New Kuboda B-7800 or Used John Deere 955

[2003Pilot]

I'm look into buying a ~30 HP tractor, to be used primarily for rough mowing (brush hog) 3 acres of level field in my back yard. I have a 5.28 acre residential lot with about 1 acre of grass near the house, 1 acre of wooded wetlands behind the grassy area, and 3 acres of former cornfield in the back of the property.

I also plan to dabble in growing Christmas trees, so a reasonable sized tractor with loader is desirable. I don't plan to use it to mow the grass near the house, I have a 17.5 HP Simplicity garden tractor for that.

I originally planned on buying a new Kubota B-7800 with loader (about $15,500 delivered )A few days ago I saw a (1998) JD 955 with 70A loader for sale nearby.

The tractor looked in good shape with only 71 hours on the meter. Apparently the owner bought it as a "toy" and got tired of it. He is asking $12,500 for it. One (minor) concern I have is that it has turf tires. If I bought a new Kuboda, I probably would have gotten R-4 industrials. Do you know if the 955 generally came with turf tires?

Also, you seem to have knowledge about the JD 955. Would you recommend it at this price, especially if it is in good shape? Do you know the comparable loader and 3 point hitch specs on the 955 vs. the Kuboda B-7800?

Has technology changes enhanced the newer models?

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The newer tractor owners love the technology improvements, ie Hydrostatic transmissions, etc. However the downside to this is that if you plan on keeping your tractor vs trading in every few years, the higher tech tractors will cost more to maintain. More complicated=more things to go wrong.

You mentioned mowing wetland?? On wet ground the wider the tire the better for mowing, less ruts and damage.

Have fun deciding and enjoy your final decision.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would get the new Kubota B7800. That will be a little bit nicer and you can get as you want it. It will have some nicer creatures and comforts. The money isn't much different. I think it would be a wiser decision to get the new one. This guy could be selling it because it is a lemon. Never know.

~Dave~

 

[thcri]

Saving 3 grand is a bit of money. My neighbor has the John Deere 955 with Hydro-Static. It has turf tires on it but I think you could buy it with what you wanted as far as tires. Now don't quote me on this because I am only going by what my neighbor has said, but the 955 was John Deere's elite Compact Tractor and the most expensive of their lines??? Again don't quote me. I do know that he can trade his in (3 years old) even for a new 4*10 series. I can tell you where in the line the Kubota comes in. But if that is the elite of the John Deere's you could save yourself some pennies for extra implements, maybe even buy your wife something. (did I say that /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif)

Just my 2 cents and I usually am one to buy new /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

murph

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I'd try and see if he'd come down a little, since it is used, turfs, and no warranty. I'd tell him its only 20% off new, r4's, and warranty (the 7800). If he comes down just a little, you'd really have a deal.

 

[tdenny]

2003Pilot,

I'll give you as much info as I can about the X55 series tractors. First of all:

Slowrev
<font color="blue">The newer tractor owners love the technology improvements, ie Hydrostatic transmissions, etc. </font>

This tractor is only 5 years old so it's pretty new in Tractor years and secondly the JD 955 only came with hydro transmission - no gear available. You really won't find much on any brand new tractor that the 955 won't have.

I would recommend trying to get the 955 for a little less but with only 71 hours on it - it's like brand new. The 955, 855, 755 were predominantly shipped with turf tires. OkieG out here on TBN has Ag tires on his I believe. I bought my 855 used with about 300 hours or so on it. In it's first life it was used by a Christmas Tree farmer so I can tell you it worked well for that. I have the turfs and have never had any traction problems. Is the Kubota 7800 you've got a price quote on a hydrostatic drive unit? This is an expensive option that I believe you'd probably want. The 955 will be hydro and MFWD. 3000 dollars will get you alot of implements. Best of luck.

 

[charlene 1954]

We have john deere 955's and personally we love them.If you choose to not buy the one from your neighbor we would be interested in purchasing it from your neighbor if he is still interested in selling it .THANK YOU ,I can be contacted at 419/231-0364 or ckimm@live.com

 

[Cyclone Jake]

I'm guessing it was sold already as the last post was 7 and a half years ago!

 

[Tenn_Blue]

Maybe a post should turn red or something once it has been inactive for over a year or so...

Really, am just glad it wasn't me this time!!!!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: