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

[Bluegill2]

I'm planning to add a larger tractor here. Been looking at the MX5100 & JD5055. Both excellent tractors, but Kubota has done me very well since 1984. So I'm leaning orange at the moment. . The MX is a lotta bang for the buck!

 

[GManBart]

i will concede it is a large compact. the loader is very comparable to the 1648 in weight and height and to the 4047 in weight.

looking over my notes the 1648 lifts more at the ends on the 3PH than the massey utility 2615, 3483 vs 3195

The LS is the same size as the 5100. Kubota lists the 5100 at 122" without 3pt, and the LS is 132" with the 3pt. The 5100 has a so lightly longer wheelbase, but that doesn't mean much when it's on a lighter machine. I dont think the 3pt sticks out more than a foot on either so they're pretty much the same size.....I could go measure, but it's not that important. The LS weighs 40lbs more on paper, so that's close enough to be a wash. They are both available with the exact same size R4 tires. They have very similar 3pt lift specs, and loader specs (5100 has more height, but less breakout force), and most everything else is close. Saying one is bigger, or has bigger tires, than the other is silly....not enough difference to bother thinking about.

 

[trook]

$33k will not get you into the 5000 series John Deere if you want a cab and front end loader. It might get you close to the 5055 cab, but not with a FEL. Also, I would STRONGLY urge you to purchase a FEL with any tractor. The 4000 series JD cab is only a couple grand less than the 5000 series.

Some of the other guys on here can give you better information on the price of the Kubota's, etc. I do believe you could get a 6110 Mahindra (59/49 hp) with FEL for roughly that price.

I'm talking about the price of new tractors.

 

[bdog]

Are you stuck on new or considering used?

 

[arlen4720]

Is that a hydrostat? I've never seen an HST with only a 12% HP loss. Usually closer to 20%

It is a hydrostat, but it's possible the engine may put out more than the spec of 66hp. I was going off the actual Nebraska Testing Lab data, and they don't measure the engine HP; just PTO.
I do think the eHydros have a good engine / PTO HP ratio.

 

[downslope]

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 say you want to do hay and some in crop. What kinds of crops? If it is row crop like corn or similar you better get a tractor where you can adjust the tread width front and rear to accommodate the crop growing requirements as well as be able to utilize plowing, planting and cultivating equipment that is available 2nd hand. Some of the compact utilities have limited or no adjustment, especially on the fwd front end.

 

[mdjohn1427]

I'm not against buying used. I perfer new (better finanacing options). When I say crops, this would be small pots of corn (3-4 acres). I have looked at a used square hay baler. I like the L4600, but I don't want to regret not getting a 50 HP or larger. I don't need a cab (this is Alabama).

 

[mfridenmaker]

I'm not against buying used. I perfer new (better finanacing options). When I say crops, this would be small pots of corn (3-4 acres). I have looked at a used square hay baler. I like the L4600, but I don't want to regret not getting a 50 HP or larger. I don't need a cab (this is Alabama).

I have the L4600, I love it and have been very happy with it but, if I had it to do over again, I would opt for the MX5100. For an additional $500 you get 600 more pounds, cat 2 instead of cat 1, plus a bump in horsepower.

 

[mdjohn1427]

Found a 2012 JD 5055E up the road about 2 hours. Here's the specs...78 hours...Configuration: Standard • Syncro • MFWD • PTO: 540 • Tire Width: Mid • Loader: Yes • 9.5-24 in. Front tires • Mid mount hydraulic control valves • 16.9-28 in. Rear Tires

Little under $24K

 

[terryknight]

sounds pretty good and 4000-4500ish less than new.

 

[houstonscott]

Couldn't go wrong with MX5100, it's a modern classic that's in production. What's not to like, it's a best in class. HS

 

[Notforhire]

Found a 2012 JD 5055E up the road about 2 hours. Here's the specs...78 hours...Configuration: Standard Syncro MFWD PTO: 540 Tire Width: Mid Loader: Yes 9.5-24 in. Front tires Mid mount hydraulic control valves 16.9-28 in. Rear Tires

Little under $24K

24K sounds like a deal to me.
The MX is really a CUT, a 50E series is a utility tractor.
Unless you have limited space or want a HST I see no advantage to a MX over the Deere, A MX is actually closer to a Kubota L than it is to their M series, which are utility size tractors. Take a look at the rear end in a L, MX, and a M.

For that money you are getting a much heavier larger tractor, with a better loader.

Good luck with your search.

Bill

 

[TSO]

Couldn't go wrong with MX5100, it's a modern classic that's in production. What's no to like, it's a best in class. HS

LOL ... "best in class" ??? Not sure how you figure that, unless you're just kidding, in which case, that was funny. :laughing:

 

[Deerherd]

Found a 2012 JD 5055E up the road about 2 hours. Here's the specs...78 hours...Configuration: Standard Syncro MFWD PTO: 540 Tire Width: Mid Loader: Yes 9.5-24 in. Front tires Mid mount hydraulic control valves 16.9-28 in. Rear Tires

Little under $24K

That's a great tractor because the initial depreciation is gone and after you have it for the next 80 hours you won't lose as much when you trade it in on the tractor you want. Find out what the guy traded it in on and start there!

Get a power shuttle, especially if you plan on doing much loader or grapple work. I like it much better than an HST transmission and for me it's more intuitive for ground engaging equipment or operating under load. Many times you need to let up on an HST to get in the power band. For a pure AG tractor synchro shuttle is Ok.

Glad to hear Alabama has become more temperate since I spent 6 months there. It was in the late seventies and I thought it was baby Jesus hot, humid, dusty and held a myriad of interesting stinging and biting insects. I actually saw a few snakes in trees and just say I hate snakes. Why would anybody ride around listening to a stereo in air conditioned comfort safe from a swarm of killer bees when you can be one with nature? Get the cab tractor.

Many of us have gone through what you are now doing and realize it's real easy spending other people's money. Buying tractors is fun but can get a little out of hand trading in as you figure out what you need.

In addition to the Deere and Kubota, you should look at the Kioti 6010 and the LS XU5065 both with AG tires and power shuttle. Cabs of course!

Good luck!

 

[TXAggie1999]

I'm in the same place right now. My place is a little bigger and we're looking to lease more land. I'm comparing the John Deere 5085E and the Kubota M8560. I know the initial cost is higher with the JD, but I'm being told that the cost to maintain the Kubota is 5 times that of the John Deere. Does anyone know if that's true? Any other thoughts on these two tractors?

 

[motownbrowne]

I'm in the same place right now. My place is a little bigger and we're looking to lease more land. I'm comparing the John Deere 5085E and the Kubota M8560. I know the initial cost is higher with the JD, but I'm being told that the cost to maintain the Kubota is 5 times that of the John Deere. Does anyone know if that's true? Any other thoughts on these two tractors?

I don't think that makes any sense. Any reasons cited for why the JD would cost a mere one fifth as much as the Kubota to maintain?

 

[TXAggie1999]

I don't think that makes any sense. Any reasons cited for why the JD would cost a mere one fifth as much as the Kubota to maintain?

This is from the JD dealer. They claim that the JD filters and fluids last longer, belts are self tensioning, zerks (whatever that is) are easier to greese, and fuel economy is better.
They also claim that the hydrolics run twice as fast which gets the job done faster.
JD cab is steel tubing vs. Kubota's sheet metal so JD more sturdy/secure.
JD has two sets of real SCVs compared to Kubota's one set.
JD wheelbase is wider by a few inches
JD is 1500 lbs heavier
JD's horse power is industry certified whereas Kubota's isn't.

JD says that all this leads to their product's cost to maintain for the first 600 hours is only $200 compared to Kubota's being $1,200. At 1200 hours, JD cost $500 compared to Kubota's $1,900.

Whatever I buy will be my first tractor...hopefully the last. How much truth is there to these claims?

 

[TSO]

Yeah, I would call BS on that as well. Just salesman propaganda. I don't see Deere being any better to operate than Kubota, or LS, Kioti, Massey, etc etc etc... I'm sure that these tractors are all very similar in quality to one another now. JD does have a special blend green paint though, which we all know costs WAY more to produce than the other colors. That's where your cost goes to. I've heard it will shield you from meteor showers though, so that's something to consider.

 

[Tx Jim]

This is from the JD dealer. They claim that the JD filters and fluids last longer, belts are self tensioning, zerks (whatever that is) are easier to greese, and fuel economy is better.
They also claim that the hydrolics run twice as fast which gets the job done faster.
JD cab is steel tubing vs. Kubota's sheet metal so JD more sturdy/secure.
JD has two sets of real SCVs compared to Kubota's one set.
JD wheelbase is wider by a few inches
JD is 1500 lbs heavier
JD's horse power is industry certified whereas Kubota's isn't.

JD says that all this leads to their product's cost to maintain for the first 600 hours is only $200 compared to Kubota's being $1,200. At 1200 hours, JD cost $500 compared to Kubota's $1,900.

Whatever I buy will be my first tractor...hopefully the last. How much truth is there to these claims?

I think that JD dealer salesman you're referring to needs to include a manure spreader with the JD tractor to help spread his propaganda!!!! I run Green & Blue & Orange tractors of which non of them have cheap parts. My Kubota M7040(65 pto HP) uses less than 2 GPH of fuel pulling a 9' disc cutter.

 

[calhoun9001]

I'm in the same place right now. My place is a little bigger and we're looking to lease more land. I'm comparing the John Deere 5085E and the Kubota M8560. I know the initial cost is higher with the JD, but I'm being told that the cost to maintain the Kubota is 5 times that of the John Deere. Does anyone know if that's true? Any other thoughts on these two tractors?

I was in the same spot your in, After tons of research and spending time with both tractors and many others I bought the deere. I ordered it it Nov and it just came in. For me personally I felt the deere was a better fit. This is a pic of it at the dealer, they have to add loader and bunch of other stuff. I hate to say it, but one of the big reason was the buddy seat. Sounds stupid, but I really want my boys to be with me when using the tractor.