Buying Advice Massey Ferguson 1738E or Kabota 3901 ??

michaelc123 · Apr 5, 2017

I have 28 acres and need a tractor. I'll be using it to clear brush, maintenance on driveway and well roads. Probably going to be pushing some snow and projects around the property.
I want the following implements:

5' heavy duty brush hog
A box blade with rippers
Scraper blade fully adjustable
Good lighting front and back
Removable teeth for the bucket

I'm new to the tractor ownership so I need some advice from experienced tractor owners.

I have the Kabota L3901 HST and the Massey Ferguson 1739E HST in mind. I'm having a hard time choosing.

Please send some opinions on these tractors.

brycez28 · Apr 5, 2017

I don't have experience with either model. My best advice would be to go with the better dealer. Quick search shows that the Massey has little better lifting capacity than the Kubota. I'm doing a demo with the Massey 2706e and a 1739.

MultiMow · Apr 5, 2017

Have you demo'd them both?

ericm979 · Apr 5, 2017

You could probably get by with an L3301 or 1734. The rule of thumb for rotary cutters is 5 pto hp per foot of width and both are above that. I don't know about the Masseys but with the Kubotas the only difference is engine software and about $2000.

The MF is a turbo motor. The Kubotas are natually aspirated. I love turbo cars (not the least because they can easily be tuned for more power) but with a turbo there is more stuff to go wrong. Small turbo tractors can have problems getting their DPF hot enough to regen- turbos are heat engines, making the downstream exhaust that the DPF sees cooler. I.e. the Kubota B3350. While I would not completely discount a turbo CUT I have a preference for a larger naturally aspirated engine- I'm not tuning the tractor (yet) and want it to just work. Unlike with cars, the added weight of a larger displacement engine is an advantage in a small tractor.

Does Massey make the 173x models, or does someone make them for them? How will support be in the future?

TheMadOne · Apr 5, 2017

I'll just comment that with the FEL on, the front lights on the Kubota are terrible. And the only way to get factory front work lights is to get the canopy. Not sure if the same is true of the Massey. That said, a light bar mounted to the ROPS isn't expensive, and they usually come with their own wiring harness. I have one I need to wire up.

brycez28 · Apr 5, 2017

ericm979 said:
You could probably get by with an L3301 or 1734. The rule of thumb for rotary cutters is 5 pto hp per foot of width and both are above that. I don't know about the Masseys but with the Kubotas the only difference is engine software and about $2000.

The MF is a turbo motor. The Kubotas are natually aspirated. I love turbo cars (not the least because they can easily be tuned for more power) but with a turbo there is more stuff to go wrong. Small turbo tractors can have problems getting their DPF hot enough to regen- turbos are heat engines, making the downstream exhaust that the DPF sees cooler.

I don't think that the Massey uses DPF. I know for sure the 1749 and 2706e (59 hp) do not.

ericm979 · Apr 5, 2017

The 173xE has DPF with fully automated regens. It's in the 1700E Pocket Guide.
Nice that the 2706E you're getting doesn't.

michaelc123 · Apr 5, 2017

MultiMow said:
Have you demo'd them both?

I've tested the Kabota. I like it. Very smooth riding, feel like it had plenty of power and the hydraulics seem to be responsive.

MultiMow · Apr 5, 2017

Try the Massey.

If you're still hung up after that, I'd stick to which one is closest or has the best customer service reputation.

Goose69 · Apr 5, 2017

If you are truly new to tractors, go with the dealer you feel will treat you right after the sale, assuming all else is equal.
I feel all the name brand tractors are pretty good, and all have their pros/cons. It ends up being a matter of personal preference in the end.
I was originally looking at all the brands, that had dealers close to me.
I settled on the Massey 2706EH, due to really liking and trusting in my dealer for services, after the sale. and it does not have any emissions systems to maintain. No DPF, DEF. etc.
It doesn't have all the whiz-bang gadgetry of some others, including my previous Deere. But it does everything I need it to do, so long as I can fit it. I would still like a smaller tractor for barn and paddock work