trying to narrow down choices between 3 brands/8 used tractors- opinions welcome! :)

[maxreps]

Hi everyone,

I'm joe average homeowner with 10 acres, mechanically inclined(auto head gaskets, engine rebuilds when I have to...). I want another tractor as my '64 Allis D15 II(gasoline) has a cracked block. *Tractor will be used for about 2-3 acres bushhogging, grading/scraping/snow removal of driveway that's 1800' long w/200' of 30-35% grade(20 degrees approx) and anything else I may putt around doing*

All below are diesel and have a front loader. Unless research is wrong, Mahindra has no DPF but Deere does and I'd like to avoid DPF. Due to stories of replacing the unit in 5 years for $1500-2000. I have prices on some but am waiting to hear on others marked TBD. Please give recommendations of your top 4 picks and a fair price for each.


2019 Mahindra 1533 - $17k
2016 MAHINDRA 2540 - $TBD
2014 Mahindra 3016 - $11k
2009 MAHINDRA 4110 - $TBD

1986 Massey Ferguson 294 - $TBD

2005 Kioti DK35 - $12k

2016 JOHN DEERE 4044R - $TBD
2003 JOHN DEERE 5320 - $TBD

 

[jeff9366]

I'm joe average homeowner with 10 acres.

Mahindra has no DPF but Deere does and I'd like to avoid DPF due to stories of replacing the unit in 5 years for $1500-2000. [/U]

I am neutral on emission control system technology; whatever works.

However, there are numerous reports on T-B-N of Mahindra sales personnel telling tractor shoppers that Mahindra tractors do not have a DPF and do not regenerate, both true; implying Mahindra is Tier IV compliant without emission control components. Not true, of coarse.

Beginning about thirty-three horsepower most tractors have Diesel Particulate Filters.
A few Tier IV compliant tractors between 26 and 75 hp use DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) conversion. Mahindra is one. Mahindra DOC is of similar construction to DPF. Both DPF and DOC are honeycomb ceramic filters which supersede the muffler. The DOC forces engine exhaust over a honeycomb ceramic structure coated with platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These catalysts oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water at hot exhaust temperature.

Mahindra has a DOC oven hot all the time, DPF tractors have an oven hot intermittently.

There is no free lunch.

The average residential tractor operates sixty engine hours per year, according to industry surveys.

3,000 hours DPF Life / 60 hours = 50 years of residential use prior to DPF replacement.

Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.
At some point in time DPF needs to be replaced.
At some point in time tractors with mufflers need the muffler replaced.
At some point in time DOC needs to be replaced.

Tire wear and tire replacement will cause as many headaches and more expense than DPF/DOC for most long term compact tractor owners who read and comprehend their Operator's Manual.

For a commercial farmer operating tractor engine 300 to 400 hours per year DPF/DOC will require replacement more often than once in fifty years.

 

[jeff9366]

Allis D15 gas is around 4,000 pounds, bare tractor weight, 2-WD.
Allis D15 gas is 50 to 55 engine horsepower.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third.

Has Allis met your needs?

 

[Shaneard]

Allis D15 gas is around 4,000 pounds, bare tractor weight, 2-WD.
Allis D15 gas is 50 to 55 engine horsepower.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel ballast third.

Has Allis met your needs?

Bare tractor weight FIRST is Jeff's personal opinion. There are many discussions on weight VS HP. If you've been happy with an AC D15, anything will be an upgrade. I don't mean that as a bad thing, tractors have came a long way since the 1960's.

Get the size/HP you need, you can always add weight if need be.

If you want to stay away from emissions (I know I do) you can always find a low hour tractor before emissions were on them.

 

[Jchonline]

To me there is no discussion. Get the weight you need for the tasks...get he HP you need for the tasks.

So you have 2 acres of mowing, under 1/2 mile of gravel roadway to maintain. You want a front loader, but havent listed any tasks that would directly require it. I recommend listing out all the tasks that you want to accomplish with the machine (whether 1 time or repeated like snow removal). Then you can narrow down weight, HP, implements, tractor specs.

Also where are you location wise? How much snow in a season? How wet is it there?

 

[maxreps]

Thanks for the DOC information Jeff, seems like a catalytic converter as used by automobiles. I updated the tractor weight/hp below also

The D15ii mostly did what I needed but occasionally it struggled. I got when 42 years old with no knowledge of the engine condition(never checked compression or leakdown). Typical age issues...iffy brakes, fair hydro function, who knows about power output due to wear.
The AG rears would spin when the 5' box scrape was full of dirt. (the driveway hill gets wrecked by heavy rainwater due to the hill grade and length). I had no loader but want one now due to snow removal, we had 14" in january this year(central NC). I have no direct knowledge of the correlation between 4wd vs 2wd effectiveness(assuming bare weight and power were the same). I've heard some say that a 35hp 4wd tractor will equal a 45hp tractor 2wd of the same weight but have seen no tables or proof that seems legitimate.

Two of the Mahindras in my list are mfrd by TYM, I've read that non-TYM products are better. Any truth to that at all?

I used tractordata for spec info.......

2019 Mahindra 1533 - $17,000 mitsu/34.5hp/3164lbs
2016 MAHINDRA 2540 - $TBD TYM/40hp/3285lbs
2014 Mahindra 3016 - $11,000 mitsu/28hp/2437lbs
2009 MAHINDRA 4110 - $TBD TYM/41hp/3969lbs

1986 Massey Ferguson 294 - $12,500 67hp/6720lbs

2005 Kioti DK35 - $12,000 35hp/3475lbs

2016 JOHN DEERE 4044R - $TBD 43.1/3370lbs
2003 JOHN DEERE 5320 - $TBD 64hp/4891lbs

 

[jeff9366]

I've heard it said a 35hp 4wd tractor will equal a 45hp tractor 2wd of the same weight but have seen no tables or proof that seems legitimate.

Nor have I seen proof due to multiple, ever changing variables affecting tractor traction.

So qualified, not a bad analogy.



I believe TYM Mahindras have DPF consistent with other TYM TYM tractors, not DOC like heavier Mahindra Mahindra tractors.

 

[Farmer495]

Out of that list, assuming condition is good, the MF 294 would be my pick, those were a solid tractor built by Landini, that basic design was sold well into the 2000's in Landini colors (Evolution series i.e. 8865) Perkins power and completely mechanical powertrain. Average mechanic could fix it too, nothing too complicated.

Most of the other tractors on your list are toy sized, 294 is a full size utility.

 

[maxreps]

Out of that list, assuming condition is good, the MF 294 would be my pick, those were a solid tractor built by Landini, that basic design was sold well into the 2000's in Landini colors (Evolution series i.e. 8865) Perkins power and completely mechanical powertrain. Average mechanic could fix it too, nothing too complicated.

Most of the other tractors on your list are toy sized, 294 is a full size utility.

The 294 is in fair condition for a 33 yr old tractor. I'm a bit leary of buying an old diesel mainly because so many people use ether on them as they age. I'm sure it was solidly built though. The JD 5320 is next closest to the MF in power/weight. Half the age..

 

[airbiscuit]

Depending on price, I like the Deere 4044R

• Better reputation than Mahindra
• Newer than Massey
• More Powerful than Kioti

 

[maxreps]

Depending on price, I like the Deere 4044R

• Better reputation than Mahindra
• Newer than Massey
• More Powerful than Kioti

You like the 4044R better than the 5320? I also found a Kioti DK65 for $13,500

 

[sd455dan]

Quite a range of machines the Masseys front tires are actually larger than what comes on the Mahindra 3016 for REAR tires plus over a 4000 lb weight difference.

I like the Massey even though it may be a bit over kill and the JD 5320
especially with a good grade hill to be cleared in the winter Are all tractors FEL and MFWD equipped?

 

[maxreps]

Quite a range of machines the Masseys front tires are actually larger than what comes on the Mahindra 3016 for REAR tires plus over a 4000 lb weight difference.

I like the Massey even though it may be a bit over kill and the JD 5320
especially with a good grade hill to be cleared in the winter Are all tractors FEL and MFWD equipped?

Yeah, it's a varied range for sure. I didnt even pay attn to that about the MF fronts vs 3016 rears....that's funny! I like the 3016 but wish it had more power.

All are diesel, 4wd and all have FEL

 

[airbiscuit]

You like the 4044R better than the 5320? I also found a Kioti DK65 for $13,500

I just think the 4055R will be a bit more nible than the 5320 for most of your tasks. The wild card is snow removal on your slope. Then bigger is better. Go out and operate them. That will tell you a lot

 

[jeff9366]

Hi everyone,

I'm joe average homeowner with ten (10) acres. Tractor will be used for about 2-3 acres bushhogging, grading/scraping/snow removal of driveway that's 1800' long w/200' of 30-35% grade(20 degrees approx) and anything else I may putt around doing.

Ten acres is not that much.

I recommend a 4-WD tractor of 3,500 to 4,200 pounds bare tractor weight, with 35 to 45 horsepower. Such a tractor will be about 50% more capable than your worn, gas Allis. Every tractor manufacturer makes multiple models with these specs, a key compact tractor category. Ample, ample for ten acres and your listed applications.

You will probably want chains for snow. You can use same chains for warm weather traction on steep hills, provided ground is dry.

(35-horsepower to operate a 60" Bush Hog in every grass length. 45-horsepower to operate a 72" Bush Hog in every grass length.)

(Ferguson) Three Point Hitch implements utilize tractor weight and power more efficiently than Allis snap-coupler implements. I do not believe Allis implements can be modified to unitize with a (Ferguson) Three Point Hitch. I may be wrong.

 

[maxreps]

The ol girl was a lil tired when I got her and I was never a fan of the snap coupler setup.

 

[AllByteNoBark]

Comparing my John Deere 950, which runs great and is in good shape mechanically, with my L3560, there is a huge difference. The 950 is 2 wheel drive and does okay but runs out of traction quickly. It is about a 1,000 pounds lighter than the Kubota. According to Tractor Data the 950 has 27 pto hp and the L3560 has 28. The Kubota really outshines the older 950 though when you hook up the rotary cutter and go to work. I run a 6' cutter and so far am fine with that size. In heavy grass it requires slowing down but in most situations on our property I am limited by rough ground so it has not been an issue.

To be honest I was expecting more comfort and a nicer, more modern operating platform with the Kubota. What I got was that and a lot more capability then I had before. I believe the extra weight is a big part of it but the extra drive wheels also make a big difference. In 38 hours of use I have only used the 4wd a handful of times but it for sure provides more capabilty. For my use I think I would prefer 35 hp with 4wd to 45 without 4wd. Really depends on what you are doing though.

Good luck in your search.

 

[maxreps]

That sounds like what I was thinking, weight and 4wd both make a difference.

 

[Ricn]

Our friends farm 160 acres with their JD 5320 4WD. They also plow, disk and cut hay for several others around here. Having run this tractor several times myself for disking it is truly a nice tractor that works hard, is comfortable, and very reliable. The owners bought this 5320 new and take real good care of it, always wintered inside a heated shop and getting the best of care. 4WD is the way to go, any late model brand having 4WD and 35hp or higher will do what you are asking if set up correctly and having suitable weight. 4WD with weight for the job, along with good dealer support are most important. if buying on the cheap while forgetting these rules we ask for trouble most of the time.
My Kubota L2501HST can easily do what you are asking, sometimes it is slower than I'd like but it can really surprise me too on what it can do, especially on our steep and hilly driveway of 2200 ft. where maintenance is on-going year around. My dislike for emission stuff kept me with the limits HP wise so I just accepted the fact I'd be working a little slower on some jobs. So far, only long and heavy field grass on slopes has slowed this tractor with 5ft brush hog but again, I just run it slower up the few hills is all.

Ricn

 

[maxreps]

Our friends farm 160 acres with their JD 5320 4WD. They also plow, disk and cut hay for several others around here. Having run this tractor several times myself for disking it is truly a nice tractor that works hard, is comfortable, and very reliable. The owners bought this 5320 new and take real good care of it, always wintered inside a heated shop and getting the best of care. 4WD is the way to go, any late model brand having 4WD and 35hp or higher will do what you are asking if set up correctly and having suitable weight. 4WD with weight for the job, along with good dealer support are most important. if buying on the cheap while forgetting these rules we ask for trouble most of the time.
My Kubota L2501HST can easily do what you are asking, sometimes it is slower than I'd like but it can really surprise me too on what it can do, especially on our steep and hilly driveway of 2200 ft. where maintenance is on-going year around. My dislike for emission stuff kept me with the limits HP wise so I just accepted the fact I'd be working a little slower on some jobs. So far, only long and heavy field grass on slopes has slowed this tractor with 5ft brush hog but again, I just run it slower up the few hills is all.

Ricn

Good points and you're dead on about cheaping out. I'm trying not to do that but moreso get the best bang for the buck. I don't mind old/ugly things as long as they're not trashed and work as designed. Function over form is my thing.

Speaking of Kubota, I actually saw an L3800 but didn't delve more into it because I already had a broad field.