Total cost over time--JD vs. Kubota

[TripleR]

Thanks again for the input.

1) The SWAG on $/yr on typical maintenance is what I was really after. Knowing that each is in the same zone is helpful.

2) I am still getting conflicting vibes on this one. I'll just have to throw out most of what I have heard & read as bias. I'll try to do some local research on who uses the dealers around here for some feedback.

3) The implement selection was a concern, until reading the replies. Those replies were welcome news. I was just trying to avoid boxing myself into a corner with one brand.

Time for one last spin around the lot on each...

You are on the right track; implements are implements, I use Woods, Land Pride, King Kutter LMC, Caroni and a couple I forget on John Deere, Kubota, Case, Ford and Massey Ferguson.

Anyone that tells you one of the top three or four top brands is mechanically better across the board than the other is in my opinion blowing smoke. I would look at Kubota, John Deere, Kioti, New Holland and Massey Ferguson.

 

[Grandad4]

Thanks again for the input.

2) I am still getting conflicting vibes on this one. I'll just have to throw out most of what I have heard & read as bias. I'll try to do some local research on who uses the dealers around here for some feedback.

Judging by your location, in or near the agricultural heartland, you will certainly see a lot of green equipment, and lots of well-justified brand loyalty, since JD is so prominent in large scale production agriculture. Interestingly, JD has less market share in the smaller, "compact tractor" end of the tractor business, where Kubota is the sales leader, I'm told.

I agree with TripleR regarding the brands. If you spend some time reading the countless threads here on TBN on this subject, you find a pretty consistent pattern saying, "If you can find a specific tractor that feels right for you, and you find a good dealer to do business with, don't get your knickers in a knot about getting a certain brand because the top manufacturers all make excellent equipment."

 

[therebarely]

Without starting an argument, it would suffice to say that you are looking at the 2 best brands in that horsepower range. How do they compare in price, and which dealer has the best reputation.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Kubota just doubled the lenght of the service interval on the transmission.. which is the expensive part of the service. May want to check the hour differences vs the Deere.

 

[jenkinsph]

KnuckleDragger,

When you take that last spin around the lot make sure it is long enough to get a feel for manuevering the two tractors. Good luck with your decision these are both good tractors. I am thinking this is the same tractor I compared when I bought mine but not sure.

 

[whistlepig]

KnuckleDragger,

When you take that last spin around the lot make sure it is long enough to get a feel for manuevering the two tractors. Good luck with your decision these are both good tractors. I am thinking this is the same tractor I compared when I bought mine but not sure.

This is the best advice.

 

[whistlepig]

Kubota just doubled the lenght of the service interval on the transmission.. which is the expensive part of the service. May want to check the hour differences vs the Deere.

Does this apply to the older Kubota's or just the newer ones?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

These are 2 good tractors. Questions to ask yourself: Will I do my own maintenance or pay the dealer? How many hours will I put on the machine per year? One more thing that is bound to strike a nerve here: Will I ever need to use the brakes to help steer? Trust your most seasoned tractor veteran you know to answer this. Do not trust anyone online here. I repeat, not anyone....especially if they drive orange...

Seriously, compare your dealers and don't be afraid to pay a bit more for either tractor if the dealership is outstanding. Don't judge by # of new tractors on the lot. Judge the parts dept, service, experience of help etc...

 

[whistlepig]

These are 2 good tractors. Questions to ask yourself: Will I do my own maintenance or pay the dealer? How many hours will I put on the machine per year? One more thing that is bound to strike a nerve here: Will I ever need to use the brakes to help steer? Trust your most seasoned tractor veteran you know to answer this. Do not trust anyone online here. I repeat, not anyone....especially if they drive orange...

Seriously, compare your dealers and don't be afraid to pay a bit more for either tractor if the dealership is outstanding. Don't judge by # of new tractors on the lot. Judge the parts dept, service, experience of help etc...

I have learned a wealth of information online from TBN. To limit one's information whether online or to rule out orange, green, or purple is to stick one's head in the sand. I strongly agree that paying more to a dealer that is outstanding. This, over the years, has saved me money and time in the long run.

 

[TripleR]

These are 2 good tractors. Questions to ask yourself: Will I do my own maintenance or pay the dealer? How many hours will I put on the machine per year? One more thing that is bound to strike a nerve here: Will I ever need to use the brakes to help steer? Trust your most seasoned tractor veteran you know to answer this. Do not trust anyone online here. I repeat, not anyone....especially if they drive orange...

Seriously, compare your dealers and don't be afraid to pay a bit more for either tractor if the dealership is outstanding. Don't judge by # of new tractors on the lot. Judge the parts dept, service, experience of help etc...

Actually some seasoned veteran tractors operators don't even need brakes; took mine off to eliminate clutter in the operators station