The Usual, not sure what to get...

sanmigmike · Oct 12, 2004

Let's see, about nine acres, not level, currently being kind of cleared and soon to be logged. Some cedar, fir and some maple and other that will be used for firewood and as firewood for some of the people doing the work.

Partially logged about six years ago and so we have some replanted firs ranging from three to ten feet tall, want to save those so the clearing has gotten a bit more of the problem. That is also a factor on the size of the tractor and how well it turns. Wild berries, scotch broom and a lot of trash from the old logging. Lots of trash!

About a total of 1/2 mile of gravel drive and parking area, the road is not at all level. Some projects, including a small pond and something to do in the area that the replanted trees didn't make it. Right now my wife likes the idea of growing hops.

Drove a M-F 1433 today and I and my wife both liked it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gifI didn't like the position of the seat in relationship to the pedal but the dealer said that can be fixed, adjusted. We also have driven a N-H Boomer and the value model in the 30hp range. Liked both of them and liked the curved loader arms, at least I did. However have heard that there are some problems with the HST in the value model, just a rumor so I really don't know how to factor that in.

l like (love) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif the Deere 4X20 series but find the price and the size a bit of a problem. On the other hand my brother-in law has a new Kubota B7800 and while he likes it, he feels that maybe it is a little light, gets far more wheel spin than he likes. On the other hand he has three other tractors to use. We want HST since my wife and teen age kids will be using it.

No Kioti dealer near. Going to look at Mahindra and TYM in the next few days. Even giving some thought to a Chinese one, but worried since my time home is limited, so when I am home I want it to be working, not me working on it! So, the right size, HST and value are the big issues. Right know we are planning a cash purchase but......? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

We live about 45 miles south east of Portland OR.

JerryG · Oct 13, 2004

You should like the MF1433. I have the turbocharged version of it, the MF1440 and an very pleased.You shouldn't have any major problems with it for a very long time. The seat does slide back quite a ways and the tilt wheel should also give you some more clearance if needed.

colestin · Oct 13, 2004

Hi, Sanmigmike! I am in a similar situation, also in Oregon,and looking for a tractor, too. I will be watching this thread to see what you think of tym and Mahindra. You have mentiioned the comfort of the cockpit -- I tried a Tym and had to put the seat clear back --and I am not a very big guy! A slightly used New Holland had lots of room. I am going to look at the Mahindra 2810HST, also made by Tym. My choice may be dealer driven, as the Mahindra dealer has been very knowledgable and helpful. And the Tym dealers quoted price for an HST is a bit high.

Mark in Ashland

MikeFromVA · Oct 13, 2004

( Right know we are planning a cash purchase but......? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

Most dealers have 36 month financing at 0%. Might as well take advantage of the extra time to pay.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 13, 2004

( l like (love) the Deere 4X20 series but find the price and the size a bit of a problem. On the other hand my brother-in law has a new Kubota B7800 and while he likes it, he feels that maybe it is a little light )

There are lots of choices between the Kubota and Deere you mention. Right now might be a great time to look at the Deere 4310-4410, they are an aweful lot like the 4x20s and due to be replaced soon. That usually spells good deals. It isn't as big as the TWENTY, nor is it as light as the 7800.

Kubota, New Holland, Kioti and Mahindra have Hydros with similar configurations....

Ledgemere Farm · Oct 13, 2004

The only thing I didn't like about the Masseys I looked at were lack of adjustable wheels. That's an important feature when you live on a hillside...

KiotiJohn · Oct 13, 2004

There is a Kioti dealer within about 37 miles according to Kioti's website dealer locator:
Mountainview Equipment
Address 5243 Silverton Road NE
Salem OR 97305
Phone 503-391-0235
Distance Approx. 37 Miles

Riddler · Oct 13, 2004

Although I am bit south of you (Northern Cal.), I am dealing with a similar environment. My choices boiled down to one of the larger NH TCDAs or a Kubota Grand L HST. With big firs and redwoods to deal with on occasion, not to mention numerous grading projects and an 8 acre field that might someday be used to grow more than hay, I couldn't see making due with less than 35-45 hp, or with a machine that weighed much less than 3,500 lbs. Sounds like loader work will be high on your list, and the 16LA on the NH or the 853 on the Kub have the muscle to deal with all but the heaviest of chores. Kicking the wheels out to nearly 6' was also a must because of the variations in terrain that I have to deal with.

I ended up buying the TC45DA mainly because I liked the local dealer much better than any of the others. As important as pouring over brochures and specs is visiting lots of dealers, perhaps as many as you feel you can reach conveniently. They can be as different as night and day in their approach, knowledge and pricing attitudes. In recent threads in the NH and Kub forums, I share my recent experiences with the local Kub and NH dealers. In the end, it was patience, a bit of flexibility and the willingness to spend time at different dealerships that netted me a great deal, on a great machine from a great seller. Enjoy the ride both before and after you settle on your chosen workhorse.

sanmigmike · Oct 13, 2004

Did more looking today. Let me try to cover everything. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Size: I am 6' and have an fake hip, so I like things sometimes a little different in the ergonomic sense. My wife and kids are all around 5'7" or so. For some reason in the M-F it felt almost like I was sitting up with my legs doing about a 90 degree turn at the knee and I didn't like it. Could deal with it but I wanted a little more comfort, as luck would have it my bad hip is the right one, the one on the rocker pedal. There was room behind the seat but we just could not get the seat back there. Sure it could be worked out.

Yes, I know that there is a Kioti dealer near Salem, but after stopping by twice when they were closed and not seeing any Kitoi's on the lot we called. They only do parts. Yes, I was not happy about that either. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Hope to see the Mahindra, TYM dealer in Newberg in just a few days.

Did go by the Case, M-F dealer in Woodburn today. They have a new but a year or so old D33, liked some of it but the shift is low between your legs. Didn't like that but they are dealing on it. Tried a D45 with the shuttle shift and liked it. But not sure of how the kids will deal with a gear versus the HST. As much as I liked part of the D33 I am not sure that the cost savings makes up for what seemed to me and my wife the awkward shift. Yes, I am sure that we would get used to it but... As an aside, they had some Goldoni's and I kind of liked them but the bucket on the 40hp one looked kind of small for a 40hp articulated tractor. They all seemed to have a very low cg. He did say they wanted to get rid of them so they were really willing to deal. Dare I say they also had a very cute crawler dozer! He said they just had not found the market for them here. He did offer to bring a tractor (Case) by and let us see how it worked for us!! Might take them up on it when we get at least some of the logging done. They don't seem to really carry the M-Fs at the Woodburn store anymore?

Funny, not sure why since my wife likes red cars versus blue cars, but she liked the NH ones better than the Case. Kind of a feeling but the NH's were HST. So... Really, she is sharp and likes driving a stick shift and all that so I feel that it might be more the HST than anything else. Also both the NH's had a loader and the D33 did not have a loader. So, kind of hard to pretend you are operating one and trying to get a feel for things. As an aside I seem to like the loader control being down by the seat more than way up by the steering wheel. Bimbi likes it up there so I was wondering if it really makes any difference, I would guess that you just get used to what you use. Anyone that uses different tractors have strong feelings about loader control location?

Then we went down the road and stopped by the Deere dealer. A salesperson actually talked to us!! Keeping in mind not really dealing yet, quoted a price of $18000 for a 4600 with about 150 hours on it plus either $3000 or $3800 for the old or new style loader, had HST. A little sun faded but pretty new. They also had two 2003 4710's with loaders, $21000 and $22000, didn't get the hours, used but seemed in pretty good shape, not sure but think HST, the more expensive one had Hyd, outlets at the rear. A nursery had them and traded them in for larger ones. He did say that they were willing to deal with the 4X10's and can get some of them and not so willing to deal on the 4X20's. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Did not know that about the M-F wheels, going to have to look at that again and think about it.

After Bimbi tried operating some these she is begining to see why I have not been real quick to make up my mind. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif She can see why I am so confused /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Yes, and she feels I am crazy. But that is not new news to her. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have liked every tractor I have tried so far and had nothing come up on any tractor so far that would kill any deal yet. Dealers nice, so on we go! Seems to be too many good ones out there. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

KiotiJohn · Oct 14, 2004

( For some reason in the M-F it felt almost like I was sitting up with my legs doing about a 90 degree turn at the knee and I didn't like it. )
That's one of the things I never liked about my brothers MF. The ergonomics are just not comfortable to me. The controls are all located in inopportune locations in my opinion. Nice tractor, but not for me. Maybe some other models are better.
Sorry to hear that the Kioti dealer isn't. I didn't know there were any that weren't selling tractors. Must not have floor plan money enough to keep them on the lot.
I've heard and read good things about the Goldonis, but I would worry that they're not going to be supported very soon since the dealer can't get enough interest in them.
I think you might like the Mahindras. Some of the larger models seem to have plenty of room on them. I looked them over and tried a couple, but I didn't get too far as I just couldn't deal with the nasty dealer who is apparently now not doing so well and may close. His distributor has actually been talking to my Kioti dealer about taking the line away.
Seems that no matter which tractor you get, you're going to have some problems with the hip. Either a HST pedal or a foot throttle, most of which are on the right hand side. Also, brakes are often there too. I wish you luck in your decision. Getting on them and trying to really do some work will give you the best idea of what your going to want to have.
You might want to look for a Zetor dealer also. I've read and hear good things about them lately. I think the Century brand is going to Zetor? I agree that the Kubota B7800 is too light. That was one of the main things that led me to the Kioti as all the Kubotas I was interested in were too light. Great machines, but ladder frame and weight and PRICE turned me away. John