Utility Tractors... Take me to School..

[JUeckert]

tractors are like trucks, every one has their own opinion about them, some based on facts, some based on the color of the machine. in our little part of texas you have likely realized jd and kubota have the best dealer support[ getting parts at least]. if you intend to do a lot of hay moving, and just general use of the tractor, i would suggest going with a higher hp model, if you have a trailer that can handle the heavier/wider tractor. as for the under 40hp class, i would stack a orange tractor against any other brand out there. [late models] get to the larger units, and i want mine painted green, red, or blue. the orange tractors have a tendecy to run a smaller cube engine then the others, even though they are in the same hp class. as a utility tractor thats fine, but as one thats gonna spend a lot of hrs in a field bailing, heavy mowing, etc, those smaller engines will wear out quicker, and as you have noted, not run with the others. i have seen it myself. some more food for thought on the off brands like mahindra[ mahindra are pretty solid units] these can be bought for a good bit less, but finding parts can be an issue. also resale is much lower on the units. over the years i have seen dealers like kelly in longview and anderson in carthage, carry off brand tractors for a few years, only to drop them for something else down the line. if you are looking for used, i can point you towards some auctions i attend frequently, and some used tractor dealers.

 

[GOTSOOT]

1979 kabota 4X4 3 cylinder 5600hrs,i new clutch anda few sets of tires,what else needs to be said!!!

 

[Wingate]

tractors are like trucks, every one has their own opinion about them, some based on facts, some based on the color of the machine. in our little part of texas you have likely realized jd and kubota have the best dealer support[ getting parts at least]. if you intend to do a lot of hay moving, and just general use of the tractor, i would suggest going with a higher hp model, if you have a trailer that can handle the heavier/wider tractor. as for the under 40hp class, i would stack a orange tractor against any other brand out there. [late models] get to the larger units, and i want mine painted green, red, or blue. the orange tractors have a tendecy to run a smaller cube engine then the others, even though they are in the same hp class. as a utility tractor thats fine, but as one thats gonna spend a lot of hrs in a field bailing, heavy mowing, etc, those smaller engines will wear out quicker, and as you have noted, not run with the others. i have seen it myself. some more food for thought on the off brands like mahindra[ mahindra are pretty solid units] these can be bought for a good bit less, but finding parts can be an issue. also resale is much lower on the units. over the years i have seen dealers like kelly in longview and anderson in carthage, carry off brand tractors for a few years, only to drop them for something else down the line. if you are looking for used, i can point you towards some auctions i attend frequently, and some used tractor dealers.

I was really hoping you would chime in. . !!!. .

Good shot, you nailed two of the dealers that I have looked at... And i got that same feeling, how do I buy something like that and try to get warranty coverage next week when they quit carrying them??? Like I said in the previous post, I get a really un-easy feeling. . Remember Long AgriBusiness?

I used to work out of the old shop there on 1845 and saw Kelly across the street go thru several different brands... .

Stopped by Bagley today and kicked a few tires. . They've been around for awhile and seemed to be pretty honest about what works and what doesnt. . Salesman seemed to be knowledgeable about the product and how it stacked up against the competition.

Got a firm quote on an L4400T, loader, bale spear, cutter and box blade. Unit is rated at 45 hp. on the brake and 37 on the shaft. I don't cut or move hay for a living, I just need something to unload hay that I purchase for our "pets", keep the driveway maintained, fix fences, etc... No doubt, if I did it for a living, I would be shopping for the largest cab model I could find. . They make this one in Hystat also, but I have had two guys tell me to purchase the gear driven trans and not the Hystat... Both said the hystat worked great, but cost some hp at the wheels. . And to be honest, I am not keen on the hystat... makes me think of a lawn mower.

Called across the border this afternoon just to compare base prices... that was a wasted call.

Just for grins, I dropped into the JD place and measured up a 4x4 in the 43-47 hp range... yeah, the green paint is NOT on sale!!!.

Seems as though this shopping list is getting shorter and shorter.

Guess I should do some trailer shopping also. . not gonna fit on my 16 ft.

 

[Wingate]

One minor advantage offered by Kubota in the compact class like my Kubota B2920 is the Kubota has three speed ranges, the JD only two.

QUOTE]



I didnt notice that... but you are right, the 45 hp. Kubota is offered in either Hystat or conventional trans. and the Hystat did have three seperate ranges. .

 

[Wingate]

I'll chime in with my experience with a Kubota L3400. It was a great utility tractor for my needs and ran everything I needed with ease (loader, shredder, PH digger, roto tiller). I did not need to lift/move round bales with it or would have stepped up to the next size. The 4WD was a lifesaver in the sand I'm in and I chose the direct manual transmission over the hydrostatic drive simply because I figured if it ever broke, it would be cheaper to fix. My needs for the tractor disappeared after a couple of years and I sold it and my implements. The Kubota's do hold their value as I made a little money on the deal. Looking back, I would have opted for industrial tires over the ag tread I had and heavy implements (shredder mainly) was a bear to hook/unhook. I purchased mine at Normangee Tractor and had a perfect sales experience there.

Thanks for the info... The L4400 that I find myself focusing in on is the next size up from what you had... I did opt for the Industrial tires and the geared trans... seems as though we are thinking alike. .

 

[Wingate]

let me throw my . . 02 in here. regardless of what you buy make sure you buy a tractor that has some weight. its nice to have the back two tires on the ground moving bales. i would also consider contacting some dealers and see if you can demo some tractors. that way you can spend some time using them and moving some hay around your place to see how they handle things. buying a tractor to mow weeds and a tractor to move hay are two completing different situations so be careful. personally we have a 60hp case we move bales with and every so often we"ll buy the little 5X6 bales those seem to be the perfect size for that tractor to handle , so just make sure you are getting a proper size for your needs. as far as brands go we have always had good luck with case ih. kubotas have always struck me as a lighter tractor compared to the others. (case, jd, ford) my uncle owns one comparable in size to our case and i would take ours any day. not saying one wouldnt suit your needs as i said above just make sure you get something heavy enough to do the job and last a long time. just my opinion from a guy whose spent a few years in the seat moving more bales than i can remember.



( stay away from jd they are pretty proud of that green paint)

That Green paint appears to be higher per gallon than Yellow paint!!!.

 

[TBartlett1]

It may have been said in the previous posts but here's my 2cts.

I have owned compact Kubota's, John Deers and 2 Fords, all trouble free.

My current tractor is a Ford 1720 sss.

All tractors are made in Japan. The difference is Kubota designs, manufactures and sells their own tractors. There is no re-badging!!

I feel there is more pride in the design and construction of a machine when your name is on the hood.

If I was to buy another tractor it would be a Kubota. Please note I have never had any problems with any of my tractors and my 1720 has been flawless but my next one would be a Kubota.

Go to E-bay and look for Ford, John Deer and others. Kubota is by far the most popular tractor out there.

 

[JUeckert]

dont know when your gonna buy, fall/early spring does seem to be a prime time to get good deals from manufacture's and dealers. also think about package deals, tractor,loader,cutter,boxblade,trailer. newholland and jd dealers seem to be the most eager to offer these. as for hydro, not a big fan of those myself, give me old fashioned clutch and gears or a shuttle. powershift is nice too, but generally what the big un's use. if you went across the border to s'port tractor, i'am a little suprised they didnt quote a better deal. i know 3 different folks who scored a better deal there on kubota's. try the thrifty nickel, or get youself a tractor house magazine[they have a web site also] you can get a little better idea on whats out there, and what kinda deals are around our region. again if you want used i can point you toward some auctions, or consult my resale manuals and quote you stuff like tractor specs, prices and loan values;etc. [ 40hp up] one more thing to consider with a tractor purchase if keeping for the long haul. i have heard some complaints of folks with older compact kubotas complain about the price or even the availability of parts for them. not very often i hear this about the the old standby brand names. not trying to sway you from one, because i know the smaller ones are good unit's. just pointing what i have learned at the auctions and from dealing with folks. also take a look at scott tractor over on n. market in s'port. they sale both new holland and case. cant remember off hand what hp range they start at[60hp comes to mind], but if you got some cummins in your blood, the case will have the cummins, and the compareable new holland will have an iveco. depening on the particular engine, the iveco is a knock off of the cummins engine.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I used to work as a mechanic at a Kubota dealership. Check out Kubota FIRST !!! Kubota is the only manufacturer that actually builds what they sell. the parts network is second to none. AND they are a VERY dependable tractor. In my opinion the Deere has a nicer color paint and that is the ONLY advantage they have. Kyote,Merhanda Montana MAY be ok tractors but where do you go for parts?? You really have to think this purchase through. You already thought hard about buying your Dodge Cummins use that knowledge on a tractor purchse. IMHO

 

[dclassens]

"I am not really interested in a Kubota... and the J. D... . well, thats some expensive green paint. "

This is a quote from the original post and I would as well suggest buying a Kubota but we are getting much further into the price brackets. Sure. . buy the Kubota with heated and A/C cab and get the top of the line but you still are paying literally thousands of dollars more than the other brands you mentioned. I guess we are moving further away from the original idea, and not really talking about apples to apples. If you want to but a nice tractor get a Case or a Massey Ferguson, Deutz, or a Landini. These are top of the line tractors and in all honesty if you are looking to spend the top dollar for the Kubota shop around and look at the other legendary names like Case.

 

[RRB]

Case / International is a heavy well made tractor. Also consider the Massey Ferguson with the Perkins diesel. Most others in the 50hp range are considerably lighter. Most are OK for light duty work but if you are planning to use the loader for heavy work you need a heavy tractor. I use my Massey 451 routinely for moving large logs for my hobby sawmill.

 

[Wingate]

Want to tell everybody that I really appreciate all the input, first hand knowledge, experiences on this.

I pulled the trigger late yesterday afternoon and bought the Kubota. Picked it up this afternoon and brought it home.

Trust me when I say that I have done TONS of talking and reading just trying to not screw up. Hopefully I didn't.

Gonna put it to work tomorrow when i get home with a load of hay. .

Once again, thanks to everybody for all the input. . it was greatly appreciated!

 

[Wingate]

"I am not really interested in a Kubota... and the J. D... . well, thats some expensive green paint. "



This is a quote from the original post and I would as well suggest buying a Kubota but we are getting much further into the price brackets. Sure. . buy the Kubota with heated and A/C cab and get the top of the line but you still are paying literally thousands of dollars more than the other brands you mentioned. I guess we are moving further away from the original idea, and not really talking about apples to apples. If you want to but a nice tractor get a Case or a Massey Ferguson, Deutz, or a Landini. These are top of the line tractors and in all honesty if you are looking to spend the top dollar for the Kubota shop around and look at the other legendary names like Case.

Yep. . that my quote!! hahhaa. .

One of the criteria was to have a good dealership infrastructure... The JD and Kubota do. So does the Case and New Holland. As for MF, not really sure, I THINK there is a dealer close, but I think its got a Perk-a-pillar in it... so, no. . Ive heard of Deutz engines, but never seen a Deutz tractor. . Never heard of Landini at all??? Maybe they just aren't around here??? I did look at Cub Cadet, Branson, Kioti etc... . but there again, dealer stability made me uneasy.

 

[Skydiver]

Please list the model of Kubota you purchased.
New or used?

 

[JUeckert]

where did you get the load of hay?

 

[CBlack]

What about the Bobcat tractors? Are they pretty reliable?

 

[rscurtis]

I believe Bobcats are re-badged Kioti's, which were originally copies of a Kubota.

 

[Chrisw]

My first tractor was a FARMPRO 2425 from china or were ever. I broke more stuff on that tractor,its funny now to think back and tell story's about it, but it sucked every time i needed it most it was broke

I have the Grand L4330 Kubota now and love it. I have never had any trouble out of my Kubota. It starts ever time even when temps are less then 0 out side. I am not going to brag up one brand but talk more about stuff you might want to look at and can't or shouldn't live with out.

MUST HAVE LIST

Front end loader that has the quick attach front plate (skid steer type). Pallet forks are a must have, they are best for moving trees and brush. Just picking up large stuff around the house or loading a truck you will find big stuff just dosn't fit in the bucket like you would think it would... I use mine all the time.

Telescoping Lower Links on the end of the 3 point arms..... they extend out about 2. 5 inches when released. Best money spend and time savers for heavy equipment. I would never buy a tractor with out them ever again. sometimes all you need is an 1/2 inch. THIS IS A MUST HAVE !!!!! Will save a lot of wasted words and smashed fingers trying to hook stuff up don't short your self with this one.

Fill your rear tires with your choice of fluids or add weight some how. The class of tractor your looking at has a lot of power for its size. it just needs a lot more weight. The weight make all the difference when you start pushing or trying to drag something.

I have added 3 chain hooks welded to the top of the front bucket. also a must have

OPT. list... this will very with the use of the tractor.

I love my HST trans. for the type of work i use my tractor for it was by far worth every penny i spent for the upgrade. hands down. If you do a lot of field work i would look at the GST or some kind of clutchless shift trans just depends on the use of the tractor

R4 tires or AG... ... . hum I have had both if you plan on doing a lot of field work and need the added traction AG tires way out pull R4 in the field on wet grass or fresh dirt (like plowing or field work) AND SNOW R4s suck in snow. If your driving it in your front yard or on hard dirt or pavement R4s shine on this service. I have the R4 and for what i do it i love my choice.

The only thing to add is get the tractor that you need, not get the one that will do the job, its must better on the equipment and more fun to operate when its not working its guts out trying to keep up.

hope that helps some I just wish i had about 5 tractors one would be a BIG CAT CRAWLER with tons of power, little tractors will move a lot of dirt, but they are no high lift. don't tell but i made a small pond with mine just playing one day

 

[Wingate]

Please list the model of Kubota you purchased.

New or used?

I bought a NEW L4400 4x4. Got the matching loader with skid steer type disconnect. LP cutter, LP box blade, and hay spear. I opted for the R4 tires due to working across my front yard from time to time.

 

[Wingate]

where did you get the load of hay?

Marquez... .



We thought we had a dependable supply locally, but that seems to have fallen thru. So, I called in a favor and was able to aquire a few rolls from over near Kilgore. But, at 70 a roll, not sure how much of a favor that really was???? This drought is really hurting people.

Talked to a guy that I have bought from in years past, he's got atleast 500 rolls and fixing to roll up two more pastures. .

So, we drove down there this morning, picked up 10 rolls and came back. .

I gotta say, the little Cummins had a sweet sound loaded down like that.

Next time I go that far for hay, i'm going to get a lighter trailer so I can haul more rolls.