Which tractor to buy

[JerryG]

<font color="blue">I did miss the HP desire in the original post </font>
I did think that a couple at least had missed that. That is why I was trying to clarify. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[stevef]

Everyone is being helpful but I can't decide. I went to look at the Kioti DK65 this morning the dealer in Boerne doesn't have it in stock so I ended up looking at the DK55 which has a "Kioti" engine instead of the Perkins that the DK65 has in it. The dealer in Boerne seems a little mobile trailer type but I had to look. I wasn't impressed especially after he told me that Belltec would not deal with his company so I would have to go elsewhere to get my hydraulic auger. I'm going to look at the MF471 either Sat or next week early. I did get a call back from the New Holland folks and I'll have to say their sales dept is a little sluggish although I think I was talking to a fairly honest sort because he told me that their tractors along with everyone elses are not really designed to dig with the loader in hard material and I will probably end up damaging something pretty quick. So I guess to add to my questions about good tractors does anyone out there know who makes a tractor with a pto and hydraulics that has beefed up their loader to be used for digging and not just loading. Thanks for your suggestions and responses to an absolute novice.

 

[CMunger]

I know most everyone thinks California is a different country, but Kubota DOES dominate the utility tractor market in California, the
M9000 does very well here. It may not have the number one position, in the whole state, but in some counties it does.
And by the way, Zetor has been building tractors since 1946.
Chuck M.

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. </font>

I recommend buying the tractor that you like and fits in your budget. I have a Kubota M8950 (85 PTO HP) with just under 8000 hours on it now. I would not concern myself with resale value, for most likely if you buy a tractor 65HP or more, you will keep that forever -- it will outlast you.

You can't go wrong with Kubota, JD, or NH. I don't know much about the Kioti or MF, so I rather not give input one way or the other on those brands.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Kubota DOES dominate the utility tractor market in California </font>
I would have to see the figures to believe that.

 

[CMunger]

Ask your MF dealer to ask the AGCO district rep. They have EMI reports that show market share. California is where Kubota entered the market in the US in the 70's, their headquarters are here, and the have a large assembly/distribution center here. They would bring in 500+ tractors a year into Ca. that were designated as "Harvest Rental Tractors". After the rental season the tractors were made available to dealers at a special price. It was a very successfull program that was carried on for years, and still is today, but not in the same numbers as in the past.
Chuck M.

 

[stevef]

Hello Again
I think I've decide on a Kubota 9000 4wd with loader and a Hydraulic shuttle, a Belltec unit with a 9" rock auger and a heavy duty box blade. Since I'm going to use this machine to do clearing and such out in the rough I'm going to have the tires filled with urethane so that I don't have to hire a wrecker to help me change a flat out in the hills somewhere. If anyone has experience with urethane filled tires I'd love to hear your response to do you like it or does it weigh the tractor down so much its slugish in soft earth the dealer says it should add about 3,000 lbs to the weight.