Tractor opinions

NormA · Mar 18, 2006

I have been looking at compact tractors for the last 6 weeks and have narrowed my choice down to 3 tractor models that I would like your opinion on. The 3 are: Kubota B7800HST, John Deere 3203 and New Holland TC30 Hydrostatic.

The 3 are 30HP class machines with hydrostatic drive and are roughly the same price. I like all machine and they all have their pros and cons.

I would like opinions on all 3 with respect to usibility and reliability. Reliability being the more important to me. Does the tractor/make have a long standing record in reliability? Do you recommend buying a new model (the 3203 has just been shipped)? What are the scheduled maintenance costs like? How has your tractor held up? Do the respective manufactors live up to their warranty?

The purchase will include a FEL and a 6ft backhoe. My primary uses for the machine are: landscaping (personal), ground plowing, harrowing,snow removal (I live in Nova Scotia, Canada) and emergency power generation (12 to 15 KW).

Thank you in advance for your input! I plan to make my decision with the next week.

Norm

Soundguy · Mar 19, 2006

( have narrowed my choice down to 3 tractor models ....: Kubota .... John Deere ....New Holland .
)

You'l find that most people refer to these guys as the 'big three'. ( massey fergusion, also is included in the big 3 as far as most are concerned ).

( would like opinions on all 3 with respect to usibility and reliability. Reliability being the more important to me. Does the tractor/make have a long standing record in reliability? )

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the makes you mentioned.. they all have long standing histories.

( Do the respective manufactors live up to their warranty )

I've only ever had 1 warranty claim on a tractor and it was a used NH I bought that was still under warranty. The pto shield was bent... didn't bother me any.. however the dealer submitted it as a warranty issue and just handed me the parts to put on... That was pretty decent of him I felt...

I'm partial to the blue tractors.. but any of the ones you listed will be a fine machine..

Soundguy

ronjhall · Mar 19, 2006

The B7800 can handle a 90" BH. That extra 18" will make a big difference in the capacity of BH.
From other post on TBN, the 3203 is not rated for a JD BH.

Ryno1 · Mar 19, 2006

I think any of the 3 will do the job, I have the TC30 gear model with a Brushhog backhoe and subframe mount. Be sure and get the subframe mount. The TC30 is pretty much a plain old working tractor, no bells and whistles. I like it and the backhoe. Backhoe is easy to put on and take off. Good luck Terry

NormA · Mar 19, 2006

How old is your TC30?
What does the backhoe subframe do for you? Stability? Easier attaching the hoe?
Do you recommend a subframe for any tractor model?

755inNY · Mar 19, 2006

Norm,

I don't think you would go wrong with any of those 3 brands. I have never looked at those models but if the specs are the same (or at least the ones that are important to you) I suggest you operate each one. Go through all the controls for their ease of use for you. I suggest reading through the manual for each. Sometimes you will find surprises that aren't obvious when looking at the tractor.

Then don't overlook the dealer. It is important to buy from a dealer who has a good reputation for customer support for the type of tractor you are buying.

Good luck.

Jeff

btownacres · Mar 19, 2006

Norm-
All the guys have hit the nail on the head. I looked at all of those when I was shopping, not a bad pick in the bunch. My only advice is also check for the little things as well. Such as if you want a mid PTO make sure they all have it, some may be options, same with detachable buckets. I could have easily bought a JD right off the lot that didn't have the mid PTO because on the model I was looking at it WAS an option. Same for the detachable bucket, the Kubota I was looking at didn't have that either. The JD dealer was pushing a ballast box but I wanted the tires loaded instead.... just don't foeget about the little things too! Good luck to you, again, all nice machines you're looking at!

DaryleD · Mar 19, 2006

Norm,
I agree with everyone especially on finding a good dealer . Talk to folks who have purchased from them if you can. I also agree with the backhoe suggestion. The tc30 is usually recommended with the woods 71/2 foot ( 90" ) backhoe around here. I also would try to get the quick attach front loader bucket with whatever you purchase if you can. I am not trying to turn this into a brand war, but the last time that I looked at the specs of the tractors ( which was a year or so ago ) that were the same class as the tc30; the deere and kubota fell short on 3 point lift, loader lift, and hydraulic flow if I remember right. I didn't check out any numbers on the other makes though. I did it after I had purchased my tc30 just to see how things compared. I didn't think about doing it before I bought it. I am glad that it faired well in comparison and I couldn't be happier unless I had a bigger tractor just for more pto power, and more loader lift. I've got friends and neighbors who have deere and kubota who love them as much as I love mine! Good luck.
Daryle.

SWB · Mar 19, 2006

Get on them and drive them and decide which is more comfortable for you. Not all tractors fit everyone the same and ergonomics is very important the longer you spend in the tractor seat. The dealer is also important, but how comfortable or uncomfortable you are will become more important, especially if you don't need that dealer for anything.

KiotiJohn · Mar 20, 2006

( What does the backhoe subframe do for you? Stability? Easier attaching the hoe? )
The alternative hoe attaches onto the 3pt hitch, and is generally not a good idea for compact tractors as sometimes the hitch style can cause the tractor to break. Most compact MFG recommend subframe only backhoes and some won't cover damage from 3pt hitch hoes.
Yes, stability is generally better, and the subframe tends to be a little easier to hook up as well.
John