Tractor comparisons (MF, Kubota, Kioti)

[RAW]

I went to my local dealer today to check out the Massey and Kioti tractors.

I looked at the DK45, 55, and 65.
These tractors havea lot of features for the money and also have a nice, open, comfortable operating platform.
But I feel like their COG is too high.

I also checked out the MF 400 series.
The 461 with ag tires felt exceptionally stable. It's got lots of power for its size. But the operating platform was a little cramped for me, especially the hydraulic levers to the right of the seat.

Went by the Kubota dealership, but they didn't have the MX5000. They did have some of the L series tractors. And those looked as if their COG was just like the Kioti's.

In order to compare apples to apples, what should I be lining up against the MF 400 series?

 

[JerryG]

This may raise a stink here, but neither company has a tractor that compares to the 400 series. The 400s are heavy utility work tractors.

 

[DrewL]

Center of gravity..................good question

How is that measured amongst tractors?

 

[gamble77]

You don't think the M Series compete agains the MF 400 series? I think they do, and I think they are much more refined than the MF 400 series...

 

[JerryG]

No. Kubota doesn't have a heavy utility. Everything that they have is light. They do have models with the same rated horsepower. The 400 series is an updated older design, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the Kubota does, but it is rugged and heavy duty.

 

[RAW]

That's the feeling I've gotten about the MF400 series. They seem to be built like tanks and yet simple. While the techno-geek in me is lured towards the bells and whistles of Kubota and others, my inner oaf likes the simple, robust MF400.

With the severity of my terrain, I think the MF400 would have an advantage. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I just want to find the best tool for the job.

 

[wvmapler]

Just curious what kind of price is on the MF 461 4x4??

 

[JerryG]

If it is pretty bad terrain, you might want to look into the 400 series low profile. It lowers the COG quite a bit.

 

[RAW]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Just curious what kind of price is on the MF 461 4x4?? )</font>

I was quoted a pre-haggling price of $24,675 without FEL.

I've been quite interested in checking out the low-profile series too. In fact, the dealer has a 481 LP coming in about a week or two. I told him to call me so I can come take a look at it.

Is anyone familiar with how they accomplish the low profile? It can't just be smaller wheels and tires, can it?

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Is anyone familiar with how they accomplish the low profile? It can't just be smaller wheels and tires, can it? </font>
The 2wd has shorter spindles with small diameter wheels and tires. The 4wd has small diameter wheels and tires.