Thinking of financing a mx54

[Jrasband]

Hello all,

I am strongly considering getting a 4x4 MX54 gear drive open staion. The quote I got from my local Kubota dealership quoted me $37,200 base price with front-end loader. Does this sound reasonable. Should I call around to other dealers to see if there is any different offer? Is there any negotiating on the price with them? This is my first time buying a new piece of equipment so I am not sure what my options are.

We would also be getting a trailer in the package as well. It is 20'x83" double 10,000lb axle tow behind with ramps - this is $5,500.

Options I am considering :
3rd function for front end loader - $1,200

top - n - tilt $1,000( I have used this on a few tractors and it is very handy. Is it possible to use this option as a rear remote as well? Meaning when I need a rear remote I would remove the cylinder, and put in a regular link. Then I would have the ports where the top - n - tilt plug in available for rear remote. What do y'all think
It would also be nice to have a second remote, but they are each $1,200!

Are the remotes something I could add and save some cost?

Possibly getting a canopy. Maybe they'll negotiate to at least throw this in lol?

Thinking about 7 pin connector(this is only 150 bucks and if it means I can control trailer brakes it seems like a good investment.

Is heavy duty bucket worth the extra money $1,200. The guy at Kubota told me they usually just sell the bolt on tooth bar for $500 instead and that this reinforces the bucket.

 

[scootr]

I bought a like new MX5200 HST last summer. I had priced the MX5400 at the dealer with a loader, gannon, top & side tilt for 46k. No top & no front 3rd function. Prices are high but I think you are buying a very good tractor.
My tractor has the bucket cutting edge added and 3 rear remotes. Both are neccessities
I got lucky and saved a bunch buying the MX5200 barely used with cold hard cash.
The trialer price you quoted is quite reasonable.

 

[deezler]

You need at least 2 rear remotes if you want both hydraulic top link AND tilt link. Definitely get two remotes (or three). Adding them yourself after purchase is definitely possible, but often a pain. I'd let the dealer handle it unless you're very handy with hydraulic projects.

I would certainly get total, itemized quotes for the same tractor and options from at least one more dealer. And did you build the machine online on the kubota website and compare that price?

Sure you don't want hydrostatic trans? Gear becomes a real pain when doing loader work...

 

[bdhsfz6]

All good advice above.

From what I see around here, that $37,200 price looks to be about average. You might do better shopping around but consider the future. It could save you time and money down the road if you establish a good working relationship with a local dealer.

I added a second and third rear remote on my old L3430 using OEM parts and it wound up costing more than having the dealer do it. It was also quite a bit of work.

IMO, the hydrostatic trans is worth every penny. Considers how you plan to use the tractor.

I had problems with the OEM top & tilt kit on my MX5800. I wound up returning it and bought one from Fit Rite Hydraulics. That was 4 years ago so hopefully, Kubota has worked out the kinks.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[crbr]

+3 on HST. Thank me later.

.

 

[scootr]

My top and tilt kit is 2018 factory no problems... it's a little quick but I've gotten used to it. Certainly no failures. The MX line have a class II rear end which is heavier duty than the L line. The MX line is a more stripped down utility tractor. I don't think any dealer is gonna discount the list price much right now with the supply problem and spring around the corner. One variable might be finance rates... You might go to your credit union etc. Generally borrowign $ now is going to cost more than you want, IF Kubota financing they require their equipment insurance rider. Which I was quoted for about $50 a month - So a private source loan could save that insurance or 600 a yr. and you still have the Kubota warranty. I've never bought extended auto warranty either... told the dealer if I need this I don't need to buy your car or truck. lol
MX HST is a great utility tractor - you will love it.

 

[azbinder]

check into the Kubota remotes. You can run your top and tilt with then, nothing aftermarket needed. Also agree with the HST trans.

 

[jwmorris]

Add me to the HST list.

 

[scootr]

I will admit that if you are coming from a straight set of side by side forward and reverse pedals the HST unisex pedal is boing to be a bit awkward at first. It identifies as forward when you stomp the front end and it identifies as reverse when you stomp the back side. Assuming you can find it without looking this works out better than you might think once you get used to her.

 

[Jrasband]

Thanks for your thoughts. Yeah I know how amazing the HST is, as I have been working a job at which I have the pleasure of using a Kioti 2601 HST. It is so much better than gear when doing loader or grading work, especially when I zig zag back and forth.

With HST, 3rd function, two remotes, and top n tilt, this puts the tractor at around $43,000, I believe.

At this point I have realized (after using the 2610 hst) that it would be good to keep my LS (as long as I get it running well after delete). When working on slopes, assisting a mini x, working in small terraces in the woods, I think the LS will be better than a MX54. Obviously, there are some applications in which the mx54 would do better. Since I am considering keeping the LS, I would have to think more about making longer-term payments since I would only have the Case IH to sell to put towards the cost of the trailer and MX54.

It seems like I could get a good 90-00 utility loader 4wd tractor for around 22-25k. Am I correct on this? I am definitely wanting shuttle and wet clutch. This seems to be up to $15k less than we would pay if we were to get the mx54. It would also need to be financed, which would prob be 5-7%.

I still need a trailer, and if we get the kubota, we can get 2.5% interest on the trailer alongside the kubota tractor. A trailer from Rural King is at least 5% interest. My wife does not like interest.

A lot to kick around... I would love a new tractor. It should last a lifetime. The Kubota offer is very tempting because of their interest rate - I see this as one reason why so many people buy Kubota.

 

[Jrasband]

Can the top n tilt be used off of one of the two rear remotes? If both remotes are needed a manual top link can be easily installed temporarily so long as there are quick disconnect lines.

This way top n tilt and a rear remote could be combined and save $1,000. I don't see any application where I would want both rear remotes and the top n tilt.

 

[jyoutz]

I bought a MX6000 HST exactly a year ago for about the same price. I bought the dames size/weight trailer this week for about the same price. Prices have increased somewhat over the past year, so I think your quotes are in line. I would consider HST though. The MX is an outstanding tractor model that I’m sure you will love. Get the rear tires filled. I would get the standard bucket and put the savings toward pallet forks.

 

[Jrasband]

Awesome thanks, I will check with one more dealer on prices but it seems like the price is right.

I am sure the MX is a outstanding tractor. I am anxious to get to the dealer and drive one!

I already have pallet forks - though I am wanting to add a thumb to them to have a cheap grapple.


I do have concerns about the HST transmissions long term reliability. I would like to be able to get 10,000 hours out of this machine with minimal repairs. Is the HST up to that task? How does it compare to a good old fashioned gear transmission in that regard?(I realize that this is a ongoing debate that has been discussed many times)

 

[bdhsfz6]

I do have concerns about the HST transmissions long term reliability. I would like to be able to get 10,000 hours out of this machine with minimal repairs. Is the HST up to that task? How does it compare to a good old fashioned gear transmission in that regard?

Personally, I've had more trouble with geared tractors than HST's. I've owned 7 Kubota tractors since 1979. All but one were HST's. I never had any HST trouble but I did have to replace the clutch in the gear machine. I've never put 10,000 hours on any though.

 

[deezler]

HST transmissions are super reliable, easily going several thousand hours without any repairs on most modern machines. Just change the hydro fluid on time. 10,000 hours? That would take most of us more than a lifetime. I would be looking into industrial backhoe machines if you really want to run 10,000 hours....

Regarding your top and tilt - yes you can just plan to run it off the rear remotes. But this will use 2 remotes to run. Hence why adding a third remote is kind of handy, in case you need one more hydraulic circuit for anything. But most people get by with 2 just fine, because as you say, you can replace the normal top and side links with mechanical versions if you need to free up the remotes for anything else.

 

[scootr]

10k hours. I've bought lifetime machines before. I'm still alive and none of them are here. I usually tire of them in about 10-15 yrs.
It's nice to tell yourself that when you buy but it rarely pans out... depending upon your age of course. The older you get the better the HST is

 

[Jrasband]

Thanks for the last comment about HST being better as you get older.... I am 36. One of the best things about the HST is that my wife will be able to easily use the tractor. She has very little experience driving a stick shift or a tractor... Part of me is sad to give up the gear drive. It would have been really nice to have her take a bale to the cows yesterday while I was at work. now it is freezing rain and the cows are out...

One thing I do not like about the HST is having to hold the dang pedal down when driving long distances. I see that some have options for a cruise control.

 

[scootr]

My MX HST has cruise control. It's a hand control that holds the pedal down. The bad part is (I believe) it does not come off unless you pull the lever back, so could be fiddly in a panic stop unlike the CC in your car.
The HST is superior when working in tight areas or for precision work like loading unloading. I recently changed my forklift from a stick to an auto. Big difference in how well the machine fits my use. Sounds like the choice is getting obvious.

GL with the purchase

 

[big bubba]

had an MX5000 gear back when, outstanding machine for it's size. good luck w/purchase, sorry you have to negotiate such a high sticker price. but like real estate, it's nature of the times. best of luck on the purchase, & great you are so young & your wife is interested in using the tractor as well
good holidays,

 

[jyoutz]

Awesome thanks, I will check with one more dealer on prices but it seems like the price is right.

I am sure the MX is a outstanding tractor. I am anxious to get to the dealer and drive one!

I already have pallet forks - though I am wanting to add a thumb to them to have a cheap grapple.


I do have concerns about the HST transmissions long term reliability. I would like to be able to get 10,000 hours out of this machine with minimal repairs. Is the HST up to that task? How does it compare to a good old fashioned gear transmission in that regard?(I realize that this is a ongoing debate that has been discussed many times)

You will go through 1 or 2 clutches in 10k hours with a need to split the tractor. Most HST are pretty trouble free so long as you keep up with filter/fluid changes and use the recommended OEM fluid.