45-55HP choices

[PatMcD]

I think I'm in the market for a basic 4WD tractor with loader in the 45-55HP range. Use will be mostly bush-hogging and logging/firewood woods work. It seems if I go to any of the brand specific forums with comments, I'll just get answers from satisfied owners, and not much criticisms. That's human nature; I understand.
I guess what I need to know is if there are any brands in my HP range that I should stay away from, or, are there any bad manufacturers?
The dealers I have available to me are New Holland, LS, Mahindra, Deere, Kubota, Kioti, Massey, and Yanmar. I can't find many bad things about any of these.

 

[GManBart]

Odds are you can buy any machine in that size range, from any of those manufacturers, and be very happy with it's performance, and quality. If you have a problem with any of them, it's really just bad luck. R,

 

[wolftree]

I agree with GManBart, find the tractor that fits you and your needs best. Try them all out. It will come down to a knob fitting your hand better on one brand of tractor over another brand.

 

[dusty3030]

That's a "in between" range though. You are going to find choices all over the board and different prices.
That is on the higher range of horsepower and size on the compact tractor lines and the bottom end of the utility lines.
The compact will be lighter / smaller / usually more nimble and easier to transport (1/2 ton towable in most cases)
The Utility tractor will be a little bigger and heavier and more capable at some things than the same horse smaller one (ground engaging stuff)
As far as the brands you mentioned in your first post - all of them are great brands and I personally would be happy owning any of them.

So, just be sure you compare apples to apples and try a few first before you buy.
As in you can't fairly compare a John Deere geared tranny basic utility 45 horse power against a Kubota Grand L compact hydro of the same horsepower or vice versa.

 

[flusher]

The dealers you mention all have good tractors. Most important factor is the dealer. Your best bet is to buy from a dealer who has decent service and parts departments, who sells dozens of tractors per year and who has been in business for at least 5 years.

If you plan to do your own periodic maintenance, carefully check the access to air, oil and hydraulic filters, brake adjustments, grease zirks, etc. All the filters on my 2008 Mahindra 5525 are readily accessible except for the wire mesh filter in the hydraulic return line. It's a struggle to get to that part, but you don't have to clean it very often. Had the same problem on a 2005 Kubota B7510HST that I owned before getting the 5525.

Good luck

 

[Corey MARSHALL MACHINERY]

The best way to observe each tractor is from the seat,
to see what works best for you.
All of them are set up a little different

 

[doxford jim]

Just a thought though many will not agree (brand loyalty), what about looking at other tractors outside of the major brands. They cost much less and can be a good buy in certain circumstances. I say this because I bought a Jinma 554 (4WD and 55HP, geared) tractor with FEL for $15,000 (US) new including delivery. It was a crated tractor and came with just parts warranty, no labour covered - I assembled the tractor myself..
For me it was just fine as I have a good sized workshop and can do my own maintenance. I have had a few small problems which were easily fixed (minor electrical).
I went from a 1959 MF65 to the Jinma - I am retired and live on a low fixed income. Buying one of the major brands was out of the question. Buying a used major brand was prohibitive where I live. To get a new tractor and FEL at 1/3 to 1/4 of the cost of a major brand was attractive to me and it has worked out just fine. If I win the lottery then I will get another new tractor with cabe etc., but for now can live with what I have.
I would look at Foton and Dongfen - both have good writeups. I bought Jinma due to parts availability.
Good luck with your choice and ignore the "nay sayers" - they spent tooooo much money to be taken seriously

 

[DarkBlack]

Buying a used major brand was prohibitive where I live.

Why is that?

Personally, I believe a high quality brand used tractor is better than a brand new "Chinese quality" tractor. I think this is true at the purchase time, and even more evident when some years go by.

 

[doxford jim]

Why is that?

Personally, I believe a high quality brand used tractor is better than a brand new "Chinese quality" tractor. I think this is true at the purchase time, and even more evident when some years go by.

Dealers quoting $1,00 per hp as a rule of thumb

 

[grm61]

Dealers quoting $1,00 per hp as a rule of thumb

About half that for a Kioti or LS with a loader.......