RFI: help with tractor shopping.

[jeff9366]

Last tractor I drove was an 8N several years ago.

I requested quotes/info from all the dealers here except JD (stopped by there). Only dealers to respond were 1 Massey, and both Branson dealers. I thought this a telling test.

You do not know, what you do not know. You are writing here because you recognize this.
VIDEO: Shady Internet Tractor Package "deals" - YouTube

Were I a dealer I would not spend my limited time responding with a complex price quote, however I would certainly respond courteously and invite you to visit.

 

[Rebeldad1]

You wernt interested in a Kioti??

Dont pass on used implements... there isnt a lot to wear out on most and parts are available.
Lot of people buy several and dont use them so they sell them

 

[3gunr]

You stated that are going to have a trailer!
Be sure to get one long enough (and weight capable enough) for the tractor with implements.
With your 2500 Ram diesel, 100 miles is certainly NOT too far from a dealer.
Unless you are a mechanical klutz (doubt that, from a Marine) you can fix the simple stuff yourself.
You may NEVER need to visit a dealer after the initial purchase!

I would steer clear of the Mahindra.
Branson and LS (same as New Holland) have LOTS of fans here on TBN.
Do you have a Kioti dealer within range? Lots of Kioti fans here also.
Kubota is absolutely great, but may cost almost as much as the Deere.
Kubota will have the least deprecation/best resale value.

I have two mahindras and zero trouble with either.

 

[3gunr]

Buddy just bought a new Ls xr 4140 . awsome rig with all the bells and whistles. i would look at them for sure.

 

[Gafn]

Just retired from the Corps

Right now, without test driving them, I have:
1. Branson 4225R, (this scares me a bit with parts availability).
?

Gunner BV - Semper Fi... GEMD Iwakuni

I have owned a Branson 3520H and recently change to a 3520R - there is a tread about that...
The parts are not as bad of an issue as you would think.

Go drive one and compare some of the specs on the Branson to that others - weight is one area where the Branson comes in heavy my 3520 R is nearly 4000lbs.
The BL200 FEL can lift 2700LBS on a 35HP tractor - I never looked at the larger tractors - I assume Branson will win there as well - could be wrong - have been wrong before
The brakes are wet - so if you work in dry dusty or just nasty water... the brakes are fully internal to the case in a wet bath - you can most likely never over heat them
The Emissions - not computer controlled - it is a passive system, if you run the engine at or near PTO speeds - you will not have an issue - in the last 260 hours I never had a regen cycle
The Tier 4 DPF - being passive can be removed easily - no computer interface - so if it gets old and fails - take it off install a muffler

I am in GA in the mountains and recently changed from and H to an R model, and the hills are not an issue, smooth power from the Cummins Clone (Engines are licensed products for Cummins)
I have much less land than you but have owned a Branson since 2015 and have tilled, box bladed, fertilized, disc'd, finish cut, bush hog'd, and run a log splitter of the FEL hydraulics.
the MFWD works like a champ - only had to lock the rear one time and that gets you out of a hole in a hurry
I have never picked up bales - but have moved IBC tote cages full of fire wood - the FEL feels stable to me
All in all I have been most happy with the tractor, and when I did have an issue Branson stood behind their product very well, that is why I upgraded to a 2019.

Hope you find something that you can be happy with...
Thanks for you service

 

[jeff9366]

You will need a Chain/Drag Harrow for spreading manure in the front twenty acres. In spreading process a good bit of thatch is raked out and spread too.
VIDEO: How to Use a Chain Harrow - YouTube

 

[Gunner BV]

My wife is pushing JD just due to them being so close. Would a 4044M work for what I have in mind? I know is a little expensive but dealer seemed pretty good when I was there, and is very close.

Going to look at Kubota and Mahindra this weekend, scheduling a visit to MF and New Holland soon. The Massey/NH dealer is pushing a Boomer but I think that might be too small? The Workmaster 50 seems in the right area.

jeff9366,
You have been a great resource and I appreciate it. I have already perma-linked that implement site.

Rebeldad1,
I found some Kioti dealers around and will do more research on them. I will take a look at the Dk 5010 and the NX5010. Question: Are they mainly electronic?

Gafn,
Hey DD. I never made it two Iwakuni but did two stints out of Oki. I appreciate the input on the Branson; makes me much more comfortable going that way. Learning there is no perfect tractor and all brands have their benefits....dealer means a lot. Though wondering if I should go slightly bigger than the 4225r. The 25 series look a bit longer than the 20s? I spent some time at Fort Benning...got a really good friend from GA as well, but he is disowned (shh...he's a Sooner fan).

 

[jeff9366]

John Deere 4044M

2014 - 4M Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: John Deere 4120
Series next: John Deere 4049M

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Augusta, Georgia, USA

Variants:
4044M: base model
4044R: deluxe model

John Deere 4044M Engine:
Yanmar 2.2L 4-cyl diesel
John Deere 4044M Power:
Engine: 43.1 hp [32.1 kW]
Gear PTO (claimed): 34.6 hp [25.8 kW]
Hydro PTO (claimed): 33.6 hp [25.1 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 13 gal [49.2 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Control: position control
Rear lift (at ends): 3130 lbs [1419 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 2500 lbs [1134 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)
Engine RPM: 540@2400

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 73 inches [185 cm]
Weight: 3770 lbs [1710 kg]
Length: 130.6 inches [331 cm]
Height (ROPS): 100.2 inches [254 cm]
Height (cab): 97.4 inches [247 cm]
Clearance (front axle): 13.8 inches [35 cm]
Front tread: 53.6 inches [136 cm]
Rear tread: 59.9 inches [152 cm]

John Deere 4044M attachments:
front-end loader
backhoe
all 4044M attachments ...

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Final drives: planetary
Differential lock: mechanical rear
Steering: power
Brakes: hydraulic wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Pressure: 2500 psi [172.4 bar]
Pump flow: 10.2 gpm [38.6 lpm]
Total flow: 15.9 gpm [60.2 lpm]
Steering flow: 5.7 gpm [21.6 lpm]

Electrical:
Ground: negative
Charging system: alternator
Charging amps: 75

Battery:
Number: 1
Cold-cranking amps: 770
Volts: 12

Page information:
Last update: August 1, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[fried1765]

I have two mahindras and zero trouble with either.

Just my very personal opinion.

 

[searcyfarms]

first and foremost thank you for serving and sacrificing for all of us!!!

What a great place to be in looking for a tractor

I have no experience with the 4 series deere but a good dealer can make any tractor better.

I like the LS and Massey followings on here and folks comments but dont know specifics regarding the comparisons.

Sitting on them will tell you a lot, drive around, test features/levers and get a feel for it, some dont like the teeter totter pedal of the kubota some do, some like dual hydro pedals some dont, if you are a tall fella with long legs, make sure its comfy !!!