??? Comparing New Compact Tractors ???

[Mcourchesne]

Hello folks!

I've read a few threads here and have enjoyed reading many of your topics.

I'm new to the tractor world and would really appreciate your experienced feedback in this discussion.

Background: I have 9 acres of land and mow about 3+ acres. The land is mostly flat with a few hills and slopes. I have a 1/4 mile long gravel driveway which I plan to grade and clear seasonally. I will use the tractor for mowing, grading driveway, snow removal and some yard grading.

What I'm looking for is a tractor with front loader and 54" - 60" mower unless someone steers me otherwise.

Tractors I've seen and appeared to have narrowed down to are(not in order):
(1) Kubota BX2360 with LA243 Loader and 60 mid-mount mower
(2) Massey GC2300 with 2350 loader and 60 mid mount-mower,
(3) John Deere 2320 with 200CX loader and 54D mid-mount mower
(4) Kioti CK20S HST with KL120 front loader and but doesn't support Mid mount???
(5) Bobcat CT122 with 6TL front Loader and mid-mount 54"

Again, I really appreciate your input to these and any additional info. (should I go bigger?)

Things I'm interested in are warranty, financing, quality, longevity and practicality.

Thanks everyone!
MC

 

[wallace]

Lets get you updated with the Massey
The new model is the GC2400 and the loader is a DL100
Massey has about the best financing available with their 0% for 72 months I think they stand alone.

I am also a Kioti dealer and the CK20 is about the best tractor dollar for dollar out of the bunch, but their lack of a belly mower can be a deal breaker.
Kiot does have the best warranty in the industry.
If you can get away with a rear finish mower Kioti will be worth looking at.
Now on the other hand the Bobcat is just a re badged Kioti with less lifting capacity on their loader and a shorter term warranty but they do have a belly mower.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Although I really like both the Kioti CK20S, and the Bobcat CT122 (same tractor) they are a bit on the heavy side for mowing, and have more limited snow removal options. I have a Kubota B2620 which is the same size, but lighter, and I'm still not sure I want to mow with that. As you noted, front mount snowblowers, and mid mount mowers are not as available as they are for JD, or Kubota. I might opt for the 60" deck on the JD 2320 you are considering, and think it would be a good choice for your chores. The two sub compacts that you mentioned are about equal in ability. The Massey has a larger engine, and the Kubota has more options perhaps. If collecting grass, or leaves is something you would think about, check out the options for material collection on any of your choices. All the tractors you mentioned will do the things you want to do, so it sometimes just boils down to how much you want to spend, and how well you personally like each one. Have lots of fun looking!

 

[Gittyup]

All good choices, you've listed. I would suggest that you also look at a TYM T233 or T273. They offer a belly mower and a 5 year warranty. Very nicely sized and weighted machine too.

 

[Mcourchesne]

All good choices, you've listed. I would suggest that you also look at a TYM T233 or T273. They offer a belly mower and a 5 year warranty. Very nicely sized and weighted machine too.

I'm not sure about the Japanese Machines....but I do know that Massey and John Deere dealers are 5 miles from my home and Kubota is 15 miles.

Any other ideas, suggestions or comments?

I really appreciate what has been provided so far!

MC

 

[MDM]

Most of the machines you mentioned are Japanese or of Jap origin. Such is the majority of most Compacts. The Kioti/Bobcat is Korean. The Deere likely has a Jap/Yanmar engine. TYM is Korean. I believe the Massey's are Jap/Iseki made. Some dealers can sound off to be sure. The Kubota BX machines are made in the US I think, but the engines are likely Japanese.

Don't be afraid to look at the Cub Cadet/Yanmar sub cuts. They make one VERY similar to the JD2305 and its quite a bit cheaper. The Kubotas and JD's have the attachment thing down better than anyone else.

 

[Gittyup]

I don't think that there is a tractor made at all in the U.S. under 100 HP. Most are either Japanese or Korean. Some are made in India, and the Czech Republic too; maybe a few other places in Europe. TYM is Korean, and they are a huge conglomerate of heavy manufacturing idustries. There is also Montana, where some are LG (also Korean) and some are Daedong (i.e. Kioti/Bobcat). Some claim to be made in the U.S., which really means they are assembled here (wheels, loaders, "attachables", using mostly foreign parts.

The truth is that just about all of them are good quality. The real issue is longevity of brand and the availability of parts over the long haul (e.g. Farmtrac).

The TYM is an awesome tractor; just a good as any of them. But, then so are so many other brands. It's the dealer networks that really set them apart. I recommended the TYM because no one else really has a machine quite like it: size, power, standard features, warranty. It's a full size CUT on a subCUT wheelbase. Standard equipment; QA loader, mid PTO, HST, rear remotes, telescopic 3PH. For the man that finds subCUTS too small and CUTS too big, it's the right answer. The JD2320 is close. Though for a lot more money.

 

[Mcourchesne]

Most of the machines you mentioned are Japanese or of Jap origin. Such is the majority of most Compacts. The Kioti/Bobcat is Korean.

Ahh Sorry Everyone...I meant Korean...as TYM

My issue/concern is in five years, can I find the parts I need? JD, Kubota, Massey, Bobcat...and yes the Cadet/Yanmar are manufacturers that I feel they will be around for a while...and never thought to compare Yanmar. Good point.

Any others?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Yea, the BX's are made here. The engines are transmissions are brought in. Chasis, sheet metail, etc are all done here, as is pretty much all Kubota stuff smaller than a B-Series. This is one tractor where the Japaneese company builds a more 'American' product than the 'American' companies do...?

 

[TigerfaninAR]

I have a Kubota B2620 which is the same size, but lighter, and I'm still not sure I want to mow with that.

I think this is the dilema for many, I know it is for me. I have 7 acres with about 4 acres to mow, no hills or slopes. A few places have a tendency to be a little soft as well. I think a B2620 fits what I would need for getting firewood, using a box blade, and tiller for the garden. However mowing would be the primary task which screams BX or GC for me. The time is creeping up where I'll need a machine and I keep going back and forth on what's best.

 

[KML]

I agree with the great advice already given! All good tractors you have listed that will do you jobs you want it for..

Here's my 2 cents based purely on my personal experience with hardly any basis in fact

The three most important things to consider are:

1. dealer support/customer service

2. dealer support/customer service

and finally

3. dealer support/customer service

Get out to the dealers and feel them out. How do they treat you? Have they been around for a while with a good local reputation?

Saving one or two thousand dollars only to have a dealer take a "sucks to be you" attitude if you have problems seems like false economy to me. This appears to be much more dealer than brand specific from what I've seen. Worse yet would be to go there for help to find out they got out of tractors but will gladly sell you seamless gutters or a camper.


You should also consider how long you plan on keeping the tractor. If you plan on running it until it (or you ) dies than resale value isn't that important but if you think you may trade in the future you need to look at the used market in your area. Where I live Kubota and JD still bring good money used but you can hardly give a Cub Cadet away. I don't recall ever seeing any of the other brands for sale used around here but must admit I haven't really been looking. Agian, check the market in your area.


Good luck on your hunt and remember, the dealer REALLY does make the difference!

 

[slewisma]

I agree with the great advice already given! All good tractors you have listed that will do you jobs you want it for..

Here's my 2 cents based purely on my personal experience with hardly any basis in fact

The three most important things to consider are:

1. dealer support/customer service

2. dealer support/customer service

and finally

3. dealer support/customer service

Couldn't agree more. A dealer that is close enough and good enough matters more than price, brand, color or a free hat (but make them give you the hat anyway). That said, a dealer that charges a LOT more than others doesn't meet my "good enough" criteria. If they rip you off on the tractor, they'll do it on every attachment, supply or repair too.

Now if only I lived close to more dealers so I could have had more to choose from .....

 

[Mcourchesne]

Well so Far I have received the following quotes:

Kubota: $14,900
BX2360 Tractor w/turf tires
LA243 Loader
54" MMM

John Deere: $17,365
2320 tractor with turf tires
200CX loader--53" bucket
54" drive over mower & attaching parts

Still making my way to Massey.

Any comments on the finding above so far?

Thanks again everyone...you're very helpful!

 

[MDM]

If you are looking at the JD2320, why not look at the Kubota B 2620? It has more HP, 3 range tranny and can be had for less than the 2320. You could even get a B2320 for with loader and MMM for the price of that BX. The BX only compares to the 2305 sized Deere. If it were me, I would look more strongly at the B series over the BX series. This is just a personal opinion, but I look at a BX sized machine as a glorified riding mower. The B series is more along the lines of a "tractor".

 

[Mcourchesne]

If you are looking at the JD2320, why not look at the Kubota B 2620? It has more HP, 3 range tranny and can be had for less than the 2320. You could even get a B2320 for with loader and MMM for the price of that BX. The BX only compares to the 2305 sized Deere. If it were me, I would look more strongly at the B series over the BX series. This is just a personal opinion, but I look at a BX sized machine as a glorified riding mower. The B series is more along the lines of a "tractor".

Wow maybe I missed the boat all together?

What is the significant difference between the B and the BX series? Is it increase in size and price? Is the the B as nimble as the BX..I thought they were the same except size?

MC

 

[Barneyhunts]

I have two Kubotas. A BX2200 which I bought in 2003 and which I use for mowing (60" MMM) and snow removal (front mounted snowblower) I also use it for tilling my garden(3 pt. tiller) and boring post holes (PHD). I have used it for some stone work with a 5' rake which I think is too large for the machine, and I've spread gravel with my front blade. The machine is a workhorse and my wife and I love it. Almost 500 hours without a problem. I also have a B7800 which I use to brushhog, pull a two bottom plow, disc, plant and spread fertilizer on food plots. It has 125 hours on it without problems. Unless somethingreally drastic happens, my next tractor will be a Kubota!
Best wishes in your search for your right tractor.

 

[MDM]

I guess if you look at it that way, all tractors would be the same except size.

With a the B series you will get a 3 range HST tranny. It will handle bigger implements easier. I guess some would consider the BX more nimble, but with the HST you can really manuever really quickly. I think the B series rides better than the sub cut sized BX, probably because of the larger tires. Just drive the BX and the B2320/B2620 and you will see the differences. One thing the B series has over everone else is the 3 range tranny. You will get 2 working ranges, where with the machines that have just Hi and Lo, you will be relegated to Lo range for most all of your chores, as Hi is just for moving fast on flat ground and really has no power. For the chores you mention, the extra weight of the B is not going to hurt you much at all. I do like all the machines you mentioned, but the B series really shines with that 3 range tranny. The others will have a 3 range tranny in the future I would imagine.

Don't get me wrong, the BX's and those sized machines are perfect for some and are proven workhorses. I just prefer something with a little more size, as the B series will do everything the BX series will do and more, without sacrificing much on price and added weight.

 

[Mcourchesne]

If you are looking at the JD2320, why not look at the Kubota B 2620? It has more HP, 3 range tranny and can be had for less than the 2320. You could even get a B2320 for with loader and MMM for the price of that BX. The BX only compares to the 2305 sized Deere. If it were me, I would look more strongly at the B series over the BX series. This is just a personal opinion, but I look at a BX sized machine as a glorified riding mower. The B series is more along the lines of a "tractor".

Do they (JD) sell a tractor comparable to the BX?

 

[MDM]

Yes, there's one, the 2305 24hp. There are several BX models to choose from depending on how much HP you want.

 

[Mcourchesne]

Yes, there's one, the 2305 24hp. There are several BX models to choose from depending on how much HP you want.

Ahh darn...you're right. I wasn't comparing apples to oranges.

Thought after looking at both, the bigger tractors do look good and the ride is smoother.....argh.

~feel like a guy at his senior prom...sweaty palms...is it getting hot in here?~