Tractor Recommendation

[MtnHeightsWV]

So, i went back to look for 3 series problems and came up mostly empty. but during my initial research, i found too many people with various serious issues that i wasn't comfortable with. I'm not slagging deere, but that was my take away. I just checked on the 4 series pricing and its a good 20k OVER the LS in a similar size comparison...

airbiscuit - I think my top contender is going to be an LS MT352HC ... dealer gave me a ballpark this weekend for an MT357HC at 40k w/ rimgaurd, delivered... so i'd prob opt for the smaller (detuned) engine and buy an implement w/ the savings.

funny story about the ls dealer... i called in the am, asked if they had a MT3 on the lot, he said 'yes, just got one in last night, it was an MT357 HC', I said perfect, i'll be up to take a look. (dealer is 40min away) I pull into the lot, not an MT3 in sight... haha. they did have an MT3, but it was the MT335 H (no cab), which is a smaller frame size than the 352/357. I bs'd w/ the dealer for a bit, and he recognized that there were some new things about the LS line he was still learning and seemed brochures were dated... (no concern from me on that). (price for the mt335H was 26+k)

lots of kubota dealer close, but again, cost wise, they're just really high over the LS.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

lots of kubota dealer close, but again, cost wise, they're just really high over the LS.

Mt, let me ask you a question. Is there a difference between Honda and Mercedes?

 

[Torvy]

Yes, the Honda is considerably more reliable, gets better gas mileage, has better resale as a % of price and is considerably cheaper up front.

Nothing wrong with Kubota, but they are not better designed or built than the competition. They have a broader network of dealers in the US. Other people will be more familiar with your brand.

OP,

TYM/Branson and LS are going to be your best bang for the buck. Closely followed by Kioti. Dealer is important. I really wish that Kubota had a better value proposition as the dealership is the closest by about 30 miles for me. Unfortunately, Deere and Kubota use pricing to convince people they are better. Far too many people think higher price equals better quality. That can be true, but is often a ruse.

 

[jyoutz]

Yes, the Honda is considerably more reliable, gets better gas mileage, has better resale as a % of price and is considerably cheaper up front.

Nothing wrong with Kubota, but they are not better designed or built than the competition. They have a broader network of dealers in the US. Other people will be more familiar with your brand.

OP,

TYM/Branson and LS are going to be your best bang for the buck. Closely followed by Kioti. Dealer is important. I really wish that Kubota had a better value proposition as the dealership is the closest by about 30 miles for me. Unfortunately, Deere and Kubota use pricing to convince people they are better. Far too many people think higher price equals better quality. That can be true, but is often a ruse.

Part of the pricing difference is not necessarily machine quality, but also service network. It’s easy to find service and parts quickly for Kubota and Deere, while the same cannot always be said for other brands. Brand value is also a function of those factors and was the reason why I only considered Kubota and Deere when considering my purchase. Some locations have good support for other brands, but overall nobody matches the big 2 for those things.

 

[MiniDonkey22]

Part of the pricing difference is not necessarily machine quality, but also service network. It’s easy to find service and parts quickly for Kubota and Deere, while the same cannot always be said for other brands. Brand value is also a function of those factors and was the reason why I only considered Kubota and Deere when considering my purchase. Some locations have good support for other brands, but overall nobody matches the big 2 for those things.

This all the way. It is not a honda mercedes comparison. You are paying more for Deere and Kubota because of their strong, decades old dealer network. And frankly, i think they deserve that premium.

 

[jyoutz]

This all the way. It is not a honda mercedes comparison. You are paying more for Deere and Kubota because of their strong, decades old dealer network. And frankly, i think they deserve that premium.

I saw what my neighbor went through with his Montana tractor and that influenced my choice of Kubota. His tractor seems to be capable and well built. BUT he has to wait weeks or months for parts and anything but routine service is almost unobtainium.

 

[Williy]

Cahaba Valley Farm JD is living off of the
Yanmar reputation as Yanmar made tractors
for them for over 20 years under 50hp
Both John Deere and Kubota have out priced
them selves
The JD has too much plastic for one thing
Kubota anyone checking them out are in the
know

willy

 

[Torvy]

This all the way. It is not a honda mercedes comparison. You are paying more for Deere and Kubota because of their strong, decades old dealer network. And frankly, i think they deserve that premium.

It is not a car. Dealer 'network' means a lot less than your local dealer's solid reputation. Unless you are doing work across a region or planning on moving, that is just more marketing than usefulness. Certainly not worth the higher cost. All else being equal, I'd pay $250-$500 more for an equal tractor, but the differences are far greater.

 

[airbiscuit]

So Torvy, when are you going to spend any money to actually buy a tractor?

 

[Torvy]

So Torvy, when are you going to spend any money to actually buy a tractor?

Very soon. The shed is finally underway. The framing is about done. Once I can secure it, I should be good to go.

 

[MtnHeightsWV]

Part of the pricing difference is not necessarily machine quality, but also service network. It’s easy to find service and parts quickly for Kubota and Deere, while the same cannot always be said for other brands.

Honestly, this is true and waiting a bit for a part IS part of my overall consideration. I AM willing to wait a couple days/weeks/month to get a part (if needed) and save 20k (edit: 30k!$) off a purchase price. It would absolutely be different if i needed to rely on this machine for my living, but as mentioned, it is a toy/tool. And weighing all things, I am comfortable with LS as a stable, long term brand, which may not be said of branson or rk or montana or bobcat or badboy or... To be clear, I'd love to have a deere or kubota, but they just aren't in my price range. The trade-off i consider is this: premium brand in my $ range is a smaller frame machine with less options (no cab, no remotes, etc) OR Mid brand an LS (or TYM, or?...) with a larger frame size which would have a cab and 3 remotes. I am concerned about stressing the tractor to begin with (why i'm targeting the MT352 size) than some of the smaller premium machines. (edit: I just priced a JD 4066R w/ cab and loader = 70k+ !!) that machine is probably fairly comparable to the LS mt357CH at 40k my dealer quoted me.

Kioti dealer is closest, LS and Kubota and Deere are all about the same distance, then maybe mahindra... after that its 1hr+ to anything else (not even sure). I won't mind paying a bit over internet pricing to a local dealer to ensure a good relation to help if/when I need it, but this is different than paying 10-20k more for a comparable machine. Depending on how things go in my life (job wise) I may be able to purchase next year or so, so I have plenty fo time for research and to see where pricing and interest rates are at. (yes, I plan on financing the tractor... I'd rather have the equipment now while I still have a back, than wait to save up and be 7 years older. not saying this is financially wise, but ... ) on a positive note, I already have an external garage with an empty bay ready to go

 

[Williy]

I just run across this dandy:

willy

 

[jyoutz]

Honestly, this is true and waiting a bit for a part IS part of my overall consideration. I AM willing to wait a couple days/weeks/month to get a part (if needed) and save 20k (edit: 30k!$) off a purchase price. It would absolutely be different if i needed to rely on this machine for my living, but as mentioned, it is a toy/tool. And weighing all things, I am comfortable with LS as a stable, long term brand, which may not be said of branson or rk or montana or bobcat or badboy or... To be clear, I'd love to have a deere or kubota, but they just aren't in my price range. The trade-off i consider is this: premium brand in my $ range is a smaller frame machine with less options (no cab, no remotes, etc) OR Mid brand an LS (or TYM, or?...) with a larger frame size which would have a cab and 3 remotes. I am concerned about stressing the tractor to begin with (why i'm targeting the MT352 size) than some of the smaller premium machines. (edit: I just priced a JD 4066R w/ cab and loader = 70k+ !!) that machine is probably fairly comparable to the LS mt357CH at 40k my dealer quoted me.

Kioti dealer is closest, LS and Kubota and Deere are all about the same distance, then maybe mahindra... after that its 1hr+ to anything else (not even sure). I won't mind paying a bit over internet pricing to a local dealer to ensure a good relation to help if/when I need it, but this is different than paying 10-20k more for a comparable machine. Depending on how things go in my life (job wise) I may be able to purchase next year or so, so I have plenty fo time for research and to see where pricing and interest rates are at. (yes, I plan on financing the tractor... I'd rather have the equipment now while I still have a back, than wait to save up and be 7 years older. not saying this is financially wise, but ... ) on a positive note, I already have an external garage with an empty bay ready to go

As you have pointed out, there are lots of considerations and not everyone has the same situation. You point out that you have dealers for several brands other than the big 2. That’s a game changer. I have no other brands with dealer service within 500-1000 miles other than JD and Kubota. There is a nearby Mahindra dealer, but they have no service facilities and minimal parts warehouse.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Unfortunately, Deere and Kubota use pricing to convince people they are better. Far too many people think higher price equals better quality. That can be true, but is often a ruse.

Torvy I will ask you a question. If someone is looking for a safe place to put their money do they not pick investments that sacrifice returns for a return on equity?

 

[Torvy]

Torvy I will ask you a question. If someone is looking for a safe place to put their money do they not pick investments that sacrifice returns for a return on equity?

I don't think that is an argument you want to make in this case. When purchasing a piece of equipment, you want maximum value for the dollar spent. Investments are made on appreciating assets or those that provide income. (or at least that is the goal). Since the income provided from a tractor would be the same, the ROE would be better on the better value. If anything, cost of ownership is less on the more value brands because the parts are typically less. Rather like the Honda vs Mercedes. Not only do you spend more upfront, but the cost of maintenance is higher, too. Like I said, there may be reasons to choose one of the big brands and pay the premium price. jYoutz situation where it is simply too far to have options is one. Having a business use where you use the equipment in multiple cities may be another. For the vast majority of us who are not using tractors for income (or at least not for a living), lower costs are better. Sure, you will have some wealthy or wannabe wealthy types who buy for status, most of us are more concerned with value. This is especially true heading into a downturn. The job of marketing and sales in those companies is to convince buyers that spending more is a value proposition. It clearly works on some people.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I don't think that is an argument you want to make in this case.

I'm not making any argument I only asked you a question.

When purchasing a piece of equipment, you want maximum value for the dollar spent. Investments are made on appreciating assets or those that provide income. (or at least that is the goal).

And when making an investment you want maximum returns at risk adjusted rates.

Since the income provided from a tractor would be the same, the ROE would be better on the better value.

Not if the risk is significantly higher. What you're failing to see here is the risk you are taking to get the "better value".

Rather like the Honda vs Mercedes. Not only do you spend more upfront, but the cost of maintenance is higher, too.

Lower risk investments are always more expensive then higher risk investments.

 

[nrosario]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with some of the statements regarding Kubota and Deere.
In my case, I choose Kioti because of price vs capabilities.
But I tested multiple Kubota tractors during my search, and I have to say they have the better tractor.
You can come and refute this by talking about build quality, etc. I don't necessarily need to trust your sense of perception.
Kubota tractors have better hydraulic valves and, for this reason, better control; in general, they are smoother and easier to make fine adjustments.
Same with the transmission.
You can get parts for any Kubota-built tractor eons from now.
I'm betting on Kioti because they seem to be a solid contender, and I hope they will continue producing parts for my model 10-15 years from now, but I understand it is a gamble.
Other brands stop producing parts for machines that are not even ten years old, and at that point, you have to search equivalent or find someone that can fabricate the part for you.

I tried TYM, and they look okay, but I wouldn't say I liked how the hydraulic response, and their transmission, at least on the one I tried, getting into gear wasn't smooth at all.

Regarding LS, I can't say much, I only tried their older XJ, and that was more than 3 years ago.

 

[Williy]

When you go to finance your tractor
you can get it for 6 or 8 years I chose
6 years and it will be paid off in 12 mo
or less and I purchased in Aug 2021
When you can double or triple the payments
you can save money. And if you have
money problems you will be safe just
making the min small payment. When
you finance say for 3 years payments are
$1500 mo VS 6 or 8 years at $560 mo
and you can pay the $1500 pay that amount
and you will have it paid off in half or less
time now if you have extra bills that you
did not expect you can still pay the reg
payment and take care of the extra unexpected
bills. Hope this make cents???

willy

 

[DK35vince]

I'm betting on Kioti because they seem to be a solid contender, and I hope they will continue producing parts for my model 10-15 years from now, but I understand it is a gamble.

I've owned my Kioti DK for 21 years and I have no problem at all getting parts.
I order online and they are delivered to my door in a few days

 

[deserteagle71]

Other brands stop producing parts for machines that are not even ten years old, and at that point, you have to search equivalent or find someone that can fabricate the part for you.

I tried TYM, and they look okay, but I wouldn't say I liked how the hydraulic response, and their transmission, at least on the one I tried, getting into gear wasn't smooth at all.

^This. Got a good friend who bought a TYM close to 20 years ago. It's been down for close to a year now - hydraulic valve of some sort went out and a replacement is not available, nor will any hydraulic rebuilder touch it because no parts are available.