Thinking about buying a new/used compact

Doc_Bob · Oct 29, 2006

WIshane said:
I would like to buy something in that 12-18k range I think but I am just starting to kick tires right now. I am interested in any suggestions in brands, attachments anything that you fine folks can help me out with Thanks in advance!

Look around. Don't get locked into a tractor choiced based upon price. Find what fits and then work on the price. Don't let price force you into a tractor that does not do the job, you will only be unhappy and have to buy another when you decide it cannot do the job.
Bob

N80 · Oct 30, 2006

I got my Kubota L4400, 4wd, 45hp and FEL for about $18,500 new with 0% financing. I do similar types of things with mine including a lot of work in the woods and on small trails. It is _very_ nimble with a tight turning radius.

There is one thing that would probably rule this tractor out for you though: it does not have an option for a cab.

WIshane · Nov 1, 2006

Thanks for all of the input so far I find my self thinking of sticking with a Deere New Holland or Kubota just based on the simple fact that is all that is around up here. I also have decided that I am probably going to be buying used based on my price range. My problem is with so many different models out there it is hard for me to know which ones I should be considering. Even on this board reading everyones input on here its hard to figure out which models will have the horsepower and loader capabilities that I need. New Holland seems to be the only company that puts their hp right in their model number of the big 3. I know this may sound funny to you guys/girls that have spent alot of time here but I would appreciate model numbers for what you people think would accomplish the tasks that I am looking to perform. Thanks again and I apologize for my ignorance.

machmeter62 · Nov 1, 2006

WIshane: You could swing by your local Kubota Dealer and checkout the performance numbers on the L4400; Gross hp.45.3/ net 43.0/ pto 37.5. It's a lot of tractor for the money, and will squeeze into your price range; plus the benefit of a new tractor. It is a no frills tractor, Sliding gear and Constant Mesh: 8 forward and 4 reverse gearstransmission.

I'm sure you can get some testimonials from others on the L4400 on the Kubota forum. The L3400, which is under 35 hp. might work also, but the weight might be a negative factor for your use. It also has the option of an HST transmission. Good luck in your search.

roxynoodle · Nov 2, 2006

A good dealer should understand your needs and be able to recommend the right size tractor. They may even be willing to bring you a demo to try on your property. Of course people on this forum who have similar uses and types of property will hopefully chime in here about what they have.

onsight · Nov 2, 2006

I wouldn't be afraid to look at the Montana line. There are a few dealers around your area. My 4944HST is an awesome machine and I would recommend it. It would be a little more money but I think it would be worth it. Check out Montana's website (Montana Tractors: Tough Compact, Utility Tractors and Implements) to find a dealer. I would recommend Sylvester Repair over in Lena. Thats where I bought mine.

Doc_Bob · Nov 2, 2006

Montana is a lot of tractor for the money. Take a look.
Bob

flusher · Nov 3, 2006

If tree farming is in your future, you might look at orchard tractors. Up here in the North Valley we have lotsa olive, almond, walnut, peach, nectarine orchards. Folks generally use 30-50hp John Deeres, Kubotas and Massey Ferguson.

Last July I bought a 1966 MF-135 diesel orchard tractor that's pretty nimble. My son is driving it through what's left of the old almond orchard on my place. The trees are planted on an 20-ft grid. Don't know how much separation you would have in your tree farm.

Glowplug · Nov 3, 2006

"A good dealer should understand your needs and be able to recommend the right size tractor. They may even be willing to bring you a demo to try on your property."

Oh man Audrey!! If my dealer did that to me he'd probably never get his "demo" back!! LOL. That would be a good selling ploy though. Give you a little sample taste and get you hooked.

roxynoodle · Nov 3, 2006

Well, I went to meet the guys in the local Case/IH dealership last Saturday to see how friendly they might be about getting parts for my new H when the need arises. We all talked tractors for awhile and they were trying to talk me into trading in my Yanmar (NOOOO!!!!) for a new Kubota. They not only offered to bring me a demo but offered to mow my lawn for me if I wanted them to! They even offered to mow it weekly if I was too busy to do it myself. Apparently these aren't the tractor dealers I keep reading about on here that ignore people who set foot on their lot.