Trying to Make a Good Tractor Choice

Dargo · Jun 12, 2005

( WOW! I didn't know the number one selling brand of tractor in the world (MF) is 2nd class. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif )

Really?! I'm certainly not "in the know", but I would have never guessed in my wildest dreams that MF is the number 1 selling brand in the world. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

RedDog · Jun 12, 2005

That is what I have heard, but you ask me for proof..... I can't come up with any. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

RedDog

Akebalan · Jun 12, 2005

I'm looking at the standard shuttle shift trans. I've been quoted a price of $18,150 for the loader LA723 and a modern 5' mower w/slip clutch. The dealer also said that I could get the L3430 for $1K more. So I may go that route, but doubt if an extra 3 HP is worth the money and I want to stick to my budget.

Ive looked at the Kioti and MF on paper and have even inquired about pricing, but for the size, weight and re-sale value, I think that the Kubota, JD or NH may be a better choice for a 1st time buyer.

Thanks

AutoUnionTypeC · Jun 13, 2005

( Ive looked at the Kioti and MF on paper and have even inquired about pricing, but for the size, weight and re-sale value, I think that the Kubota, JD or NH may be a better choice for a 1st time buyer.)

Maybe you want to look the Kioti DK35 over one more time.........maybe even take her for a test run? The DK35 stacks up nicely to the L3430 option you are considering. In fact it's even a couple hundred pounds heavier then the Bota, and I’d bet not nearly as expensive. Kioti’s warranty is much better than Kubota’s as well. Twenty four months parts and labor as opposed to Kubota’s twelve, and 36 months or 2000 hours on just parts as opposed to Kubota’s 24/1500. I think these Kioti’s are built to work and last, people are starting to catch on, and their resale value is only going to go up. Good luck in your hunt, it's half the fun. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Regards, Jamie

To20Chris · Jun 13, 2005

Perhaps your intent of keeping the tractor for 10-15 years is inconsistant with the emphasis on resale value? Resale value is a subjective and ever-changing thing. Predicting resale value in 10-15yrs is risky at best - if you were to spend several thousand more to get better resale at that time, would that be a good investment? How much more resale will you get for the price difference up front? If you want a financial investment, tractors are not the ticket. Buy what matches your needs, use it hard, take good care of it, get lots of things done - that's what its for!.

Better to focus on parts availablity, and to that end, keep in mind that there are only two mfrs that I know of (in this size) that design, build, and manufacture the whole tractor, engine and all - Kubota and Kioti. I may have to add JD, as they appear to be heading back that way, but I don't know how far along they are. To me, this is a better indication of what kind of capabilty they have, and therefore an indicator of the kind of support they can provide.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 13, 2005

OFF TOPIC for Dargo & Red Rocker New Holland is the number 1 producer of "farm equipment" in the world. Now that said, I don't know if they are the number 1 producer of tractors since "farm equipment" would be a much broader term. I've never heard that it was Massey Ferguson who was the #1 producer in any category, but they might be?

 BACK ON TOPIC : AKEBALAN . . . Mahindra is supposed to be the #4 tractor company in the US according to several reports, and still growing. So if you are concerned about resale value, parts, etc, then it is very likely that you could add them to your list of choices and still be safe. I would say that none of the minor brands will provide you with as good of SHORT TERM resale value as any of the Big 3, but over longer periods of time, I suspect that you would see that balance out.

I would ONLY consider a tractor with 4x4 and only recommend the same to you.

The Kubota L3430 is an excellent tractor, and so far the only thing people have to say about it is that other brands may be cheaper or have longer warranties, the tractor is not a new model, all the bugs are worked out of it, and it has a reputation for quality & reliability that few tractors can match.

I would recommend that you try several brands out, (forget the price for the moment) and concentrate on the dealership. If you are comfortable with a couple different tractors then make sure you are comfortable with the dealer who is going to support you. Do they have factory certified mechanics? Do they have a large customer base with a good reputation for service in your area? Will they be able to bail you out of trouble when you get in to it? Buy the tractor that suits your needs from the dealer that fits the criteria of being able to service you. And while budget is critical (you have to stay at/under your limit) don't let a price difference of $1000 sway you to the less expensive deal (you may find that much swing between 2 dealers of the SAME brand) if you are unsure about the guys standing behind the deal. That price difference seems high up front, but over time it works out to pennies a day and peace of mind is worth something too. I'm not saying overspend, I'm saying don't be swayed by price ALONE.

gippolit · Jun 13, 2005

Take a look at Kioti. Alot for your money. Well built.

454shooter · Jun 13, 2005

The 4 wheel drive is a must. I personally would get a hydro transmission. While it will cost a little more initially if you are taking out a loan it will not be much more monthly. Be sure to try the hydro and have your 'boss' do so also. My bet is once tested you will spring for the hydro.

Shooter

Akebalan · Jun 13, 2005

You are absolutly correct. Most of the time most people do not purchase a depreciating asset , such as a tractor with the intention of saling it before its usefullness is up. But as a 1st time tractor buyer & land owner, who is quite unsure of his future needs & may have to upgrade or downgrade tractors depending upon if plans to raise livestock and how many and if he wants his property to remian wooded or wants to clear it for more agriculture, I need to make wise a purchase now & hope that the tractor I purchase will suit my needs now and in the future. If not and I have to upgrade or downgrade, I will be able to.

My neice purchased a Kia automobile, because of her budget, kept it for 2 years (put 25,000 miles on it) and when she decided to upgrade, it was actually more valuable for her to just let her younger sister pay her $1200 and take over the note on the car rather than trade it in on a new car. She actually could not trade it in without having to pay because of the vehicle's depreciation rate.

Had she saved and budgeted longer and purchased a Toyota or Honda, I don't think should would have been in that predicament come trade in time.

I don't want to purchase a tractor or any other asset that will depreciate that fast. I am looking to purchase a tractor that will hold its value should my needs change in a few years and one that will last just in case my needs stay the same.

I originally stated that I was looking at 2 tractors within my budget, the JD 5130 and the Kubota L3130/3430. My real decision is to choose between a 2WD 50 HP tractor or a 4WD 30 HP tractor. The 50 HP 2WD tractor will fit my needs now and most likely in the future (ie mow now and move round bales in the future), but mowing in areas that are heavily treed with that large of a tractor is impractical.

The 30HP 4WD tractor will mow and in heavily treed areas, but I am skeptical about it moving round bales. My real delima is wether I need to save longer & increase my budget so I can purshase a 4WD tractor that will fit me needs now and in the future.

PBinWA · Jun 13, 2005

I would say that 48 acres is a lot of land and you can probably use the most tractor for your dollars. 19K isn't going to buy you as much tractor from Kubota, JD, New Holland, MF (I think MF belongs in the first tier) as you can from Mahindra or Kioti.

If you want the best resale value and dealer support network go with the big guys.

If you want the most tractor for you buck and an aggressive (but "young") dealer network then check out Mahindra and Kioti. I found Mahindra and Kioti to be very comparable in their product offerrings and dealer networks. If you find a good local dealer for Mahindra or Kioti then you should consider them. If the local Mahindra or Kioti dealer is not a dedicated dealer to those brands then consider going to one of the bigger guys.

If you just want a vote based on your selection above then I'd go with the Kubota L3330 4WD.