Comparison What is the best brand of tractor?

[LD1]

When I bought my kubota L3400 almost 11 years ago now......I knew what I wanted.

I wanted a new machine, that was comparable in physical size, weight, and power to an 8n ford. And I wanted 4wd with a loader. There werent as many options back then, and kubota was about the only one that had the "economy" series. SO I was comparing a L3400, to a JD3320 and a NH TC34da. I wanted this size because dad had owned an 8n for the last 20 years. So had quite a inventory if implements. 3PH mowers, bushhog, blades, rake, disc, plow, etc etc. Since I was alot poorer back then, it all caome down to money. How affordable can I get into a package that can pull the 8n implements. I think the 2x20 series deere's, kubota B's, etc were just too small for what I needed.

Unfortunately, nearest kioti and mahindra dealers were 1.5-2 hours away. And didnt know much about them at the time. So I sealed the deal on the L3400, because the JD3320 was ~6k more and the TC34da was about 5k more

Fast forward to this past spring, I was ready for an upgrade. Well....I was actually gonna wait til 2017, but dad had sold all of his old tractors and was wanting something like my L3400. He was actually looking at a used one at the dealer (a little rougher in shape and double the hours). Well, since I was wanting to upgrade anyway, and he was wanting a machine just like mine.......I started looking. And if I were to find something, he would buy my L3400.

Needs were simple:
1. 50-60HP. Why.......big enough to pull the widest 3PH mower that can be trailered without a wide load permit....8'6" yet small enough to still be nimble.
2. HST. Probably 80% of my hours are mowing. HST vs gear is like comparing a garden tractor to a ZTR
3. SSQA. One thing I didnt know about back in 2005 when I got my L3400. But knew I would eventually get a grapple and forks
4. I knew it had to be used and no more than $20k. I cannot afford new, and didnt want payments.

All else being subjective. When looking for and comparing used machines, lower hours are nicer, good tires, etc. Spent several weeks looking. Tractorhouse, craigslist, local ads, etc. Tractors like a DK50 or DK55....MX line, or even the smaller M's, deere 5-series or some of the larger 4x20 series, new hollands, etc. I wasnt picky or tied to any one brand. Just something that fit the above requirements and in the best shape with the lowest hours I could find for $20k or less. Nothing was coming up. So I started calling dealers. Nobody had anything used, so I did some inquiring on new price. A mahindra 2555 hst loader machine was north of 30k. As were the DK5510 and NX5510. And all real similar in price to the kubota MX series. After calling the kubota dealer, (which is 10 minutes from home), they had just taken in a 2012 MX5100, 340 hrs, SSQA. HST, etc or trade. They havent even had a chance to list it on the site yet. We made the deal at an even $20k OTD.

So, I am still with kubota. But that dont mean the others arent good, and that dont mean I dont consider them. Had I been able to find a used DK55, or used JD4720, or used NH, or used mahindra, I would probably be equally happy with the machine. The color of paint, or the name on the side mean nothing to me. Its about the right machine, at the right time, for the right price. Just so happened to be kubota both times for me

 

[2ndhalf]

After calling the kubota dealer, (which is 10 minutes from home), they had just taken in a 2012 MX5100, 340 hrs, SSQA. HST, etc or trade. They havent even had a chance to list it on the site yet. We made the deal at an even $20k OTD.

Those are the kind of used finds I like. Not even enough hours to have to worry about how they maintained it but they took the depreciation hit. Great find!

Good example to the newbie shoppers it pays to be patient and look, look, look!

 

[k0ua]

When I bought my kubota L3400 almost 11 years ago now......I knew what I wanted.

I wanted a new machine, that was comparable in physical size, weight, and power to an 8n ford. And I wanted 4wd with a loader. There werent as many options back then, and kubota was about the only one that had the "economy" series. SO I was comparing a L3400, to a JD3320 and a NH TC34da. I wanted this size because dad had owned an 8n for the last 20 years. So had quite a inventory if implements. 3PH mowers, bushhog, blades, rake, disc, plow, etc etc. Since I was alot poorer back then, it all caome down to money. How affordable can I get into a package that can pull the 8n implements. I think the 2x20 series deere's, kubota B's, etc were just too small for what I needed.

Unfortunately, nearest kioti and mahindra dealers were 1.5-2 hours away. And didnt know much about them at the time. So I sealed the deal on the L3400, because the JD3320 was ~6k more and the TC34da was about 5k more

Fast forward to this past spring, I was ready for an upgrade. Well....I was actually gonna wait til 2017, but dad had sold all of his old tractors and was wanting something like my L3400. He was actually looking at a used one at the dealer (a little rougher in shape and double the hours). Well, since I was wanting to upgrade anyway, and he was wanting a machine just like mine.......I started looking. And if I were to find something, he would buy my L3400.

Needs were simple:
1. 50-60HP. Why.......big enough to pull the widest 3PH mower that can be trailered without a wide load permit....8'6" yet small enough to still be nimble.
2. HST. Probably 80% of my hours are mowing. HST vs gear is like comparing a garden tractor to a ZTR
3. SSQA. One thing I didnt know about back in 2005 when I got my L3400. But knew I would eventually get a grapple and forks
4. I knew it had to be used and no more than $20k. I cannot afford new, and didnt want payments.

All else being subjective. When looking for and comparing used machines, lower hours are nicer, good tires, etc. Spent several weeks looking. Tractorhouse, craigslist, local ads, etc. Tractors like a DK50 or DK55....MX line, or even the smaller M's, deere 5-series or some of the larger 4x20 series, new hollands, etc. I wasnt picky or tied to any one brand. Just something that fit the above requirements and in the best shape with the lowest hours I could find for $20k or less. Nothing was coming up. So I started calling dealers. Nobody had anything used, so I did some inquiring on new price. A mahindra 2555 hst loader machine was north of 30k. As were the DK5510 and NX5510. And all real similar in price to the kubota MX series. After calling the kubota dealer, (which is 10 minutes from home), they had just taken in a 2012 MX5100, 340 hrs, SSQA. HST, etc or trade. They havent even had a chance to list it on the site yet. We made the deal at an even $20k OTD.

So, I am still with kubota. But that dont mean the others arent good, and that dont mean I dont consider them. Had I been able to find a used DK55, or used JD4720, or used NH, or used mahindra, I would probably be equally happy with the machine. The color of paint, or the name on the side mean nothing to me. Its about the right machine, at the right time, for the right price. Just so happened to be kubota both times for me

Exactly. Get the machine that will do the work you want with the features you want, and who cares about the paint color. LD1 and I rib each other about brands, but in reality it is about getting your tasks done.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Gentleman I started this thread because someone on here was bashing me for being pro Mahindra, that person posted on this thread lol

I was waiting for him to say he was pro one brand which clearly he is but didn't.

I honestly don't care who people think is the best brand, I know I wanted a tractor, found multiple I could easily work with and am super happy so far with the tractor I bought.

I'm not Deere for life, I know who is best for cost and lift capacity which is what mattered to me the most and that Mahindra, so I will gladly stand behind Mahindra as a solid tractor to buy, there heavier, much better FEL capacity and a heck of a bargain on price.

I actually don't like the new E series deeres I looked at in the E series 3038, I found them to be cheaply made and FEL was rated at 1100lbs which would work but barely for me, I did not like the meat thermostat style fuel gauge in the hood.

I looked at Kubota, (non grand) found there lift capacity (1050) to be worst in class, tractor ever all was extremely light which was a huge concern to me but actually liked there product, the L3909 I think it was, I liked but lift capacity wasn't enough for my needs.

I looked at new holland 37 workmaster, liked that tractor also, was built nice, had a 66in bucket when most in its class had a 60 but got a quoit back from the dealer 8 days after looking at the tractor and that machine came in at around $6,000 more than the Kubota, lift was better, weight was heavier but no thank you on the price. Boomer being more and closer to the grand series of Kubota and R of JD.

I looked at Case which is the same as new holland and LS, never got my eye on the case but the price was $1000 more than NH so that was a big heck no.

I found Mahindra to be class leading on FEL lift capacity, much heavier machine, most features and the cheapest tractor on the list. I was 110% sold on a 1533 HST or 1538 HST. I really liked there build quality, there warranty was longest by 1-6 years from the others, they had best financing and best rebates, $2000 back on 2 attachments (FEL standard (not included at a attachment)) and 0% for 84 with 0% down.

So in the up to 40hp class that I looked into, Mahindra was best and class leading and was gonna be the tractor I bought.

The ONLY reason I bought a Deere, was because it had a cab and was 50% less than a new tractor which was a poor resale but anyway it was the better investment and was more than big enough for my needs.

I love my tractor, it's comfortable, agile and does (for what I need) an awesome job, but I'm not pro Deere because like I said I don't care at all for the E series I looked at, I personally think the grand in Kubota and the R series JD are way overpriced compared to Mahindra.

So there you have it, I'm the first to actually throw a name out lol. I compared each tractor and company down to where the rubber was made 40hp and under (new tractors), by far Mahindra was best.

That's who I think is best and why (40hp and under new compacts).

Was it me? I hope it was me who cleverly avoided your well-layed trap!

 

[ovrszd]

More Better

I don't see any Blue in that rainbow Murph???

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Was it me? I hope it was me who cleverly avoided your well-layed trap!

No lol, the dude I was taking about bleeds orange and thinks he's better than everyone else because of the paint on his equipment, like the way city folks get about JD lawn mowers lol. He said nothing about Kubota here.

 

[murphy1244]

I don't see any Blue in that rainbow Murph???

Would love to pick up something like yours but they are not to be seen around here much.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

When I bought my kubota L3400 almost 11 years ago now......I knew what I wanted.

I wanted a new machine, that was comparable in physical size, weight, and power to an 8n ford. And I wanted 4wd with a loader. There werent as many options back then, and kubota was about the only one that had the "economy" series. SO I was comparing a L3400, to a JD3320 and a NH TC34da. I wanted this size because dad had owned an 8n for the last 20 years. So had quite a inventory if implements. 3PH mowers, bushhog, blades, rake, disc, plow, etc etc. Since I was alot poorer back then, it all caome down to money. How affordable can I get into a package that can pull the 8n implements. I think the 2x20 series deere's, kubota B's, etc were just too small for what I needed.

Unfortunately, nearest kioti and mahindra dealers were 1.5-2 hours away. And didnt know much about them at the time. So I sealed the deal on the L3400, because the JD3320 was ~6k more and the TC34da was about 5k more

Fast forward to this past spring, I was ready for an upgrade. Well....I was actually gonna wait til 2017, but dad had sold all of his old tractors and was wanting something like my L3400. He was actually looking at a used one at the dealer (a little rougher in shape and double the hours). Well, since I was wanting to upgrade anyway, and he was wanting a machine just like mine.......I started looking. And if I were to find something, he would buy my L3400.

Needs were simple:
1. 50-60HP. Why.......big enough to pull the widest 3PH mower that can be trailered without a wide load permit....8'6" yet small enough to still be nimble.
2. HST. Probably 80% of my hours are mowing. HST vs gear is like comparing a garden tractor to a ZTR
3. SSQA. One thing I didnt know about back in 2005 when I got my L3400. But knew I would eventually get a grapple and forks
4. I knew it had to be used and no more than $20k. I cannot afford new, and didnt want payments.

All else being subjective. When looking for and comparing used machines, lower hours are nicer, good tires, etc. Spent several weeks looking. Tractorhouse, craigslist, local ads, etc. Tractors like a DK50 or DK55....MX line, or even the smaller M's, deere 5-series or some of the larger 4x20 series, new hollands, etc. I wasnt picky or tied to any one brand. Just something that fit the above requirements and in the best shape with the lowest hours I could find for $20k or less. Nothing was coming up. So I started calling dealers. Nobody had anything used, so I did some inquiring on new price. A mahindra 2555 hst loader machine was north of 30k. As were the DK5510 and NX5510. And all real similar in price to the kubota MX series. After calling the kubota dealer, (which is 10 minutes from home), they had just taken in a 2012 MX5100, 340 hrs, SSQA. HST, etc or trade. They havent even had a chance to list it on the site yet. We made the deal at an even $20k OTD.

So, I am still with kubota. But that dont mean the others arent good, and that dont mean I dont consider them. Had I been able to find a used DK55, or used JD4720, or used NH, or used mahindra, I would probably be equally happy with the machine. The color of paint, or the name on the side mean nothing to me. Its about the right machine, at the right time, for the right price. Just so happened to be kubota both times for me

I never really had any luck finding used, seemed the better priced machines were poorly taken care of and beat to crap around here, that's a really good price on that MX, a deal I would have taken also being it was just a bit bigger than I bought but with a lot less hours, mine had 830 hours and I got it for 24k.

It's funny the only one I didn't care for on the new line was E series Deere, I could have owned them all but the Deere felt the cheapest made.

We don't have a LS or Kioti dealers around, I saw a JCD dealer around 1.5 hours away, I passed it buying mine.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Would love to pick up something like yours but they are not to be seen around here much.

I have seen some beauties on CL lately, later I will post some here, really sharp fords.

64 Ford Tractor

Ford 461 diesel

2 Ford Tractor

Ford 152 Tractor $385

"rare" 57 ford 84 powermaster tractor with a Sherman transmission

http://chillicothe.craigslist.org/grd/5892817378.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/grd/5908602748.html

http://chillicothe.craigslist.org/grd/5908693182.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/wan/5907286309.html

http://chillicothe.craigslist.org/grd/5880707027.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/grd/5892996219.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/grq/5899918510.html

I bleed Ford with my trucks even know I have owned a bit of everything but would have loved to see a Ford in my barn, I would get more excited about the Ford than what I got lol.

I had more but it cut them off, must be limited to links on a post

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

No lol, the dude I was taking about bleeds orange and thinks he's better than everyone else because of the paint on his equipment, like the way city folks get about JD lawn mowers lol. He said nothing about Kubota here.

Dang! Cause Kubota is definitely better than (fill in brand here).