Trying to choose

brianMO · May 2, 2006

I have looked at Kiota, Mahindra, Farm Pro, and Montana. I have about $15000 to spend. I need at least a 25hp 4w with FEL. Warranty is important so I will probably stick with a company that provides a big one. I am leaning toward Mahindra, seems to be a solid choice. Anybody have some good ideas on a package right now. A deal that I do not know about.

Brian
Missouri

Ryno1 · May 2, 2006

For $15,000 I think you can get a JD, NH, or Kubota with 25hp, 4wd, and FEL. The New Holland TC30 (gear tranny), FEL, 4wd, and 5ft cutter is available in Springfield, MO for $14,895. Thats their advertised price from Sunday. Also shows a TZ25 4x4, hydro for $9450 - NO FEL listed at that price.

gamble77 · May 2, 2006

Kioti gives you telescopic lift arms, telescopic sway chains, tilt steering, curved arm front end loader, fender mounted FEL joy-stick, most weight of the four you have mentioned, and a 4-year warranty...just some things to think about.

BamaRob · May 2, 2006

I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the brands that have been mentioned. That being said, I'm kind of biased towards the big red "M" /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

With $15,000 to spend, you should be able to get in a 2615 w/ FEL with a little left over for implements. That'd get you 26 HP (23 HP PTO) and a very solid unit.

Above all (even more important than brand), make sure you get some seat time test driving all the choices. And, make sure you're doing business with a good dealer. A great warranty does you little good if you have a problem dealer that drags his/her feet about doing warranty work.

Good luck & keep us posted,

BR

P.S. That NH deal that Ryno1 mentioned above will be hard to beat!

coasterez · May 2, 2006

Also suggest looking at TYM330, Branson 2910, and Case IH DX26. Serious machines that should fit your price range. The TYM and Branson labels are basically the same tractor - wide and heavy. The C50HL loader is about as good as they get too (from all I've read). You might also find some left over Century or Scorpian tractors (both TYMs) where you can get a good deal as well.

BTW, I have a Kioti CK25, and love it.

coasterez · May 2, 2006

BTW.... I believe TYM offers a 5 year warranty.

3RRL · May 2, 2006

Don't overlook the other Chinese tractors, they have come a long way and you can get a package deal for a 35hp machine. I think there is a dealer near you that carries several lines of tractors. They carry Montana, Kama, Farm Pro, Scorpion, Morgan and some others. Here's a link to their website. They have new management and have gotten pretty good
Click Here

Here is another dealer that is known for great service and carries all those tractors too. Click Here

brianMO · May 3, 2006

Newholland has given me the best price so far.

$13800 for tc30 w/ loader

with ford 1100 trade-in plus an old rm59 mower.

$11800

Does that sound pretty good?

gamble77 · May 3, 2006

I get this all the time...UNDERSTAND that the TC30 and Kioti CK30 are not in the same class...you are comparing a base economy tractor to a luxury tractor. Anyway...if you want a true comparison look at New Holland's newer Boomer series...not the older TC. However, if the TC fits your bill then by all means jump on the deal, they are great tractors...just don't be fooled into thinking you are comparing "like" tractors.

RodgerF · May 3, 2006

Is that price with the New Holland loader? If so that's a very good price. For comparison I paid $14,500 with the NH loader back in '04 with loaded tires. Another $500 got me a tooth bar and a canopy.

Good luck with the tractor shopping.

Rodger

brianMO · May 4, 2006

This is a model 7308 Newholland loader. So maybe I should jump on it. I know this is considered an economy tractor, no frills. Will I be happy with that? I do not know. TC30 owners don't seem to be complaining.

I am considering hydrastat ($1200 option). The question is will I kick myself if I do not get it. Is the gear model able to shift while moving? Those are questions I need answered first.

Brian
Mo

daTeacha · May 4, 2006

It sounds like you need to visit all the dealerships and pick up brochures with the vitals of each tractor listed in the book somewhere. They're free, and make good reading while on the throne and elsewhere. I have a stack of 'em!

You can plan on making your own chart of features and figures since there isn't any consistency about what the different makes list in their booklets. I needed two books to get information about the Case and NH products -- they list different stuff -- even though the tractors are very much alike.

Most include weight, length, height, etc. You can also find turning radius, available tranny's, tranny descriptions for different models and so on. It's enlightening reading.

KiotiJohn · May 4, 2006

( Is the gear model able to shift while moving? )
From what I see on NH website, the 9x3 transmission is mechanical, not synchronized except maybe between 2nd and reverse which are inline for quick shifting. Since they don't spell it out, I have to assume you can't shift on the go between the other gears. Not sure that should be a big drawback, but synchro tranny's are preferable to me.

John

Ryno1 · May 4, 2006

The TC30 gear tranny has to stop (well almost) to shift. Yes the TC30 is the old style, no bells and fancy do dads. It is very simply a work tractor. Nothing wrong with having all the bells and whistles, if they are important to you. I know some aren't comfortable (due to height or whatever) on a TC30. Personally I like it. I don't mind the old style tranny, in fact I prefer it. The hydro has it's place, I'd think anyone with leg/back problems should take a long look at the hydro. Same for anyone doing lots and lots of loader work.

BrianMo I think the deal you were offered is a pretty good one, but you probably need to check out some of the other brands. Lots of good ones, compare features, decide which ones are important to you. I didn't feel the need for some of the more "modern" features. To me they just looked like something else to go wrong. To you they may look like something that will be beneficial. Nothing wrong with either view.

JD, NH, Kubota, Kioti and others are no doubt all good tractors. It may even come down to two or three you like equally well, with similar deals and the decision will be made based on which dealer you trust.

brianMO · May 4, 2006

hey,

When you buy a tractor you know you are going to keep it a long time. You want to get it right the first time when selecting the options. I do not need the whistles and bells. I just need a good, dependable, and solid workhorse. Something that will last a long, long time. Will I use the loader alot? Probably not, so the 8X3 tranny may be fine for me.

The price given is about the same as a similar equipped Montana. The Montana I believe has hyro, and probably a few other luxuries.

I would like to stick to the big 4 if possible.

teg · May 4, 2006

IMHO, you need to think about what you will be using the tractor for, not just the cost. Are you going to use a finishing mower, brush hog, or a backhoe? A heavy tractor for loader work doesn't work well for mowing your lawn. Do you need a compact or is a sub-compact a better fit. What type of tires are you looking at? Just some ideas to think about. Good luck with your purchase. Teg

RodgerF · May 4, 2006

That's a good price with the NH loader. As far as the tranny, the 9x3 needs to come to a full stop to shift. 2nd and reverse are in line and can be "shuttled" back and forth rather quickly with a little practice. If you need the mid-pto for mowing or snowblowing consider the hydro version. The mid-pto can be added to the gear model by the dealer though.

The TC30 is a solid work tractor for a good price. Other brands such as Kioti offer more features for not a lot more money depending on the area. Make sure when comparing specs you compare apples to apples. Pivot point vs mid bucket, hitch balls vs 24 in. aft, etc.

Overall, I'm happy with mine. It gets used alot and never had any trouble with it. Some pics in action.

Rodger

brianMO · May 5, 2006

Rodger,

Thx for sharing the Pics. Looks like a real working machine. I bet I would look good on one of those. That is how I am trying to convince my wife. How do you guys do it?

RodgerF · May 5, 2006

( That is how I am trying to convince my wife. How do you guys do it? )

I'm not married /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif