New to TBN

[kozak]

Hi,

I have a very old MF and I want to buy a new tractor to rotary cut 5 acres at least once a month, finish cut 3 acres, snow plow 1000' asphalt, move around topsoil, mulch and gravel.

Welcome to TBN !!

Given the amount of acreage of fields / grass you want to cut & the limit on funds, I would recommend a gear tractor over a hydrostat to get the most bang for your buck, i.e. (largest HP tractor for your dollar range.) For the tasks you stated you will have to allow for FEL & Brush Hog.....this does not leave alot of cash left over for the machine. Therefore, don't test drive a hydrostat or you'll end up with a smaller tractor as you will loose approximately 1 to 2 grand for this feature. (Not good on prices down in the States).

My above comments are based on getting a tractor from the main 3 players, (NH / Case, JD & Kubota). If you definitely want new & save some bucks you could also consider a Mahindra or Kioti....based on comments on this forum people seem to be happy with them. You will get much more tractor for the same price range. Caveat.....the jury is still out on long time Dealer support & reliability as these tractors are relatively new on the market. Kioti tractors are manufactured in South Korea & were first introduced in the US of A in 1993. Mahindra tractors are manufactured in India & I believe (tractordata.com) were first introduced to the US market in 1994.

It's tough, but if you could find a used tractor with very low hours on it, this would be the best way to go in my opinion.

Happy Tractor Hunting,

Vic

 

[daTeacha]

So Charles, are you looking for a tractor too? Kind of sounds like it.

For both of you guys, it might help us help you if we know things like your physical size, approximate age, and so on.

More than a few of here are starting to get a little creaky here and there -- backs are popular -- and comfort is a big factor in our decision making. Others are younger and very willing to put up with some lack of comfort, depending on how many hours at a stretch they intend to spend on the tractor.

There is a pretty popular opinion that hydrostatic transmissions are better suited for most uses that CUTs get, but the gear guys have points to make, too. Personally, having had a gear B7100 and now a Case HST DX29, I still am not sure. The gear drive is better for some of the things I do, and the hst is better for others.

Physical size of the tractor is something to consider. I suggest deciding on what is the largest machine that will fit through the smallest spot you will take it, then get the biggest engine you can find in that size. Be sure to actually look at the specs, not just your impression when seeing the tractors. I was surprized to find out that the DX29 (wish I had gotten the 33) was only a few inches longer in wheelbase and overall length than the DX26. To look at them side by side, the 29/33 seems twice as big.

Check height requirements -- garage doors and ROPS do not fit in the same place at the same time. If you have a low door, make sure the ROPS will fold or fit under it with the tires you choose. Tire size and type affect height and the sales literature usually only gives that dimension for one tire.

There are lots of things to consider, as has been said. The dealer experience is a big item. If you feel unwelcome at a dealership, shop elsewhere. Don't just let money make your choice.

Before you get too worked up about it, remember that almost everything out there is good. You just need to decide which one you like best. All the majors and most of the not so majors make very good tractors. Go with a local dealer if at all possible, and have fun looking. I spent about a year before finally deciding. It does eat up some time, but if you're considering an expenditure of $15K and up, is it wise to be in a hurry? Besides, most of us enjoy looking at tractors even when we don't need one and an impending purchase is a great excuse to go visiting the dealers.

 

[charlesw]

So Charles, are you looking for a tractor too? Kind of sounds like it.

Looking hard - since I sold my last one. I didn't think I'd miss it - it was just so woefully undersized for my use that I figured that not having a tractor was just as good. (It was a 9N - since I know you'll ask!) Well, I was wrong. Ha.

Now I'm getting a home equity loan and thinking big for the future...

"I'm talking about having this to run on my 40 acres. It's very rough and hilly terrain. About 25 acres of it is mostly open (I'd surely like to make it quite open) with the rest treed.

I'd like the tractor for brush hogging, snow plowing (I'm fine with the FEL for this - I did it that way several seasons with a Bobcat), cleaning up and making roads and trails, generally evening out my land (it was left in deep furrows by a previous owner - I'd gradually work it down to even) and for planting a few acres in corn and other grains." (as posted in the Kubota pricing forum)

Which is fine and all - until I say that I want to run at least a 6' brush hog comfortably. And, yes, it will be for going over shrubs and small trees - at least for the first year or two until I get all of this junk knocked down (I got 8 acres of the field knocked down with the 9N - but, boy, that was a lot of work and the tractor really wasn't up to it). So, anyway, it was fine and all until I said that I needed a bigger brush hog. Then I had to start talking about bigger tractors.

I've got an offer on a new Kubota MX5000SU. The major failing point of this tractor would probably be the 2wd. Can I live with 2wd? Heck yeah. It's not like you're not going to get stuck with 4wd! I got good and stuck with my Bobcat a few times (I was able to crab my way out - but still). Besides, the theory is that I'll only do my own driveway in the winter - and it's only about 300' long.

Of course, I'm getting offers on used tractors, too. Looked at a nice MF1455v (why hasn't the dealer emailed me back? Grr! Ok - just called them and they sold it). Going to see a F-NH 3930 (they're asking for too much for now) and had offers on 3910s (the one I was looking at was taken - the other seems a bit shoddier - and both are 2wd). There's a guy who keeps trying to get me to see his Kubota M4900 (he wants too much for it).

So, yeah. But no! I'm not having fun! I don't know what I want! I sat on the MX5000SU (didn't get to drive it) and wasn't impressed - it's so simple and old style. But, you know, it would get the darned job done (which is way more than I can say for the 9N). The 1455v was awesome - but they had advertised it at the wrong price and I was VERY pissed with them when they told me what they wanted for it (and which price I would gladly pay now!). The MF1540 costs too much. Boomers go out of the price range when you start talking about 30+HP at the PTO. Kubota 4wd costs at least $4k more than 2wd - so out of the question. JD... JD tried to sell me a 3203 for $16k. It seems a bit on the small side, but that doesn't bother me as much as the cheap feel to it (plastic fenders? Plastic? What?). The 790 is too small and the 990 out of price.

Who am I missing here? Hmm. Looked at Kiotis. I could probably afford the CK30 but it's probably not big enough. The machines looked very solid and very well done. Which is way more than I can say for -my- impressions of the Mahindra machines (just my own way of looking at things, but, wow, I wouldn't think you'd want to back one of those up while you had an implement on the 3ph!).

So... I guess I'm looking for a new, reputable 40+HP FWD on a used or 30-HP tractor budget ($20k - including all taxes, block heater, filled tires, whatever - and including implements - FEL, 6' brush hog, 6' box blade and something for plowing/tilling).

And I'll probably just get the MX5000SU - 'cause I like warranties and I think that a little too big is better than a little too small. Unless I like one of the used tractors I get offered between now and when my loan comes through! Or unless I, magically, talk one of these other dealers down. Like on the MF1540...

And, to answer your questions...
- I'm fine with lack of comfort. (Let me tell you a bit about how you feel after doing 10 hours of brush hogging over rough terrain with a 9N...)
- Folding ROPS would help get in the barn more easily, but I might (gasp!) leave the tractor out some, for now, or build another barn or...
- The smallest spot I'll take the tractor is the barn. Other than that, I'll take down the trees necessary to pass on the trails - that makes for better ski trails anyway!
- I don't need HST. Yeah, it's great and all, but whatever. I've lived this long without it. Anyway, it also adds greatly to the cost - and cost is a factor, here!
- Very local in dealers is difficult - they all offer VERY high initial bids on tractor prices. Driving only 2 hours away I got a huge reduction on that bid, right off the bat, without any negos. And some of the things that local tractor mechanics say about local tractor dealers... Well... I wouldn't want people saying things like that about me!

Oh! I didn't mention... I bought a F-NH 1715 on ebay (so I've been giving ebay a go as well). And I drove to pick it up... The seller had grossly misrepresented its condition. This tractor would, nearly, have just replaced the 9N. Only it was in bad shape. If I can't trust the guys with small and inexpensive tractors on ebay, how on earth am I to trust the guys who want some serious money for tractors???

So, there you have it. Ha! Any other questions? Any other suggestions? Know a great dealer in my area who wants to cut me a good deal? I'm a good guy - just trying to get by!

Thanks!
charles

 

[aesanders]

For your size propertya small frmae cut would be ideal.

Some to look at are the

Kubota: B7610-b2630

New Holland TC 24-26

John Deere 2320-2520 (I recently purchased a 2320 with 48" rotary cutter)

Kioti ck20

Massey Fergusen 1523

among many others.



Try as many as you can and have fun looking. Ask more specific questions if they arise. There will be owners of just about everything on this site and can really get some questions answered.

For example, my 2320 has position control for the rotary cutter and does an excellent job bush hogging my small fields of around 4.5 acres. I do not have the lawn mowing deck for it as I have another machine for this, but others have said it does very well. It is also a drive over deck that is very easy to take on and off. Also, the 2320's loader is near the top of this class for loader specs. Very nice loader on this machine and t also is a breeze to remove. I can highly recomend the 2320. Cost will fit right in your budget. Other's in this class are very good as well.

Good luck....

 

[JimParker]

It''s interesting to me... The automobile industry would kill for an owner satisfaction rating like CUTs have. When I was researching, I found that the industry average was something like 98% would buy the same tractor again! What that tells me is that people fall in love with their tractors, and everyone thinks their is the "best" of the bunch. It also tells me that it's hard to make a bad decision. The only caveat I would add to that is that in general, people who buy the "grey market" tractors (Asian refurbs) are generally more willing to "tinker" and have more leeway to live without it for a while if they are waiting for parts to arrive. Of course, having said that, there are innumerable exceptions on both sides...

I just bought a new tractor. I looked at Deere, New Holland, Massey, Mahindra, and Montana. My choice narrowed to Deere and New Holland quickly based on ergonomics. I liked both dealers equally well, but the NH dealer seemed to be in the process of switching over to Mahindra as their "primary" tractor. My final choice came down to my wife's preference and a slightly better deal on the Deere, along with a nagging feeling that the NH guy was going to be solely Mahindra in 10 years...

Good luck, and as everyone else has said, "Welcome to the TBN community!"

 

[charlesw]

Thanks for the suggestions!
Right now I think that I'd like to get a bigger tractor than the 2320. That is not stopping me, in any way, from getting out there and checking machines out. I'd like to get used - to say on the pocketbook - but I think that new it will be. Really, got a great quote on that MX5000SU...

c

 

[aesanders]

charlesw,
Never hurts to get bigger. I have had way bigger than the 2320 though and have been very happy with the performance of the 2320.

Also, my first post was in regards to the original poster and I would agree that the larger tractor would be better for your size property

 

[IslandTractor]

... Looked at Kiotis. I could probably afford the CK30 but it's probably not big enough. The machines looked very solid and very well done.

If you liked the Kiotis you might want to check out the new CK35 and DK45 models. Not sure of the pricing on those yet though.

 

[jinman]

Hi,

I have a very old MF and I want to buy a new tractor to rotary cut 5 acres at least once a month, finish cut 3 acres, snow plow 1000' asphalt, move around topsoil, mulch and gravel. Residential use only. I want a CUT, not a sub-cut. Budget between $14k and $18k. Any suggestions.

JohnnyB, does your $14k-$18k include the implements or is that just the budget for the tractor? Do you want a FEL also? If so, how much weight would you want to lift on the FEL? There are lots of new or even low-hour tractors that will fit your budget very well. With a little shopping, you will have more ideas what is available. I think as far as NH goes, your budget would cover a new Class II Boomer or a slightly used Class III with FEL. Either of those would do all the jobs you mentioned. I'm a NH guy, but I'm sure you can find similar sizes and deals at Kubota, Deere, Case, and others.

 

[jimmy1]

Wecome Jonnybone;

I'm new as well and enjoy TBN very much. One thing I found when looking for a tractor is that the dealers here were more than eager to bring their products to my property for a day or so to test them. The ones that did not have one in stock took me to a customers to try them and to talk to the owner. Just a thought if the option is available to you and you are comfortable with it.

Good luck and have fun!

Jim