Realistic $ for a reliable tractor?

[eolesen]

That treadle pedal is only on the HST models. The geared Kubota's have a notched lever shift for R-N-F.

 

[airbiscuit]

I call it the Disney Treadle because it is either

or

 

[Tractor_Jack]

The salesman did say that the yanmar sa425 had been sitting and it was just the battery. But I should note that then we went to hop on the sa325 instead and it wouldn’t shift between high and low ranges. He was able to pop the tractor up on the bucket and get whatever was stuck free and shift after a second of messing around. Then he tried to demo to how you could get off the seat and it would keep running but if you pressed a pedal forward or reverse it would stop the engine … it did not stop the engine and almost ran him over. Finally, he couldn’t find any pricing info cause something was wrong with his computer.

I’m sure he just had an off day so I’m trying to not let it color my perception of the tractors too much, especially since y’all knowledgeable folks are saying so many good things about the yanmars. But the whole thing really felt like a comedy of errors, and they are the only yanmar dealer anywhere close.

I will definitely ask why the new holland has been sitting so long I’m not sure.

I looked just at the smaller Massey GCs. I didn’t see any of the larger size on the lot, but maybe they were tucked in the back.

The treadle (or Disney haha) pedal felt super weird at first but after a few minutes I actually really liked it. Felt easier when going in reverse

 

[rScotty]

The salesman did say that the yanmar sa425 had been sitting and it was just the battery. But I should note that then we went to hop on the sa325 instead and it wouldn’t shift between high and low ranges. He was able to pop the tractor up on the bucket and get whatever was stuck free and shift after a second of messing around. Then he tried to demo to how you could get off the seat and it would keep running but if you pressed a pedal forward or reverse it would stop the engine … it did not stop the engine and almost ran him over. Finally, he couldn’t find any pricing info cause something was wrong with his computer.

I’m sure he just had an off day so I’m trying to not let it color my perception of the tractors too much, especially since y’all knowledgeable folks are saying so many good things about the yanmars. But the whole thing really felt like a comedy of errors, and they are the only yanmar dealer anywhere close.

I will definitely ask why the new holland has been sitting so long I’m not sure.

I looked just at the smaller Massey GCs. I didn’t see any of the larger size on the lot, but maybe they were tucked in the back.

The treadle (or Disney haha) pedal felt super weird at first but after a few minutes I actually really liked it. Felt easier when going in reverse

Thanks for posting! Your visit to the Yanmar shop made my morning.
Still laughing,
rScotty

 

[airbiscuit]

Here is my perception of brands

 

[MarkMac]

A few years ago I bought a used 1979 Ford subcompact, a really cute one for $6500. It was fun but really lacked the weight to do real ground-engaging chores. Then one day a front axle stub-shaft broke - completely separated - and I had to drive home on 3 wheels in reverse, dragging the bucket like a skid. Shortly thereafter I discovered my Ford was a Shibaura, and parts were near extinct. I scrounged the last rusty used front axle stub shaft known to man... on eBay for an inflated price... slapped it together and sold it for a small profit. It was a broken part away from being a piece of yard art.

Then I bought a new KIOTI CX2510 and adore it. It can do big boy jobs and still fit in tight spots, including the garage.

For 10 acres (especially with a grade) I'd recommend no less than 35 horsepower, especially with a hydrostatic drive.

I grew up on 10 acres in Arizona and we had a Ford 2600, gear drive, which was 35ish HP and just about right.

Little tractors get abused and misused. Repairs are NOT cheap... and while I'd keep an eye out for a cherry used one, realize that a new one won't cost significantly more and they really don't depreciate much.. not like a car anyway.

 

[CH4Ohio]

The salesman did say that the yanmar sa425 had been sitting and it was just the battery. But I should note that then we went to hop on the sa325 instead and it wouldn’t shift between high and low ranges. He was able to pop the tractor up on the bucket and get whatever was stuck free and shift after a second of messing around. Then he tried to demo to how you could get off the seat and it would keep running but if you pressed a pedal forward or reverse it would stop the engine … it did not stop the engine and almost ran him over. Finally, he couldn’t find any pricing info cause something was wrong with his computer.

I’m sure he just had an off day so I’m trying to not let it color my perception of the tractors too much, especially since y’all knowledgeable folks are saying so many good things about the yanmars. But the whole thing really felt like a comedy of errors, and they are the only yanmar dealer anywhere close.

I will definitely ask why the new holland has been sitting so long I’m not sure.

I looked just at the smaller Massey GCs. I didn’t see any of the larger size on the lot, but maybe they were tucked in the back.

The treadle (or Disney haha) pedal felt super weird at first but after a few minutes I actually really liked it. Felt easier when going in reverse

Just my opinion, but I think you should be looking at bigger tractors. Like Kubota B2601 or bigger, or small L model. Check them out. Get on Facebook Marketplace and search for tractors within 100 miles or so and see what you find. You'll find prices from private sellers much better than dealers. If you're buying newer tractors, it's not that hard to tell if it's been taken care of or not. There are lots of low hour tractors that get sold on Marketplace but you need to watch the listings and be ready to call if you see one you're interested in.

If you're doing your own maintenance, you don't really need a dealer, for the most part. Any tractor shop can pretty much work on any tractor for non-warranty work. All but major repairs you can do yourself.

Seems like you need a large B tractor in the 30 HP range or a small L (using Kubota models for sizing). Rough terrain, working in the woods, probably need a grapple later on, . . . Small tractor with tiny tires will disappoint you later on.

 

[eolesen]

Amen. I've never heard anyone say they had too much horsepower on a tractor...

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Small tractor with tiny tires will disappoint you later on.

Maybe so, but ... Now I have TWO tractors! (Lots of people's very happy with just a SCUT, as they are VERY handy!)

But to be honest, no way I ever plan to sell my little overgrown lawnmower, for most all things, I prefer it over my bigger tractor!