Picking up a new Tractor next week

SteveCornell · Jun 4, 2005

I just found this forum this week and am overwhelmed at all the great information, I've been looking at small tractors for the last week and I think I've made my decision and plan to pick it up next week.
First a bit about what I plan to do with the tractor...........
We are just starting a new home on 2.5 acres of which about 2 acres will eventually be mowed, the other 1\2 acre is woods, the land is hilside meadow but not steep, I have about 600' of gravel drive, I'll be using the tractor and FEL for backfilling around the basement, landscaping the property, converting the meadow into lawn and other general use.
I started out looking and almost deciding on a Kubota 2230 but after comparing the loader specs with the "B" series decided to go with the larger frame tractor, after many calls and dealer visits this week it came down the these 3 machines....

Kubota 7610 with FEL, 60"MMM, & 48"Box Blade for $14,500

Kioti CK20 HST with FEL, 60"RMM, & 48" Box Blade for $14,600

Mahindra 2015 HST with FEL, 60"Buhler RMM, & 60" Box Blade for $14,150

It looks like the Mahindra will get the nod /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, after playing briefly with all 3 I like the feel of it the best .

I'm a bit concerned that the 60" BB will be to much for this tractor, what do you think? will I be ahead to get the 48".

The tractor also has a Wallenstein GX500 Backhoe mounted with the frame mount kit and the pump kit that runs off the PTO (self contained hydraulic system) that the dealer will include for an additional $4700, is this a good deal on this hoe? the Mahindra hoe has more reach.

Thanks in advance for the advice and opinions! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bob_Skurka · Jun 4, 2005

Steve, congrats on the new tractor, but be a bit cautious about the concept of not paying sales tax. Most states I know of require you to pay sales tax for purchases of tractors from out of state.

Interesting how close the prices are on these tractors, the Kubota is a 24hp and priced in between the 21 hp models from Mahindra and Kioti in your market. I've seen the B7510, which is a 21hp Kubota priced lower than the CK20 many times, and I think that is the model most people would have priced against the Mahindra & Kioti. All 3 brands impress me. I like the CK20 a lot. I've not seen that model Mahindra, but I've seen a few larger units and they look to be nice stout tractors. Choosing the tractor that fits you the best is certainly the best thing to do. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Mahindra.

I am not an accountant, I know nothing of your particular state laws, however I have been called to testify in front of several state legislatures in the midwest, as well as in front of city and county governments on issues of excise taxes. I strongly suspect that your state will require payment of either a sales or a use tax on the purchase of a tractor from out of state.

thcri · Jun 5, 2005

Steve,

As Bob said be careful on the sales tax issue. Some states in fact more than not will expect you to pay the sales tax in your state. Others here have said they got out of sales tax but then all of a sudden they get a form in the mail a few years later even and sometimes even with a fine. If it was me I would keep the sales tax in your figures.

From what I see and even kind of unexpectedly the Kubota is really priced low. Good luck in your decision. Mahindra is a good machine but if your crossing state lines is that a long ways to go to get parts/etc?

murph

SteveCornell · Jun 5, 2005

Thanks for the replies!

I agree it's a good price on the Kubota but both the Kioti and the Mahindra are both much heaver machines and I think would work better for my primary use (loader, blade, backhoe) and will still work fine for mowing with a rear finish mower.
The Kubota would probably work better for mowing with the MMM but the other 2 machines are over 600 lbs heaver.

The Kioti dealer is the closest (5 miles) the nearest Mahindra dealer is about 50 miles but I drive past them every week.

I edited my post above, I appreciate the concerns, any opinions on my choice before I write the check?

Thanks!
Steve

Bob_Skurka · Jun 5, 2005

Steve, I forgot, but you should stick with the 48" BB on the tractor, a 60" is just too big (unless it is an ultra light & low profile BB and then those are just big and worthless).

By the way, for the work you are doing, I think all 3 tractors will pretty much be equals. The Kubota would be SLIGHTLY better at mowing the lawn, the Mahindra/Kioti will be SLIGHTLY better with a box blade. But I doubt you'd actually notice the difference. The reality is these are all small tractors and the weights are failrly close. I think the important thing is that you like the Mahindra best, and feel it is the best made for you, that good feeling should last a long time after the tractor is paid off.