Kubota MX5000

[slowzuki]

Re winching, I use my L5030 HSTC plenty for winching. Works just fine, when you lift the butts the adds weight and traction for driving.

If you are winching 6000 lb logs or twitches regularly you may wish to invest in a skidder.

If you are looking at larger 80 hp machines, try looking at some used Case - IH or other brand farm tractors. If you are keen on tinkering the chinese and other model tractors are worth looking at, just remember that tractors wear and eventually break. Think of where you will get parts in 10 years.

 

[n4807g]

There is a lot of confusion about where the "big" Chinese tractors come from. Big is anything over 50hp. In an attempt to help eliminate that confusion here's a link to Foton's website. The product line is "Foton", and the brand is Foton EuroLeopard. These tractors are sold under a variety of names in N. America. The Farm Pro 8240/8020 is equivalent to the Foton EuroLeopard 824/804. If you look at the site you can find everything you need to know about who they are and what they make...more than just tractors.

http://www.fotonhi.com/en//product/agriculture/index.html#2

 

[mike223]

Hey guys, I'm not trying to start a war here, just get info. When I said logging, I meant cutting down a few trees and skidding (dragging) them to where they'll be cut up for firewood, not a logging operation. The tractor will be used mostly for mowing an 11 ac pasture surrounding where my house and shop will be, and plowing food plots for deer. The actual plot will be 50 yards wide and 600 yards long under a TVA powerline, which is approximately 6 ac +/-. I will also be using it to maintain a gravel/chert driveway, and possibly plowing for a household garden. I just wanted to be able to use a 7' cutter vice a 6' to decrease mowing time a bit. I can't justify going to an 80-100 hp tractor which would do a 10' cutter, since I don't have that much to cut. I also have to be able to maneuver through the woods to get to the powerline food plot, so a larger tractor would not be ideal.

I have never heard of KAMA tractors. Where are they made? If they are made in China, I won't touch them, for personal political/religious reasons.

Thanks again for all the info, and again, I'm not trying to start a heated discussion, just collect info from experienced operators.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

your looking at exactly the tractors you should be. People around here have a bad habbit of suggeting their personal choices rather than making suggestions based upon what your actually looking for.

 

[n4807g]

Kama is a Chinese tractor....have you ever mowed with a brush hog before? 6' or 7' isn't going to make a lot of difference. You'll be traveling S*L*O*W*L*Y with a sub 50hp tractor anyway.

 

[n4807g]

Or what they sell....no bias there?

 

[mike223]

Well, I figure that I'd rather cut a 6' path with a 1' overlap than smaller. I realize it won't be much faster, but every little bit should help. I'm also figuring that I'll only have to cut every two months, so 16-20 hours every two months shouldn't be too awfully bad.

 

[n4807g]

I think you're about right in your calculation.

 

[richtidebruin]

Mike,

I would have to agree with hunter's assessment, there are some very large differences in the equipment you mentioned. I have been looking at tractors for about the same purposes and have been asking myself several questions relative to total price and performance.

- Do I want all the luxuries (L5030 vs MX5000) and is it worth the price difference?
- Do I want or need HST transmission?
- How much HP is enough?
- Dealer support?
- Financing options?

My answers may differ from everyone else on the board, but have come to conclude the following: Yes, I want the luxuries... I would prefer gear transmission (Kubota's GST is really nice)... Min 35 PTO hp, over 45 PTO Hp is overkill... Dealer Support ... many times you get what you pay for... Financing Kubota has some of the best programs now... but is more a matter of timing.

I have driven the Mahindra, Kubota, and Massey liking the L4630 and MF 1547/Challenger MT285 best. I am staying away from Deere due to turbocharged engines in the 20series and personal choice.

You may find yourself gravitating to one machine or brand or another after sorting out some of these decisions (easier said than done). All the machines you listed are good and could work, the question only you can answer is - which one works best for you...Best of Luck

 

[mike223]

richtidebruin,
I'm leaning toward either the Mahindra or the Kubota, but I want to give Deere a chance as well. If I can find a Kioti dealer either in FL or TN, I will try that as well.

Where exactly in Middle TN are you? I'm living in NE FL right now, but am in the process of purchasing property in the Dickson/Centerville area, Pinewood to be precise, and plan on building/moving there in the next year.