Buying Advice On the Hunt

[BigNuge]

Howdy folks, new member here from NH.

I have been researching a new FEL tractor for a while, lurking here on the forums, trying to come to a reasonably informed decision about brand/model/implements.

I can get super-wordy with forum posts, I’ll try to keep it concise....sort of.

I have property that I’m constantly working on. Grading lawn & dirt driveway, moving/removing plants, removing trees, moving heavy things (on pallets), moving/shuttling trailers around, clearing/stacking snow. Having considered that level of work (hobby for sure, not making money with it), as well as wanting to be able to move it on a car trailer myself, I was looking at a 25-30HP machine.

So, I started out looking at every brand I could find on the net. Culled the super cheapies (I’ve never been a fan of buying the cheapest thing when it comes to a machine), culled the most expensive (disappointing, I have a green tractor dealership only 2 miles away), had many-o-evening of thought about the remaining options. As of now, I have picked the Kubota L2501 MST w/quick attach loader bucket, box blade, forks. I’d like to have a back hoe w/thumb and a grapple too, but trying to keep the package reasonable.

I am calling my local Kubota dealer about putting a package together and pricing things out today...I’ll happily share those numbers here when I get them.

FYI, I’m not hung up on the Kubota if someone has solid information/input about another brand. Wide open to input/ideas!

Looking forward to the input from all you experienced folks!

 

[dodge man]

If I was looking for a tractor that size I would look at the Kubota you have picked out or a 25 hp 3 series John Deere. The E series JD is the basic model where the R is more deluxe. Do you have the need for a mid mount mower or front snow blower? If so make sure you get a model with a mid PTO.

 

[BigNuge]

If I was looking for a tractor that size I would look at the Kubota you have picked out or a 25 hp 3 series John Deere. The E series JD is the basic model where the R is more deluxe. Do you have the need for a mid mount mower or front snow blower? If so make sure you get a model with a mid PTO.

Thank you for the info!

No need for mower or front blower (I plow my driveway with my truck). Though, I will definitely be adding front remote for the eventual grapple. I don’t see a need at this point for mid PTO. I’ll never mow with this machine, my Husqy ZT is a beast, and the cut is awesome.

 

[mred2]

For a lot of us a lower cost tractor does not mean cheap. Kubota is one of the more expensive around here. And John Deere here will match a lot of the Kubota prices. You will find that some of the lower price tractors also make some of the other tractors. Branson has made tractors for Deere for some time. LS makes tractors for New Holland. I have been told that Kubota make more of their own parts than anyone else. Check out the dealers, if they have parts and service. If you want resale, you will need to look at only the bigger names in your area. I didn't care about resale. Make sure when you compare prices, it is with the same features. Salesman have a way of leaving things out.

 

[BigNuge]

Thanks for the info guys.

My lot at home is small (~ 1 care), and I care for an elderly aunts land down the road (8 acres 1/2 mile away). I also plan on purchasing land up north for a camp of some sort.

I don’t mean to put down budget machines, I am sure there are good qualities there. I am not looking to spend any more than I need to, but rather spend a little more for solid quality and durability.

 

[smartascii]

Based on your description of the work you want to do, it seems like loader performance and tractor weight might be important. Kubota loaders tend to lift higher than other brands, but that comes at the expense of capacity. The weight of the tractor can be increased with ballast and weights, but lift capacity cannot. Based on the research I did when choosing my tractor, TYM or LS seem to have the highest rated capacity in a given class. Of course, numbers can be manipulated, and there are intangible aspects like control feel, but my LS handily outlifts my neighbor痴 Kubota in the real world, and his has more horsepower than mine.

 

[jeff9366]

1) My lot at home is small (~ 1 care), and I care for an elderly aunts land down the road (8 acres 1/2 mile away).

2)I plan on purchasing land up north for a camp of some sort.

1) Kubota L2501 will be ample for home and aunt's property.

2) If you will need to Bush Hog your potential camp, L2501 will be marginal in PTO power output. Consider an L3901.

If potential camp has hills you may wish a tractor with a wider rear wheel spread for stability. Power and real wheel spread may point you toward a Kubota MX but an MX may not be practical for you to trailer.

 

[BigNuge]

Appreciate all the input guys, keep it coming!

I made some calls today for quotes from all the brands with dealerships around me. I built my research around the Kubota L 2501, and initially was going to go that road, but want to be sure I’m considering all the brands. I’m still waiting for local JD to get the quote back to me, but I have numbers from several others. All pricing before today was what I could find online.

Brands and models I’ve called for quotes on:

Kubota L 2501

JD 3025e

Mahindra 1626

Kioti CK 2610

Bobcat CT 2025


I asked them to price implements to try and save some $$ on them. Some were ok pricing, some were out to lunch (Mahindra dealer asking $2800 for the $1900 grapple). In the end, I think I’ll do my own 3rd valve (save $1k+), buy my own implements.

Anyway, I have done some digging into the brands above, found things I like and dislike about them all.


Some early takeaways from my research today:

Kubota is expensive....lol. Good machine, ok loader control position, terrible foot room

JD already at disadvantage with me due to the non-quick detach loader, uncomfortable loader control position, and proprietary bucket mount

Mahindra is a decent option, much better loader control position, super nice seat with arm rests, lots of foot room, competitively priced

I hadn’t considered the Bobcat until today, I have to say....I like the machine on paper, and it looks **** sharp. Loader control is in the best position (right next to the seat), lots of foot room, convenient engine access for maintenance


You notice I mention loader control position a lot, and that’s because I have a rotator cuff that likes to get angry and make it difficult to suspend my arm at the shoulder. If I choose a machine without arm rests I will be adding them myself.

Anyway, just some thoughts and progress for today.

 

[BrkMstr]

Bobcat - Kioti are pretty much the same tractor - I've had two JD's one Kubota - all three were decent units - only have 70hrs on the Kioti, so far I'd take Kioti over the others - if you do consider one make sure you check out the SE (CK2610SE or CK3510SE) the SE adds a lot for the money......

 

[mred2]

I would check if you have an LS. Good machines with good options. Pricing is good. I am not a big Mahindra fan, but that is due to the local dealer. I don't know anything about the Kioti except what is on this forum. No local dealer here. But most people like them.