Kubota,Massey or McCormick

[ALHILLDIRT]

Have eliminated the Massey, on price and features. Now it's down to McCormick and Kubota. Except I've changed models on the Kubota. Dealer called me yesterday on a deal on a L3240. Same options as the McCormick including draft control, but it's about $400 higher than the McCormick. It's also a larger frame and heaveir than the McCormick. I suspect that if I lean on the dealer a little more that the difference might get smaller. He really wants to sell a tractor, and I want to buy. I'm not knocking the McCormick, its just the Kubota is a more popular model around here.

 

[Reg]

Well, I have to disagree with you. when I priced out a 1540 Massey,(40hp) the draft control option was $1400. I am looking at a brochure as I type and looking at the slot next to the position control for the draft control lever. Not sure when the last time it was that you looked, but draft control is available on the 1533 also. Oh, I believe that the more expensive models of JD in this hp range also have draft control available. Just did a search on JD 3000 series, all have draft control, and none are above 50 hp.

How much are the parts (lever & linkages) to add it after purchase ?
I'm assuming that it is a lot less than $1400 worth of parts that are just left off.

 

[piller]

$400 more for the Kubota Grand L3240 than the McCormick CT36? Check them both out but I think you'll end up with the orange tractor.

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

How much are the parts (lever & linkages) to add it after purchase ?
I'm assuming that it is a lot less than $1400 worth of parts that are just left off.

After looking at and driving both, the MF1533 and the Kubota GL3240 are pretty close frame size, axles, etc.. Both are heavier than the previous models I've discussed here and would make an excellent choice. I was a little disappointed that Massey uses a proprietory quick attach on their bucket. The Kubota had more bells and whistles, including draft control, and is $1500 less than the MF1533 (and that doesn't include the draft control add). Also, the GL3240 loader uses a much heavier mounting system that also ties in to the rear axle. The only other comment would be that the Kubotas, and the McCormicks were much smoother at start up than the Massey.

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

$400 more for the Kubota Grand L3240 than the McCormick CT36? Check them both out but I think you'll end up with the orange tractor.

You may be right, the GL3240 is a nice tractor, and has some features that the McCormick doesn't. IE tilt wheel, digital dash, ground speed indicator, etc. However, the CT36 is a well thought out design, which is making my decision tough.

 

[JackMentink]

I have had my montana R3644 for about 7 months and 78 hours. I am very pleased with it. I test drove several models including Kubota 3400 and Kioti ck35 and the final thing that one me over was the smoothness of the 4 cylinder mitsibishi motor. Everything else had 3 cylinders and were real rough in comparison. Also the Montana had higher lift capacities both 3 point and loader, and the price. I got my montana with rebates and everything brand new for 15K with a toothbar on the loader and the tires filled. Everything else was at least 2K more and they were smaller HP.

In the end it was pretty simple more tractor for less money. The dealers were about the same distance from me and had similar reputation.

 

[RadarTech]

I am not sure if Paul got the 3PH problem fixed..
BUT I PM him a name and number of a person at Kubota that has a clue..

If anyone else needs it-- I can send it out..
It is a regional manager for Kubota in the SC/GA area...

when I was buying my 3400, there was a problem cause I wanted AG tires and they were mis-ordered..
I raised a small stink and he called me and got all of it solved.

Since my job has me working with medium to large companies all over the US I have learned that there are dotes that work everywhere.. and usually they flock togather.. From time to time I see a dote managing a truely bright person.. and it shows...

Once you find those with a clue, you note it and remember who to call the next time..

Not that this will help all of you, but if a clueless person is told by a peer at the same company that 1+1=2 it usually helps...

Just as a laugh for anyone out there that may be a math major-- is it possible to make 1 + 1 = 10 ?

I can prove that to be true in a specific case-- this usually costs the know it all lunch.... and the dote (read as know it all) get a bit of humility..


anyway-- I digress...
time to go look for dinner.....

Later,
J

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

Well the deed is done. Supposed to deliver the new baby Friday. Settled on the Kubota GL3240 with rear remotes and draft control (options). It's been difficult sifting through all the features, especially when you run up on dealers that don't really know their equipment. Thanks for the input from everyone.

 

[BungeeII]

Congratulations, I'm sure you're going to love the new tractor.

 

[teg]

Congratulations, also... and don't forget us... (we like to see photos )