Zetor 8841 vs Kubota 8540 to buy?

[agh]

agh - Where you located at? We just took on the Zetor line, heck of a great tractor. We have been working on them for a past year and really like the tractor inside and out.

Jon, here in Meridian, Mississippi. agh

 

[GaryCrowell]

agh,

The kubota dealer you mentioned must be davis tractor. I bought a massey 471 from them about two months ago. Well satisfied with both the tractor and dealer. The older Mr. Davis is a character. I'm just down the road from you in Rose Hill.

When I was shopping I briefly consider a zetor also. However, about 15 years ago my dad bought a belarus and it's been a constant pain. It stays broken and is almost impossible to get parts for at a reasonable price ($350 for a starter, if you can find it). I've been to the Czech republic and while they're trying, they're still pretty much third world. I'd be really, really afraid that zetor will go the way of belarus and you wouldn't be able to find parts down the road. Kubota is going to be there, I'd stick with the Kubota.

 

[BarryinMN]

agh,

If you are going commercial with a logging operation and have very little need for the ag function of an ag tractor take a look at a harvester/buncher and forwarder or just a forwarder.

Forwarders are articulating - far more maneuverable than a tractor loader/grapple/winch. They are lower cg, fully armored, and wiggle into tight spots and lift out logs.

Tractor winch, well the winch puts the log in the dirt & that rapidly takes off the edge on chainsaw chain.

Around me in Central MN, the current market for 8.5' hardwoods oak/walnut logs for firewood is $650 semi load delivered which = 10 cords of firewood.

 

[Woodbeef]

For bush work,I'd go Zetor. Definately heavier built,better mfd set-up for rough work,more user friendly for intended purpose.

 

[phillipl]

I direct the machinery analysis program for the largest natural gas pipeline system in north america. I have traveled through out South Central Americand and Mexico and seen Johndeere tractors that were not Deere. After reading the S/N plate on one tractor it said made in the czeck republic. That was in the lat 90s. I performed ample research on many utility tractors and after looking at weight, lift capacity, hydraulic flow, ease of maintenance and ease of operation I purchased a Zetor. The only problem I have is the hour meter failed after 54 hours. The dealer replaced it with out any problems. I have used my tractor in rigorous conditions and have had no other problem and would reccomend one to any one. I own a 4341 4WD.

 

[dgl24087]

Zetor built tractors for Deere for the socalled 3rd world markets. These were built from 1993 thru 1999, a 3 cyl. 49hp 2000, and the following 4 cyl. tractors: 62hp 2100, 81hp 2400, 89hp 2700, 100hp 2800, and 106hp 2900. Renault also built their tractors for Deere, but with Deere engines during this time as well.
Source: The Complete John Deere: A Model-By-Model History by Peter Henshaw

 

[burnetma]

I agree with every point. The new Zetor's are getting better every day. I just checked out 5 new tractors at the local dealer and I am impressed with the changes and the thoughtful design.

FYI, the hour meter on my JD failed at 200 hours. Could happen to anybody and frankly that is VERY minor.

 

[dancce]

I would go with the Kubota. I wouldn't trust a Zetor tractor. Their is a dealer close by but their not very popular. A good friend of mine bought a new one a couple years ago and has had a lot of clutch problems with it and he says its not built as heavy as a lot of tractors. I'm not sure what model his is but I know its around 70 hp and has a cab, 4-wd, and a zetor loader.

The 8441 Zetor is one fine machine---I would put it up against any tractor on the market in its class. It amazes me that people will spew out third hand "information " about a product that they have absolutely no first-hand knowledge of. Zetor has been manufacturing tractors since 1946. Their manufacturing facility in Brno, Czech Republic is huge and very impressive---the country itself, is beautiful, democratic, and much more modern than I expected to see----especially after going through the iron rule of the USSR for several years---without any help from us.
We have sold a lot of Zetors over the past few years, and have yet to hear a customer say they were sorry they bought one.(We have sold seven cab Proximas in the last two weeks---67hp to 90hp)
Clutch problems have been virtually non-existent----we have had a few clutch slave cylinders leak and need replacement though---usually under warranty---and cost about $80 and 30minutes to change.
Generally they are heavier built than most other tractors in the same category.
But, hey, what do I know----I'm just a dumb Okie Zetor dealer who actually owns and use Zetors on my own land.

Zetor North America - Intro is a good source for more complete info.


dancce

 

[HEC]

You may have already bought your tractor by now but this is my 2 cents worth.I owned a zetor a few years back ,in the 54 hp range.Yes they are a heavy tractor built rock solid for sure, but I did have to replace the slave cyl. and had other leakage problems from the master cyl. .The hose lines back then were a bit inferior ,I would have to check the brake fliuid level each time I used the tractor.The tractor was always kept under cover and only had 400 or so hrs on it when I traded for a Kubota.My Zetor dealer went belly up and no one to service it in my area.On the plus side , they have a very good engine and very fuel efficient for their weight.If you don't mind doing some minor maintenace now and then they are ok.Would I go back to a Zetor if a new dealer came to town, the answer is no, I like my Kubota.Some of the potato farmers in my area tried them for awhile but they had their issues with them also so they returned to other tractors,this is one reason the dealer couldn't make it.I would hope many of the past issues have been taken care of over the years.Zetor no longer has a contract with John Deere and there is a reason for this.