A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

[Anonymous Poster]

A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

A couple of questions from a novice researching his 1st. tractor purchase. I want to get info on non-big 3 tractors also so I can make an informed buying decision.

Can anyone who owns a non-big 3 tractor tell me why they bought what they did. Was it the features that stood out on the tractor? Good dealer? Sheer price?

Also, anyone who has owned a non-big 3 for a while now how is it holding up? How is your dealer service? Are you as happy with it now as when you first bought it?

Thanks
(I have spring tractor fever, I think the only cure is to buy one /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

 

[19th_VA]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tract

Yo Bobobro,

I have a Branson 3520. Have only 17 hours so far, but it has done an amazing job of cutting some very rough stuff so far. The only problems have been mistakes I have made (like backing up after going over some saplings, which I knew not to do, but was stuck. Click here to see. I bought it because of value, not just price. Not only did I save $ but I got more features standard that would have cost me extra with other brands. For example, draft and position control, shuttle shift transmission. The dealer had nothing to do with my decision. I did a lot of research and Bransons (Century is the same tractor under a different name except for the loader and backhoe), in my opinion, are as well built as any of the big three. Only drawback is perhaps longterm worries about the company. However, Kujke, the Korean company that makes Bransons, has been in business for 35 years, makes a line of tractors for John Deere, and just signed a deal to make engines with the Cummins name on them. Have heard good things about Mahindra and Kioti as well, but I liked the Branson better (and it was cheaper). I paid 14,200 for a 35 hp tractor with a front end loader--none of the big three were even close to that. Between 3 and 5k more. And I really believe the tractor is as well built. My 2 cents.

 

[shado]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I posted something to a new member 'elleng' under the heading 'Tractor Help' for this same forum, it was a long-winded writing and it gives my veiw on the matter, so if you've got a minute, go over to it and have a gander.
J.W.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

Well... since you asked, here goes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I bought a Power Trac PT425 after a long year of researching tractors(be sure to check out the attachment page).

<font color="blue"> Was it the features that stood out on the tractor? </font>

Yes! The front mounted implements make for very safe and easy operation. No strained neck. The quick attach feature lets me drop an implement, move over to another implement, attach it to the tractor and move on in 15 seconds without getting off the tractor(no exagerration, see the videos on my PT425 web page ). All of the powered implements are hydraulically operated; no driveshafts. Full time 4 wheel drive. Hydraulically articulated. Infinately variable speed from 0-8 MPH hydrostatic transmission. Over 40 attachments available. Simple 25HP Kohler gas engine. Hydraulic fluid is 10W40 motor oil. Small enough to drive into the back of my pickup truck with an implement. Fits through a 4 foot gate(only 45" wide). Very stable on side slopes. Built in ROPS and canopy(I'm bald and need shade). 3/16" to 3/8" steel plate construction; no sheet metal or plastic to bend or crack. Very comfortable to operate over long periods of time.

<font color="blue"> Good dealer? Sheer price? </font>

No dealer. Just extremely good factory support, and now, extremely good TBN forum members with growing knowledge base. Price was great. Got lots of bang for my buck.

<font color="blue"> how is it holding up? </font>
Only have 100 hours on it in the first year. So far so good.

<font color="blue">Are you as happy with it now as when you first bought it? </font>
Happier. It keeps getting better as I gain experience. Operation is simple. I look for things to do with it. It is easy to transport to our other property, my in-laws and the local little league. I usually trailer it, but pickup truck it if I'm short on time... just back it up the ramps into the bed, strap it down and go. Can take small grapple bucket(not completed yet), large bucket, pallet forks and a few small things all at once in the pickup. Lots of muscle in a little package. I'd buy it again in a heart beat. It's not for everyone, but it sure works for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RanchMan]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

Easiest way to state it is "Lots of bang for the buck."

I don't believe the "big 3" make bad tractors, but based on the features I wanted/needed vs. the cost, it was no contest. Some folks who bought a "big 3" will bring up resale, but in my view, if I dump more money in the purchase up front, it only makes sense to get more when I sell it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

For the price, I got a VERY stout tractor (Mahindra 4110) that is not "second rate" in any place I can see. No, no hydro - didn't particularly want it - no big deal. No, not lots of dealers close to me so maintenance is a little more of a pain. Less money? Yup. Reliable? Has never failed to start on the first turn of the key or run any way but silky smooth. Powerful? Maybe a little too powerful. (see attachment what happened to my new subsoiler - tractor fine, subsoiler not. I hate mesquite... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)

For my uses, I am more than satisfied with the purchase. I had one mfg. defect that was taken care of under warranty. Granted, I am in the low 100's of hours on it, but to date, I'm pleased.

If you decide to go big-3 - that's cool, but for me, the monetary outlay of what I got with a "name brand" was not worth the thousands more. I don't give a flying flip about the name on the side - I care if it works for me, and to date, it hasn't failed in that department.

 

[DK35vince]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I originally started my tractor search looking at the big 3.
But the prices in my area were to much of a stretch on the budget .
I went with A Kioti DK 35 for many reasons.
Comfortable operator area.
Great fit and finish.
Great price (wanted most tractor for my $)
Good dealer
More standard features included in price.
Every bit as well made as the name brands.
I've owned this machine for 1 year now with around 110 hours and I am very happy with my purchase decision /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[normde2001]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tract

Johnathon, please don't let that baby overheat. It will come back to bite you at a later date. When I first bought my $2900 20+ year old Yanmar and started cutting in big stuff, the first tool that went in my toolbox was a small whisk broom, and I check that radiator screen about every 1/2 hour. After 2 years I have had absolutely no heating problems.

 

[19th_VA]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tract

Lesson learned. Am doing the same. Won't happen again, I promise!

 

[nhman]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tractors

I went with one of the big three for resale and am glad I did. A year or so after I bought a 21 hp tractor, we acquired additional acres. Was easily able to sell the 1 yr old tractor for more than I owed. The key was having the fel, hydro and 4wd.

nhman

 

[rozett]

Re: A few questions for owners of non-big 3 tract

I own a 36-hp Cub Cadet 7360 that I bought <font color="blue">slightly used</font>. This is one of the Mitsubishi-built Cubs. Over 2 years later, I am very happy with the decision.

I spent about 6 months researching all of the brands, including building a spreadsheet to compare size, weight, lifts capacities, etc. In the 30-35 hp range, this Cub was on top in almost every catagory.

Once deciding on exactly which CUT, I went about the pricing game. My basic philosophy for this type of purchase is to avoid buying new. Instead I look for <font color="blue">slightly used</font>. We've done that for the last 4 or 5 vehicles and saved considerable $$. So I spent about 6 months searching (mostly on-line) for a used 7360. Ultimately, I found a 1 year-old tractor with 92 hours on the meter and it was $7K less than buying new.

Buying something like this <font color="blue">sight unseen</font> from a dealer 1200 miles away can be a scarey affair. In this case, it was a large JD dealer in Alabama. I checked the Better Business Bureau and had several phone conversations with the dealer. They even provided the previous owners name and number as a reference. After all the checking, I was satisfied that it was a good tractor and went ahead with the deal.

In the end, I got a great tractor at an excellent price, even with the $1000 cost to ship it up to New Hampshire.

Good luck with your search....