New guys take on pros & cons of 45 HP range of CUT's

[Lt CHEG]

So, have you come to a conclusion yet? We all want to know.

Still no conclusion. I'm guessing that it's probably going to be either a MF or a NH. The NH would likely come in at a really great price along with great financing if the dealer can still get the model that I'm looking at. If I can't get the NH model that I'm looking at then I'll see what the MF dealer can do for me. On a whim I did have a Kubota dealer work up a price on a B3030 cab tractor for me as well. That'll come back on Monday. In reality though the price would have to be really great though to even be considered. With 0% for 72 months with NH and MF, I can buy almost $6000 more tractor and still have the same monthly payment that I'm looking at with a Kubota or Deere and their 0% for 60 months. I don't care about making the payments for an extra year on a tractor that I'll have for 20 years or more, so the financing really puts Kubota and Deere at a huge disadvantage. If I go MF, it'll either be the 1643 or the 1652 as there wasn't even $1,000 difference in price between the 1648 and 1652 and I'd rather spend the extra $800 or so and have the second biggest MF tractor in the class. So really, I guess you could say it's all up to the dealers right now. Whoever gives me the best deal will likely get my money, as I'm convinced that I'll be happy with whichever tractor I choose.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Both the MF and the NH are nice tractors but my nod goes to the NH simply because I have used he DX33 quite a bit at my fathers place. Really like the control lay out and especially the FEL. If the 45ish HP tractor is anything like the 33 you will be in heaven.

The tractor is not my dads but his next door neighbors. I probably use it 10 hours per year doing loader, bush hog, and box blade work. It does not have the grunt my Jinma has but is very user friendly. We get to use the tractor all we want and in return my dad stores a BMW in his 3 car garage for him. He currently only has 1 car so it works out great.

Chris

 

[Builder]

Still no conclusion. I'm guessing that it's probably going to be either a MF or a NH. The NH would likely come in at a really great price along with great financing if the dealer can still get the model that I'm looking at. If I can't get the NH model that I'm looking at then I'll see what the MF dealer can do for me. On a whim I did have a Kubota dealer work up a price on a B3030 cab tractor for me as well. That'll come back on Monday. In reality though the price would have to be really great though to even be considered. With 0% for 72 months with NH and MF, I can buy almost $6000 more tractor and still have the same monthly payment that I'm looking at with a Kubota or Deere and their 0% for 60 months. I don't care about making the payments for an extra year on a tractor that I'll have for 20 years or more, so the financing really puts Kubota and Deere at a huge disadvantage. If I go MF, it'll either be the 1643 or the 1652 as there wasn't even $1,000 difference in price between the 1648 and 1652 and I'd rather spend the extra $800 or so and have the second biggest MF tractor in the class. So really, I guess you could say it's all up to the dealers right now. Whoever gives me the best deal will likely get my money, as I'm convinced that I'll be happy with whichever tractor I choose.

Just curious: Is the MF 1648/1652 a rebadged Iseki tractor?

If it is, have no fear of buying. I have a Challenger 285b which is the same as an MF 1547. Both are made by Iseki.

I've learned a bit about Iseki over the last year. A Massey dealer told me they're the 2nd biggest to Kubota in japan for building compact tractor units.
They also build AGCO ST series compacts. The only thing that could be better in mine is the seat in the cab. Kinda plain vinyl. For the price I paid, it was something I could overlook.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Just curious: Is the MF 1648/1652 a rebadged Iseki tractor?

If it is, have no fear of buying. I have a Challenger 285b which is the same as an MF 1547. Both are made by Iseki.

I've learned a bit about Iseki over the last year. A Massey dealer told me they're the 2nd biggest to Kubota in japan for building compact tractor units.
They also build AGCO ST series compacts. The only thing that could be better in mine is the seat in the cab. Kinda plain vinyl. For the price I paid, it was something I could overlook.

I believe that the 1500 series is the same as the AGCO Challengers and other Iseki tractors. The 1600 series is supposed to be a new series of tractors. They are still made by Iseki I believe ( I know their engines are for sure) but I don't think that they have a non MF equivalent. I have absolutely no problem buying anything made by Iseki. They have a very good reputation and have been making bulletproof engines for Bohlens (and others I'm sure) for years. I'm glad you're happy with your Challenger, it is always reassuring to hear positive reviews on a piece of equipment before spending the money yourself. I have a feeling that I'll be enjoying your Challenger's cousin myself in the not too distant future.

 

[Builder]

I believe that the 1500 series is the same as the AGCO Challengers and other Iseki tractors. The 1600 series is supposed to be a new series of tractors. They are still made by Iseki I believe ( I know their engines are for sure) but I don't think that they have a non MF equivalent. I have absolutely no problem buying anything made by Iseki. They have a very good reputation and have been making bulletproof engines for Bohlens (and others I'm sure) for years. I'm glad you're happy with your Challenger, it is always reassuring to hear positive reviews on a piece of equipment before spending the money yourself. I have a feeling that I'll be enjoying your Challenger's cousin myself in the not too distant future.

Thanks. So far so good. Runs a 90" harley rake like it's not even back there. 3pt seems plenty strong. One thing I like about Kubota over mine is the twin rams on the rockshaft. Mine only has one. You will prolly want to fill the tires if you're doing serious loader work or need traction like me.

Iseki makes their own brand of tractors, but they never sold well in the US.

Thought I'd throw a picture in the post:

 

[WilliamBos]

Nice. How does the AC/Heat perform? Do you have any more action shots??

Thanks. So far so good. Runs a 90" harley rake like it's not even back there. 3pt seems plenty strong. One thing I like about Kubota over mine is the twin rams on the rockshaft. Mine only has one. You will prolly want to fill the tires if you're doing serious loader work or need traction like me.

Iseki makes their own brand of tractors, but they never sold well in the US.

Thought I'd throw a picture in the post:

 

[Ken45101]

Cons: Whoever had the idea of putting the hydro pedal and steering brakes on the same side of the tractor should be shot,

I have to say in the last 12 years I have owned 4 Kubota's, all with the brake and hydro pedals on the same side and I can honestly say, I have never even used the brakes except to set the parking brake occasionally.

I 100% agree! I have two HST units with that pedal configuration, and bigger tractors with with a standard shift. It's never been the slightest problem for me (other than very rarely wanting to use split brakes for turning). OTOH, it would be really, really scary to move the brake pedal around from one tractor to another! I can just imagine shoving my left foot down to push in the clutch and connect with a brake pedal instead! Or needing to hit the brakes in a hurry and getting the clutch instead

I'm willing to give up the split braking, I find it's rarely needed on a small tractor.

I also agree that 45 hp may be more than you really want for 6 acres. When I used to mow 10 acres of grass, a 27 hp tractor did the job just fine. The 45 hp tractor was used for heavy dirt moving, digging drainage ditches, etc. Remember, a 45 hp tractor will be heavier and will tear up the ground when it is soft.

Frankly if I could afford to do so I'd probably buy a 75 HP cab tractor with a 15 ft. batwing mower to get done in the least amount of time but I absolutely cannot justify that expense

You would NOT get it done in the least amount of time. I have a 90 hp tractor with a 15' batwing. It's wonderful for larger areas, but it would take longer for smaller areas than something more appropriate. It's like trying to maneuver a 53' semi in a walmart parking lot.

Ken

 

[Builder]

Nice. How does the AC/Heat perform? Do you have any more action shots??

AC/Heat seems to work great. Will upgrade the seat someday.

Pictures? You asked, here they are:

 

[Big Bri]

Builder, you have one nice tractor but an even nicer piece of property. I really like the house. thanks for the pictures.
Brian

 

[Builder]

Builder, you have one nice tractor but an even nicer piece of property. I really like the house. thanks for the pictures.
Brian

Thanks, but it's not mine. I built 3 additions on it, roof, 40 new windows, etc. for a Customer then did the rainwater retention system last in those pictures.

 

[rider9403]

I went from a 30hp to a 44hp. There are things the 44hp tractor will do that would take the 30hp tractor a lot longer to do. But there are things the 30hp tractor will do that the 44hp tractor can not do. If you buy one tractor in the bigger size you are going to find a gap that can only be filled with a smaller unit. So down the road you'll be back on here asking about SCUT or small CUT sized tractors.

I guess there's no size that's perfect. But for a small acreage I think almost everyone will tell you the smaller CUT, 30hp range, is your best fit.

My 44hp tractor does not have a cab. 90% of the work I do with it could not be done with a cab.

My 23hp tractor does not have a cab either. 90% of the work I do with it could be done with a cab.

But in the end, to complete your projects, you are gonna have to get out of the cab because of the limits the size of a 45hp tractor with cab puts on you.

I'm looking to get a 40 to 45hp tractor with a cab. I'm in upstate NY in the snow belt area. I have a couple of long drive ways to remove snow from and in the few hundred acres land to manage, mostly woods. What kind of work could not be done with your 44hp tractor if it had a cab on it?

 

[nybirdman]

With the cab(I have owned both) ,currently a L4240 Kubota,you are limited to the more open areas,IE ,wood -lots are a problem,low hanging braches,ect.
Also I am always banging the mirrors,clipped a couple of lites,backed into the garage(minor damage),I still prefer the cab tractor,air,heat and out of the rain and snow.

 

[ovrszd]

With the cab(I have owned both) ,currently a L4240 Kubota,you are limited to the more open areas,IE ,wood -lots are a problem,low hanging braches,ect.
Also I am always banging the mirrors,clipped a couple of lites,backed into the garage(minor damage),I still prefer the cab tractor,air,heat and out of the rain and snow.

What he said.

Most of my work with the L4400 is in the timber logging or brush hogging. I am sure I'd have cracked windows or worse.

If you are starting with basically clear land, cab would be preferrable. In my case I'm starting with timber and trying to limit undergrowth and end up with big timber. Cab isn't practical for that.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Have you looked at the Kubota M59? In a similar situation, I find it perfect.

I think the ideal combo would be the m59 plus a bx or ztr. I have the 3030, and frankly its borderline too big for mowing unless you are doing a golf course or sports field.

THe brake issue is not an issue. I use my machines for woods work, and find I use the brakes rarely, and half the time they get me into trouble. They are holdovers from gear field tractors to my mind, and pretty much useless with HST.

Problem with the m59 is cab.

 

[dodge man]

I have to agree with others, that sounds like alot of tractor for that small of a property. When you start out, it will probably be a good size, but latter on it might be to big. The good thing is that you can always sell it latter and get a smaller unit.

Someone on this forum added a woods back hoe to a B3030 with a cab. I can remember a couple of photos of it and it looked like a factory setup, the seat just hung off the back behind the cab. I wouldn't think it would hurt the warranty of the tractor if you installed the subframe with the backhoe.

 

[bp fick]

Your way over thinking this whole thing.

Yes, indeed. Paralysis by analysis.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I have to agree with others, that sounds like alot of tractor for that small of a property. When you start out, it will probably be a good size, but latter on it might be to big. The good thing is that you can always sell it latter and get a smaller unit.

Someone on this forum added a woods back hoe to a B3030 with a cab. I can remember a couple of photos of it and it looked like a factory setup, the seat just hung off the back behind the cab. I wouldn't think it would hurt the warranty of the tractor if you installed the subframe with the backhoe.

Funny you mention that. I talked to the closest Kubota dealer today about a 3030 along with a couple of other tractors. He said that a Woods subframe backhoe WOULD NOT void the warranty. Heck, he even said he could sell me one no problem. I apologize if I sounded foolish when I first mentioned the warranty issue, but I've been burned before on warranties and tend to play it safe.

After sitting on a 3030 without the cab, this is the smallest size tractor I would even consider. Frankly I was a little cramped in the operator area on the 3030 cab. I would simply not be comfortable on a smaller tractor and I might not even be comfortable on this tractor and obviously comfort is very important to me. So the 3030 is an option worthy of consideration at least at this point.

 

[Gittyup]

Just my opinion, but I think the 3030 is too light for serious backhoe/loader work. Nice tractor, very nice in fact. Need a good mower or snow blower, the 3030 is a very good choice. But, not the best choice for heavy digging.

 

[IslandTractor]

Just my opinion, but I think the 3030 is too light for serious backhoe/loader work. Nice tractor, very nice in fact. Need a good mower or snow blower, the 3030 is a very good choice. But, not the best choice for heavy digging.

Depends what kind of digging I guess. I wouldn't use any CUT based TLB for "heavy digging" as in routine digging of foundations or construction work. That's what real TLBs and excavators are for. However, for a single job (one house) and using the machine patiently, I don't see why a B3030 would not do just fine. Backhoes with subframes shouldn't hurt the tractor so the real limitation is that a B3030 would probably rate a seven foot BH which would not be ideal for foundation work but is still a very handy tool. Given that the OP isn't starting a construction company and has only 6.5 acres to work on I still think the B3030 is a very economical and capable machine well matched to his stated needs. I appreciate he will likely buy something bigger but that doesn't mean the B3030 is not up to the task.

 

[Gittyup]

When it comes to digging and ground engagement chores, weight is king. Doing such tasks a heavier tractor will out perform a lighter one (all other things the same). A backhoe will toss around a light tractor. You'll lose traction faster and tip more easily doing loader chores with a lighter tractor too. My point is that a 3300 lb tractor (L4400) will dig better with less wear and tear on the machine than a 2300 lb tractor (B3030). The 3030 will do ok. But, if I had a lot of digging to do I'd want something heavier, with a wider stance.

Lot size is seldom the dominant descriminator when selecting equipment. Nothwithstanding budget, tasks at hand should dictate the kind and size of machinery one purchases. A man can do a lot of digging on just a couple of acres. Why should he buy a less capable digger if he can afford better? Sure one might get the work done with a 3030, BX, GC2400, or other smaller, lighter machine, given enough time. But, if one can afford it and the property is conducive to using it, go bigger with more comforts and better performance.