55-60 HP CHOICES

[jyoutz]

J, I suppose that may depend upon your boot size.

Good point that there's often ways to adapt.

Size 11.5

 

[Torvy]

Kioti also makes the tractors for Bobcat. They are going to have the same electronics/emissions junk as all of the new units other than the TYM (and then only those with the TYM/Kukje engine).

I think all of the S. Korean brands are solid. There are pros and cons. In my case, an equivalent Kubota or JD would have cost 40-60% more.

 

[big bubba]

good luck with your search. i've always been reluctant to choose a tractor according to storage access. my feeling rather than limit yourself to storage access, choose the optimum model for your needs, than accommodate for storage options, lots of options out there. best regards,

 

[Jrasband]

Can't go wrong with a M7060, or M6060

 

[big bubba]

Can't go wrong with a M7060, or M6060

agree, or if one can find, used pre tier 4 of the same class. will be selling mine within a year, but no online sales. OP: best in your quest

 

[hotjava66]

good luck with your search. i've always been reluctant to choose a tractor according to storage access. my feeling rather than limit yourself to storage access, choose the optimum model for your needs, than accommodate for storage options, lots of options out there. best regards,

It’s not just storage, my firewood storage and implement lean to are all pretty short. That and for work in the woods I find taller is more cab exposed to damage from branches.

Can't go wrong with a M7060, or M6060

Can’t disagree, just cannot justify the physical size and cost for my needs. Have thought long and hard about a true utility size tractor, so much more of everything over a compact. But I just don’t need it, and would be a bother to deal with the size vs the work to be done.

 

[big bubba]

you are correct in cab size working in woods, i overlooked that. sounds like you're on the right tract, & take your time now that you have the purchase fever. wise to post here

 

[rScotty]

In the market for a tractor in the 55-60hp range. Been in a sharing situation for a little while, sold my last tractor and regret not having one at my full disposal. Have owned or operated a pretty wide range over the years, I work in underground construction and most of them feel like toys or are disappointing as far as hydraulics, speed etc.

SNIP...

I want this to be a one and done deal, getting to the point I know what I want and can take one to the end with good care and service. Any input on the above or other suggestions welcome.

Yes, that 55 to 60 hp range seems to be a nice size. I know we ended up there, and so have a number of friends. It's powerful enough to do most work, and still not too physcally big for around the barnyard.

BTW, hotjava66, that's a nice write-up you did on the various brands. I enjoyed reading it and you sure do have a lot of choices. I don't have a clear favorite myself, although for our work I'd put more emphasis on the type of transmission. The transmission type seems to have a lot to do with how I enjoy doing our chores, work in the wood, and generally maintaining the property. Frankly I used to be a power-shuttle shift guy, but HST has spoiled me. The only limitation with HST is some only have three ranges, and I prefer more gearing choices than that. The only one I know that has more than 3 ranges is in some Kubotas, but there may be others

The Kubotas six speed HST+ transmission is rugged. We've used our M59 hard 16 years it sure fits the work we do. The HST+ models also have the best version of Kubota's oddball F/R pedal.
The other transmission I like is Yanmar's i-HMT. I wouldn't buy today without at least trying the Yanmar YT359 with their i-HMT transmission.

Both the Kubotas with HST+ and the Yanmars with i-HMT are top of the line in quality and that does tend to make them cost more. All I can say on that is looking back over the years, our best tractors have always been a little more expensive than we wanted - but ultimately worth it.

So since you asked for suggestions, here is another.... if I were buying today I'd ask the Kubota and Yanmar dealers to introduce me to some of his customers with similar tractors that I could talk to about their tractors.
Those cabbed HST+ and i-HMT models have been out for 10 or more years now. I'd sure want to personally talk to people who have been using both.
rScotty

 

[Williy]

Yanmar has up to $3500 discount and 10 year power train
warranty

willy

 

[arrow]

Although it seems your criteria are rather numerous, there is a way to solidify choice.
1. All the deal breakers can be eliminated
2. Rely on your closest dealer first and I don’t care what the brand unless it includes a deal breaker.
3. Tractors can be had with smaller tires if height issues cannot be solved with raising entry headers. Would need all 4 tires changed for ratio issues. Additional ballast would make up for tractive differences.
4. A person can get used to just about anything so minor preferences such as loader speed or fit and finish become less important in relation to what’s more important such as deal breakers or physicality issues.