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[frischome]

Hi Everyone,
I'm shopping for a new compact tractor to replace my antique Ford 601 Workmaster (1963). I have about 35 acres of hay fields in the high Catskills. My Ford handles a 5' bushhog but it's a struggle. I'd like to be able to move up to a 7' cut, for which I need about 50 horses. My Ford is probably down to about 20. I'd also like a loader and snow plow blade. I had my eye on a kubota L or M series. I recently test drove a Bobcat 450 and liked that. I could get it with the loader and loaded tires for 23,900. Any suggestions would be appreciated-
Mat Frisch
Arkville, NY

 

[murphy1244]

Howdy, try a Kioti if you have a close dealer

 

[burnieman]

By something that at least has an American name!!!

 

[murphy1244]

By something that at least has an American name!!!

why?.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

why?.

I agree Murphy, my 'American as apple pie' Deere was made in Masaharata, Pune, India...name means squat...buy what's right for you, your needs and your budget. On that note, my 5045d ran $22k brand new out the door. It's 45 hp, but for a little more jingle you can step up to a 55hp. Great little tractor, some may not like the 2wd, but I'm up here in the northern Adirondacks, and properly ballasted, I never even had to put the chains on last year.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[adirondackmtnman]

I agree with Murphy, my 'American as apple pie' Deere was made in Masaharata, Pune, India...name means squat...buy what's right for you, your needs and your budget. On that note, my 5045d ran $22k brand new out the door. It's 45 hp, but for a little more jingle you can step up to a 55hp. Great little tractor, some may not like the 2wd, but I'm up here in the northern Adirondacks, and properly ballasted, I never even had to put the chains on last year.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[frischome]

Thanks for the recommendations. I haven't seen any Kioti's in the Catskills- maybe a few coyotes. I, too, would prefer to buy something made in America or at least made somewhere where they pay workers a living wage. Kubota is Japanese owned but the tractors are made in America. That's probably better than Bobcat, which is American owned but the jobs are overseas. Still, South Korea is putting out some great products so they must be doing something right.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubtoa stock (KUB) is available on the New York Stock Exchange. I am sure John Deere stock is available on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, probably in Brazil and Germany too. I do not know if Kioti is a standalone company or part of a Korean conglomerate; is suspect the latter. Kioti's parent is probably available on the NYSE.

These companies do not have any nationality. Certainly Deere produces machinery in the USA, but most of its compact tractors are Yanmar based, assembled in Mexico. Likewise, Kubota manufactures all over the world; for instance Kubota has two assembly plants in Gainesville, Georgia and an engine plant in Illinois. Caterpillar, Coke, Alcoa.......all the S&P 500 have found it necessary to manufacture where they sell product.

Buy where you see the best value. Tractors and stock shares.

 

[creekbend]

When I went looking for a tractor, I looked at every make and model within 135 miles. I ended up purchasing a Kubota L4400 a tad over two years ago. Btw, I researched and looked around for over a year. Most people don't buy a Tractor everyday, so please be sure to get the Make and Model that suits both your present and future needs. The Dealership also plays an important part. Best wishes.