Buying Advice New to tractors - help me decide what to get

[GPintheMitten]

Sorry im having trouble with a new phone. That was Messicks dealer.

 

[murphy1244]

Go to your Kioti Dealer and try out a DK 40 and compare that to the L3800

 

[chickenman]

Figure out what size tractor you need then get at least one size bigger.

 

[TSO]

You will most likely find the best bang for your buck (if staying with the nearest dealers) with a Kioti, especially the DK40se. You can get that tractor, pretty much loaded up, for around $22k. It'll be 40/32 HP, quick attach loader, 3 range HST trans, position control 3 pt hitch, suspension seat, cruise, tilt, and 1 set of rear remotes.

That Kioti loader is very strong, one of the best in the class. Kioti makes a very solid tractor with good quality, and I believe they still have a 5 yr warranty.

If you have an LS dealer close, be sure to shop them too. They are extremely close spec wise to the Kioti, and still have slightly cheaper pricing as they are trying to gain market share. I shopped them both and chose the LS. I passed on Kubota & John Deere, which were both within 5 miles of me.

There's more details on each & comparisons in a thread I wrote back in Jan or Feb of this year, just look at my stats for "threads started" and you'll find it.

Good luck. Shopping is the fun part!

 

[GManBart]

Thanks for the info. Locally, (within 25-40 miles) we have dealers that offer Kubota, John Deere, Kioti, and New Holland. A little further 60-90miles I probably have every model ever made (northern VA area).

You're somewhat looking at a crossover area when you consider 35-40hp machines. 40hp is roughly the point where most tractors go to a larger, heavier machine...just as a general rule. When you look at something like the L3800, it's around 2,600lbs, and can lift a touch over 1,100lbs on the FEL. If you make the jump to a Kioti DK40Se, you're up to a 4,000lb machine that can lift 2,700lbs on the FEL...the other specs take similar jumps (3pt lift at 2,500lbs versus 2,000lbs, etc). That's just something to consider as you look at different models, and compare prices. The good thing is that there probably isn't a bad machine made by any of the reasonably well known manufacturers once you get into this size/price point.

You really could walk into a Deere, Kubota, Case, NH, Kioti, Mahindra, Massey Ferguson, Yanmar, or LS dealer and say "sell me a 40h 4WD tractor with HST and FEL" and leave with a machine capable of doing anything you mentioned. It's just the details, and price that will vary.

You'd be hard pressed to buy new and stay within your budget going with Deere, but a newer used model should be possible. Kubota (probably not if you go to a Grand L) and all the others will fit under that cap, with varying amounts left over for implements.

When I was shopping for a new machine, I knew I wasn't planning to do much with ground-engaging implements (plows, etc), but I knew I was going to need a lot of FEL lift capacity, so that was near the top of the list. Not wanting to spend $30K+, I eliminated Deere, Kubota, NH and Case. There weren't any Mahindra or Yanmar dealers close by, so I focused on Kioti and LS. Multiple trips to the dealer and I really thought I was going to buy the Kioti, but there were a few things that swayed me to the LS. Get as much seat time as you can on any models you're seriously considering, because you'll often find little things that you really like, or really dislike, and that can be enough to move you in one direction or the other. Have fun!

 

[KYDan]

A good dealer that is relatively close is a big plus whatever brand you choose. I am a Kubota fan and I have owned and used multiple brands over the years. If a cab is not a must check out the Kubota MX4700 or 5100. They are a good value tractor. For loader use the HST is great, but you sacrifice some power for the ease and convenience. Also, what are the local dealers parts inventories, tractors will break and that is another factor. The biggest downside to Kubotas is weight, however, I think that results in less breakage of implements and the tractor itself, it will lose traction before it breaks something. Resale is another factor, look at used tractors and see what the going price is for used units in your area. Some tractors hold their value much better than others. There are multiple areas of importance, but go sit on some tractors, try them out on the lot, get a feel for them and the dealer, or seller if you buy used via a personal sale. Go to a trade show if possible where you can compare brands side by side. Speak with people that have used the tractors you are considering if you have the opportunity. Enjoy the process before you part with you money!

 

[Beltman60]

like others have said make sure you sit on them and try them out
all makes will have something with how you want it set up and in you're price range
but how your but actually feels in the seat and where the controls are located makes a big deal if your in a field for 4-6 hrs.
my :2cents:

 

[rmorey]

Another vote here for the Kioti DK40! Great value for the price point.

 

[k0ua]

Another vote for the DK40se with Hydrostat. But I would check out LS and Mahindra also. The DK40se hydro and loader with loaded R4 tires is about 22,400 around here. It is a deluxe tractor with many features, extremely powerful loader, with Standard SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach). and standard one rear remote, cheap to add another. A lot of tractor for the money. I have its slightly smaller little brother the DK35se hydro. These are top notch tractors, every bit as refined as the grand L Kubota's and far more features than the standard L series Kubota at the price point at or below the standard L series.

James K0UA

 

[mcp1]

Thanks for all the great input, appreciate it!