New 25hp tractor purchase

[gstrom99]

Welcome. Do you have a trailer (own or rented) to get it yourself? I personally would never buy a tractor (maybe sight unseen) and then have it shipped. I drove to and from and then back to (with a trailer), the dealer 100 miles away in the same day to buy my JD 855. That's about as far as I'd want to go, for a decent deal. Look around (and only at name brand machines IMHO) w/in that range.

 

[aba4430]

As stated above, Solis is from India. I believe it is identical to the Summit other than some trim and perhaps standard features; uses a Mitsubishi 3-cyl engine. You may want to check it out, or a Summit at a big box store. I have a Yanmar SA425 and have been pleased with it. I am dreading the day my hood cracks though; it does have a plastic hood.

 

[helmdog25]

Looking at the RK25 and the L2502:
L2502 - $26K (cash price) package deal including trailer and implements
RK25 - $19.5K cash price

Doesn't look like the Kubota is too far off considering the implements.

Not really same features though. It's not hydrostatic, doesn't have QA loader, R14 tires, fender joystick, worklights, etc. If you try to find a 25hp Kubota with those features you'll be well over 25K. And again, I understand it's a heavier tractor, a work horse, a Kubota.

 

[helmdog25]

I would like to point out that Solis is based in India.

Oh, yep, think I did know that, but brain doesn't always output what's input.

 

[paulsharvey]

Just so you know, about 2 years ago, I went through a similar process. Almost the entire search is on here "Full figured 25 hp tractor". I ended up with a Kioti Ck2610, but looked at multiple machines; from the RK25, and up.

If i had it all to do again, the upgrade to the CK3510 was only like $2500; or so (thats documented in that thread as well), I probably should have splurged. As background, i upgraded from a Kubota L285.

 

[paulsharvey]

Big part of the decision is; do you want a 25hp, Large subcompact (Rk25, TYM T25, Solaris, Massey 1526, Kioti Ck2510) or a small compact (Tym 2515, Kioti ck2620, Kubota L2502, Massey 1M25, Massey 1E25).

If you decide on the big subcompact, look into the Massey 1526

If you decide on the small compact; I do like my Kioti, but the TYM 2515 was a close runner-up. If I had more money, I would have gone with a Massey 1840M (now a Massey 1M40)

 

[helmdog25]

From your description you mentioned accountant and using this for your hobby business, so you will write off some of the investment and use it for personal use too.

As Chim points out, Kubotas hold their value well, and you now have a Kubota. With a few more dollars and the potential to write some of this off, the future value in 10 years, your accountant may see this as a better long-term value.

BTW the new Kubota 2502 replaces the 2501 and has more creature comforts like the suspension seat etc. its worth a look. I am seeing prices with a 526 loader in the $28K range.

No doubt, Kubota does have great value. I have 2 right now, the little B7100 with FEL (the one I'm replacing) and a B6200HST my dad bought new in 1989. Both have performed well and considering their age and abuse, have required very little repair. I paid 5K for the B7100 about 10 years ago and I'll probably sell it for at least that. I suspect it cost about that new (it owes me nothing). Just not sure the $8k premium will translate for me. I'll likely own this tractor past depreciation, probably well into retirement and pass it to my son. I guess what I'm saying is resale isn't my top priority.

 

[helmdog25]

What are your expectations in terms of warranty service should you need it? Rural king has a long warranty, but you are at the mercy of a Rural King store for that, which can be very hit/miss. If the stores ever go away, you're on your own and will have to lean on TYM dealers for parts and service for things you can't do. Do you have a TYM dealer nearby? Even if you don't, most will happily ship you anything they can get.

I really liked my dealings with my closest RK store that is a bit over 100 miles away in a different state. Their store manager in charge of their tractors called me directly and spent some time on the phone with me. I was interested in an RK21 at the time, but wound up getting a slightly better price on a new leftover TYM T224, loader/mower package. I am a sucker for the underdog when I can find one at a price I like. I generally have low expectations for dealers and warranties on anything as well. They're great when they come through for you, but I plan for the worst. TYM has a 6yr/2000hr warranty. I am like you in that I am not a heavy user. My machine is basically a garage queen (yes, not even a barn) and if it sees 5-10hrs per month of use, that would be a lot.

I agree totally with the low expectations in dealerships. No much I can't do myself, and usually prefer to. Professional these days doesn't translate to quality. Mine will be more of a barn rat and probably spend some rough days left out in the rain, as my current ones do. I've put about 600 hours on my current Kubota in the past 10yrs, so about the same use as you as well.

There is a RK about 5 miles from me, so convenient. TYM dealer about 45 miles. So not terrible if I would need service. And I get most of my parts online anyway.

 

[WM75Guy]

As stated above, Solis is from India. I believe it is identical to the Summit other than some trim and perhaps standard features; uses a Mitsubishi 3-cyl engine. You may want to check it out, or a Summit at a big box store. I have a Yanmar SA425 and have been pleased with it. I am dreading the day my hood cracks though; it does have a plastic hood.

Summit was an independent brand, the tractors were manufactured by ITL. ITL also manufactures and markets Solis tractors. Summit has been bought out by ITL, which now owns, manufactures, and distributes the Summit brand.

 

[helmdog25]

As stated above, Solis is from India. I believe it is identical to the Summit other than some trim and perhaps standard features; uses a Mitsubishi 3-cyl engine. You may want to check it out, or a Summit at a big box store. I have a Yanmar SA425 and have been pleased with it. I am dreading the day my hood cracks though; it does have a plastic hood.

Funny you mention the hood. Solis quickly points out it has a metal hood. Is nice, but tractor will still work with a busted hood, I have a plastic welder and my repairs might not be pretty, but they are functional.