Comparison Looking for some product knowledge

[blainesdad]

Hey guys, a noob to this site. Have done alot of reading on here and really appreciate all of the info already. I am here now looking for some hands on experience/knowledge in helping me make a decision on my next tractor purchase.
My situation is as follows, been around farming pretty much all of my life. My dad runs a small farming operation and I have followed in his footsteps to an extent. I have a few horses(more for pleasure than actual farming) and I produce hay that I sell. I farm(lease/own) somewhere in the 25-50 acre range..depending on the year. I use my tractor around the house for various chores and use it for all aspects of hay production. I utilize it for cutting hay with a NH disc mower, pulling a hayrake, and pulling my square and round balers. I have pretty much always used older model JD tractors(engrained in me by my Dad). I have had a Ford 2000, JD 1530, and currently have a JD 2155. I like these old machines and am not really used to all the fancy new amenities, nor do I really want them. I am primarily looking for a machine that will provide good service and is made with alot of bulletproof parts like these old JD's of mine. Wanting to go with a 4x4(like the extra weight, bigger tires up front, and the extra strength with loader) with a FEL. Wanting to be in the 55-70hp range and am not looking at new machines($$$$). Trying to keep it around $20k.
I have found a 2004 Kubota M6800 with 400 hours locally, very nicely equipped for about $18,500.
I am also looking at some John Deere's in the 5300,5310,5400,5410 series. I have a friend who has a L3650 and swears by Kubota, but I guess the Green has been breed into me...ha ha. The Kubota I am looking at does not have the shuttle tranny...does anybody know how solid the clutches and the standard transmission is on the Kubota. I would really appreciate knowing some pro's and con's for these models. If you have experience with them or knowledge I would sure love to hear any input.

Thanks again, and thanks for providing a wonderful community.
Steve

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am really surprised that you haven't had more responses to your questions. JD is a great tractor and been around a long time for a reason. As far as your clutch question I would think as long as you aren't riding the clutch or dumping it into gear pulling stumps or something you would be happy. I do like my Kubota with the Shuttleshift. You have a lot more experience on tractors than I do so I wouldn't be considering yourself a newbie. Welcome to TBN though.

 

[blainesdad]

I am really surprised that you haven't had more responses to your questions. JD is a great tractor and been around a long time for a reason. As far as your clutch question I would think as long as you aren't riding the clutch or dumping it into gear pulling stumps or something you would be happy. I do like my Kubota with the Shuttleshift. You have a lot more experience on tractors than I do so I wouldn't be considering yourself a newbie. Welcome to TBN though.

I'm kind of surprised too. Was hoping some of these guys on here would have some reviews on these newer tractors and transmissions that I am not familiar with. Maybe soon

 

[jenkinsph]

There seems to be quite a few tractors in your price range that seem to fit the bill. I would consider both Deere and Kubota but would lean towards a Deere if you and your dad are more familiar with them. With that in mind you might consider a larger 55 series such as the 2555 or 2755. Moving towards newer tractors a 5425 or 5525 or larger 6200 are all available near your price range with loaders on Machinefinder.

FWIW, you are looking for a size tractor that typically sees alot of everyday use. I would compare the actual tractors you find to buy to a new 5065E or 5075E and consider that the new warranty and zero hours is worth something. If you consider a 10 to 15% discount on a new unit and 0% financing on the small balance the difference is not that great. It is my gut feeling you would be better served with the new purchase if taken care of and kept for a longer period of time. If buying new today allows you to skip over another purchase down the road a few years I think you will be ahead.

 

[Punk]

I think 18,500 is a fair price for the M6800, if it has a loader. If not, I'd try to get them down a little. I like my M9000. It's a 2006. I bought it used, with 850 hours, for about $20,000. It had a cab, but no loader. I had a ALO Quickie loader put on it for about $5600.
The Kubota utility tractors have a little shorter wheel base than the older John Deeres, so you may feel a little front or rear tippy if you don't haul two round bales at the same time. That said, I don't have my tires loaded, so it would be more stable if you were to load the tires. Otherwise, I can't say anything negative about these tractors. The clutch is solid. I like mine.
By the way, if it doesn't have a loader, you'll find your best deal right up the road. In Blountville. He beat everybody, by along shot, on the price. Most everybody else wanted over $8000 for this same loader.
I bought the loader at Eaton and Sons.

 

[om21braz]

There are those that will say the M6800 is Kubota's most popular machine. A good choice I'd say.

 

[blainesdad]

I have looked at and considered the 2355's. The problem is that they are apparently in high demand. 25 year old 2355's still bring as much as 10 year old 5310's. I am leaning towards the 5310-5410 series right now. Just not sure how they compare with the 55 series of tractors. Are they similiar mechanically, etc?
I have heard nothing but good things about the Kubota M6800's. The one that I am looking at already has a loader with it...LA1002 I think. I really like that tractor, only downside that I have seen is what has been mentioned. Little smaller wheelbase(length and width). Not sure it is that big of a deal, but on these hills up here every inch seems to count...ha ha
Still open to more info guys..thanks in advance