Buying advice

[Greener280]

Hi all,
I am going to be in the market for a new tractor before the year is up, but I’m torn between what transmission route I want to take. If I decide to go with a HST I think I want to go with a Kubota MX5400 and if I go the gear route I will go with a Massey Ferguson 2850M power shuttle. Where I’m torn is which transmission will fit my needs best. My primary uses for the tractor is on 8 acres and include mowing, spraying, and snow removal via loader mounter plow. I also have future intentions to making my own hay, so tilling, seeding and running a baler are things I Intend to do with it. Looking for some opinions on what the better transmission route would be for the tasks I’m looking to accomplish.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota MX has a Category I/II TPH.
The Kubota MX has been around a number of years and has sold in great numbers. Parts for early MX models mostly interchange with parts for today's MX models.

The MF has a Category I TPH. The MF weighs ~300 pounds more than the Kubota.

Both transmissions equally satisfactory on eight acres.

Which dealer is closer?

Do you perceive one of the dealers as having a more proficient shop?

 

[Greener280]

Kubota MX has a Category I/II TPH.

The MF has a Category I TPH. The MF weighs ~300 pounds more than the Kubota.

Both transmissions equally satisfactory on eight acres.

Which dealer is closer?

Do you perceive one of the dealers as having a more proficient shop?

Kubota MX has a Category I/II TPH.

The MF has a Category I TPH. The MF weighs ~300 pounds more than the Kubota.

Both transmissions equally satisfactory on eight acres.

Which dealer is closer?

Do you perceive one of the dealers as having a more proficient shop?

Both dealers are good around here and are have no issues with either. As far as which one is closer, they are within a block of each other.

 

[mo1]

Hi all,
I am going to be in the market for a new tractor before the year is up, but I’m torn between what transmission route I want to take. If I decide to go with a HST I think I want to go with a Kubota MX5400 and if I go the gear route I will go with a Massey Ferguson 2850M power shuttle. Where I’m torn is which transmission will fit my needs best. My primary uses for the tractor is on 8 acres and include mowing, spraying, and snow removal via loader mounter plow. I also have future intentions to making my own hay, so tilling, seeding and running a baler are things I Intend to do with it. Looking for some opinions on what the better transmission route would be for the tasks I’m looking to accomplish.

Those are pretty large tractors for 8 acres. Are you intending on getting more land, or haying some additional land?

I personally like gear transmissions but depending on the size of the tractor you get, one may not be an option.

 

[Tractorable]

If I had to choose between the MX5400 or the 2850M for eight acres I’d pick the MX.

That said, the Yanmar YT347 with the iHMT or a Kubota Grand L with the HST+ are both superior transmissions to a standard HST or shuttle shift.

I intend to get a YT347 for my hilly eight acres because I want to run a 6ft bush hog and I want enough size, weight, and PTO hp to not have the tail wagging the dog so to speak.

For eight acres, I’d hedge towards a HST or iHMT for the ease of use for loader work. They’re also more wife and kid friendly if that matters to you.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

If I had to choose between the MX5400 or the 2850M for eight acres I’d pick the MX.

That said, the Yanmar YT347 with the iHMT or a Kubota Grand L with the HST+ are both superior transmissions to a standard HST or shuttle shift.

I intend to get a YT347 for my hilly eight acres because I want to run a 6ft bush hog and I want enough size, weight, and PTO hp to not have the tail wagging the dog so to speak.

For eight acres, I’d hedge towards a HST or iHMT for the ease of use for loader work. They’re also more wife and kid friendly if that matters to you.

I agree with Tractorable. 8 acres is not much property especially for tractors of that size and weight.

 

[Greener280]

If I had to choose between the MX5400 or the 2850M for eight acres I’d pick the MX.

That said, the Yanmar YT347 with the iHMT or a Kubota Grand L with the HST+ are both superior transmissions to a standard HST or shuttle shift.

I intend to get a YT347 for my hilly eight acres because I want to run a 6ft bush hog and I want enough size, weight, and PTO hp to not have the tail wagging the dog so to speak.

For eight acres, I’d hedge towards a HST or iHMT for the ease of use for loader work. They’re also more wife and kid friendly if that matters to you.

I have considered the YT347 previously as well as a L4060, and am still quite fond of either of those tractors. I just don’t want to cut myself short of capability. Do you think that either of those tractors are capable of doing what I need? I don’t feel as thought I would be lacking in engine HP it is the PTO I want plenty of.

 

[Doughknob]

HST all the way for current intended use!

Hay is slightly different. 8 acres all hay? Or only part of an 8 acre lot? HST would still work, but I’d rather have a gear tractor for hay if possible.

 

[jeff9366]

I have considered the YT347 previously as well as a L4060, and am still quite fond of either of those tractors. I just don’t want to cut myself short of capability. Do you think that either of those tractors are capable of doing what I need? I don’t feel as thought I would be lacking in engine HP it is the PTO I want plenty of.

You are over-thinking this decision.

All four of the tractors you have researched are ample for eight acres.

If you can afford a Kubota 'Grand L' L4060/ L4760/ L5060/ L5460/ L6060, go for it.

If you want plenty of PTO horsepower go with an L4760/ L5060/ L5460/ L6060 rather than the L4060.

All of the tractors you are considering will make you smile.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

HST would still work, but I’d rather have a gear tractor for hay if possible.

Why?