Still Researching for the tractor that will work best for me

Williy · Apr 24, 2021

From what I read from the posts its always the older tractors that are
great! However the newer models have different stories, JD made out
of plastic, read one post that the floor on his JD broke and the only place you can get one is JD ;lots $$$$$
Yanmar made JD tractors for over 20 years and JD still uses Yanmar
diesel engines now don't know who makes JD tractors.
The new small tractors are having more problems than the old it seems. I know you can get a lemon with any tractor however most of the problems are caused by no maintenance and with no maintenance you will have problems and with a new tractor no warranty!

willy

Slowpoke Slim · Apr 25, 2021

I think any brand can let one out the door with problems. It happens. But the overall percentage of all the models and brands on the market are pretty good. We hear about *all* the individual issues because this is the internet, and folks are more inclined to come on TBN and ask for help with problems than to just come on and say they only posted to tell us they've had no problems.

Every brand has their lemons. Even Kubota has squeezed out some turds and had issues. For each problem child tractor out there, there are hundreds or even thousands of units chugging along and doing their thing.

dodge man · Apr 25, 2021

JD tractors do have a lot of plastic, but it’s pretty solid stuff. There will always be a debate over plastic vs. steel. Plastic won’t dent if you drop something on it but it can crack. Kubota used plastic on their BX tractors and it wasn’t the best, it chalked and faded with time. The hood on mine was durable but the engine surrounds was pretty delicate.

Smaller JD tractors are made in the US, the engines are all Yanmar.

As far as I know JD and Kubota are both making solid smaller tractors that most people are happy with.

rScotty · Apr 25, 2021

Rookkee22 said:
Ok you all have been very helpful with your insight and suggestions. So far I have tested an Kioti, LS, and a kabota. Today I took a test drive on a Ferguson Massey today and I really liked the ride.

Salesman stated that their radiator and engine were installed to face away from the front of the cab to keep debris from being sucked into it which makes for longer life than all other sub-compact tractors.

Is that true?

Why is this so hard????

Hello Rookkee22.
You ask, "Is it true?" (about the reverse air flow)

Well, probably there is some truth in there, but in my experience they just solved something which wasn't a problem with other tractors. You still have to clean the chaff screen no matter which way the air goes through. As for blowing hot air back from the engine....I've not experienced any problem there either and don't recall anyone ever talking about it here.
Frankly that hot air sounds like it is coming from the salesman.

I found the same thing about Massey being comfortable last time I tried them. Massey and Yanmar seem most comfortable for my body shape - 190 lbs/6 ft long arms & big feet.
Kubota is by far the most popular. There is probably a reason for that. Buy JD if you bleed green.
The Korean tractors are real up and comers but they don't have the professional dealers around here yet so I haven't spent time with them.

Why is it so hard? Basically because they are all good.

Oh, I know what I was going to say. Whatever you get, get a good insulated canopy on it and you will thank me for that suggestion. For anything more we all need to know a bit more about where you live and what the land is like. That could change everything.

BTW, we've had a series of small & compact tractors on our land for almost 50 years now. About a dozen different ones...
Good luck.
rScotty

_RaT_ · Apr 25, 2021

Rookkee22 said:
I forgot to mention thr models that I've looked at so far... ALL HAVE FRONT LOADERS

KiotI CK10SE HST @ $24000
LS MT225S @ $17,700
LS XR315H @ $25,000
LS XR315HC @ $28,000
LS XR3140HC @ $31,600
YANMAR 324
Massey Ferguson MFGC1725 @ $15,800
Massey Ferguson MFGC1725MB @ $21000

I will update after I test out the Kubota L2501.

What was the model of the Kioti you are posting the price for, CK3510SE HST?

Williy · Apr 25, 2021

Plastic in the north winter time it gets brittle and it don't just crack!
The bad thing about JD plastic the only place you can get a replacement part is from JD and you need the BANK $$$$$$!!
every one has their own choices on tractors or opinions. Just like
women all different sizes and shapes but there's one thing missing
on them that's the shut up or silence switch!

willy
Happy Trails to you