MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I'm Confused

duck_man · Apr 18, 2006

MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

I went shopping today, and while trying to narrow down my choices, I am now more confused.

I'm after a sub-compact, belly mower and loader. 3 acres of grass to cut, very flat. Some snow removal and hauling dirt/mulch/etc. Mostly a lawnmower.

Case DX25E 25hp with 60" mower and loader $18000
Case DX18E 18hp with same $16000

Kubota BX1850 18hp $14900
Kubota BX2350 23hp $15900

Massey GC2300 22.5hp $14900

New Holland TZ22 22hp $18300

I drove the Case and the New Holland and they both seemed solid. I did not drive the Massey but just the look of it was cheaper than the others. But the price was too. Anyone have one? Is it a solid bargain?

The Kubotas are an easy choice - seem to be a good solid tractor. I was only looking for the 18hp but for the little extra $ I'd get the 23.

I'm not sure if the Case is worth more than the Kubota by $2000 to get the extra 2hp. The Case is an '05 model.

They all seem comfortable, have decent controls and look like they'd make me happy. The exception is the Massey which, like I said, seemed a little cheaper all-around but it is a less expensive unit and would probably still do the job. I'm mostly talking about the look and feel of the levers/knobs/switches/etc. since I didn't have the chance to drive it.

I'm looking for opinions from owners of any and all of the above, as well as people that test-drove a certain one and didn't choose it for whatever reason.

First tractor - Which one do you all think I should get?

aesanders · Apr 18, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

They are all good machines. I would just use them some more and get the machine you like the best from the dealer you like dealing with.
As far as the Massey being cheaper, Well it's not cheaper built. It's just the oldest design of any of them and does not have some of the latest and greatest features. It is a heavily built unit and specs out nice with good power, both hydraulic and pto. I agree that it is not quite as comfortable as the
New Hollands, Deere's and new Kubota's but it is not bad.

Go check out the Deere 2305 as well. It's probably the most comfortable of any of them.

You can't go wrong with any of them though.

coasterez · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

Why not look at some of the other options: Kioti, Tym, and Simplicity. The Tym T233 would be especially nice for your applications. Or a Kioti CK20 - by far the best value.

Tom

IslandTractor · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

 Or a Kioti CK20 - by far the best value.


As a very happy CK20 owner I have to disagree. When the main job is mowing and when a MMM is specified, I would drop the CK20 well below the Kubota offerings. Very different story if the major uses involved lots of FEL work or you wanted TLB capabilities. The CK20 is heavy for a primary mowing machine and the Kioti MMM offering is relatively expensive.

proudestmonkey · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

Duck Man,

Your confusion might be eased if you knew you could get the Kubota 2350 for less money. I don't know where you live, but I live in the midwest (Minnesota), and was quoted around $13,500 to $14,000 for the 2350, and that is with the 60" mmm and FEL. The price you quoted is at or even slightly above MSRP. The 1850 was $600 to $1,000 less than the 1850.

I just bought the 2230 (for $12,300 with FEL, 60" mmm, rear ballast box, R4 tire upgrade and juiced rear wheels). I haven't tried it for mowing yet, but even with the FEL and ballast box it is not really hurting my lawn. For FEL work and (smallish) stump and fence post pulling, it is plenty big.

Chris_T · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

I'm also looking and I would also suggest that when comparing the Case and NH models (twins) you look at the engine and rpms that the hp are being advertised for.

I have some manufacturers literature giving different hp ratings for the same engines in the Case and NH because one is rated at 2600 rpm and the other at 2850

rockyridgefarm · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

From what you are seeing, the 'botas would be a fine choice. I agree, take a look at the JD 2305 - but even then it would be hard to pass up on either of those 50's

coasterez · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

It is true there are much better fine finish mowers than the CK20, Kubota and otherwise. But, tractorisland misses the point. The CK20 is a better value as an all purpose machine that can do a lot of things quite well. Now, obviously with more pto hp and lighter weights that some machines offer, they will more readily handle the mowing tasks. But, do test the CK20. I bet it will mow fields as well as any in its horsepower class (fine, tight, delicate mowing - probably not). You'll get more bang for your buck, across all tasks with the CK - not a perfect mower, and not a perfect ground machine, but a good choice for all tasks combined.

73jeep · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

The Massey has larger engine(more cubit inches and rated at lower rpm) and has more torque (50 ft./lbs or 68 Nm) than other subCUT models listed. Probably not enough difference to notice while driving though, I'm sure.
Just test drive em' all and see which one you like the best.

KiotiJohn · Apr 19, 2006

Re: MF/Kubota/Case/NH/Deere - I\'m Confused

( The CK20 is heavy for a primary mowing machine and the Kioti MMM offering is relatively expensive. )
I don't use a MMM, but I do adjust my brush mower differently and cut my lawn with the CK20 at times. On the soil type I have, I rarely ever seen any damage, R4 Industrial tires.

On some soils, moist ground, almost any weight is going to leave some ruts or damage and I don't find the just under 2000# to be too much weight for me. Mostly I mow with my ZTR though, and I've seen more damage from skidding in my turns!

John
EDIT: I looked at the Massey GC2300 not long ago. Nice machine. I wasn't really interested in buying, but I wanted to see it. For mainly mowing, this would seem to be a good option. for anything else, I'd want to go CUT.
J