New Utility Tractor Advice Needed 50-60hp

[hks003]

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.

I am loving my LS. I bought a used 2014 G3038 back in January. Just now getting to really use it as it's been raining here in south Arkansas since October... Their XR series seem really nice, but I'm not familiar with the XU series. If it's their next size up, I wouldn't be scared of it. At the price point of my G series new, mine has cast iron axel housings and transmission where others that size and price may have aluminum. Mine also has a metal hood and fenders where others I looked at were plastic (including newer LS's, so they aren't immune). Being in a big ag community, the consensus is stay away from deere unless it's ag size. Their smaller utility tractors are plasticy and just seem cheaply made compared to the Kubotas and Masseys around the same price, not to mention the kioti, LS, and Mahindras of the world that are solid built for a lot less.

I went LS over the others because that's what I found used with low hours and low priced ($12.5k for tractor, loader, and bush hog at 143 hours). I also have a dealer in town that I can get parts from, where as the closest of any other except deere is 30-45 minutes in the next county over. With all the dealers you have to choose from, find the one that you are most comfortable operating and the dealer seems like they'll be helpful. Take a look around their shop, talk to the mechanics, etc. To see why the tractors on site are back in the shop, common issues with the tractor you're looking at, and what add ons they'd recommend. One I wish I could find for cheap is a skid plate of sorts. I cracked a hydraulic pipe by catching it on a stump or something else in the woods.

I personally don't like how Mahindras feel, but others like them. Kioti seem to be really heavy compared to others of the same HP, which could benefit you in haying, but I would bury in the wet part of my yard at the bottom of a hill. My dad has a 1983 Kubota L340 (I think?) that has just been a tank. As someone else mentioned, a lot of New Hollands are made by LS, so check for an equivalent LS, it'll probably be cheaper. My G3038 is an exact replica of the workmaster 40.

Hope I didn't add to the confusion!

 

[Binx]

Hi Piparoo,

My husband and I looked at a used MX5800 last month with loader/bucket and loaded tires (~200 hours) for $29,500. The dealer said a new MX5800 would only cost $1,500 more, but no loaded tires. The Kioti dealer offered us a NX5510 w/loader and bucket for $30,719 after discounts, so they're basically about the same price. jeff9366 told me to create a spreadsheet so I could compare apples to apples (see attachment).

Our Kubota dealer is almost an hour away (local Kubota dealer has bad reviews), but since my husband is handy with engines, that won't be a big deal (he's leaning Kubota). I would look at another Kubota dealer if you or your other half are handy at fixing things.

The guys on this forum are great and because of them we've narrowed it down to these 2 tractors. They also helped us realize what a tractor can and can't do. Unfortunately, we're on hold right now because we have to wait for the contractor to clear 1.5 acres of trees so we can put up a small barn to store our tractor since our older F-150 can't pull 10k lbs.

 

[Gabesway]

Go with the Massey 2706e and don't look back. Very comfortable, solid build and price is right for what you get. I, like many others swore by kubota which no doubt is a great well built machine but, after doing true apples to apples comparisons felt massey was the better overall choice for me. Definitely would not purchase from dealer not comfortable with.

 

[Piparoo]

Hi Piparoo,

My husband and I looked at a used MX5800 last month with loader/bucket and loaded tires (~200 hours) for $29,500. The dealer said a new MX5800 would only cost $1,500 more, but no loaded tires. The Kioti dealer offered us a NX5510 w/loader and bucket for $30,719 after discounts, so they're basically about the same price. jeff9366 told me to create a spreadsheet so I could compare apples to apples (see attachment).

Our Kubota dealer is almost an hour away (local Kubota dealer has bad reviews), but since my husband is handy with engines, that won't be a big deal (he's leaning Kubota). I would look at another Kubota dealer if you or your other half are handy at fixing things.

The guys on this forum are great and because of them we've narrowed it down to these 2 tractors. They also helped us realize what a tractor can and can't do. Unfortunately, we're on hold right now because we have to wait for the contractor to clear 1.5 acres of trees so we can put up a small barn to store our tractor since our older F-150 can't pull 10k lbs.

View attachment 604707

Thanks! I love the spreadsheet. That’s really helpful. If I can find an MX5800 in the ~$32k price range, I will consider it.

 

[Piparoo]

Go with the Massey 2706e and don't look back. Very comfortable, solid build and price is right for what you get. I, like many others swore by kubota which no doubt is a great well built machine but, after doing true apples to apples comparisons felt massey was the better overall choice for me. Definitely would not purchase from dealer not comfortable with.

I really like the Massey and I like the dealer. You must be close to me if you’re in the Piedmont! The Massey L135e loader seems like the weak link. It looks underpowered compared to some of the others. The loaders on the LS and the Kioti seem beefier.

 

[kthompson]

Two years ago began the move from row crops to coastal bermuda hay, square bales. Maybe I read this too quickly but get the impression you are not ready to buy yet. The price range you are wanting to be in think you will be going used tractor. I spent several hours myself looking at JD 4066 and Kubota same size. Wanted hydro transmission and neither had it on tractor that was large enough for hay accumulator/grapple per the JD and the Kubota dealers. I talk with think two of each brand.

You may have done a great job on some of your equipment plans but think you have not fully considered all your needs in tractor weight and hp. Be sure you have some margin in hp and tractor weight compared to what you think you will need.

 

[jeff9366]

jeff9366 told me to create a spreadsheet so I could compare apples to apples (see attachment).

View attachment 604707

Informative spreadsheet.

I have a row for cost per pound, which I find useful, especially shopping implements and attachments.
In your spreadsheet the Kubota MX5800 is $8.57 per pound, the Kioti NX5010H $7.25 per pound, making the Kubota about 18% premium. Other tractors between these extremes.

Anyone who reads my posts knows my preference for SIMPLICITY. I like the less complex three cylinder engines in the Kiotis. My Kubota L3560 has a three cylinder engine.

I like your scarlet highlighting too. Nice job.


I used to be in marketing. One marketing maxim: Anticipation is 50% of satisfaction. I am confident you will make a good decision.

 

[Piparoo]

Two years ago began the move from row crops to coastal bermuda hay, square bales. Maybe I read this too quickly but get the impression you are not ready to buy yet. The price range you are wanting to be in think you will be going used tractor. I spent several hours myself looking at JD 4066 and Kubota same size. Wanted hydro transmission and neither had it on tractor that was large enough for hay accumulator/grapple per the JD and the Kubota dealers. I talk with think two of each brand.

You may have done a great job on some of your equipment plans but think you have not fully considered all your needs in tractor weight and hp. Be sure you have some margin in hp and tractor weight compared to what you think you will need.

I am about a month away from buying the tractor. And you are right, I am not going to buy any haying equipment this season - probably not next season either.

But I respectfully disagree with your comment about the intended use - tractor match not being fully considered. Obviously I came here to get advice but all of the machines mentioned in the first post can be had for $30-35k new and have appropriate weight and hp to run a square baler, smaller disc mower and do the other chores mentioned. The only exception would be the 4066m and I included that one mostly because I like that it is assembled in Georgia. Why do you think I am off the mark?

 

[finn1]

Life痴 too short to deal with jerks who don稚 respect you.

Kudos to the op for having principles and living by them

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.

 

[Tigershark]

I love my Kioti NX with loaded Ag tires I'm around 6.5K in weight. The machine is a beast and having a cab is very nice compared to my old open rops tractor I haven't been stung buy any hornets since getting it