Comparison time for the STARE AND COMPARE

Varmintmist · Aug 18, 2004

Ok, I got a headache /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Been lookng for a CUT in the 30 HP range (ish) and yall get to see what I've come up with so far. There are greene, orange, red and blue here so you may fire when ready Gridley. If you have one of these or knowledge of any, speak up, dont be shy /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

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NH TC30 15,200 with R1 +300 for R4
30 hp 25.5 @ pto , pto live, 9x3 trans
Wet disk brks, hyd (2) 6.1 gpm imp, 3.5 st
Weight 2193, width 54.9
Loader specs: max height 100.8, max cap. 875lbs, breakout 1602lbs
General impression ok for the cash, the ergonomics are pretty typical Ford. You lift HIGH to get the clutch and break. Past Ford experience says this is a PITA /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Dealer made a good first impression, however his reputation is iffy with people I have talked to and when I was looking for the last one I bought I was under whelmed.

Kubota L2800 15,300 w/ag, again +300 for ind
29hp, 25 @ pto, Trans driven w/override clutch, 8F/4R with the hi/lo/reverse
Wet disk brks, hyd (2) 6,5 gpm imp, 4.0 st
Weight 2492, width 51.1
Ldr spec. Height 96.8, cap 1012lbs breakout not listed on the spec sheet I have
General impression. This is a late entry I hung back because of cost reputation but was surprised that it was in the right $$ area. Love the loader action, firm and fast. The one I test drove leaked down BADLY, I assume that the loader was put on for the farm show and not bled. The seat actually goes back far enough to work this thing !!!!! Very good ergonomics. @ gripes, pto lever is tight to your leg, if I own one it will be bent one way or another. Foot throttle in deep right field. Don’t quite understand that but is a common thing for most of these tractors.
Dealer, again, good first impression when looking to spend 16K, wasn’t so great a couple years ago when I was looking for a saw. Reputation is 50-50.

Mahindra 3510, 16,000 with R4 installed
35 hp, 28.7 @ pto, Fwd rev sync 12 fwd 12 rev
wet disk brks, hyd (1) 7.87 gpm imp and 3.57st
weight 3881, width 58.1
loader specs, max height 109.6, cap 1972lbs, breakout 3343lbs
General impression: 12X12 sync took a min to get used to but can you say SWEET. Seat is to low for me but 2, 8in pieces of square tubing could fix that. Loader is MASSIVE heck the whole machine is MASSIVE. The loader is slooooow though and running 2 ways aunt gonna happen. Lift and rollback are 2 completely separate actions. The hi/lo/nid range selector seemed set back further than they need to be. Not bad, just odd.
Dealer ++++++++++ Great impression, I got my Deere 850 from him, great price and I haven’t heard anyone but another dealer say anything bad about him. (price diff in implements, Mahindra dealer is lower) Again foot throttle out in right field.

Deere 790, Dealer #1, 15,062 Dealer#2 15028 R4’s
27 hp, 24 @ pto, 8fwd/2rev
dry shoe breaks, hyd (2) 5.4 gpm imp, and 4.2 steering
weight, 2105lbs, width 57.2
loader specs: ht 88, cap. 527, breakout 1616
General impression: good price at both dealers, dealer #2 added the heavier bucket and took 250 off the base price. I didn’t get to test one with a loader, the ergonomic factor isn’t great though. Felt like a kiddie car with the steering wheel between my knees. All the controls are where they are on my 850 though, so no learning curve. The seat was high (good) and forward (bad) I felt like I was stepping on top of the clutch instead of pushing forward. Front end felt thin, like the front wheels were to close together. Still, not bad for the $$

Deere 990 Dealer#1 20,464 #2, 20,506 R4’s
40 hp, 35 @ pto 9x3 trans
wet disk brks, hyd 8.5 gpm imp and 4.5 st
weight 3175lbs width 71.5
loader specs: height 101.4, capacity 915 lbs, breakout 3299
General impression: This is a machine. I didn’t get to test drive, just dry planted my butt on it. Ergonomically it’s all there, not cramped like the 790. I’m guessing that the loaders on both Deeres would be adequate from prior use of green machines.

Dealers on the Deeres. Well, I related the story of dealer one before. I went back the next week and asked specifically about the 790 and 990, finally got the answers I was looking for. His shop is mainly lawn and garden and he stated that he wouldn’t fill the tires. More than happy to add a ballast box to the bottom line though. The shop would fit in my garage, so I wonder about service. First and second impressions, not great. his rep isn’t great. A guy who worked for him out of high school works with me now. he stated “If there is a way XXXXX will hose you, he will”
Dealer#2 Not a known quantity. There was a single CUT on the lot, small shop. The impression was good though and they were willing to talk options and discounts that Deere is giving. If I go Greene J it will be dealer#2

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gotta tell ya it was between the Mahindra and the Deere 790 before. I had looked at the AGCO and the Farmtrac but they are actually more expensive in this neck of the woods. I added NH and Kub after going to a farm show and seeing the $$. I figured the Kubota would be out of line and I hadent seen ANYTHING but Boomers at the NH dealer. I just dont need the fluff /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif just a tractor so I didnt stop. BTW, the non Boomer was parked in the back between the used and the Boomers. Guess the markup goes down the deeper you get /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bellville · Aug 19, 2004

Varmintmist, nice post looks like you are really doing your homework. I have a 790 and noticed one part of your information was incorrect /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. If the loader you are looking at is the 419 the lift capacity is much better than 527lbs. I was moving bags of concrete with mine awhile back and it was not problem moving 20 fourty pound bags at a time, so I know it will lift at least 800 lbs.

The 790 has worked well for me, I did try other tractors I liked better, I just could not afford them. After reading your post and others from New York I have realized how much less expensive tractors are in Texas.

Best of luck with your decision and please post pictures of you new tractor when you get one /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Varmintmist · Aug 19, 2004

The lift capacity is out of the JD Grounds Care Equipment purchasing guide. I have run a 950 w/FEL and I know that lift is a function of how bad you need to carry a lot. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I thought those #'s were low, but its most likely a CYA for Deere. If you break the loader they can always say that you loaded it to heavy. Or if you get hurt, they are covered. Not saying thats a bad thing, in this envrioment of people not taking responsibility it's a nessessity. Kind of sad, but understandable.

mwood · Aug 19, 2004

Wow. Looks like we are looking at the same tractors! I have a similar post but you go into much more info!

One of the machines that has really stood out to me is the Kioti 3054. Reverser, 30 hp, great 3pt capacity and above average loader capacity. Should be priced around what you are looking at too!

Just something to think about.

mwood

familyman · Aug 19, 2004

The PTO lever and foot throttle go unnoticed by me when using my L2800. 45 hrs later, I have nothing but praise for the quality and capability of this machine. Having compared between the JD 790 and TC30, I made my choice based on ergos, subjective feel, apparent quality and recommendations from other Kubota owners. Prices were all within a coupple of hundred of each other. My dealer has been o.k., but nothing has gone wrong. I'm sure others will say the same about their brands, but I would buy Kubota again. I already believe that this tractor will keep working long past my retirement (maybe never?). Don't stare too long at spec sheets -- from what I've seen and read, they don't always reflect reality. Drive them all and see what fits you ! Good luck and post again with good news of whatever color! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Charley

ChrisW · Aug 19, 2004

You should check out the classifieds tab at the top of the page. They have a good amount of tractors for sale in it throughout the country. (Yes, I happen to have a 2003 3054 in it as well /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

ChrisW

RodgerF · Aug 19, 2004

You might do a little better on the TC 30. I picked one up last month with loaded R4's, 7308 with HD bucket for $14,500. Another $500 got me a tooth bar and canopy installed.

This is my first tractor in a long time. Until now the newest tractor I've operated is my uncle's '73 Ford 3000. I used to run a little Farmall Cub so to me they were all nice. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DiskDoctr · Aug 20, 2004

Varmintmist,

Where is Chicora, PA? I am in Western PA.

I have a Mahindra 3510, the one at which you are looking. If you have any questions about it, just ask!

That is a great compilation. For running 3ph equipment, I also looked at 3ph lift capacity, ability to disengage 4WD, included rear remotes with control lever (for hydraulic top link to the CAT 1 quick hitch I added), PTO type (Always live, live, double clutch, etc- not sure of actual names), and 3ph lift hydraulics always being live (lifts even when clutch is pushed).

On thing I did like on the Mahindra was the PTO selector switch for Off, Auto (clutch out-runs, clutch in-stops), and Manual (Always runs). This is also tied to a simple push button on the steering column that enables and disables the PTO (bright red when ON, dark when OFF, and blinking when AUTO but clutch is in)

I also liked that it was built on the same heavier frame as the Mahindra 4110. I prefer overbuilt to underbuilt if given a choice.

Don't confuse the 3510 with the 3510HST (not a hydrostatic version of 3510, more of a 2810 with a larger engine- much smaller). I wrote a post in the Mahindra forum about this some time ago.

Whatever you get, if you don't get a hoe, LOAD THE REAR TIRES with fluid, or you will be in the tipsy DANGER ZONE when using the FEL. Most CUTs in this size are strong and compact, therefore not as inherently stable as larger or less powerful tractors.

12 gears are nice. I mostly use the range shifter when using FEL (L or M to load bucket, then H to move to dumping/spreading area). I have probably used 10 of the 12 gears in forward. Reverse is simply whatever I was using in forward.

The partial shuttle clutch is nice for forward-neutral-reverse, although you still have to use the clutch.

I can recommend a good top canopy, and extra light setup on the canopy (special wire to tap that puts you on a key operated circuit with enough amps to power them). Easily accessible.

With the weighted rear wheels (we did it ourselves with windshield washer fluid), this thing handles like a dream. When 72" box blading/ripping, lower gears quite useful and little to no slippage. Using the 66" tiller, I like a sloooow gear for high RPMs- fast PTO and slow ground speed without riding the clutch.

Even came with a rear mounted light pointed towards 3ph area- nice touch.

Tilting steering column was a plus for us, as we are 5'8" and 5'6"- eliminates the uncomfortable stretch/lean forward with many tractors.

3ph can be locked up with knob below the seat. Good for transport.

I also use an 84" 3ph finish mower without any problem, so lots of power. You also have a 1000RPM setting for the PTO if needed.

Just completed 50hr first service last week and it was a breeze- once you get a good, large filter wrench (I posted about this in part/repairs). I dug through some posts to get the best info on fluids for this change.

R4's are a good balance between use on grass/lawn and traction.

This is pretty maneuverable, although as with any 4WD, the turns aren't as sharp when engaged.

Well, that's about what I know about the 3510. If they had a hydrostatic version, I'd have paid an extra $1k-$2k for it. I don't know if the other brands have that in this size, but I would've considered it. Not too much trouble, but hydro would have been nice.

Too much info? Never! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Oh yeah, 0% interest for 3yrs, or 1.5% if you finance the implements, too.

-JC

Varmintmist · Aug 20, 2004

Diskdoc, thats what I am looking for, honest opinions of the units /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Did I come to the right place?? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Chicora is in Butler Co. north of 422, south of 80, east of 8.

Nixon lives close in West Sunbury.

How do you like the loader?? That is about the only qualm I have with the Mahindra. Its slow. I have a LOT of loader work to do in the next few months and the Kubota loader seemed a lot nicer to work with. Of course after the major loader work is done then it will be a glorified wheelbarrow 80% of the time. I really like the stability of the Mahindra, it just feels good in turns and on the little hill at the dealer. So does the Kub though. Have you had the problem with the PTO button that I read about here?

Info on all the tractors mentioned is appriciated. I am color blind except for the color of greenbacks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I really want opinions on these machines. All of the dealers are in the area + and they apparently price check each other /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Rodger, did you get the NH in SW PA?? If so where? Like I said , these dealers are close to me, but I can drive a ways for 1000.00

Familyman, I agree the paper doen not often reflect reality. Neither does a test drive give you a full picture of what it can do. The ergonomics can be checked by riding around the lot, and that is real important. If I find a more capable, less comfortable tractor for the right $$, I can live with it. With cars, trucks and equipment, you really dont know how it WORKS until you work it. Thats where you guys come in /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif info without outlay /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I dont have the kind of free money to buy another if the one I get wont do the job.

Actually since a guy Tboned my wife in my truck at the 5th ring of Hell (Wal-Mart) this whole thing may get put on the back burner till I find out what I get from the insurance co. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Wife and kids ok btw.