grwoolf
Bronze Member
I am trying to decide on a tractor and plan to buy tomorrow. I have never owned a tractor before, but have rented equipment quite a bit. I am still debating over 2 machines and would appreciate any final advice or guidance from the experts on this site. Thanks for all the help many of you have already given.
Kubota L3400 HST, R4 tires
LA463 FEL with 66" HD L2253 bucket
Wells Ag Canopy
Multi-seal in tires
Kubota is going to install control valve from L3130 on 3pt.
$17,580 delivered
NH TC33DA HST, R4 Tires
14LA FEL with HD Bucket with Skid Steer Quick release
Wells Ag Canopy
Multi-Seal in Tires
$19,217 delivered ($1,637 more than the Kubota)
I will be doing a lot of loader and grading work over the next few years and pull 5ft brush hog. Lots of rocks, but fairly flat property. Also plan to run 6ft RFM once my lawn is in (around 2 acres).
The PTO HP is about the same for both machines and should be more than enough for what I'm doing (always good to have more than enough).
The Kubota dealer has been around a long time, sells a lot of tractors, and seems like a well run company. The salesman has bent over backwards for me, especially on the valve issue. The L3400 is very basic, but seems like a solid machine that would do every thing I need.
The TC33DA is approx the same same size, weight, and HP, but has quite a few nice features. It is more like a Kubota L3130, with adjustable seat, tilt wheel, extendable rear links, mid PTO (probably never use), skid-steer quick release bucket, etc. It also has an edge on most specs like Hyd. flow, FEL capacity, and 3pt capacity, but not substantial difference. I also really like the curved hood and the curved arm loader looks well engineered with the cast ends and the skid steer disconnect. The dealer seems OK, but they focus more on commercial equipment than small tractors. The sales guy has been very good and I think he has put together a good deal for me. Another note: I have not been able to drive a 33DA with hydro because the dealer does not have one. I would be buying with the hope that I like the pedel location, etc.
I would pay the extra $1,600 for all the features on the NH without much thought if I was more comfortable with NH and the dealer I am working with. Kubota seems like the safe choice, the NH seems more risky. I see a lot more Kubotas and JD's in central Texas than NH's and I don't know anyone personally that has a NH I can talk with about reliability, service, etc.
I have read a handful of post that raise big concerns about how NH deals with their customers (warranty work and parts availability). I have not read too many posts about how NH has bent over backward for their customers. I'm not sure how well this site represents all the NH owners out there, but it is all I have to go on. The dealer is another issue that is harder to control, but I expect the manufacturer to make something right if I have a problem down the road.
Any additional information on these 2 machines/companies would be greatly appreciated.
Kubota L3400 HST, R4 tires
LA463 FEL with 66" HD L2253 bucket
Wells Ag Canopy
Multi-seal in tires
Kubota is going to install control valve from L3130 on 3pt.
$17,580 delivered
NH TC33DA HST, R4 Tires
14LA FEL with HD Bucket with Skid Steer Quick release
Wells Ag Canopy
Multi-Seal in Tires
$19,217 delivered ($1,637 more than the Kubota)
I will be doing a lot of loader and grading work over the next few years and pull 5ft brush hog. Lots of rocks, but fairly flat property. Also plan to run 6ft RFM once my lawn is in (around 2 acres).
The PTO HP is about the same for both machines and should be more than enough for what I'm doing (always good to have more than enough).
The Kubota dealer has been around a long time, sells a lot of tractors, and seems like a well run company. The salesman has bent over backwards for me, especially on the valve issue. The L3400 is very basic, but seems like a solid machine that would do every thing I need.
The TC33DA is approx the same same size, weight, and HP, but has quite a few nice features. It is more like a Kubota L3130, with adjustable seat, tilt wheel, extendable rear links, mid PTO (probably never use), skid-steer quick release bucket, etc. It also has an edge on most specs like Hyd. flow, FEL capacity, and 3pt capacity, but not substantial difference. I also really like the curved hood and the curved arm loader looks well engineered with the cast ends and the skid steer disconnect. The dealer seems OK, but they focus more on commercial equipment than small tractors. The sales guy has been very good and I think he has put together a good deal for me. Another note: I have not been able to drive a 33DA with hydro because the dealer does not have one. I would be buying with the hope that I like the pedel location, etc.
I would pay the extra $1,600 for all the features on the NH without much thought if I was more comfortable with NH and the dealer I am working with. Kubota seems like the safe choice, the NH seems more risky. I see a lot more Kubotas and JD's in central Texas than NH's and I don't know anyone personally that has a NH I can talk with about reliability, service, etc.
I have read a handful of post that raise big concerns about how NH deals with their customers (warranty work and parts availability). I have not read too many posts about how NH has bent over backward for their customers. I'm not sure how well this site represents all the NH owners out there, but it is all I have to go on. The dealer is another issue that is harder to control, but I expect the manufacturer to make something right if I have a problem down the road.
Any additional information on these 2 machines/companies would be greatly appreciated.