Buying Advice Kubota vs JD...newbie with 80 acres

mdjohn1427 · Feb 12, 2014

I've purchased 80 acres and plan to eventually maintain about 40 acres (fairly flat). Remaining land will remain as timber. So, I will be bush hogging, planting some in hay, some in crop, some for pasture. Note, this is a hobby farm. I'm close (51..plan to retire at 55) to retirement and this has been a dream to return to the country life style. So, I've read and looked at a bunch. I like the Kubota L4600 and the MX5100. I like the JD 5055E and 5065E. I desire a FEL. I've seen several places that have the L4600/MX5100 packages (with Trailer, Cutter, Box Blade) for 27K to 30K. Not seeing many JD packages. So, am I getting the right size tractor for my property? To much? Not enough? Input would be appreciated.

nybirdman · Feb 12, 2014

You are definitely in the right area as far as size goes.I am more familiar with Kubota and the MX5100 has good reviews on this site.Comes down to price,fit and feel.Strong dealer support is also recommended.

Notforhire · Feb 12, 2014

I owned a L3240 and wanted to upgrade. I looked at Kubota first. I ended up with a 5055E. IMHO I think it's a lot more tractor, than the others you listed. I'm at around 120hrs now with no regrets.
Just on the FEL alone, I think you will be happier. If you have any questions PM me if you like.

Bill

GManBart · Feb 12, 2014

mdjohn1427 said:
I've purchased 80 acres and plan to eventually maintain about 40 acres (fairly flat). Remaining land will remain as timber. So, I will be bush hogging, planting some in hay, some in crop, some for pasture. Note, this is a hobby farm. I'm close (51..plan to retire at 55) to retirement and this has been a dream to return to the country life style. So, I've read and looked at a bunch. I like the Kubota L4600 and the MX5100. I like the JD 5055E and 5065E. I desire a FEL. I've seen several places that have the L4600/MX5100 packages (with Trailer, Cutter, Box Blade) for 27K to 30K. Not seeing many JD packages. So, am I getting the right size tractor for my property? To much? Not enough? Input would be appreciated.

You're comparing two completely different classes of tractor. The L4600/MX5100 are 3,500lbs or less. The 5055E is 5,500lbs. The big kicker of the tasks you've mentioned is hay....are you going to bale it yourself? If so, you can likely forget either of the two Kubotas, and would have to go up a size. Other than that, you can probably do anything you've mentioned with either size machine.

Deerherd · Feb 12, 2014

Save money in the long run and get the biggest tractor with a cab you can afford. You won't be sorry!

bigbull338 · Feb 12, 2014

with everything your wanting todo on your farm,i think id step up from the mx5100 to a 7060 kubota.i stepped up from the 1st tractor to the 7040 last july.

TripleR · Feb 12, 2014

As mentioned, two entirely different types of tractor CUT vs UT so the choice is going to be which type then which model/brand. I run mostly a CUT (Kubota L5740) and UT (M8540), if I could only have one it would be the M8540. I like John Deere and Kubota in all types, but would look closely at equivalent tractors in the other top brands before buying.

TSO · Feb 12, 2014

Are you wanting hydrostatic or gear transmission? For 40-80 acres, I would think you would want to go larger than the MX5100 size tractor. The only reason I would stay in a tractor that size is if you want to keep the HST trans. In that case, I would recommend getting the highest horsepower HST available.... which would put you up in the Kubota 5740, or Mahindra 6010 range... I believe those are the two highest horsepower hydrostats available.

If you can live without HST, then your options will increase dramatically.

terryknight · Feb 12, 2014

while i don't agree that the mx5100 is a CUT it's not a full size utility tractor either. i more direct comparison would be a m5460. and it only weighs 3900ish lbs. I think the JD 50xxE series offers alot of tractor for the money, and i also agree with the other posters to try out as many tractors/brnds as possible and get the biggest you can afford

TSO · Feb 12, 2014

terryknight said:
while i don't agree that the mx5100 is a CUT it's not a full size utility tractor either.

I don't know ... it's the same size as my LS R4047, & my Massey 1648...and my buddies Kubota L3540 is very close in size too.

Putting it next to the LS U5030 (next size up) I don't think much of a case exists to not still consider these compacts. Maybe it's pushing the envelope, but definitely not a utility tractor either.