Suggestions to narrow the hunt - 25hp, 4x4, HST - Branson, Mahindra, Kioti, JD, Ford?

[cford36]

Here is my perspective. My current tractor I bought new from John Deere about 12 years ago. It was my first tractor, never had been around them. With no information and no experience I looked at the "big" names when I went looking. Ended up getting a JD.Now,I am currently looking for a new cab model and with all the information out there I have a different view than I did back then. From what I have found you have several options other than the big name guys that will give you much more for your money, and keep the quality and reliability.

You can first set your basic limit on what dealers you have within a reasonable distance. Then narrow your search by your budget. Personally I like warranties so I would go new if at all possible. Then go to the dealers and get on the tractor you are looking at and drive it. You may be able to eliminate one right there.

I found it very beneficial to make a spreadsheet to compare them.

From doing a lot of comparing and research I had narrowed it down to LS, Kioti and Massey. At this point I am basically set on LS. Do your research, keep your options open. Lots of info in each of the individual forums.

 

[Olympus]

That's very good advice. Try to get spec sheets from each dealer on the models you like and write their quotes on the sheet. Then go back and compare specs and take notes about what you liked and disliked about each particular model.

The good thing about 25hp and under tractors is options are pretty limited as opposed to bigger sizes and cab models. You can compare important specs like loader lift capacity, bucket size, breakout force, tractor weight, and hydro pump size. You'll be surprised by big name brands that use smaller hydro pumps. Pumps are very important for hydrostatic tranny models and loaders. You want a big pump rather than a small one working overtime and needing more revs. Case in point, some big name SCUTs won't even operate their empty loader at idle. Doesn't seem like a big deal until you're using your loader for something heavy and you need to be precise and make slow adjustments. You'll wish your loader would operate at idle speed then.

 

[ChrisintheMojave]

Thanks guys - Sounds like TYM = Mahindra so that's fine too.

There is a Mahindra dealer here but he doesn't stock any parts, doesn't have a Mechanic on staff. Stopped in a couple of times...it started off as "no credit needed used car lot" and it still has that feel. A dealer would be nice but I'm not scared I'm pretty mechanical - I raced 4 stroke motorcycles and did all my own rebuilds so if I have a manual, I'd bet I can fix most things. Certainly take care of oil changes and the odd hose and such.

I'm in Engineer by trade and could do the spread sheet analysis but end the end...for my needs...there are a lot of small tractors that will get it done. I'm leaning "used" at the moment but will check for year end/ "leftover" new tractors too. For the first one, I just want to get something and use it... if there's something I can't live with I'll sell it it and get something else....

I've been on Craigslist everyday and there are a few... part of the problem here is HALF that ads on craigslist for compact tractors seem to be some sort of scam.

I AM going to go sit on some tractors this weekend, just to get a general idea of size...what will fit on my trailer and how much ground clearance looks to be enough.

Thanks again guys...gotta run for now but please keep the thoughts coming!

 

[Olympus]

My experience has been "buy once, cry once". Buying used or buying something that isn't quite what I want has never worked out for me. In the long I've found I'm money and time ahead by buying exactly what I want from the get go. Sometimes that means waiting and saving money a little longer, but I've found I'm much happier in the end. But I'm hard to please and pretty picky when it comes to my "toys".

 

[mike69440]

There is a lot of good advice here. If it were not so pricey the Kubota B3350 is the sweetest large small CUT out there, but you could get a larger Kubota L2800 or even a L3400 for same or less $$$$$. Same goes for the CK27HST as a great value for the size.
For ground engagement a Kioti CK27 or Mahindra 3016 HST is a heck of a value.
LS Koiti, the Max 28, Yanmar, Massey, TYM, Branson all make good small CUTs.
I wanted a small strong value priced CUT not with HST, and picked up a the Max 28 as the 8F x 8F shuttle transmission was better shifting than the 3x2 gear of the Kioti. The CK2510 Kioti is a good small tractor especially the weight, and Loader and with the 2 speed HST the transmission is typical of the size. Look hard at the LS.
So do you want a larger basic tractor of a smaller more nimble small CUT as I suspect either will be similar in price?
PS your in a tough situation not having a dealer nearby. JD small CUTs are not a good Value.

 

[TSO]

If it were not so pricey the Kubota B3350 is the sweetest large small CUT out there ...

what makes you say that?

 

[ChrisintheMojave]

My experience has been "buy once, cry once". Buying used or buying something that isn't quite what I want has never worked out for me. In the long I've found I'm money and time ahead by buying exactly what I want from the get go. Sometimes that means waiting and saving money a little longer, but I've found I'm much happier in the end. But I'm hard to please and pretty picky when it comes to my "toys".

I don't disagree but... without having had a tractor to use very much.... Knowing some of the things that would make one "perfect" is unknowable at this point.
One thing I do know... Digging holes for trees by hand sucks! :laughing: So does shoveling dirt by hand and moving it with a wheel barrel.

 

[paulfun9]

I'm reading everything guys.
Traveling and on my phone so one quick addtitional question
What about TYM?
A Low time used one popped up that hits all my requirements
Thanks

When I was shopping this past summer the TYM machines were the best priced in the 35 to 50 HP range. If I was interested in a Mahindra that is built by TYM I would definitely buy it as a TYM. Why pay more for the same basic machine with a different badge affixed to it. Same thing applies when I looked at the New Holland tractors I saw no reason to pay more for the same basic machine made by LS.

Sorry I don't have a clue about anything smaller than the 35 HP TYM T353 as I knew I wanted to be 35 HP or bigger. The finalists before final decision for me were Kioti, TYM and LS in order.

 

[McREBEL]

I bought a '08 Kubota B2920 with FEL back in October with 112 hrs. It is a 29hp 4x4 HST. It came with a Land Pride finish mower and after taxes it was still under your budget. Comparable tractors are the LS J series and Kioti CK series. I can't disagree with taking a hard look at the LS J series, especially if you can still locate a new J2023 in the $12-13K range. I have an LS dealer nearby and was heavily considering a J2023 until I came across what was a pretty sweet deal on the used Kubota. Good luck.

 

[Olympus]

I don't disagree but... without having had a tractor to use very much.... Knowing some of the things that would make one "perfect" is unknowable at this point.
One thing I do know... Digging holes for trees by hand sucks! :laughing: So does shoveling dirt by hand and moving it with a wheel barrel.

Try to imagine tasks that you may have a need for in the future. Running a PTO auger and moving dirt is a task that pretty much any CUT tractor with a loader will do. It may take some models longer than others, but the job will eventually get done.

Think if you might have a need for other tasks or implements. I use a brush hog and grader blade primarily. I use the bucket tremendously. I've spread 45 tons of gravel with it, used it as scaffolding, lifted and moved heavy objects, etc. The more weight you can lift, the bigger your bucket is, and the more breakout force you have, the better. Buy for what you think you might need in the future.