Opinion needed on New Compact Tractors.

[kittyhawk]

Good evening everyone, let me tell you about my Place. I have 105 acers just outside Beautiful Buffalo Texas. Its 60 acers of cleared land and 45 acers of untouched woods. We don't live on it full time and probably won't for several years to come. I'm really luckily that I have my Land leased for cattle production and the man who leases it has some Big Nice equipment to do the big jobs and a smaller JD 5103 he lets me borrow when I need. A few years ago I bought a Used Ford Compact tractor for a certain job I need to do and it failed horribly, so off it went to a new home to torment someone else.
Well its now getting to the point time I find my self needing a smaller tractor with a loader more and more to take of the smaller everyday chores. I've put pen to paper and read articles and watched YouTube videos till I'm Blue in the Face. I think for me needs I'm going to stay in the 25HP compact range. A huge thing for me is having a Tractor with a Good warranty and I know that a good dealer makes a Huge difference when having work done or needing parts.
I've visited several local dealers to me, Bobcat, Kioti and Mahindra I've tested out and got cost break downs on new BC CT2025 HST with Loader, Kioti CK2610 HST Mahindra 1626 HST with Loader and thinking of driving up to my nearest Branson dealer to take a look at the newish 2515 HST and loader. I've already crossed JD and Kubota and NH off my list due to price and not happy with the selection in the size category. So far I'm really impressed with the Kioti and BC, the Mahindra was nice but didn't blow my Kilt up... I know all about the Kioti and BC being the same machine and all.
So now is where I need some Honest Advice before I take the time to drive to take a look the Branson. How dose the Kioti/BC 2610 HST compare to the Branson 2515 HST? I cant find a Head to Head comparison to one another. On paper they are close but maybe its just me but after watching some videos of the Branson it looks like the Rear end is kind of narrow compared to the Kioti/BC and looks like the rear tires are under sized.
Thanks in advance for any information I can get, I know this was kind of long but I'm defiantly OCD when it comes to decisions like this.
Have a Great evening everyone, Stay Safe and Healthy!!!!!

 

[Blue Mule]

How many acres will you be taking care of with the small tractor? What jobs will you do with it?

 

[kittyhawk]

How many acres will you be taking care of with the small tractor? What jobs will you do with it?

Mostly Ill be doing the smaller chores, Mowing fence lines, roads, moving dirt, hauling off brush, setting a few new corner posts and fixing hog damage. The man who leases the place has a several large JD 100HP + tractors, a batwing he mows several times a year with, a Large sprayer for spraying weeds and a 14' disc for really getting after the hog damage.

 

[fried1765]

Good evening everyone, let me tell you about my Place. I have 105 acers just outside Beautiful Buffalo Texas. Its 60 acers of cleared land and 45 acers of untouched woods. We don't live on it full time and probably won't for several years to come. I'm really luckily that I have my Land leased for cattle production and the man who leases it has some Big Nice equipment to do the big jobs and a smaller JD 5103 he lets me borrow when I need. A few years ago I bought a Used Ford Compact tractor for a certain job I need to do and it failed horribly, so off it went to a new home to torment someone else.
Well its now getting to the point time I find my self needing a smaller tractor with a loader more and more to take of the smaller everyday chores. I've put pen to paper and read articles and watched YouTube videos till I'm Blue in the Face. I think for me needs I'm going to stay in the 25HP compact range. A huge thing for me is having a Tractor with a Good warranty and I know that a good dealer makes a Huge difference when having work done or needing parts.
I've visited several local dealers to me, Bobcat, Kioti and Mahindra I've tested out and got cost break downs on new BC CT2025 HST with Loader, Kioti CK2610 HST Mahindra 1626 HST with Loader and thinking of driving up to my nearest Branson dealer to take a look at the newish 2515 HST and loader. I've already crossed JD and Kubota and NH off my list due to price and not happy with the selection in the size category. So far I'm really impressed with the Kioti and BC, the Mahindra was nice but didn't blow my Kilt up... I know all about the Kioti and BC being the same machine and all.
So now is where I need some Honest Advice before I take the time to drive to take a look the Branson. How dose the Kioti/BC 2610 HST compare to the Branson 2515 HST? I cant find a Head to Head comparison to one another. On paper they are close but maybe its just me but after watching some videos of the Branson it looks like the Rear end is kind of narrow compared to the Kioti/BC and looks like the rear tires are under sized.
Thanks in advance for any information I can get, I know this was kind of long but I'm defiantly OCD when it comes to decisions like this.
Have a Great evening everyone, Stay Safe and Healthy!!!!!

I know nothing..... at 80 I have all the tractors (3) I will ever need.
From my many observations here on TBN though, I suspect you would probably not go too far wrong with any of the brands you are considering.
Obviously Kubota, and Deere are the big boys in the compact tractor market, and those two will obviously hold their resale value best.
I have not looked at ANY of the brands you are considering!

That said: The brand, among those you are considering, that seems to have the most fervent followers, is Branson.
I am sure however, that someone on here will jump all over me for this comment!
I am only passing along MY interpretation of compact tractor information posted on TBN.
I KNOW nothing!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Not sure how far you are from Greenville or Spicewood Tx, but there is a great dealer in those locations, RCO tractor. They sell the LS tractors. When I was shopping, I looked at the same exact models/manufacturers as you did. I am extremely happy with my LS tractors, both of them.... a SCUT, and now the MT2 series compact. I have many good things to say about this dealer also, has gone above and beyond for me both before and after the sale.

My neighbor has also purchased a compact tractor from them last summer. We are around 600 miles away from this dealer, that in itself is saying how much confidence we have in them.

The LS tractors were $6K-8K less than the local Kubota, JD, and Mahindra dealers we have here, $2k less than the closest Branson dealer to us. They are worth a look and test drive for sure, at least.

Good luck in your search! (I forgot to mention: LS makes the NH tractors, they are re-branded for NH)

 

[Blue Mule]

I love my new New Holland Workmaster. Fantastic tractor and great value. The only thing I'd change is the engine. I got the 25 horse to avoid emissions. To do it over again I'd go 40 horses in the same size tractor. It's the perfect size for chores around home, just needs more horses.

 

[Nb707]

First I will answer your specific question. I do not own a Branson I own a brand new kioti DK 4710 se hst cab.
Kioti , bobcat, tym Branson Mahindra. Are all very similar my advice is to take a test drive on the Branson and the kioti
I do like the bobcat colors though but I believe theyæ±*e the same tractor as the kioti just a different color.

Personal observation and opinion. I too was looking at the 25 to 30 hp range originally without a cab. Like yourself I was trying to be price conscience. I started with the Kabota and the John Deere. After doing my research. I ended up going with a cab and 46 hp for many reasons and one of the big reasons was everybody that owns a cab tractor does not comment they wish they did not . And also not many people wish they had a smaller tractor . There was not much of a price difference going from 25 hp to 46 hp. When the manufacturers are offering 84 months at 0% interest. The difference of $ 50 to $ 70 month to me was a no brainer to go with the cab and the bigger horsepower model .

cheap money out there now with 0% interest up to 84 months You would be extremely happy with the model I just recommended dk 4710 se hst cab. If you pay cash for it you can get it for under $29000. If you finance it will cost around $ 32,000 .

I understand the models your looking at are probably without a cab in the $ 17000 to $20,000 range but if you take advantage of the 0% interest for 84 months $10,000 to 13000 more is peanuts
In the monthly payment . Plus you will not be be kicking yourself later saying I wish I went with the larger more powerful tractor and a cab

once you buy a tractor you want to keep them for a long time that way you get the best bang for the buck. So do it right the first time.

 

[nybirdman]

First I will answer your specific question. I do not own a Branson I own a brand new kioti DK 4710 se hst cab.
Kioti , bobcat, tym Branson Mahindra. Are all very similar my advice is to take a test drive on the Branson and the kioti
I do like the bobcat colors though but I believe theyæ±*e the same tractor as the kioti just a different color.

Personal observation and opinion. I too was looking at the 25 to 30 hp range originally without a cab. Like yourself I was trying to be price conscience. I started with the Kabota and the John Deere. After doing my research. I ended up going with a cab and 46 hp for many reasons and one of the big reasons was everybody that owns a cab tractor does not comment they wish they did not . And also not many people wish they had a smaller tractor . There was not much of a price difference going from 25 hp to 46 hp. When the manufacturers are offering 84 months at 0% interest. The difference of $ 50 to $ 70 month to me was a no brainer to go with the cab and the bigger horsepower model .

cheap money out there now with 0% interest up to 84 months You would be extremely happy with the model I just recommended dk 4710 se hst cab. If you pay cash for it you can get it for under $29000. If you finance it will cost around $ 32,000 .

I understand the models your looking at are probably without a cab in the $ 17000 to $20,000 range but if you take advantage of the 0% interest for 84 months $10,000 to 13000 more is peanuts
In the monthly payment . Plus you will not be be kicking yourself later saying I wish I went with the larger more powerful tractor and a cab

once you buy a tractor you want to keep them for a long time that way you get the best bang for the buck. So do it right the first time.

Very good advice :IMHO

 

[mred2]

I do not have a cab and do not want one. But! If you are not going to be working around a lot of trees/brush in the heat of Texas, you may well wish you had one. Shuttle or Hst, up to you. The more HP the better. I too would say look at LS, but my dealer sales both LS and Branson. And I think he is selling move small Branson and larger LS at this time. And that may be due to availability. I don't own a Branson, but I did look at them a lot before I got the LS. My dealer at that time did not sell the Branson. I think they are a really good tractor. I am just not sure about the future for parts.

 

[Cycledude]

There are plenty of reasons to go cab less and plenty of reasons to want a cab, living in Texas having a cab with air might be very appreciated.
I recommend finding a decent dealer reasonably close to where the tractor will be used so if you need simple parts or service it’s fairly easy.
I happen to be another very happy LS owner but almost any brand should be nice if you are lucky enough to have a decent dealer.

 

[fried1765]

There are plenty of reasons to go cab less and plenty of reasons to want a cab, living in Texas having a cab with air might be very appreciated.
I recommend finding a decent dealer reasonably close to where the tractor will be used so if you need simple parts or service it’s fairly easy.
I happen to be another very happy LS owner but almost any brand should be nice if you are lucky enough to have a decent dealer.

I have never needed a "decent (local) dealer" for ANYTHING!
But......I have never bought a new tractor!
Messick's will put whatever I might need in a box, and the nice man in the big brown truck will drive all 450 miles, and leave that box on my doorstep, in two days!
Have I said it before?
Messick's is THE BEST....wherever you live on this planet!

 

[duffer]

One consideration you, nor anyone else has mentioned yet (or I missed it) is the weight of the tractor. With a front end loader, and the eventual need to pull, or haul rocks (yes, I've been to TX. You have rocks like I have pine trees) you'll appreciate the ability to tow, haul, and lift more with a heavier tractor.

I would suggest you add that "stat" to your comparison list.

Good luck.

 

[3gunr]

I believe any of the brands you have mentioned including Ls would be a good choice. But i agree with others that something in the 40 hp range would be better.

 

[rademamj1]

I live not far from Buffalo and have lived in Centerville for quite some time. So quite familiar with your area. I went through the same process your going through now on comparative shopping. For the most part, I found subcompacts are similar in capabilities and reliability, but costs can vary alot. Even though some of your property is leased and well cared for, I would consider something like the Kioti CK2610 or CK3510, Kubota L3301 or the LS G3033H or the Branson 2120R. Branson uses the Kukje diesel engines from TYM.

I purchased a Kioti CK4010SEHC and its not been to a Kioti dealer for any repairs in the 600hrs I have owned the tractor. I would recommend you consider dealer installed rear remotes, because it opens a world of opportunity to you by certain implements. Grapples, stump grinders, backhoes and many others use rear hydraulics. And resale value is excellent on tractors with rear hydraulics.

Regarding cab tractors, that's what I have now and really love it. Be advised, its AC is useful in the Texas heat up to about 95F, and after that, the thermal heat transfer through the glass overwhelms the AC and it becomes ineffective. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[ericm979]

Branson uses the Kukje diesel engines from TYM.

Branson is made by Kukje. It's their tractor brand name. Kukje was bought by TYM about 4 years ago. Kukje has had a relationship with Cummins since 2002 to make the Cummins A series. That's the engine that is used in smaller and mid size Bransons and recently, some TYMs. Branson and TYM have separate model lines except for a 19hp SCUT which has a Yanmar engine (Branson does not make engines that small). Branson has been updating their models with new features and adding models. By buying Kukje, TYM got an engine manufacturer which they lacked.

There's a number of Branson dealers in Texas. And yea, the Branson web site could better.

 

[Beeenvenue]

I知 east of Ennis. Bought the 3510hse and love it. Cab would be nice but not for another 4-5k. You live in Buffalo, you can take the heat. Se has the rear remotes plus telescoping 3 pt so you don稚 even need a quick hitch. If you go r4 you致e 63.5 rear wheel width for good stability. Im a hydro proponent, just too many starts/stops and speed changes (I don稚 plow 500 in a straight line to use a shuttle). I also use pto quite a bit so I went 3510 instead of 2610 to have lots more pto hp

 

[rademamj1]

I also think the CK3510SE HST open station tractor is just fine too. If you get the CK2610 tractor, I do recommend the Frontier 2048 or the LandPride RCR1548 rotary cutter.

If you choose the CK3510 SE, recommend any light duty 5' rotary cutter. Purchasing a rotary cutter too big for your tractor, will often result in overheating on hot days.

 

[jjp8182]

Lot of good advice so the only things I'll add are:

Consider the tasks you need/want to do and consider the time you'll have to do them (if you already haven't). There's a lot of tractor sizing advice out there, but so much of it focuses on the tractor rather than the user needs/tasks and the timeliness of completing said tasks. .....and as much focus is put on tractors they're really just tools (or more appropriately tool carriers) and they shouldn't drive the purchasing/sizing decisions themselves. It's that identifying of tasks and time allowable, along with any max/min constraints (e.g. loader lift capacity) that tends to be much more helpful in determining the size of the implements/attachments you'll want/need to purchase which in turn drives the size & power of the tractor along with any additional options that would be helpful to add to the tractor upfront (e.g. rear remotes, top & tilt kits, 3rd function valves on the loader).

Something else that may be worth considering is how much driving around the property you'll be doing with this tractor; from what I've seen it's usually the case that the smaller the tractor the lower the top speed. So while mowing along a fence line isn't exactly a high-speed endeavor having a bit more speed to get back in once you're done can be rather nice and at low at low speeds a few extra mph can make a difference. Another place that extra speed can come in handy is shuttling back and forth when you're doing loader work.

While it's been a few years since I bought mine, I still recall that the "bang per buck" generally got better going larger as the price difference between sub-compacts and various sized compacts isn't all that great when considered over the life of any loan (and with the low/no interest rates :confused3 -- or the expected life of the tractor. Granted going larger/heavier can also add transportation considerations (if moving the tractor to other properties is part of the task list).

Not trying to undo anything you've researched or analyzed, just wanting to ensure that a few things that seem to frequently be overlooked aren't. Though even when everything seems to point that the tractors you're looking at are appropriately sized, it's probably still worth talking to the dealer(s) about how low hour trade-ins are handled if it turns out the initial tractor you go with doesn't quite fit your needs in practice (was actually a conversation topic my tractor dealer brought up with me when I bought my current tractor).

Anyway just my :2cents:

 

[workinonit]

I'm just curious how many of these small tractors have economy PTO. When I bought my first 5 series in 2002 I didn't even know EPTO was a thing. My tractor had it. Now I wouldn't own a tractor without it. I think anyone buying any size tractor should make that in the top 5 if not 3 requirements of the new tractor if they use their PTO very much at all. EPTO is like a cab. If you don't have one you just make do without it. If you ever get one, you would never be without it again.

 

[ericm979]

Branson 20 and 25 series models (30-55hp) have EPTO. I think the larger ones have it too but the 10 and 15 series might not. I use it when mowing the part of my property near the neighbor's house. It makes an already quiet tractor quieter.