom seen Deer's on thier lot. Brian over here at Sierra tractor used to carry Cub Cadet, now carries Mahindra I think. Dave over at S&G in El Dorado carries Kioti, and some various harvest returns. Tru-Value in Diamond Springs has started carrying a small selection of Deeres.

Of course, there is always Sacramento, where there are a few dealers too.

I saw some limited info in your initail question. You might list out the things you plan to do and take that to the dealer. It might help to "fit" the tractor better to your needs and budget.

_RAT_ is just down the street from you. I'm 45 minutes away. Roger is out Auburn Folsom, and HArv is up here occasionally. We may have a Golden Sierra TBN chapter started here /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PM me if I can be of help...