NH TN75A or Kubota 6800M

Osconda · Apr 14, 2005

Looking at both of these tractors seriously. I have been borrowing a friend's tractor(JD4610) lately, and frankly I'm tired of borrowing it. I feel like I need to have my own for convenience and I don't want the responsibility of breaking/damaging his.
For the tasks I've been involved in, the JD4610 I have found to be underpowered. I will be clearing land, landscaping, shredding, road building, moving rock, road building, etc.
My brother-in-law has a Kubota 6800M and of course he is very loyal either to his tractor or the brand. He says don't bother looking at anything else but Kubota.
I am more open minded and have spent hours looking over specs of tractors and I've pretty much narrowed down my decision between these two. I feel like I'm steering to the NH because of what I perceive as better "overall" performance. I've spent time at both dealerships and the NH dealer is certainly more interested selling me a tractor.
Both tractors would be equipped with 4WD, FEL & box blades, and shuttle transmissions.
I'm really considering quitting my high tech job to start doing tractor work. I really love the time on the tractor over the time in the office. So, I'm thinking in about hauling this tractor around in the future also. The NH is substantially heavier and I'm trying to figure out the advantages in the tractor performance vs. the disadvantage in hauling it.
Any advice or experiences would be helpful.
Located in Central Texas.

slowzuki · Apr 14, 2005

Both are very good machines. The Kubota is a bit rougher and has less electronics. Won't say if this is good or bad. Many bigger NH's have electrical problems the first bit of their life until they get all sorted out and are trouble free after that.

Honestly the open Kubota M's aren't the most ergonomic with the shifter right in the middle. The cab models have it up on the side where it should be. The floor is flat though as opposed to the NH.

The weight may be deceiving, some large Kubota models may still get listed as crate weight. NH is really good about posting accurate weights with various tire options etc. After being around the two models I really felt the NH felt smaller and lighter but it is only visual.

The NH seeming small should turn tight and be a bit more nimble but the Kubota has a bevel drive front axle that can steer sharper so you would really have to try them out.

I'm not so familiar with the NH's but I think there is a larger model that is a bit more bare bones, TS maybe? I don't know if they still make a model small enough to overlap the TN line.

tillboy2001 · Apr 14, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( He says don't bother looking at anything else but Kubota.
I am more open minded ...)</font>

Good for you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif That's like saying Ford sucks or Chevy sucks, etc, etc. Obviously some manufacturers have lemons now and then and ALL manufacturers have problems once in awhile with their products. It's only natural in mass produced machines. And sometimes the suppliers give the manufacturers crappy parts that don't meet specs with which to build their machines...so yes, problems will happen.

Anyway, glad you looked around and made up your own mind. I do believe there is definitely a difference in quality between Ford and the old Yugo car company...but overall, all major players are pretty much in the same league when it comes to quality and capability. And of course it's a person's own fault if they buy a 20HP tractor and expect it to do the work of a 50HP tractor. I mean, you have to be realistic /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Osconda · Apr 14, 2005

The JD I've been using has a hydroshuttle trans, so without using a manual shift I don't know how much of a hassle it would be to have the shifter in the middle. Does seem like an odd place though. Got any opinions on whether the smaller displacement turbo engine on the NH would have the potential for higher repair bills once out of warranty over the naturally aspirated Kubota? The torque rise(36% vs. 28%) is better on the NH. Is this something I would really notice?

johnsonauto · Apr 14, 2005

Go with what you fell most comfortable with and the dealer that will give you good service after the sale. That must way into the factor also. Have you looked at the Mahindra 7520 yet?As they are asembled in Tomball TX. It is very impressive and should save you a few bucks too. Check www.MahindraUSA.com for specs.

Osconda · Apr 14, 2005

I have not considered the Mahindra tractor. I'll check it out and I'm sure I'll have some questions later. What kind of cost savings are we talking about? A NH TN75A w/FEL, fwd, 16x16 shuttle, & R4 tires was quoted at $30K. The Kubota 6800M would be a little less.

WhiteRock · Apr 14, 2005

osconda, Looks like I am just down the road from you a few miles. I have a Kubota M9000. I think this is basically the same frame as the M6800. I don't feel I can guide toward any one brand. I can tell you how I made my decisions. You can consider that with your other information if it helps.

I feel like this is a big purchase, so if you want to see one operate somewhere besides a dealer lot, PM me and it can be arranged if your interested. Sounds like I am doing a lot of similar task.

Good luck.

burnetma · Apr 14, 2005

The prices you have quoted are VERY good! I received quotes from 3 different dealers on the TN75A MFWD power shuttle, dual rear remotes, dual mid-mount remotes and 32 loader. The best was $31,500.

I have to agree with you that the TN75A is a very capable and comfortable machine. In my opinion it is a better machine than the Kubota, but that is just my opinion.

Yes, you will DEFINITELY notice the torque curve on the tractor. The machine with the highest peak torque and at the lowest RPM will feel significantly stronger. That is 85% of the reason why I went with the JD5420 over the NH TN75A. I needed the low end torque.

As far as weight is concerned, you will have to add significant weight to either unit to be able to use the FEL safely. You will likely have to load the rear tires, add rear wheel weights and a ballast box. Ballasted, I bet your weight will be ~ 9000 lbs without the ballast box. Thus, you will need a 14k trailer and a truck capable of 20,000 lbs GCVW. The good news is that the part of the country you live in is flat and you will not have to worry about 4-9% grades.

burnetma · Apr 14, 2005

BTW here is the link to the Nebraska test results where you will find data on the TN75. Excellent torque output.

http://tractortestlab.unl.edu/testreports.htm

No data available for any Kubota model on the official website.

Osconda · Apr 15, 2005

Thanks for the feedback on the JD 5420 and the torque rise. I didn't know that kind of test information was available. That'll give me more specs to review.

What did you have to pay for your JD 5420 setup?

Do you haul your tractor around? If so, do you use a 1 ton diesel truck with GN trailer? Looking for more info from others towing these size tractors around and what kind of rigs they use.

I will be having a HD 6' box blade attached most of the time. Not sure what you mean by a ballast box other than some form of weight to conterbalance the weight on the loader. I look around in other forums for "ballast box"

I love this website. Wisdom comes from experience and that is what can be found here!