New Utility Tractor Advice Needed 50-60hp

[Industrial Toys]

It's been discussed a million times. I think, you get what you pay for. And the tractor will be worth that much more later if that matters to you, To some it doesn't. AND, you will never get it cheaper. Bet on that!

 

[Piparoo]

I appreciate the advice but nope. Not gonna shell out $40k+ for the Kubota. It’s over budget and if the dealer can’t be bothered to give good service when buying the tractor, that doesn’t bode well for after purchase support.

 

[CobyRupert]

I’ve been happy with the Deere 50 series. I think it was a lot of bang for the buck. Heavier tractor with a lot of capacity. Reliable future part network. Mostly India made, but I just recently noticed the fuel pump is American made.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I like the 5000 series Deere but am suspicious. I think, they have a tendency to be troublesome. I see too many posts and see too many used ones for sale as if people are dumping them. I MAY be TOTALLY wrong! But I personally would NOT buy one.

 

[Diggin It]

LS is generally well thought by most people that have them. Less so by those who don't. Their dealer network is their weak spot though, so only you know how yours might be. There is a school of thought though that a good machine may never need the dealer after delivery.

 

[jeff9366]

I would consider Kubota even with the crappy dealer but I do not think their tractor is in the budget. An MX5800 with a loader, bucket and rear remote is $37k before tax on their website. Is street price going to be much less than this?

A discount of 8% off MSRP seems average.

Kubota's incentives to the dealers change every quarter. If the stars/rebates line up auspiciously, discounts of over 10% are sometimes negotiable.


MX series are 3,800 pounds, bare tractor weight, 1,200 pounds less than Utility Class weight.


VIDEOS: Kubota MX Series VS. Kubota M Series - YouTube

Kubota M76 Walk Around and Driving Demo - YouTube

 

[Diggin It]

You also mention considering New Holland. If you decide to look at those, look for labels that says 'LS Mitron' as LS makes at least some NH models. Not sure if they make the class you're looking at.



If a dealer blows you off during shopping, why would you even consider buying that brand; at any price?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I guess I am not that sensitive. If I wanted something, I would not care if I got blown off. In fact, I would sooner deal with nasty people who are often quite honest, if not blunt, than really "NICE" BS artists. Or "NICE" Salespeople who know very, very, very little about what they are selling. Often they are just parots.

 

[aczlan]

Haying requires numerous implements to produce good hay and often time is of the essence.

True, but if you can fix things yourself it's not too bad.
A decent baler will set you back $1,500 to $5,000.
A decent mower conditioner will run another $1,000 to $3,000.
A side delivery rake will run between $500 and $1,500.
A decent tedder (a necessity around here) will be another $500 to $1,500.
A 50ish horsepower tractor with a loader in halfway decent shape will run between $3,000 and $8,000

You cannot hay on a 'weekend' basis and produce a consistent product.

I would beg to differ.
We have been making high quality hay on a 'weekend' basis for over 12 years now on 15ish acres of hayfields.
We were making 1000-2000 small square bales per year. We got cows and a round baler two summers ago and last year we made 500-600 small square bales (400-500 of which were sold right out of the wagon) and about 40 5x4 round bales.

We generally cut on Wednesday or Thursday and start baling on Friday afternoon/evening, or Saturday late morning/early afternoon.

Yes, I will often leave work a couple of hours early on Friday, and my wife will often rake in the late morning on Thursday or Friday but we have been able to consistently make high-quality hay that the critters are eager to eat and people pay a premium price for.

Aaron Z

 

[cathy liebchen]

Thanks for the advice! I think all of the tractors mentioned are around that weight - probably not the 4066m though.

The neighbor would let me use her land for no charge and wouldn't expect to be a partner in the financial sense. She just wants the hay mown without having to pay someone to do it. I don't expect to make money. In fact, I imagine it will be a loss most of the time. Thatｴs okay.

Kubota MX 5800 or an M series