Ahh yup, Terramites is uglie and unrafined! (Joke).
However, I don't know of any tractor of its size that has the front loader lifting power or the digging power of the T.
My 2004 T9 lifted and moved a 1000 gallon propane tank with no help but a fully extended backhoe. I cleared all the trees and brush from the stream at the edge of my property and am in the process of digging out over 20 pine trees about 30 feet tall. It handles all snow removal on my driveway and one snow, cleared the cul-de-sac that my house is on.
All of the parts on the T are easy to get to for repair and, counter to what some others have said, I have gotten great phone support from the Terramite folks when I have a problem or question.
Many of the little Kubota, Kioti and other tractors I have seen touted as a T alternative are plastic bodied. My T acts more like it is made out of armor plate. Drop a rock on it and it bounces of, with nothing but a possible paint scratch. Try that on a compact or sub-compact tractor.
Maintenance has been limited to changing engine oil and filters, replacing a single blown hydraulic hose and adjusting the parking brake. One stabilizer leaks down slowly, but that is about all the problems. Of course, a new coat of paint wouldn't hurt.
The only place where the T is not up to a tractor is in the driving speed and hill climbing ability. When loading a dumpster, I always have it delivered close to the work site. Trying to drive from the back of my lot to the street is a long, slooooow process. I also have cold weather starting problems with the Kubota turbo diesel. Solved that with a heavy duty wheeled charger/starter.
I have two wheel drive and you can get "stuck in the mud". However, if you know how to work your backhoe and loader, it is pretty easy to get out.
Another thing I like is the fact that used Terramites hold their value. I can still get what I paid for mine four years ago. I planned to sell it two years ago, but I still enjoy it.