Most reliable tractors in the 30-40Hp range

[MESSMAKER]

I have had a lot of trouble with a MF 165. Its drawbar hitch kept falling off with baling equipment attached. I replaced it with a Ford 4110, 1974 vintage. It has about 5000 hours on it, and it is finally dying. I also have a 1982 Kubota B7100 HST with about 2200 hours on it. I have worked it very hard. Implements used include a 5' finishing mower, a 4' brush cutter (which I have used to clear trails of saplings up to 3" diameter in the woods), a 50" rototiller, a 38" FEL, a 4' rear scraper and a 5' front blade. It is on clutch number 2, and it has fluid leaks. It has done a lot of work for a 16 Hp tractor. But I am thinking about getting a Mahindra 5035 HST to replace it and the Ford, as I do not need the Kubota for finish mowing any more, as I use a zero turn radius product for that. (Best buy I ever made. Cuts mowing time from 4-5 hours on my 5 acres of lawn to about 60-75 minutes. Most of the time savings are due to not needing to trim with a small mower and a weed whacker where the Kubota could not go. The ZTR product can do it all, including mowing right around trees.)

How did the drawbar hitch KEEP falling off.

 

[murphy1244]

How did the drawbar hitch KEEP falling off.

And how many hours were on it?

 

[Hermio]

Its been a long time since I had it. I bought it used with maybe 1000-1500 hours, and the problems began the first time I put a baler on it.

 

[bigcut]

I am having one heck of a time deciding what tractor to buy. Everyone who has ever bought a tractor says it is the best deal on the planet but I really need to know which ones are the most reliable for the long haul.

I am looking to buy a used tractor so reliability really is an issue. Everyone who talks about their tractors say they are really dependable, but they usually have low hours. How good are they when they hit 1000 or more? Yeah a three year waranty.... if any diesel tractor didn't last longer then three years the manufactuer should be flogged. Is there any independent place where you can find information on the long term reliability of the different makes. I did find one site;
The Small Tractor FAQ
where he gives a basic list of reliable and non reliable tractors. It breaks down like this:

<font color="red">Service-Challenged </font> Kioti, Belarus, Rhino, Shenniu, Long, Zetor, ITC, Tafe, Same, Hurlimann, Landini, Grey Market tractors

<font color="green">Service-Neutral </font> Kubota, Massey-Ferguson, New Holland, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Case-IH, AGCO-Allis, White

Now I admit this is an older site last updated in 2000, but so far it is the only site that doesn't seem affiliated with any company that is selling tractors. So you can see my problem.

I hear a lot of people talk about how great there Kioti is or others that were not even listed yet they are considered not good long termer by this site. Is there any where else to get info that isn't biased. Like the different sites for buying used cars? Is there anyone out there who really has the know when it comes to the reliability of tractors that have 500 or more hours on them?
<font color="blue">Please help me</font> as it really limits your choices if you can only pick from Cub, NH, Deere, Kubota, M-F. I would really like to have some unbiased long term info on some of the other brands. How often do they break down, how hard are parts to get. Things that you don't know when the tractor only has a few hours on it.

Whiteknight,
Please take this for what it's worth. You pose difficult questions. Several on this site have given you their personal experience as to what's a good tractor or the best. One posts that his MF is a real workhorse and the next one posts all the problems he's had with his MF. The shortcoming in these testimonials is that they're statistically insignificant. You can't necessarily go by individual experience. There are too many variables (as pointed out by others on this site, ie, prior use, maintenance, etc.) that could alter the results you would have with a similar brand purchase.

If I were you, I would first look at this from more of a business perspective. What brand has been in business the longest, without support from mergers, (I think I remember MF filing for bankruptcy sometime back, maybe I'm wrong). I believe LS makes the smaller tractors for NH. I'd look at who has highest resale value. You can't produce inferior products and stay in business in these competitive times. Who commands a premium for their products. This is also a good indicator of customer satisfaction, and confidence in the brand and their products (reliability). Is there a brand viewed as the industry leader and I don't mean who is the largest. I could go on and on. I think you get the picture.

Once you've identified the top 1 or 2 brands, then which models have the capabilities, features and reliability that you seek. I would identify 2 or 3 models from each of the 2 brands. Read customer reviews on these units. What are their weak points. What has the manufacturer done to correct these issues. Have the owners been satisfied with the resolution to the problems by the mfg and their dealer network.

That brings me to the 3rd criteria. Dealer support. Who has the strongest dealer network (also a difficult question to answer). Is the dealer closest to you viewed as being honest, reputable, and service oriented. Again, not easy to answer, but, a necessary part of your research.

So, there are really at least 3 parts to the analysis:
1. Brand/Manufacturer
2. Model (size, features, and reliability)
3. Dealer support.

I'm certain, if you follow the above 3 steps, you will NOT end up with the lowest priced tractor. Quality and reliability commands a premium. I suspect you already tried the low cost unit route that fell apart on you.

I might add that I really don't have the axe to grind in this, as I have a Sears garden tractor. So, I admittedly lack the experience and knowledge that many on this site possess. But, my work has frequently involved advising business owners in making capital investment decisions. Which I charged a fee for that service. I will also say I hope I haven't offended anyone with my posting. As I stated in the beginning of my post, these are just my thoughts in an attempt to help.

Best of luck. I look forward to following this thread to see what you ultimately decide.
John

 

[arlen4720]

Bigcut gives very good advice....What manufacturers have been in business the longest, who has the best dealer/parts network, who is financially the most sound? Can't argue with that logic.

 

[GManBart]

who is financially the most sound? Can't argue with that logic.

So says the guy who almost always touts the most expensive brand....lol.

Funny, but LS has annual revenues larger than all but Deere. I guess that means they leapfrog all those other brands according to you and bigcut. :laughing:

 

[arlen4720]

So says the guy who almost always touts the most expensive brand....lol.

Funny, but LS has annual revenues larger than all but Deere. I guess that means they leapfrog all those other brands according to you and bigcut. :laughing:

It's merely one of the criteria, but would mean something to me none the less.

 

[bigcut]

So says the guy who almost always touts the most expensive brand....lol.

Funny, but LS has annual revenues larger than all but Deere. I guess that means they leapfrog all those other brands according to you and bigcut. :laughing:

GMan,
Thanks for the comments....Much of LS's size or revenue is because they are a Contract Manufacturer. I haven't looked, but, I'd bet if you looked at both companies financial statements, we would see that Deere commands a higher gross margin (meaning they get more for their product). Being able to get more for your product is another indicator of buyer confidence and satisfaction. Those in the business world who deal with "Contract Manufacturers" (like myself) know that contract mfg work on thin margins. Like I said, I haven't looked at the FS of either company.

I would say that I've heard that LS makes a very good product, as testified by many on this site. It does make you wonder however, why they don't sell all the units under their own name. Just some questions to ponder. I've also read of many accounts of the great service given by Deere dealers. I don't recall any testimonials on the LS network (not implying they don't exist). That is if you believe that dealer support after the sale is another part of the equation.

As I stated earlier, I don't have a "dog in this fight". I have a "Sears Garden Tractor". My views were from the vantage point of analysis in making a business decision. Which this is, as opposed to an emotional choice in the color club.

I respect your opinion. Thanks for sharing your viewpoint.
John
PS: If IIRC, Mahindra has revs. larger than any one. But, as I said originally, size does not necessarily equate to being the best. Things just aren't that simple unfortunately.

 

[sd455dan]

I have had a lot of trouble with a MF 165. Its drawbar hitch kept falling off with baling equipment attached. I replaced it with a Ford 4110, 1974 vintage. It has about 5000 hours on it, and it is finally dying. I also have a 1982 Kubota B7100 HST with about 2200 hours on it. I have worked it very hard. Implements used include a 5' finishing mower, a 4' brush cutter (which I have used to clear trails of saplings up to 3" diameter in the woods), a 50" rototiller, a 38" FEL, a 4' rear scraper and a 5' front blade. It is on clutch number 2, and it has fluid leaks. It has done a lot of work for a 16 Hp tractor. But I am thinking about getting a Mahindra 5035 HST to replace it and the Ford, as I do not need the Kubota for finish mowing any more, as I use a zero turn radius product for that. (Best buy I ever made. Cuts mowing time from 4-5 hours on my 5 acres of lawn to about 60-75 minutes. Most of the time savings are due to not needing to trim with a small mower and a weed whacker where the Kubota could not go. The ZTR product can do it all, including mowing right around trees.)

i think after 10 YEARS this thread may be dead- then again...white knight may not have found a tractor to suit him yet -- his last post was on 11/23/2004

 

[rutwad]

Sorry I haven't read the entire thread so some of this may have already been mentioned. In my experience, typically 75-125 HP, I have found the nicest tractors to have the most problems. The nicest tractors have all the latest bells and whistles that make the operator's job easier. However, all the bells and whistles come with a price, both $$$$ and problems. I see very few mechanical problems with newer tractors, but I have noticed quite a few electrical or computer problems with them. When you press a button or flip a switch that is suppose to make something happen, it may or may not work. But if you manually engage 4wd, diff lock, shift gears, etc., it's almost guaranteed to work.

One for me that has stood the test of time, still runs great, and has had so many operators through the years that can pass along some great stories involving it, has a certain appreciation from many, and is a tractor icon IMO, is pictured here.



This was taken earlier this year. And as far as ride quality, man it's hard to beat. I can go cruising across a field like riding in a Cadillac while trying to keep up with our Kubota M5040 will leave you searching the floor for part of your spine or a kidney. Easy to work on yourself, or easy to find a shade-tree mechanic that won't charge you $105 an hour to figure out what's wrong. Plus the nostalgia of just using one is great! These new tractors (larger) have became so automated that operating them is mind numbing, dull, and a great place to nap if you have auto-steer (and auto-stop). You really cant get the real feel of operating a tractor now like you could with the oldies.

Probably not the answer you wanted, but just thought I would share.

Good luck with your decision!!