What would you buy? Compact Tractors

[rfk]

I think an important part of your decision is tractor size. Assumeing all dealers in your area are equal than it's the unit that fits you best and is big and heavy enough to do your tasks . Too big is over kill but too small is tiresum. You can always buy used equipment but if you buy the right tractor now you will only have to buy one. Massey has 0% financing now and I think you can inculde attachments. I like MF 1533 or 1540 for your needs.

 

[Egon]

Have you decided on what you will need for the arena maintenance? Some folks get real fussy on how they do the preparation and use specialized equipment. This equipment may dictate what size tractor is required.

If no loader is needed, but consider that carefully, then you have a wider range of tractors to look at. Used larger ones may be viable alternatives.

you really have to decide what equipment you need for your specific operation and then choose the tractor that will handle that equipment.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

If you have a Massey Ferguson dealer in the area, take a good look at the 533. It's a modern day version of the classic MF135. Very affordable (my nearby dealer has 'em listed @ just over $14,000) The technology is "old school". More of a small utility tractor as opposed to a compact. I know of a couple folks who've bought them and are EXTREMELY pleased with what they got for their buck. A lot of HP for the dollar relative to many other choices.

 

[TractorChuck]

Wow. I'm amazed by all of the quality responses I have received in such a short amount of time, what a great forum! I've jotted down the recommended models so far and am plotting out the dealerships in the DFW area...looks like most are closed on Sunday, but I'll be stopping in after work during the week.

I've noticed many posts on here about how important the dealer is.....how often will I be relying on my dealer after the purchase? What are typical schedule maintenance intervals/costs like? Thanks!

 

[JoelD]

In my opinion, the dealer matters most when the XXXX hits the fan.

You want someone with experienced techs who are not affraid to speak with you.

This forum is probably one of the best places to find dealer recommendations regardless of brand.

Example, purchased a Subaru Justy years ago (new), brought it in around 36K miles (just post warranty) with leaking rear strutt, Dealer replaced both rear strutts and the tranny (first generation ECVT) all for no cost. No questions, no nothing.

Why would I purchase a subaru from any other dealer after that?? Family has purchased three from that dealer in total now.

Joel

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Wow. I'm amazed by all of the quality responses I have received in such a short amount of time, what a great forum! I've jotted down the recommended models so far and am plotting out the dealerships in the DFW area...looks like most are closed on Sunday, but I'll be stopping in after work during the week.

I've noticed many posts on here about how important the dealer is.....how often will I be relying on my dealer after the purchase? What are typical schedule maintenance intervals/costs like? Thanks!

I don't know about utility sized tractors, but both of the compacts I've owned suggested an initial service (change ALL fluids & filters, including front axle) at 50 hours, then at 100 or 150 operating hours after that, along with other scheduled maintenance. (should be a list in the owners manual) They also suggest hitting all the grease zerks every couple of operating hours. (like if you spend a day using the loader, grease them before starting up and at the end of the day - as a cheap precaution)
I had a Century 2535 (Branson 3510 - made by Kukje) for close to 3 years before it was stolen, now have a Mahindra 3510 (made by TYM) because the closest Branson dealer to me didn't seem very interested in my $$ while i was shopping for the replacement, and I had a couple of folks whose opinions I trust point me at Mahindra and Kioti. The Mahindra dealer closest wasn't interested in earning my business, the one about 30 minutes farther away was. The Kioti dealer down the street from him almost got my business, but I got the feeling that to him i was a sales number, not someone to look to for any significant after sales issues that might have come up. (he was also $3k higher for a DK35 - which would have been very comparable to my 3510 in size and capacity) Yesterday I found out how much he was padding his quote to me when I saw the state contract pricing for that same machine -- it he'd been a bit more willing to deal closer to that pricing, I might have been driving an orange machine at this point. (if it wasn't raining buckets right now) I even had a dealer in PA (Wallace) offer to sell me a DK35 - in fact his advice on the model is what got me looking at that over the CK35 or Mahindra 3215 -- and his price SHIPPED FROM PA was going to be $500-1000 less than the guy 2 hours from me....

sorry I rambled, but hope that gives you an idea of why the Dealer matters when taking price into account.

 

[SouthernConservative]

TractorChuck,

Consider the following:

1) Auction sales - take someone with you who knows thier way around a tractor and compare used prices online before actually bidding...even ebay has tractors.

2) Previous model year attachments are much cheaper than "new ones" so look for faded paint - it has a way of decreasing the price.

3) Buy Woods or Rhino Products - They do not break.

I have a new Woods GB 72 (6 foot) box blade for sale if you are interested - I'm in Austin.

I buy most everything at auction and save everytime.

 

[Uncle Doug]

We have a Kubota L3000 4wd with a FEL. Bought it 5 years ago with no implements for around $15,000. Not sure what the 30 hp tractors go for now days. It is a great mid size tractor. It will handle a 5 foot mower or tiller with no problem. We moved up from a little smaller 2wd with no loader. It was one of the best moves I ever made. Both the 4wd and FEL are a must have in my book. We have 12 acres which we mow. Did a lot of brush clearing and timber in the early days.

I looked at some of the compact tractors down at the livestock show the other day. I just did not feel that they would do the the job for what we use our tractor for.

 

[TPBJD]

A JD 3038e would definitely fit the bill for you. 38HP, Loader, Hydro, 4x4, for around $17,000. Good dealer network. Decent warranty. And decent financing right now 36 mths at 0% or 48 mths at 1.49%.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

if my local JD dealer had mentioned that to me 6 months ago, I'd have green sitting in my back yard instead of red! He wanted to sell me a 3205(?) for about $8k more....