New Kubota 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 Kubota B-7800?

Has technology changes enhanced the newer models?

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[tdenny]

2003Pilot,

I made a comment on your other post. No real need to put it in twice as most of us will just see it twice. But I'll comment again anyway.

I can give you a bit more info on the JD. I was originally in the market for a Kubota B7500 but I, like you, found my used tractor first. I paid $12,000 for my 855 (955's little brother) Mine had around 300 hours on it and it came with some implements. It had been stored outside most of the time I think. The Chritmas tree farmer who used it went out of business. Things generally cost more out here than most places so you might be able to get a little break on the asking price.

You can get R4 or Ags tires for it - the manual spells out what size.

The price you've been offered for a tractor with 71 hours is pretty darn good. I'd personally jump on it as I have found the 855 to be a great tractor - mine was built in 1996. I'm sure the one you've looked at is in better condition than mine was. I've spent a great deal of time "detailing" it and trying to make it look good. As far as mechanical problems I've had zero (I'm knocking on wood) /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif. The loader capacity and 3-Pt capacity have to be close to the Kubota's - but you can easily lok them up on the web. I doubt you'll have any problem with either tractor. The only downfall I've found for the X55 series tractors is that the headlights in the rear fenders are somewhat blocked out by the loader. It is, however, easy to add more lights and the tractor does come with another small set of lights in the grill. Other than that you'll find all the stuff I think is necessary - power steering, MFWD, Backhoe capability, Hydro drive, differrential lock, position control, cruise control, etc.

As I mentioned in the other thread I don't there is anything on the Kubota B7800 that wouldn't be on the 955. I'd pocket the extra cash + the tax savings. Good luck either way you win.

 

[OkieG]

2003Pilot,
1998 must have been the last year the 955 was made. My 855 is a 1997 model and I thought that was the last year.

Mine was bought new...price $13,900.
Upgrade to 955...add $3000.
70A loader...$2400.

Total...$19,300 new.

Judge for yourself! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

OkieG