Buying Advice Please Help a City Slicker in Buying my First Tractor

[TSO]

Lots of options out there ... Lots of opinions too. In the 30-40 HP range there are lots of good choices. Questions:

What dealer/brands are in your area?

Do you have a budget limit?

Do you place value on "bang-for-buck-value," "capacities," "warranty," or "name recognition?" Each tractor brand will give you some of the above.

What size implements do you want to run? This includes bucket size, cutter size, other implements? This will dictate the HP size requirements.

Which jobs will be more "common" than others? For example, using the loader, moving dirt/objects, cutting, mowing, plowing, etc ... This will help with picking a tractor (different tractor brands are better suited for different tasks).

Are you financing or paying cash?

These questions deserve attention before moving further.

 

[plaindriver]

I have recently purchased 15 acres of waterfront wooded land where my wife and I plan to build a home and retire. I have recently had an access road (not finished) along with a house plot cleared. I have read that if you own land you need a tractor so I'm ready. I know zero about operating. My buddy who has land just down the road from my property has a Mahindra 3325, 2WD with no FEL but with 5' cutter and box blade and has said that I could use his but I want my own.

I would need a tractor, I think for grading, some loading, some small tree knockdown, hauling, along with alot of brush hogging. I have ravines that border each side of my 15 acres that I'm going to want to brush hog. My land does slope down to these ravines. My wife, son, and I will use this tractor.

I have narrowed my research to a Kubota L3800 HST, Mahindra 4025 gear, and Mahindra 3616 Shuttle. All with FEL and 5' cutter (4025 has 6'). I can get the Kubota for $23458, Mah 4025 $22400, and the Mah 3616 for $20000.

I like the HST, turning radius, and smaller size on the Kubota and the price and smaller size of the 3616. I like the larger size on the 4025 because I think I need the weight and wider frame for the slopes but could hurt on the tighter areas that is most of my land.

Everytime I read a review or watch a video on each model, I come away with that model being my decision. I just can't pulled the trigger.

As I am a complete novice, I am pleading for the forum's help on which one to choose.

Joe,
I was recently in the mkt for a new tractor. Bought a new JD 750 4wd (20hp) w/FEL, PH Digger, box blade, sub soiler, roto tiller,boom pole and hiller/furrower. Fine machine, but since retiring last yr, and moving to a 10 ac spread, I wanted something more substantial. I looked over the lines from Kioti, TYM, Mahindra, Kubota, adn JD. Did a fair bit of research adn tried them all. I was looking in the 35-45 HP range, wanted a 4wd, ag tires, + FEL. I prefer teh shuttle tranny as thats what I am used to, and that I heard that the HST is more of a maint pig.
First off the list was TYM, then Kioti. Mahindra was next to go. Then betw JD and Kub, I opted for the Kubota L series. I just bit the bullet and went for the L4600DT, with the square bucket FEL, and had the rear tires loaded w/methanol to add weight. I didnt opt for the package, as I already had a box scraper, dont need a trlr or bush hog. I ended up writing the ck for $24k even, out the door. Now has about 15 hrs on it. I am quite pleased at his point. I do a lot of tree cutting and log moving. I got a set of QA pallet forks, 42", from Titan. Very helpful implement.

Just my opinion, but The K brand seems better built than the M brand. And K had metal fenders and hood, whereas JD had plastic. I didnt opt for a cab or cover as I get on and off a lot. I work for pleasure and not a living so a cab isnt necessary. After you get a tractor, you will amaze yourself with just how useful it will become. You will end up inventing ways to use it that you never dreamed of. Whatever you get, you will get immense enjoyment out of it.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Congratulations on purchasing your property !!

The best solution is to realize at some point in the future you will end up with 2 tractors. Two is always better than one when tractors are involved !! Probably one smaller for working close to the house, and a larger one for the rest of the property. Both do not have to be brand new.

Yes, take your friend up on his offer and just use his for awhile, even if it is just driving it around the property for awhile to see how a tractor handles and maneuvers. You have a great start on figuring out what will work for you, but at some point a second tractor will probably fill in where your first purchase does not do the job as you would like.:cool2:

Have fun and enjoy !! Let us know what tractor(s) you decide to purchase. Pictures required.

 

[CosperTractor]

I also recommend a HST for new and unexperienced operators.
Mahindra and Kubota both offer quality products, shouldn't go wrong either way IMO.
Take a close look at your dealer and the level of customer support you will receive after your purchase.
This can make a great tractor look bad and a not so great tractor be the better purchase.
I hope this helps,
Donald