Kubota vs Massey advice

[tradosaurus]

When Kubota offered the 20% NHCA discount the tractor price was outstanding. I bought my MX5400 using the discount and paid $32K total (no tax due to ag exemption).

 

[Torvy]

When Kubota offered the 20% NHCA discount the tractor price was outstanding. I bought my MX5400 using the discount and paid $32K total (no tax due to ag exemption).

What year? They are on par with JD now in terms of $ for the same features.

The selling points for both are as much dealer network as anything else. Good equipment, but not remotely a good value.

 

[tradosaurus]

What year? They are on par with JD now in terms of $ for the same features.

The selling points for both are as much dealer network as anything else. Good equipment, but not remotely a good value.

2021.

 

[masseyrider]

When we were farming, fruit/vineyard, a 50-60 pto tractor was perfect for our implements and acreage.
Kubota had an ad for a 4x4 55pto tractor that seemed to check all the right boxes for a great price.
I went to the dealership more or less ready to buy.
I do give the dealer credit though for taking the time to check what I needed the tractor for.
After our talk he told me he couldn't sell me that tractor.
What? Why not?
It wouldn't last, I would have to get the bigger one.
This on a farm that had been built on Ferguson TO20s, MF 35s, MF135s, MF245/255, MF 253/263 up to my newest MF 2607s.
Dealer indirectly said his machine couldn't compete.
Most of those Masseys were of lower pto hp and the TO20s were gas.

 

[HJ75]

Thank you all for the replies.

I am sorry, I didn't want to start an argument, I was just going by the weights on the brochures I have for the equivalent HP tractors (M9540, MF4709), and I wondered why the big difference.

If Kubota really are referring to shipping weight without wheels, that could explain it, I know there are cast centers or pressed steel centers options which would make a big weight difference.

I hope to have a look at some tractors in the next few days, one plus for Kubota is they have a dealer 15 min drive away, the other dealers are at least an hour and a half drive away which is still not too bad.

I have some boggy low-lying clay country where lower weight may be an advantage? I guess you can always add weight for traction when necessary?

 

[Farmer495]

The Challenger has Euro quick attach standard. The Kubota has SSQA standard. Euro is better & stronger.

All the US built Kubota loaders everywhere else in the world have Euro standard. Not sure why they kept the US market models with SS. My op manuals show both types, I have two US built L series loaders with Euro/Global.

 

[Farmer495]

Thank you all for the replies.

I am sorry, I didn't want to start an argument, I was just going by the weights on the brochures I have for the equivalent HP tractors (M9540, MF4709), and I wondered why the big difference.

If Kubota really are referring to shipping weight without wheels, that could explain it, I know there are cast centers or pressed steel centers options which would make a big weight difference.

I hope to have a look at some tractors in the next few days, one plus for Kubota is they have a dealer 15 min drive away, the other dealers are at least an hour and a half drive away which is still not too bad.

I have some boggy low-lying clay country where lower weight may be an advantage? I guess you can always add weight for traction when necessary?

Found actual weights of my M7040SU. I would bet that M9540 weighs a lot more than the book says.

Operator's manual tractor weight:

4608lb

Actual tractor with rear cast centers & fluid + loader mounts (no boom or bucket) :

7300lb

Actual tractor with rear cast centers & fluid + loader & bucket

8860lb


I have a lot of wet land, Kubota, at least for the CDN market, puts wide R1W metric radials on all four corners here. I find the tractor rarely sinks in, I've had implements/wagons drop to the axles and the tractor is still on top.

 

[redman135]

OP I strongly recommend you try both tractors for their ergonomics. ie MF rear scv controls are angled back so you can only use 1 at a time AND the angle is uncomfortable.

The a/c in some models is roof mounted and you need to check if you hit the roof with the seat at full height. eg JD has a/c mounted at lower rear of cab so I don't hit the roof on big bumps, but with MF5465 with similar cab to 4709 I have to duck.
A/c hot/cold control just feels flimsy.

Hydraulics: ASK which one you have, the budget hydraulics are inadequate for me.
Gearbox, I had a T bar shift (16 sp)on my MF and it was mounted slightly to low to be comfortable.

I have not used a Kubota in the 90/100 hp range so cannot comment.

 

[Hay Dude]

Thank you all for the replies.

I am sorry, I didn't want to start an argument, I was just going by the weights on the brochures I have for the equivalent HP tractors (M9540, MF4709), and I wondered why the big difference.

If Kubota really are referring to shipping weight without wheels, that could explain it, I know there are cast centers or pressed steel centers options which would make a big weight difference.

I hope to have a look at some tractors in the next few days, one plus for Kubota is they have a dealer 15 min drive away, the other dealers are at least an hour and a half drive away which is still not too bad.

I have some boggy low-lying clay country where lower weight may be an advantage? I guess you can always add weight for traction when necessary?

Check out Tractor Data. Independent reporting.
I owned a Kubota M9540 “Dual Speed” for a few years about 10 years ago. It was a nice little tractor. I bought it used from Indiana with very low hours. But the only version I liked was the “Dual Speed” version because it was loaded with extras, had the 24 speed transmission, and had the rear wheel weights cast centers. Also had extra remotes and 3rd function on loader. You can see mine here handling 2 round bales. It struggled with them. Those bales are about 900lb each. I owned this tractor for 2-3 years before I knew it was too light.

Here it is with my sprayer. Easy work for it. Dual Speed transmission was nice, but nothing like a full powershift or CVT.

Here it is doing loader work.

Here’s the Tractor data comparison:

TractorData.com Kubota M9540 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 4709 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

The Massey 4709 is similar HP, but weighs a lot more. That extra weight would have made carrying heavy objects in the loader easier. On the Kubota side, I do like a 4cyl engine over the Massey 3cyl, although I heard that little AGCO 3cyl is a beast.

###################################################


I also owned a Kubota M-7040. It was the non-turbo earlier version. Again, good little tractor, but built light for light work. Very reliable. Here I am mowing a field with it 12 years ago pulling a 8’ dual spindle mower.

Here it is with oversized light materials bucket for snow. Had remotes on loader for 3rd function. Again, good tractor, but definitely needs a lot of additional weight for secure work on slopes.
I owned this tractor for about 6 years.

Just thought I’d post this for the OP and others to show I have actual, substantial, long term knowledge of hands-on ownership & operation of these tractors. I plowed snow, hay farmed, field mowed, cleared ground/logs, etc.

 

[EddieWalker]

I read somewhere that Massey has gone to a 4 cylinder engine in the 4700 line, but I didn't confirm it. I'm not sure if that's an issue or not.

On my 4707, I had to add a rear ballast to deal with how much weight the loader can pick up. Rear wheel weights should of been bought when I got the tractor. That was my mistake.

The AC is amazing on the 2022 models and newer. Before that, it has issues.

My biggest issue with Massey Ferguson is getting parts. My dealer has been good, but you have to call them and talk to the parts guy on the phone to order what you need. All I've ordered for it is filters. But I hate having to call during working hours, wait on hold for him to get to me, then wait while he looks up the part number, places the order then gets my information to pay for it. Then they will either have the part shipped to me, or I can drive there to get it when it arrives. That amount of time is very irritating to me. I want everything to be like Messick's and Amazon when ordering parts. I want to be able to do it when it's convenient to me, and not have to wait on hold, or explain over the phone to somebody what I'm wanting.

I'm pretty sure you can buy any Kubota part online through Messick's and other websites. I buy my New Holland parts and my Land Pride parts on Messick's, and they are awesome. I just wish Massey would figure out how to do that and bypass the Parts Department at their Dealers.

 

[Hay Dude]

I read somewhere that Massey has gone to a 4 cylinder engine in the 4700 line, but I didn't confirm it. I'm not sure if that's an issue or not.

On my 4707, I had to add a rear ballast to deal with how much weight the loader can pick up. Rear wheel weights should of been bought when I got the tractor. That was my mistake.

The AC is amazing on the 2022 models and newer. Before that, it has issues.

My biggest issue with Massey Ferguson is getting parts. My dealer has been good, but you have to call them and talk to the parts guy on the phone to order what you need. All I've ordered for it is filters. But I hate having to call during working hours, wait on hold for him to get to me, then wait while he looks up the part number, places the order then gets my information to pay for it. Then they will either have the part shipped to me, or I can drive there to get it when it arrives. That amount of time is very irritating to me. I want everything to be like Messick's and Amazon when ordering parts. I want to be able to do it when it's convenient to me, and not have to wait on hold, or explain over the phone to somebody what I'm wanting.

I'm pretty sure you can buy any Kubota part online through Messick's and other websites. I buy my New Holland parts and my Land Pride parts on Messick's, and they are awesome. I just wish Massey would figure out how to do that and bypass the Parts Department at their Dealers.

You can buy parts from my AGCO/Massey dealer by emailing the parts depratment, or calling. You can also text them. The parts are shipped to me same day. I get parts delivered to my door by UPS in 1 day. If it’s urgent, I can have them delivered or I can drive to dealer.
Parts at my dealer (Agriteer) have been excellent.
Eddie, you may want to try my dealer. Even though 1,000 miles away, they might be faster.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've looked online and there are some dealers that offer parts online, but it's through the Massey website that is poorly updated. As of a few months ago, they still do not list the cab air filter that they now use on the 2022 and newer 4700 series tractors. It's just one of those annoying things that I don't enjoy having to deal with.

 

[bearthebruce]

@EddieWalker - I too have bought parts for our Massey Compact tractor from Agriteer. They are online and ship all around the country. See Agriteer | Agriculture & Farm Equipment Supplier

I often do have to go the Massey website to look up part numbers.

 

[Chewwy]

You can order MF parts from the AGCO website, but the parts search for older machines is somewhat squirrelly.

You have to select a dealer to get the price and I have always selected my nearest dealer (about 30 miles away), so I don’t know about ordering from other dealers.

I was able to locate and order some sheet metal parts for my 97 MF383. What was the strangest part is that the parts were shipped to my dealer and they then shipped them to me instead of direct shipment to me (they had my address).

It was a slight delay, but I was happy that I didn’t need to go digging around a tractor junk yard.

 

[Hay Dude]

Some other things worth mentioning:
I also previously owned a Kubota M-126X (126HP with loader) and M-135X (135HP with loader).
The M-126X suffered a PTO failure at less than 3,000 hours. Cost was guesstimated at $3,500. I sold the tractor to a buyer, disclosed the issue and discounted the price accordingly. It also needed both front wheel seals & bearings.

On the M-135X, it had a ECM issue at ~2,000 hours which caused it to lose its glow plug function. The dealer advised me it could also lose other electrical functions. Dealer estimated $5,500 for new custom made ECM from Kubota. I also disclosed this malfunction to the buyer. I had to install a manual switch for GP’s.

I replaced these (2) Kubota tractors with the Challenger MT535B (same as Massey Ferguson 7475) which I purchased with twice as many hours (~6,000) than the Kubotas. The Challenger needed brakes and a master cylinder which are expected at the 5,000-7,000 hour range. Since that repair, just minor hose repairs and (2) front wheel bearings and minor, understandable issues, a few owner-caused.

Keep in mind, this Challenger MT535B (Massey 7475) tractor has almost 7,000 hours on it now. The Kubotas were giving me fairly significant problems at only 2,000-3,000 hours.

IMO, The Kubota tractors I owned (4) are ill-suited for long, hard hours of Ag work. They are fine for low hour estate/small farm work.

So for those of you considering either brand, know that when it comes to their larger brothers, the AGCO brands have run more hours with less trouble.

One more thing: I also currently own a Massey Ferguson 7495 now for 8 years. This 200HP tractor has 7,000 hours on it and has been a great tractor
(knock on wood).

 

[Dftodd]

The guy who has cattle across the road from me has a 100hp Massey. He loves it. Ice cold AC in the cab, and a pretty intuitive and comfortable layout in the cab.

I couldn't tell you the model.

He actually had purchased a 100hp deere, but after waiting 6 weeks for them to deliver it and pick up the check, he got fed up and went and talked to the Massey dealer.

He picked out what he wanted, drove it around their yard. Went back in and signed the paperwork and gave them a check.

They loaded up the tractor and followed him home.

He later had a chance to try out the deere tractor he originally wanted bailing hay.

He said he was glad it didn't work out and he got the Massey. It was more comfortable and easier to operate.

The Massey also handled the bailing much better.

 

[HJ75]

Well, here is where I am at currently. I spent the last few days doing a lot of research and dealer visits, looking at so many tractors my head is spinning . Didn't get to drive any though due to time constraints.

I must say, I did like the Massey, especially the cab. Went to a couple of MF dealers, only one had the 4700 tractors, the other one had 4600 and 5700 models. I was not so impressed by the 4600 series, looked a bit too 'budget' for my liking and the controls felt rough.

Looked at Kubota, well finished and cab was fine. Just eyeballing the back ends, looked pretty similar in size to the MF4709.

Got a few prices come in, the Kubota M9540 and the MF4709 are pretty much even.

A couple of options have come out of left field:

One dealer had a Kubota M9540-DS dual-speed, a little heavier than the std M9540 and a few more features like an outside lever for the 3ph, air seat and a 'splitter' gearbox. Bit of a jump in price though.

Also got a price on a Kioti PX1153 with loader, 4.4L Perkins engine, 110HP, little lighter than the Massey but heavier than any of the Kubotas, comes with big tyres, very competitive pricing.

But the dealer that had the MF5700 series, I got him to give me a price on a MF5709 just out of interest, and that was very competitive with the Kubota M9540-DS and fairly competitive with the Kioti.

So a lot to think about.

One thing that came up during research online was that a 'full frame' tractor was recommended for loader work. That is something I didn't know about when I was at the dealers, so I didn't look for. Can anyone tell me which ones of these (if any) have a full frame?

Compare actual weight. I have a feeling Kubota specs declare the bare shipping weight from Japan minus tires and rims which are fitted at the dealer.

I am starting to wonder about this as a couple of prices I got on the Kubotas listed a separate cost even for the standard wheel/tyre combo

 

[Hay Dude]

I don’t see a 5709, just a 5710 & 5711.
Weighs like 3000 more pounds than M9540.
That’s like 40% heavier.

I like to buy cast iron/steel/weight in a tractor. Really makes a difference when the going gets tough. Puts the power to the ground.

 

[redman135]

OP one thing I forgot is air seat. they are better than a steel spring seat in ride and speed of adjust ment.

Also I recommend you enquire about a "fore/front and aft/rear isolator" on the air seat. It is a fancy term that means there is a shock absorber to take the shunt out of towing a trailer or hay baler. Your back will thank you in later life. Budget permitting

 

[HJ75]

I don’t see a 5709

Maybe not available in USA?

https://www.masseyferguson.com/content/dam/public/masseyfergusonglobal/markets/en_au/assets/product-brochures/tractors/mf-5700/203708_GlobalSeries.pdf