Buying Advice What to buy and what's in the HP numbers?

[texasjohn]

All my points have already been made.

HST provides extreme control, speed control, even at full throttle, and thus, IMHO, and significantly increased safety
a cab is great in bad weather
FEL with quick attach is extremely useful
4 wheel drive is mandatory for good traction

 

[vtsnowedin]

i am not disputing your numbers. My point is, in Canada, we pay through the nose for everything, so things are not always within reach.
while a 45-50 HP might be ideal for me, it may cost 50 grand and more for implements. That is why i am asking so many questions and trying to research my choices. Thats a lot of cash for a casual user to fork over. I value your input and responses.

Believe me Vermont is trying to go the Canadian way as fast as it can. Why is another question.
I'm clueless on what your local dealers can deliver per Canadian$ But as bad as any price might be the usefulness of any tractor with it's life expectancy makes almost any deal worthwhile. You need to just pick the best from the lot.

 

[motownbrowne]

Since no one has mentioned it yet, there are some more economy based models from Kubota in the size you're looking at. Specifically the MX series. Last generation was MX4700 and 5100. Now it's MX4800, 5200, and 5800. They'll be much much cheaper than a Grand L series, and hopefully much less than the Masseys you were quoted on. Of course, folks will mention that they lack some features that come in handy on the more spendy models, but they can of course be lived without. I for one don't give a hoot about a tilt steering wheel and would rather not have a digital dashboard. They are available with gears or in Hydrostatic, and definitely worth getting a quote on and sitting in the seat. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[jenkinsph]

And that is where the good times stop. In Canada we get shafted on prices. On EVERYTHING.

I recently received a "first" price on the
1736 cab/loader. $39,000.00
1754 cab/loader. $47,800.00
That's a country mile .... um Kilometre away from what you just posted for a bigger tractor with a bush cutter.

Example: I am involved in the world of audio. Last summer I got a microphone through Sweetwater for $349.00 The same one at our national chain is online for $548.

I will see if I can price the comparable tractor at the JD dealer and report my findings.

Years ago I was into audio in a big way, if I had all the money I spent on it I could have much better tractors and implements. Funny how your interests can change over your life. One thing I have noticed is the audio equipment is getting cheaper for the most part while the tractors and implements are getting more expensive. It figures that today I am more interested in tractors than audio equipment.

 

[KYDan]

Even though the larger tractor and implements are considerably more money keep in mind how long you intend to use them. Good tractors and equipment have a long life expectancy. Larger equipment generally equates to more effective use and less time required for the tasks and longer life for the equipment. Heavier equipment usually has less down time due to breakage, etc. I considered the M series Kubota when I bought my last tractor, but for my needs and planned uses the MX has been almost ideal and for the few times I wish I had a full blown mid-size tractor it would not have been worth it for my uses, plus I would have been limited in some ways by the larger frame of the M series. I used the L2900 for years and it was a great little tractor, but I also had larger tractors for the heavier tasks. Now, the only one I have is the MX and it has proven to be a great compromise tractor. I was debating about the MX4700 or 5100 at the time and went for the 5100 over the 4700 basically for the Cat I and II 3 point hitch with the extendable arms. I would have stayed with the 4700 as I prefer a normally aspirated engine over the turbo due to the fuel consumption and noise. But, I am glad that I went with the 5100 all things considered. Good Luck on your hunt!

 

[oldpilgrim]

is there anything legally stopping you from going over the border and getting a better USA price? Nova Scotia is not that big or far from Maine.....I've been there...wish I was there now...gorgeous place.

How would the exchange rate factor in?

 

[vtsnowedin]

NAFTA pretty much illuminated import duties and tariffs for tractors crossing the Canadian border in either direction.
Some paper work of course. Things like certificates of origin etc.
http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/build/groups/public/@tg_ian/documents/webcontent/tg_ian_001988.pdf

 

[supertaster]

Haha... I work in a Music Centre (Cultural/Celtic)so I am subject to all of the spoils of what it brings.
I have wants and needs that outstrip my resources. When it comes to a tractor, I could buy one on Kijiji used. I would prefer
to not have someone else's troubles but the more I hear of Tier IV, it seems to be more appealing.

This may be a question for another part of the forum, but as a Tier IV engine, are there more things involved day to day to operate? (Fuel additives, maintenance schedules) or does it mainly work in the background while offering the unsuspecting operator some down time when you least expect it.
In other words, are we just falling for the hype of "OH NO", or is it really a PITA?

 

[KYDan]

The impending implementation of Tier IV was one of the reasons I purchased the 5100 when I did before the switch to Tier IV. I don't know how much that impacts things though as I have not been following it. The MX5100 was intended to be my last tractor purchase! Hopefully, someone with firsthand experience will answer your questions. Good Luck!

 

[supertaster]

Those are some valid points. One thing I didn't consider is the effect that a Turbo would have on fuel usage. Are there numbers to support the differences? I will do a search but in case you know on the top of your head, I'll ask.
Using an FE35, you can't get much more basic, and that simplification has been rock solid in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting issues.
The age of emissions and computer controlled this and that has taken the backyard mechanic out to sea and offered no return passage.
I will look at the chassis choices you mention and see what comes of it.