Which Utility Tractor? (long post)

BarryinMN · Oct 8, 2004

My local JD dealer wanted ~$55K list $45K selling price 5420 4x4 power reverser with cab & loader new. A used 6300 cab & 4x4 with loader @ 2300 hours was $38K last 1-04.

The local Massey dealer was $47K & NH wanted $46K Neither had any mid size cab machines in stock.

I ended up saving $20K with an in stock new Zetor. Remember to look at your total cost of ownership; depreciation if you trade tractors, fuel consumption, parts after warranty etc. Example the service manual on my JD 455 lawnmower was $160. The Zetor service 3 ring binder was $45.

Kyle_in_Tex · Oct 9, 2004

Wow, your dealer is trying to rip you off. Or else you had EVERY single option possible on the quote.

I just priced out a cab model 5420 with pwr reverser,FEL, MFWD, and nicely optioned out with hydraulics amongst other goodies.

Yes, List price was $50,212 (not $55K), expected price would be about $40,000.

So, did you save 20K off the 45K price? Or 20K off the $55K price? Does Zetor sell a tractor comparable to the JD for $25K ? If so, I guess I need to take a harder look at them.

kmanvt · Oct 9, 2004

I'm not where close to Iowa, but I'll give my local JD dealer a call and see what he thinks about those numbers! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif He'll probably call me a liar.

BarryinMN · Oct 9, 2004

Thats - $20K selling price.

The machines are not exactly the same, I think the loaders are similar but the Zetor 3 pt will lift 6,800 lb + 1,000 more with hyd top link. It also has an engine driven air compressor to engage MFWD and differential locks via dash push buttons, comes with air hose in the tool box, good for 85PSI & 4CFM. My config is about 10,000 lbs before loading tires. Ergo's noise, etc are all fine

The Deere dealer owner has 4 shops within 50 miles. I did not get the specific config on the 5420.

I seem to recall Deere & NH were the fanciest with the McCormick right in the top 3.

I have a Massey, NH, 4 Deere, Case IH, AGCO, and McCormick plus Zetor/Valtra all within a 50 mile radius.

Since Zetor owners don't seem to complain much, I got ahold of the dealers sales list & called 1/2 dozen random local owners. All the feedback was good including one who pulled a 5 bottom plow in heavy clay with 1 3/4 GPH fuel consumption!

The best part of the my tractor is in the pix. If you have any kids on the farm ages 4 - 70 they'll be in the passenger seat buckled up ready to help instantly!

tough451 · Oct 10, 2004

That is a very nice option my kids would be fighting to ride in that seat, couldnt get any work done for having to stop and let the other one have their turn. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

kmanvt · Oct 10, 2004

( Thats - $20K selling price.

The machines are not exactly the same, I think the loaders are similar but the Zetor 3 pt will lift 6,800 lb + 1,000 more with hyd top link. It also has an engine driven air compressor to engage MFWD and differential locks via dash push buttons, comes with air hose in the tool box, good for 85PSI & 4CFM. My config is about 10,000 lbs before loading tires. Ergo's noise, etc are all fine )

Can you tell me the model and options you got? Also are you saying that you only spent around $35K?

BarryinMN · Oct 11, 2004

I don't have the order sheet in front of me in town but the basic 4341 shuttle transmission cab tractor & loader was $26.5K. Zetor was running a factory discount on loaders. I added several quik tach loader items: forks, a HUGE 2 yd snow bucket, & a rock bucket with dual grapples. The standard Zetor loader 7' bucket is heavy duty steel but I only had it on once, the grapple (for cleanup) is the main loader use. Each attachment has (3) 3/8" chain hooks welded across the top

Tractor options were the passenger seat, rear wheel iron weights, quik tach hydraulics at the loader front end, at the power beyond plumbing for the main loader quik tachs (to pop the loader off completely). I work the grapple function from the standard rear ports & factory lever.

There might be some other bits & pieces I forgot but the total came to $30K & change.

I did not load the tires because I figured clearing brush would give me a leak but so far no problems. Rimgard would add about 1600 lbs & I still might add, although the Zetor is pretty good about "swimming" through mud as is. If it sinks the thought of needing 2-3X it's weight in pulling force to extract it, then cleaning out wheel bearings holds me back. I typically run 4wd on slopes to avoid wheel spin. If I'm tangling with heavy loader weights I'll put an old 3 pt 3 bottom plow on the back.

Some caveats: the Zetor quik tach is Euro spec not skid steer type, & there is no radio, cig lighter. Depending on age of passenger you can sing the tractor song instead. The newer Proximas are 3 cyl turbo engines that are Tier II emissions compliant. I specifically wanted the old tech 4 cyl lower injector pump PSI. A speck of dirt in the high pressure Tier II plumbing is disastrous.

The elephant ear rearview mirrors came off first, nice on the highway but always tangled wiith branches in the woods.

I put in a Best Buy Pioneer CD radio 200W, cig lighter for cell charger, volt gage & wide view inside mirror. The radio power & clock wires are pre prepped in the overhead console. 4 bolts & the front roof lifts up - hinged in the rear. I spent more time making speaker boxes than working on the tractor.

The Deere fit like a glove & the McCormick is techno wizard.

Happy tractoring whatever you buy!

KiotiJohn · Oct 11, 2004

Found this site with a Zetor 4341 open station "on sale" for $19,900 until Jan. 31.
Zetor 4341

cowboydoc · Oct 11, 2004

The best part of the my tractor is in the pix. If you have any kids on the farm ages 4 - 70 they'll be in the passenger seat buckled up ready to help instantly! 

Deere has this optional seat as well.

Soundguy · Oct 11, 2004

( Example the service manual on my JD 455 lawnmower was $160 )

Yep.. JD likes its literature. The 1 inch thick shiny new manual on my 1950 JD 'B' was 90 some odd dollars..

Soundguy