Tractor buying advice

[Trigger34]

Hi am new to the forum but have been reading up on reviews here for months. I am currently having a hard time deciding between JD, Kubota, and Yanmar to replace my International. I have been doing as much research and dealer visits as possible. I have tested the JD 3045R and I was quite impressed. They are getting in a 4049M for me ro test as well I like all of the bells and whistle on the R. But want to see the M almost same price but more tractor but less options. One of my neighbors has a 5000 series E not sure of exact#. He said he has not been able to get some parts for it. And it is only 10 years old. Is this a common problem with JD. He has me worried to get one. Keeps telling me to go orange and don't look back. I have a local dealer knew in town Padula brothers. They are bigger in Easter Mass.


I have tested the Yanmar YT2, and 3 like them both. The YT2 might be a bit small and light. But ran nice and seamed well built. The YT3 with the new hydrostatic transmission was great to try. I am considering but worry about parts down the road. I know they have a long history just don't know anyone with one. Local dealer emxtreamle knowledgeable.

I have been to two Kubota dealers neither offer a test drive lol. I checked out the L3901, Grand L and MX5100. Like them. The MX seams like the most bang for your buck. Cheaper than the grand L but still a nice tractor. The L 3901 seamed real bear bones after the JD test ride. but might be better for longevity and not as may electronically parts to brake. I know the parts supply is there with kubota.

I see the pros and cons to all 3 brands. Any help and advice would be great.

Thanks

 

[Tractorable]

It's a tough call man. They're all good. All the JD CUT's and SCUT's have Yanmar engines in them so they're hybrids. Kubota and Yanmar build the entire tractor from the wheels up.

Also, JD doesn't have SSQA loaders and some are not quick attach.

The new transmission in the Yanmar YT3 series is a hydro-mechanical unit that is removable and serviceable. It's more efficient than a HST.

It'd help if you could tell us more about your property and what work you want to do with the tractor. That'd help us help you weigh the options.

 

[newbury]

<snip>

It'd help if you could tell us more about your property and what work you want to do with the tractor. That'd help us help you weigh the options.

Also
Where is "Shelburn Falls"? Shelburne Falls, MA? Shelburne Falls, Vt?
What's your ballpark wallet limitation for EVERYTHING you need to start? (tractor, implements, etc.)? We often recommend expensive solutions.
A tractor with a rope is better than no tractor at all, but some of us spend as much or more on implements as we do on the tractor.
Do you have any nature limitations? Steep slopes, marshes etc.

For example I've a Kubota B7610 (23HP, FEL capacity 700 lbs)and LOTS of woodland, had it since 2009. Worked fine moving my wood around in small pieces, Then I got a small sawmill and I needed to move logs 10' long and 2' DBH, felt I needed a bigger tractor, so I got my M4700 (50HP FEL capacity 2,000 lbs), now I can theoretically move those logs with my FEL.

So you need to size your tractor to what you think you will need to do in the future.

 

[Wagtail]

I agree with Tractorable, but with one small caveat: JD does offer a SSQA adaptor, so that should not be a 'deal breaker' in your decision.

There are many threads on TBN discussing SSQA vs. the other FEL quick-attach systems. The added weight to your FEL lifting capacity being one of the factors.

 

[airbiscuit]

Kubota dealers not offering test drives? They must be selling too many tractors.

 

[Tractorable]

Not to hijack, but Kubota just dropped our local dealer who's been selling them for 27 years because they're sign and showroom wasn't up to their standards. Seemed kinda snooty for Kubota to do that to a good dealer even after they made plans for a new showroom. So now the dealer is going to be selling Yanmar and New Holland.

Kubota not offering test drives? What's up with that?

 

[jeff9366]

I checked out the L3901, Grand L and MX5100. Like them. The MX seams like the most bang for your buck. Cheaper than the grand L but still a nice tractor. The L 3901 seamed real bear bones after the JD test ride. but might be better for longevity and not as may electronically parts to break. I know the parts supply is there with kubota.


I have been to two Kubota dealers neither offer a test drive.

Have you searched for Deere parts on the web? Deere has an excellent reputation for maintaining parts for its older models. Parts shortage may be a dealer situation, rather than a Deere situation.


The FOUR CYLINDER Kubota Grand Ls and the MX series share the same spacious, heavy chassis. The Grand Ls have maximal kit, which includes Kubota's efficiency enhancing HST/PLUS transmission.
The MX series have minimal kit yielding a lower price.

The standard L series, which includes the L3901, are based on a lighter, less spacious, chassis.

So you have choices.

Have you owned a tractor before? What is your age?

I am seventy years old. I owned two minimally equipped tractors, one Deere 750/Yanmar, one Kubota, before buying a Grand L in 2013. Money well spent. I have never read of a Grand L purchaser regretting that $$ decision on this site.

Kubota dealers are all crying about longer than normal tractor and parts delivery times this summer. Business is good and Kubota is transitioning to expanded parts facilities in Kansas, which is affecting parts particularly, temporarily.

 

[dragoneggs]

Not to hijack, but Kubota just dropped our local dealer who's been selling them for 27 years because they're sign and showroom wasn't up to their standards. Seemed kinda snooty for Kubota to do that to a good dealer even after they made plans for a new showroom. So now the dealer is going to be selling Yanmar and New Holland.

Kubota not offering test drives? What's up with that?

Not trying to argue but there are at least two side to every story. Just sayin'

 

[Tractorable]

Not trying to argue but there are at least two side to every story. Just sayin'

Yea, that's true.

 

[Trigger34]

Also
Where is "Shelburn Falls"? Shelburne Falls, MA? Shelburne Falls, Vt?
What's your ballpark wallet limitation for EVERYTHING you need to start? (tractor, implements, etc.)? We often recommend expensive solutions.
A tractor with a rope is better than no tractor at all, but some of us spend as much or more on implements as we do o the tractor.
Do you have any nature limitations? Steep slopes, marshes etc.

For example I've a Kubota B7610 (23HP, FEL capacity 700 lbs)and LOTS of woodland, had it since 2009. Worked fine moving my wood around in small pieces, Then I got a small sawmill and I needed to move logs 10' long and 2' DBH, felt I needed a bigger tractor, so I got my M4700 (50HP FEL capacity 2,000 lbs), now I can theoretically move those logs with my FEL.

So you need to size your tractor to what you think you will need to do in the future.

Shelburn Falls Mass. I have about 6+acre of paddock to mow for our horses. I also have a private driveway / shared road that I help maintain. I was hoping to stay around 35k.