Buying Advice First tractor at my new place

[GuiltySpark]

Hello from DFW to everyone! My wife and I finally got out of town and back to the country where we belong. Due to crazy land prices around DFW, we only managed 12.5 acres, but it came mostly setup for cow/calf which was our intent all along.

I've had some good seat time back in the 80s and 90s on big row crop equipment (JD 4850, JD 4440), but have been living the city life since then. We moved in 6 months ago and have been working slowly on rehab after several years of neglect and overgrowth.

I have need of a utility tractor, but am having a crazy time shopping the segment. There are a ton of offerings. I borrowed my BIL's JD 5310 (65hp) to get started, and that's as big, or frankly bigger, than I'd need here. At most I'd like to unload and move round bales, but that's not absolutely required. Most of the tractors I'm considering won't do it. Mom wants a good sized garden, so a tiller and possibly a bedder/lister will probably be used. I mainly need to move dirt, drill the occasional fence post, and brush hog the pasture.

I've been looking at most major brands, but I'll admit I'm pretty green when it comes to recognizing potential weak spots. Being in DFW, I have access to virtually every major dealer within an hour and half drive. So dealer wise, I'm more concerned with longevity and service than location. I'm searching new because I'm having to put cash into livestock and other areas of the property and frankly can't afford to risk buying a $10k tractor and then having to dump $10k into it for repairs. I also can't be having a payment on a dead machine.

So far... I'm considering:

• John Deere 3038E
• Yanmar YT235
• Massey 1739E
• Branson 3520H
• Branson 4520R
• Kubota L3901HST

I've passing on LS, YHM, and New Holland (dealers won't even return sales call, lol). I'm also passing on Mahindra based on too many warranty/dealer run-arounds I've seen.

Specs wise, the Deere doesn't match up, it's the lightest and weakest at both 3pt and FEL of the bunch. Nostalgia wise, I gravitate toward green. It's all I ever wanted, or envisioned myself ever buying. But looking at the specs and pricing, I just don't think I can do it. The 3038E looks and feels like a toy compared to some of the others on my list.

The Branson's look well built, but I've no exposure to them at all. We have a good dealer (so I read) that's sold them for a while, so that's a plus. For not a bunch more money, I can step up into a 47hp package deal with practically every implement I need. It's very tempting.

I'm very excited to see the new Yanmar and will be looking at it next week. The dealer is pretty new, and it's the only one around which worries me. I'm not afraid of the Yanmar machine at all, but warranty work may be a problem long term.

On the list I have above, any thoughts? Any other brands or models I should be looking at? I know I could probably be happy with any of the machines on the list, as long as they are running. I'm not terribly picky when it comes to controls, layouts, etc. I'm not even dead set on HST, as everything I've ever worked with before didn't have it. But, I'll admit, on my JD X300 mower it is very nice!

 

[ericm979]

The Yanmars look nice but they're just starting out again in the US. I like a dealer that has some track record so not only do they have experience with the brand but they'll be around and servicing that brand for a while.

For me the features and price of the Branson won out over the Kubota. The extra weight and width makes it more stable on my steep land. I do a lot of wood chipping and being able to turn the pto on or off from beside the tractor was a factor for me. You'll want to make your own list of must have and nice to have features and see how the different models meet them. I ended up making a spredsheet to track it all. Also go visit dealers to sound them out and do test drives. The L3901 would have worked but if I'm spending all that money I wanted to get the best fit for me.

HP needs are determined mostly by the PTO implements you want to run. if you have enough HP for everything you're doing, more HP won't get the work done faster or make it more fun like in a car, it'll just burn more fuel.

 

[GuiltySpark]

I have the spreadsheet already going, lol. But I have scant few actual "hands-on" opinions of what I need. Short of running a tiller, I have done all the basics around here with the 5310, but my BIL came and picked it up. No more free tractor! It was too big to effectively clean out cow stalls or to park in the shop. It wasn't a turning issue with the stalls, but was just too tall to clear the roofline. It was a foldable ROPS, but the canopy made it almost impossible to fold it down.

3pt power down might be nice, but I haven't been able to find out which ones (if any) have it by just reading online. We have nasty clay soil, so that would assist with the auger. I also might run a chipper some day as well, so that's nice to know about the Branson. My land is all flat with a slight gentle slope, except for the creek that borders it. Lots of trees line the creek, but it's just a "cliff edge" down into it, not something I need to traverse. I have one stock tank that's already dug, but is dry. I'd have to be careful if I was going to brush hog that.

I'm also not sure how I would feel about the HST "rocker" foot controls on the Kubota. I really am used to the two pedal JD system because of my mower.

If I ended up in the 4520R, I would probably add an additional remote for drawbar implements that need to be lifted. While I'm only on 12 acres now, I will try to lease more if the opportunity arises.

 

[kevin37b]

Go to a bigger frame Deere . Most tractors are good , but the dealer is the gamechanger . Good luck , Kevin .

 

[rustyshakelford]

I agree. Check out the 5e series. I had a heck of a time with my old 5055e but that was a freak deal and now I love my 5100. I would imagine the price point will surprise you too. Lot more tractor for the money. Probably similar in frame size to your BILa tractor

Brett

 

[TheMadOne]

At least with JD and Kubota you're at the high HP end of the specific frame size. The 3901 is the same physical tractor as the 3301 and 2501(or nearly), I believe it's likewise with the Deere 3038, 3032, an 3025. For actual farming/animal raising I'd hesitate to call a tractor like mine big enough, and the Deere is physically a good bit smaller that that.

I'd suggest either jumping into the MX line of Kubota or a similar size in whatever color you like or looking at the premium options like the grand LXX60s/JD "R" line. Just my :2cents:

 

[nybirdman]

You may be a tad small for round bales with most of your choices;counter weight for sure.As far as the HST;I have a JD mower with the two pedals and a Kubota with the rocker;not a big problem for me.

 

[GuiltySpark]

You may be a tad small for round bales with most of your choices;counter weight for sure.As far as the HST;I have a JD mower with the two pedals and a Kubota with the rocker;not a big problem for me.

Yes, I'd consider most all of them too small for round bales on the FEL. The Bransons are the only ones on paper that show the lift capacity with any wiggle room, and they are over a foot wider too.

FWIW, I circled back to the JD 4044M and Kubota MX4800HST and they sit nicely against the Branson 4520R, and the quote was comparable if you throw out the tiller, auger, box blade, and 20' trailer that come with the Branson. At that point, I'm really buying the dealer, I feel. I'm not saying that's a bad idea. That's what I'm wrestling with.

 

[NHSawyer]

I have a Yanmar LX410 I bought 6 years ago. When I bought it I felt Yanmar had the best tractor of all that I looked at. I very much like my machine and have had no problems with the dealer or getting parts.

 

[jeff9366]

"The Branson's look well built, but I've no exposure to them. We have a good dealer (so I read) that's sold them for a while, so that's a plus. For not a bunch more money, I can step up into a 47hp package deal with practically every implement I need. It's very tempting.

Yes, I'd consider most all of them too small for round bales on the FEL. The Bransons are the only ones on paper that show the lift capacity with any wiggle room, and they are over a foot wider too.

I circled back to the JD 4044M and Kubota MX4800HST and they sit nicely against the Branson 4520R, and the quote was comparable IF you throw out (!?!?!?) the TILLER, AUGER, BOX BLADE AND 20' TRAILER in Branson package deal.
At that point, I'm buying the dealer. I'm not saying that's a bad idea. That's what I'm wrestling with."

Texas is probably Branson's largest market. You have enumerated plenty good reasons to go with Branson. Branson 4520R has a much better outfit than Kubota MX4800, which is bare bones.

Branson 4520R: Branson Tractors - Home

 

[GuiltySpark]

"The Branson's look well built, but I've no exposure to them. We have a good dealer (so I read) that's sold them for a while, so that's a plus. For not a bunch more money, I can step up into a 47hp package deal with practically every implement I need. It's very tempting.

Yes, I'd consider most all of them too small for round bales on the FEL. The Bransons are the only ones on paper that show the lift capacity with any wiggle room, and they are over a foot wider too.

I circled back to the JD 4044M and Kubota MX4800HST and they sit nicely against the Branson 4520R, and the quote was comparable IF you throw out the TILLER, AUGER, BOX BLADE AND 20' TRAILER in Branson package deal. (!?!?!?)
At that point, I'm buying the dealer. I'm not saying that's a bad idea. That's what I'm wrestling with."

Texas is probably Branson's largest market. You have enumerated plenty of good reasons to go with Branson.

Precisely what Branson model or models are you considering?
LINK: Branson Tractors - Home

I've been considering a 3015R, 3520H, and a 4520R. Just trying to balance HP and capacity against my budget. When you look at the totals, it still feels like a big difference price wise. But payment wise, we are talking $75-$100 per month between the 3. Anything bigger, and I've spent more than I care to. For reference, here are the quoted prices:

$22,395 - 3015R w/ BL15 FEL, 60" rotary cutter, 60" tiller, 60" box blade, auger and 20' trailer
$26,995 - 3520H w/ BL25R FEL, 72" rotary cutter, 72" tiller, 72" box blade, auger and 20' trailer
$28,195 - 4520R w/ BL25R FEL, 72" rotary cutter, 72" tiller, 72" box blade, auger and 20' trailer

 

[ericm979]

Unless you're going to regularly be hauling the tractor to another location it may be better to rent the trailer when you need it. Trailer rental is cheap even here in California. Check out the package deal implements- often they're the light weight light duty ones, and that's not always appropriate.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Those are really good prices there Guilty.

When I was tractor shopping early this year, I was completely brand neutral. I was frankly appalled at the total lack of customer service from most of the dealers here. That was the deciding factor for me to go with the Branson. I picked the dealer more than I picked the tractor. I couldn't FORCE the local Kubota, Kioti, Case/Massey or New Holland dealers to even speak to me, let alone wait on me. The John Deere dealer actually SPOKE to me (I was in rapture), but didn't have a single model close to what I wanted on hand for me to even climb on, and made no effort of any kind to get one in for me, wanted me to travel 200 miles to look at a JD model in a neighboring state.

The Branson dealer had several different model sizes on hand, bracketing the size I was thinking of, asked me which one(s) I was interested in, tossed me the keys and said "go play, and come see me afterwards if you have any questions".

I'm happy with mine so far, it's my only experience with the brand, and I'm glad I went with a bigger size chassis than I was originally looking at. The 3725 is the same tractor as the 4225, same weight, capacities, etc. Only 37 hp instead of 42 hp. I like the extra stability of the heavier chassis, and I'm glad I went with filled rear tires. I think I'm sporting just over 6K pounds with FEL and box blade, which is a nice all around weight I think for this size.

I say pick your dealer before you pick your tractor.

 

[jeff9366]

Check out the package deal implements- often they're the light weight light duty ones, and that's not always appropriate.

Yes, research carefully. Will your existing vehicle tow loads under consideration?

I would go with one of the 72" rotary cutter packages.

 

[GuiltySpark]

Those are really good prices there Guilty.

When I was tractor shopping early this year, I was completely brand neutral. I was frankly appalled at the total lack of customer service from most of the dealers here. That was the deciding factor for me to go with the Branson. I picked the dealer more than I picked the tractor. I couldn't FORCE the local Kubota, Kioti, Case/Massey or New Holland dealers to even speak to me, let alone wait on me. The John Deere dealer actually SPOKE to me (I was in rapture), but didn't have a single model close to what I wanted on hand for me to even climb on, and made no effort of any kind to get one in for me, wanted me to travel 200 miles to look at a JD model in a neighboring state.

The Branson dealer had several different model sizes on hand, bracketing the size I was thinking of, asked me which one(s) I was interested in, tossed me the keys and said "go play, and come see me afterwards if you have any questions".

I'm happy with mine so far, it's my only experience with the brand, and I'm glad I went with a bigger size chassis than I was originally looking at. The 3725 is the same tractor as the 4225, same weight, capacities, etc. Only 37 hp instead of 42 hp. I like the extra stability of the heavier chassis, and I'm glad I went with filled rear tires. I think I'm sporting just over 6K pounds with FEL and box blade, which is a nice all around weight I think for this size.

I say pick your dealer before you pick your tractor.

Yes, that's good advice. Dealer wise, I've had mixed experience. I've gotten really great sales service from both the Yanmar and Massey dealers. But they are both small and new, so I'm worried about them being there through the full term of the warranty and after. New Holland, I couldn't even get on the phone or to return an email. Kubota and Deere dealers have been great. The Deere dealer is part of a chain and their "smaller" locations are great to deal with, while their larger one is certainly aiming for $500k sales at a time and doesn't have much time for a little guy like me. So far, only Yanmar and Kubota have offered to toss me keys and turn me loose on their demo tractors.

The Branson dealer is the furthest away, and while I read good things online, I don't know anyone who has actually purchased there. I'm smack in the middle of orange and green country, with a few antique Fords rolling around. No one wants to admit to buying anything else. And while I am intending on purchasing a very long term tractor, I still feel that thought creeping in the back of my mind about resale value. Pretty much, it's Deere, Kubota, and trailing in a distant 3rd, New Holland around here for used. Anything else is few and far between, and they don't seem to have as much used value.

Yes, research carefully. Will your existing vehicle tow loads under consideration?

I would go with one of the 72" rotary cutter packages.

No. This summer is a tractor purchase and next summer is 3/4 ton truck upgrade. For now, I have quick access to borrow either a F250 or F450 and trailers, so I'm not too worried.

 

[WVH1977]

When I purchased my tractor I drove 6 hours away to get it because of the price. The New Holland dealer that was 15 minutes from me was thousands more than what I paid for the same tractor new with two attachments and a 20 ft trailer. Back then I did not care less or think about the dealer. I was looking for the cheapest new tractor price for the tractor I wanted. Actually the dealer I bought the tractor from has been out of business for quite a while. They were a small dealership trying to move tractors, and that is how I got the good deal. I knew I could get parts where I live and there are plenty of tractor dealers and mechanics around my area. The local dealer was a little mad I did not purchase from him but he could not compete with the price at all. I still go to the local dealer and buy all filters and parts I need and get along with them just fine. I have been fortunate and never needed to have the tractor worked on. The manufacturers warranty is good anywhere a certified dealer for your brand tractor is located. Just another option to consider and think about, especially when spending thousands of your hard earned dollars.

 

[airbiscuit]

I would add Kioti to that list.

 

[madpuma13]

Not sure if you purchased yet. I live in central Texas and had a similar dilemma when choosing my tractor.

I ended up going with Branson for various reasons. One of which, price.

The major Branson dealer in our area I found was quite pushy when it came to sales. I went out and found a smaller dealer and got an incredible price on mine.

They weren't pushy at all. Shoot me a pm if you're interested in the name of the dealer. Might be a little further away but it may be worth it to give them a call.

 

[GuiltySpark]

I would add Kioti to that list.

I have reviewed them online, and the Massey dealer is also the Kioti dealer in my area. I'll be sure to check them out when I get there. FWIW, I couldn't find anything online about pricing.

 

[jeff9366]

Kioti, LS, Branson, TYM; all four tractor brands originating in Korea.