Just Sold my John Deere 4410 w420 loader, now what, seeing Red?

[BigToeTN]

Fella comes on Wednesday to pick up my 2004 John Deere 4410 with 758 hours on it. He's getting a good deal and I'm moving on.

I've got my eye on the Massey 2705e HST ($26500) for a few reasons:
1) 2705 is simple, it has none of the load match/cruse control/stall prevention, techno gizmo's that caused my JD4410 to throw error codes every time I worked the machine (light would usually go off next time I started it).
2) layout is intuitive and comfortable for me, hydro treadle peddle was easy to adjust to on the test drive (I didn't expect that)
3) has the extendable link arms, one set of extra remotes (not something I currently use, but one set is standard so they are there if I do need them)
4) established dealer has 2 locations within 20 miles of me and while the sales man is a bit too used car lot for me I believe I could get service if I needed it.
5) steel floor, steel fenders and hood, tractor just seems sturdy. it feels like taking the JD's and Ford's of my youth and adding Hydro drive.

For ***** & giggles I went by the local JD dealer since they have "while charging hi rates for it" provided prompt service and are very well established in my market.
JD 4044m ($28800) is their no nonsense model of the same weight and slightly less hp than the MF
1) Said it was made in the USA (Georgia plant) which I tend to be sympathetic to.
2) I was disappointed with the amount of plastic, the fenders, hood and even the floor of the operator station was black plastic rather than rubber pad.
3) The loader was fixed on the m series
4) It didn't have the extra rear remote
5) wiring and plumbing layout seemed open and exposed under and low on the sides of the machine (I have 50 acres to brush hog three times a year)

As you can see, I'm looking for the modern convenience of the Hydro but not all the electrical gizmo's that cause error codes down the road. FYI, I really liked the Kioti NX5010 at 4000# ($26500) but it has all the added features that drive me nuts with my JD4410 so I have 2 Questions:

1) Is anyone else disappointed in the quality of the new John Deere stuff?
2) Does anyone have actual seat time with either of these machines that can comment on your experience and thoughts?

Thanks

Jason

 

[BigToeTN]

Nothing really, let's Bump it and see if we get any comments.

 

[PHPaul]

I owned a JD750 for 28 years. Yanmar-built, but all steel, and tougher than a baked owl. I worked the dickens out of that tractor the whole time I owned it with never a major repair. In fact, the only repair outside the usual consumables was a new alternator and regulator.

A couple of years ago, I decided my wrinkled old butt deserved three things that the JD didn't have: A cab, power steering and a live PTO. So I went shopping.

JD didn't even make the first cut for a number of reasons.

1. As you noted, too much plastic.
2. Too many electronic doodads to crap out.
3. Price was just insane.
4. Local dealer is a jerk, next nearest dealer is a couple of hours away.

I looked at the Massey Ferguson line. I was very favorably impressed, but they didn't offer a cab until well above my horsepower requirements, and I wound up with a Kubota.

 

[Texasmark]

Got a new neighbor, never been in a tractor seat, bought the new 4052R (deluxe model 4052 hydro with cab and loader) with associated JD implements. Seem to have adapted to the purchase very nicely; large enough to get some work done, but small and deluxe enough so as to not intimidate them. Green was the color of choice because of their customer service for non "farm adapted" folks that need someone to call and provide field service when they need things done. Yes it costs more but you get what you pay for (hopefully).

 

[BigToeTN]

Well, while I wait for my AG tax exemption certificate....I figured I would go by the Kioti (dedicated) and the Massey/Mahindra dealers for my last pre purchase evaluation.

Evaluating the Kioti NX5010 and the Massey Ferguson 2705e:

Kioti:
1) I like the guy at the Kioti dealer, just a nice guy and clean facility.
2) fit and finish on the NX5010 are really good.
3) has lots of extra features, not something I'm overly interested in but with price being equal it is a bonus
4)50hp machine at 4000#, it's hefty.

MF 2705e:
1) I am drawn to this tractor because of its rugged simplicity, telescopic rear link, rear remotes, hydro and nothing else to go wrong.
2) I'm not sold on the Massey sales man, he's slightly used car like.
3) this tractor handles really well like a CUT should, but it just feels beefier and bigger than the NX5010 despite advertised weight being 200#'s less than the NX5010.

I let both dealers know I will make a decision next week so we'll see who comes up with the best deal and calls me back.

I think both are good choices, guess I should just pray about it and let God make the choice obvious for me.

Jason

 

[BigToeTN]

I got to researching dealer reviews on Google between my Kioti and Massey dealers. I hate this, the Massey is my first choice by far but the dealer has two locations and both have poor service reviews with details that kind of confirm my suspicion about them being used car sales like.

The Kioti dealer had good reviews with details that supports my impression of his facility and how nice it has been to get educated by him.

As much as I want/like the Massey 2705e, my gut tells me the Kioti NX5010 will be a better experience especially if I have a problem with it. From a lot of posters on here dealer mater's a lot. I think who would I want to deal with if my machine turned into a lemon.

I'll probably make the buy on Wednesday next week, I have some work meetings the first half of the week.

Jason

 

[Beaux Duke]

I can't help much with either brand you're considering but I strongly agree with your assessment regarding techno wizardry and plastic. I went green on a lawn tractor. Big mistake. The Kohler motor rebadged as a Deere was fine but the plastic hood hinges broke in a matter of months and then the hood split down the middle apparently caused by diamond hard rays of sunshine striking it. There's no way I'd get a machine I planned to work hard that has plastic parts. Steel will bend but not plastic and I'll bet those plastic parts aren't cheap (maybe for the manufacturer but not you or me). If you're brush hogging 50 acres and are worried about the hydraulics you're going to really love having plastic fenders.

As for the techno wizardry, I prefer to do without it. When it works, it's great. When it fails... Arrgh!

Good luck with your final decision.

 

[plowhog]

I have only limited experience, as I have only purchased two tractors. But I disagree that selection of a dealer is as important as selection of the tractor. Bottom line, if your tractor is a lemon, you are *not* going to be happy working with your dealer no matter what the brand and color. I don't completely ignore who the dealer is, but I put much less emphasis on this than others.

You're not entering a dating relationship with any dealer, nor really even becoming a friend. They each view you as a revenue opportunity. Someone they can make money on. On the other hand, when you are working at your property, the functionality of your tractor is key. It needs to best meet your needs, and one brand will likely do this better than another. Everyone's needs are different. So I put my shopping emphasis on matching my needs with the tractors performance.

Finally, regarding reviews. I would put some value on knowing other customers in person and hearing their comments. First, you know they are real and actually exist. Next, you can size them up as reasonable or a never-can-please complainer. No so with online reviews. Any crackpot with a keyboard can be a reviewer. Some dealers have been known to create on-line "shill" accounts and constantly post favorable reviews of themselves, under false names. Or post complaints about competitors. I do google searches like anyone does, looking for information. But I don't put much stock in on-line reviews. I've seen some very good businesses that I have personal knowledge about skewered by just one or two folks who have an agenda.

 

[LRover]

I agree with Plowhog...very well said! If you are really concerned about the dealership, talk to the service techs to see how willing they are to answer a few questions. Your new tractor (whatever brand you choose) shouldn't spend but very little time at the dealer especially if you do normal service like changing the oil yourself.

 

[jd870]

I also agree with plowhog.I dont have alot of faith in online reviews.