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[N80]

If you really want a basic, affordable 4wd tractor with the most hp for the money, I think the Kubota L4400 is a great deal. Around $19,000 with a loader, 45 hp. But, it is no frills, gear drive, no luxuries other than the cup holder.

 

[3RRL]

Many good suggestions and JimParker has put it as good as I've ever heard it....
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...

With that in mind, don't forget to look at the rest of the tractors available, including the Chinese models. They continue to be a bargain including fel with several implements offering the possibility of a larger tractor and more horsepower (in many cases but not all) for the same money. By doing so it will either make your mind up to purchase big 3 or open your eyes to other possibilities, including buying new, used or other. One thing I really like about the tone of this thread is most everyone has advised you to look at "all tractors" without bias and decide for yourself which one fits you best and I certainly agree with that. The guys here on TBN are a great group of guys and I hope you find this board as useful as I have.

N80, did you really get a cupholder with that? Dang!

 

[frank_f15]

WELCOME ABOARD! MANY FINE TRACTORS in that price range, don't forget that not all tractors feel the sae to all folks , so don't just buy by specs. very important to put your fanny in the seat and try them out.

 

[machmeter62]

JONNYBONE: TBN has a lot of very knowledgeable members on anything with moving parts! I still get amazed at some of the in-depth discussions here. First, get some brochures from your local dealers, study them; then throw the questions to the guys here, and by the time you are ready to buy, your knowledge will be greater than the sales person. Plus, when you decide what you want in value and cost, is also available here. Let the fun begin!

Also, at the top of the front page of TBN, take advantage of the REVIEWS on any tractor; which will give you an initial opinion.

 

[charlesw]

It''s interesting to me... The automobile industry would kill for an owner satisfaction rating like CUTs have.

Ha! I knew it! I'll be perfectly happy with a 2WD

Thanks for all of the ideas...

And, yes, I've looked (online, etc) at Chinese tractors, too. I got a very nice offer on an Ag King 45HP tractor. I let that one drop when I got the bid on the MX5000SU... But, wow, are a lot of people ever telling me that I need 4WD! I'm still not convinced, but I am questioning my choice more!

So today I'll go check out a NH 3930 (used). Too expensive as it is, but maybe I can talk him down (oh, and maybe it will be the right tractor for me, too).

Ah, but, right... I will be happy with any tractor. I just need to make the decision and buy one!

The L4400 (as suggested below) isn't going to help me out. In this area, it's out of the price range - especially if you're adding implements (I've got to have a brush hog...).

The Chinese tractor is well within the budget. But, man, it scares me... I've heard the horror stories...

charles

 

[dgl24087]

The 3930 is a nice tractor, 45 PTO HP, will do a lot of work, more fuel efficient than my Deere, which is also 45 PTO HP. Major differences are the Deere is geared a bit slower and achieves it's HP rating at higher RPM than the NH (2500 to 2000, I believe). Comparable in weight, my Deere is slightly more maneuverable due to it's swept back front axle, the 3930 has a straight axle. Deere has power steering, 3930 has hydrostatic steering.

 

[N80]

Rob, the cup holder came standard, built into the fender. Nothing I could do about it.

Charles, I am a big fan of 4wd in small light tractors. There are a lot of opinions out there concerning 4wd. If all you intended to do was mow on fairly level surfaces then I'd say there would be no reason to pay for 4wd. But, if you are driving in snow, on hills, using ground engaging implements, doing heavy loader work, then 4wd in these tractors is, in my opinion, almost a necessity. And to see the effect takes nothing more than trying to do the work with a 4wd tractor in 2wd. There is a world of difference. It is like two different tractors.

If the L4400 and JD 990 are out of your price range, look at the L3400.

 

[JimParker]

...the dealers here were more than eager to bring their products to my property for a day or so to test them...

When I worked for IBM, they called that the "puppy dog" close...

As in "Here, kids, you can take this cute puppy dog home and show it to your parents. If they won't let you keep it, you can bring it back..."

The theory is, once you've got it home and are doing your work with it, you've psychologically moved to the "how do I pay for it" point in the sales process, instead of the "am I going to buy this or not?" stage. It has the highest "closure" rate of all the various techniques.

For that reason, do yourself a favor, and narrow down your choices to one or two before doing this. It really is hard to make them come take it back...

 

[charlesw]

When I worked for IBM, they called that the "puppy dog" close...

Yeah, well... So, I went to see the 3930 today. Wow. I mean, wow. With 1100 hours on it, well, it could have been 6 months old, you know? And I don't mean because somebody repainted it. It was just in great shape from great upkeep... I only drove it for about 1/2 hour... But... Wow. And sigh. If I had better skills at talking prices... So... Maybe I should start a new thread on how to make a deal. Ha. Or maybe I should search for that first (hello!). Or maybe it's worth what the dealer is asking (I doubt it. Well... It was a really nice tractor! Oh, no, wait... The right blinker doesn't work and there's a little tear in the seat! It's obviously junk!)...

Sigh.

 

[JohnnyBone]

Stopped and looked at a brand I had never heard of until I found this website. Kioti tractors. They sorta look like Kubota's which I have definately heard of. They are the same color. Are they Kubota knockoffs? Does Kubota make them? Are they cheaper than Kubotas? Are they any good? I looked at a CK model. There were only 3 tractors to look at. They had just closed so I did not have a chance to speak to a salesman. Thanks