New guy here... really need help choosing one of these tractors (or other suggestions

[mrwizard64]

In doing research, people seem to think that HST is great for loader work, and poorer for plow and 'in ground work'... due to overheating, and parts breaking... etc.

 

[gladehound]

Hi Wizard! Welcome to TBN. Sounds like you have a nice property and a lot of work to do.

I think you have confused some folks with your original post. For clarity, compact tractors run between ~20 and ~60 hp (think Kubota B, L, and GL series; JD 2000, 3000, 4000 series; Kioti CK, DK, DS, NX series). Sub-compact tractors are lower profile smaller framed tractors typically with 25 hp or less (Think Kubota BX series, MF 1700 series). The tractor in my avatar is a compact.

In your original it sounds like you actually mean you wanted something slightly larger than a sub-compact tractor.

However, what you really should do, is figure out how big your rocks are, how much they weigh and what you want to do with them. Then folks could give much more educated input.

 

[aeblank]

...I have no idea if I need the extra HP.

You don't. I can't imagine where you are running something so close to the ragged edge that 3 or 4HP is the difference between getting it done and not.

 

[mrwizard64]

Got it... I'm now officially looking for a compact... or something between 20 and 60!

 

[aeblank]

people seem to think that HST ... poorer ... due to overheating, and parts breaking

I have an issue with this... HSTs are "weak". That's bull.
An HST can be mis-sized (under engineered) just like gears in a gearbox.
It is NOT an inherently weaker design. HUGE machinery (vehicular and stationary) use the same components as in an HST transmission.
Variable hydraulic pumps are VERY durable.

If you want to say "kubota bleah bleah HST is weak", similar to "Dodge 4-speed auto is weak"..........fine.
But "HSTs can't withstand field work" is crap.

 

[mrwizard64]

Ok, do you have a recommendation as far as 'how big' or 'what hp' tractor I should be looking at? ...or even where you stand on Kubota vs Kioti?

I'm already sold on HST... now I just need to find the right machine for the job

 

[prichard]

I have no opinion on Kioti.. Not sure I've ever even seen one. Lots of folks are very happy with them though. I love my 'bota but I did pay extra for that flavor of orange. One of the things I got out of a lot of folks was a small tractor can do anything a large tractor can do but slower.

I'll let more experienced folks weigh in on size. All I have is a loader and a brush cutter.

 

[mrwizard64]

I also have the option of this guy right here:

KUBOTA GRAND L-3940 TRACTOR LOADER 4X4

For those who don't feel like clicking, it's a KUBOTA GRAND L-3940 TRACTOR LOADER 4X4 - for $22950, Hydrostatic with 39hp

Now, this option doesn't come with a backhoe... so I would have to tack that expense on.

2013 Kubota Grand L 3940 Tractor, Loader, 4 Wheel drive, HST trans. One owner garage kept homeowner owned. Tractor has ..... 235 ....easy hours. Tractor equipped with....Intelli dash package, LCD cluster, H/M/L Ranges with 2 speed rear range, Cruise, 3 pt., PTO, Drawbar, Rear sway links, Rear arm extensions, Folding ROPs, Nylon roof canopy, Tilt wheel, Halogen lights, Running lights, Flashers, Diff. Lock, 2 or 4 w.d., Power steering, Brush guard, Removeable loader, Removeable bucket, R4 tires, Auxiliary rear canopy lights, Turn Signals, Grab rails, Speed sensitivity control, L.E.D. info. Center, Tail lights, Top link, Auto throttle advance, Floating seat w/arm rests, Tool box, 12v outlet, Front canopy halogen lights (have been installed since pics), etc..... Also included is the Kubota 3pt. Rear weight box filled with cement.
Tractor is in EXCELLENT condition and ready to use.......

 

[mrwizard64]

Seems to me like the 2015 Kioti CK4010H might be the way to go... It's got just as much HP as the used kubota listed above, it's brand new, it will come WITH the backhoe, and I will be able to earn a large pile of rewards points by swiping this thing onto my amex.

http://www.leisuresportsnturf.com/2...tory.htm?ID=22702550&Brand=263&Type=2997&fm=1

I love reward points.

They're even both orange. No one will be able to tell.

Thoughts?

 

[k0ua]

Hey Prichard, to be honest, I've never owned a farm vehicle, so I have no idea if I need the extra HP. I will be digging into PA fields, which have a good amount of large blue stones, and I will be doing a lot of tree work... clearing downed trees for my wood burner.

@James, got it... so if I was going to use this thing to dig a reservior in my back yard, HST is going to make it a lot easier... and this is due to the amount of pedal use (which I gather from your knee-pain comment)?

In general, how do you feel about Kioti vs other brands of tractors? Do you think that I'm on the right track with the size and brand here? I won't be doing a TON of plowing, but I will probably till 5-10 acres once every few years. I'm more concerned with my ability to pick up logs, rocks, and leveling ground (with the occasional snow plow).

Well, I am kinda biased..My present tractor is a Kioti. I have owned one Long, One New Holland, and two Kubota's One gear and one HST. The Kioti is the best of the bunch so far.