Tractor Ratings

[Grandad4]

Choosing a tractor is a highly personal decision. Even though it's a "work tool", there are all kinds of subjective judgments behind someone deciding what they like and don't like. Even the sincere advice you can find here is colored by the perspective of who is giving it, and it's a sure thing that someone equally sincere will hold a differing view. The good news is that the tractor business is very competitive and nobody selling junk, so you have little chance of getting a lemon.

I'd suggest you do some tire kicking to get an idea of what brands and dealers are near you, and then, before you do any true shopping, go home and think out what specific things are going to be important for you. For example, if you plan to mow or have boggy ground, you probably don't want a main battle tank of a tractor and you'd want something with a lighter footprint. Or you might have plans for some extensive tillage work where a heavier tractor will give you more pulling power.

Comments: a) Your haying plans will drive you to a larger tractor to drive the equipment and have enough weight... few if any modern 30-40 hp tractors are well suited to that kind of work. b) The backhoe is a large expense and only worth it if you have recurring need for it. A few one-time chores can be more cheaply handled by a rental when needed.

This probably wasn't exactly what you were asking for but I hope it's helpful. Good luck with your shopping!

 

[GreenCamo]

...and also at least one model of John Deere is made in china which may be better than other brands but it is still Chinese made and contributing to the Chinese economy which we don't need any more of than absolutely necessary

Would you mind letting us all know which Deere model is made in China? I look forward to your reply. Thanks!

 

[TSO]

I have been thinking of replacing my main tractor and have been looking for ratings or tractors in the 30-40hp range - general work for a small farm, haying, backhoe, loader. The sites I have found seem mainly to be telling about features and how wonderful each tractor is. Others are reports by individuals on their experience with a particular tractor or brand - interesting but not that useful. I want something like a Consumer Reports of farm tractors. Let's hear the good but also the problems. Anyone got any suggestions for sites or other resources?

So your needs/wants are:

30-40 HP
Loader
Backhoe
Haying (specifics? Pulling a baler or discbine...?)
General purpose work.

Do you want a cab?

 

[stoyan79]

You can't go wrong with any of the mainstream brands.

Kubota is number 1 in SCUTs and CUTs for a good reason.
JD is probably as good, but more expensive.
Kubota and JD hold the highest resale value out of all brands, so if you think there will be a chance you'd sell it in the near future, stick with those two.

Kioti and LS are great, and you might find a bargain there.
Some Mahindras are re-badged Mitsubishi tractors, which are very, very well regarded all over the world.

 

[KevT]

You can't go wrong with any of the mainstream brands.

Kubota is number 1 in SCUTs and CUTs for a good reason.
JD is probably as good, but more expensive.
Kubota and JD hold the highest resale value out of all brands, so if you think there will be a chance you'd sell it in the near future, stick with those two.

Kioti and LS are great, and you might find a bargain there.
Some Mahindras are re-badged Mitsubishi tractors, which are very, very well regarded all over the world.

Very well said. Also I question the haying comment, I have a 37hp Kubota and not sure it could run true haying equipment. Now that may be due to the fact I don't want to stress it out but I bought it to put in pasture grass. To many cross fencing and rotation of critters to hay it

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I think 30-40hp for haying is wishful thinking unless your going to use older equipment. A sickle bar cutter for example. There is no way in the world it would run a discbine, I looked into running a 9 footer with my 70pto hp and I wasn't convinced I had enough snot to do it!

 

[flusher]

I have been thinking of replacing my main tractor and have been looking for ratings or tractors in the 30-40hp range - general work for a small farm, haying, backhoe, loader. The sites I have found seem mainly to be telling about features and how wonderful each tractor is. Others are reports by individuals on their experience with a particular tractor or brand - interesting but not that useful. I want something like a Consumer Reports of farm tractors. Let's hear the good but also the problems. Anyone got any suggestions for sites or other resources?

Consumer Reports for tractors? No such animal.

You're looking for a small tractor loader backhoe (TLB).
There are only a few brands that supply the entire TLB package (JD, Mahindra, Kubota, LS, etc).
I'd stay away from add-on backhoes. Get the entire package from one dealer.
Start with dealers close to you and test drive their TLB offerings.
Choose a dealer that has decent service and parts departments.

Good luck

 

[EddieWalker]

Like the others have already said, dealer support is number one. But for me, price is always a major factor and getting more for my dollar without sacrificing quality is also a big part in any buying decision that I make. I've found that the bigger named brands in just about anything tend to be able to get more money for what they sell, when other brands put at a product of equal quality for a more competitive price. I'm still about 2 years away from buying anything, but as of right now, I'm thinking either India or Korean for the brands that interest me the most. I have a Korean build 35 hp Century tractor that was $4,000 less then the same thing Kubota had to offer and all the sales guy from Kubota could say as to why it cost more was it's better. He couldn't say why it's better, or what it could do that the Century couldn't. Just that "it's better" My Century had been abused, neglected and beat up. It just keeps on going and going!!! Now I want more HP for a batwing and I want a cab. I'm willing to pay for those comforts and hope it will be my last tractor. I just want to pay off my truck first before taking on a loan for a tractor.

Eddie

 

[DK35vince]

Kubota and JD hold the highest resale value out of all brands, so if you think there will be a chance you'd sell it in the near future, stick with those two.

I see this posted all the time and I'm still not convinced its true.
If they cost a few thousand more new and sell for a few thousand more used its a wash IMO.

 

[TSO]

I see this posted all the time and I'm still not convinced its true.
If they cost a few thousand more new and sell for a few thousand more used its a wash IMO.

I agree, both my Kioti and LS held their value very well when I sold them after a year.