advice on a 38-42 hp 4x4

[adirondackmtnman]

I am not attempting to change your mind or influence you in regards to your decision, but it would probably be cheaper to equip your tractor with a FEL in the beginning than later on. Most TBN members will testify that once you have a FEL, you will wonder how you ever got along without one before. There are so many uses for a FEL. Just a thought.

+1 for the FEL at time of initial purchase...You'll have the opportunity to bargain down the 'package' with the dealer, and you won't need to haul it back to them to have it installed later. You'll kick yourself in the *** later wondering why you didn't buy it sooner, there's always a use for a loader...The work practically generates itself.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

Well being completely JD biased I'd trade in the long on a 5055E with loader and just drive it out to the ends when needed. You end your parts problem with the Long ,have all it's abilities ,and the 553 loader is fully capable. You have more work for the new tractor to do to justify it's cost as it takes on the Longs brush hogging chores and you food plot tilling will be a snap.
If you go the smaller HST route be sure it has a cruse control so you don't have to hold the go pedal down all day while disking a flat food plot and steering split breaks on the opposite side from the go pedal. I'm not sure which Kubota's have that arrangement but others will advise I'm sure.

I love my 5045D...I had the same parts issues with my IH624. I have the 512 loader, but I don't have the need to renove the loader arms...Agreat benefit of the 553, along with the increased capacity.