Torn-Kubota or New Holland? Horsepower?

[RedDog]

I’m wondering how you arrived at the two compact tractors you listed?

With the preliminary information provided, I’d consider a larger utility tractor, with more mass, more torque, more hydraulic horsepower (your new loader will love it!)… especially with 67 acres to work…

If you can eliminate the “hydro” option, you will get much more tractor for your money…

Give us an idea of the “dollars” the budget will allow and what you expect for your money…
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I was wondering the same thing!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

RedDog <font color="orange"> Kioti DK65 </font>

 

[MODiesel]

John makes a good point. It's one I'm wrestling with. I've got some open pasture, around 15 acres or so, of nice flat level hay ground. Just mowing right now, but the field needs a good discing and some seeding, and subsequently some baling. It's not a business for me, just a hobby, but a utility tractor suits my needs perfectly.

However...

On the north side of the field is the creek -- full time, year round, big old concrete bridge and such. The creek has created a very nice rolling "park" area underneath the shade of many sycamore and cottonwood trees at the base of two very decent hills. I'd guesstimate I'm looking at another 5-10 acres of maintenance in that area. I had a NH TN75S in there last fall, and I just couldn't manuever amongst all the trees, gullies and washouts. The direct, geared transmission endured tons of clutching and shifting to navigate or accomodate all the varying terrain. My current TC29D with hydrostat was quite adept here -- small but nimble.

Then...

We have the two hills, about 25-35 acres combined. I've cut trails from the base gully to either side, and they are heavily wooded with oak, cedar and one very populated pine top. Space requirements here are very tight, but big enough for the TC29D and the next size up "compact" tractor. No room for a "utility," though. And, in the next few years, we'll be cutting a road and building a house near the aforementioned pines, which will net me about 1/4 to 1/2 mile of driveway.

To say the least, I need a "swiss army tractor." Something big enough to keep the field mowed, occasionally run a smallish disc slowly, drag around a small square baler, maneuver and mow down by the creek, fit on the hills for general cleanup and run a future snow-blower for the driveway. To top it all off, I've had allergies all my life that seem to be getting worse as I've gotten older. So, my wife (!!!) is insisting I get a cab so I'm not so miserable after a day of tractor work. That makes for mightly slim tractor pickings.

My search has mostly narrowed to the Kubota Grand L30 series. The cab is quite nice, and the 5030 sports some decent HP to do alot of different chores. The mid-PTO is appealing. And while the HST might be marginal for the light discing, it's perfect for everything else.

Nevertheless, I'm still fighting with doubts as I try to optimize the purchase for my environs. Sometimes, this can be difficult, and I sympathize with the original poster if he faces a similar dilemma. However, this is a good forum, and I think if we knew a bit more about your property, we all might be able to offer more directed wisdom.

Later,
Jay

 

[grandad]

Your property certainly sounds idyllic, but also it's going to take a lot of work. The hydro does seem like the way to go... it's hard to beat it for convenience and maneuverability, but, depending on the soil, plowing that 15 acres with it seems a bit more than I would want to do also.

Just wondering if adding a bigger, used ag tractor along side your TC29D wouldn't get you the best of both for the same or fewer $$ as trying to find your one swiss army tractor. Only drawback I see is not getting that nice cab.

But, it's nice to have such things to worry about /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Best of luck in your search.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Like others, I would suggest a utility tractor as well. John Deere makes a new 5103 / 5105 that has about 40 hp, and lists for about $15,000 base. I seriously looked at the Kubotas and NH comparable models, but preferred green.

I just bought a JD 990, but would have preferred the 5103 if I could have got it right away. These are solid, heavy tractors made for work. Not a lot of frills, but I have found shifting gears to not be a problem at all, and I have done a lot of loader work.

Just my thoughts. Here's the JD info if anyone's interested:
JD 5103

I did find out these tractors are from India -- similar to a Mahindra?

 

[Moon]

I have to agree with the previous posts, you can't go wrong with either of the tractors your considering. I can add a little background which might be of help. Last year I was in a similar decision process. Same dealer had both New Holland and Kubota's. I could hop off one and onto another. I had pretty much decided on the bota 2910. But during last years rebate offering, the Grand L3010 was just a couple hundred more. It just looked to big for what I was wanting, but I drove one. Then I got back on the 2910. I checked turning radius on marked pavement, and there was not a big difference...at least not as big as I had expected. However the weight difference was around 1000lbs (2910 =1800 / 3010 =2800). But with loaded tires (R4's) that adds 1300 lbs to the 3010. Can't remeber how much the 2910 was w/ loaded tires. I decided on the 3010 and am glad I did. Awesome machine. Just last night I was clearing an area that had old 8x6 posts about 7' tall cemented in the ground. I was able to push those suckers over. Did 4 of em that way. So easy. At first I wanted the lighter weight tractor so I could trailer my tractor on a trailer i have. Now I don't have a trailer to haul the 3010 around, but my dealer will pick up and deliver it whenever needed, and i don't have a need to take it anywhere else. It works for me. ....anyway, the point of the long winded ramblin is more weight is a good thing. I makes many of the tasks I do easier, and the tractor is very stable on my many hills.
Good luck in your shoppin,
Moon of Ohio

 

[MODiesel]

Grandad:

Yes, I'm starting to think that you're right. Two tractors for the different needs and terrain. Might even be cheaper if I can find a good used 2WD utility tractor.

Best Regards,
Jay

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Harv57: As others have said, both will do your job. The only reason I am responding is you said you wanted something that "will last your lifetime." (We'll skip the issue of how old you are!!!) Anyway that's a question beyond the "best" tractor. The new 30 series Kubota is a really spiffy tractor, well made, etc. But they have started cheapening them in terms of longevity (not in terms of buiild quality). Look back at tractors being sold 50 years ago if you want a "lifetime" tractor. Simple is better. 8Ns running 50 years ago (around 25hp, 2500 lbs) were working 80 acre spreads, including plowing, pulling combines, doing loader (light duty) work, etc. Those same tractors are still being used today. You want something simple, something that's been around for years (engine & drive train at least). Also, you made note of HP. Look at PTO HP, NOT, engine HP. I recently purchased a tractor and one of my considerations was longevity-would what I was buying be likely to be around 50 years from now (yes, I will be dead). The JD 5100s are solid. So is the 990. So are the NH so-called Class IIIs (you can check out a recent review I did of my TC40). Given reasonable care all should be running 50 years from now. If you are going Kubota, look at the 10 series. They can be kept up for a long time. Put it another way. Does the tractor have on it key parts (without which it won't run) that you couldn't fabricate in a well equiped machine shop. If they do forget it. Keep it simple. JEH