comparing utility tractors

[brucew44guns]

I asked this question in another area of the forum, a member saw it and told me to put my question here. I'm interested in a new utility tractor. I have looked at JD 5093E, IH Farmall 95, and Kubota 100X ( although I should have looked at Kubota 9540) to be closer to the others. I want a loader on the tractor that won't break apart in a week, and in general appreciate strong and heavy duty features in any machine I own.
The forum member suggested Massey Fergusons HD 2680 with a DL 280 loader. I went to their web page and looked at their comparison to the Red, Green, and Orange competitors, and was favorably impressed with what I saw. Have no idea of cost comparison. I'd appreciate you mens comments and opinions. The tractor will be a luxury item for me, mowing, grading my drive, drilling post holes, light work, I have 155 acres but do no haying or farming. I could survive with a smaller tractor, but since I like a Kenworth, I also want a HD tractor in my life. Thanks.

 

[magicheater]

Look at the Kubota M59, stronger loader and you get a backhoe to boot.

 

[TWD]

The Kubota 9540 and Kubota 100X seem a little large to be standard utility tractors... you plan to do a lot of mowing with it ?

You said

mowing, grading my drive, drilling post holes, light work,

For grading, drilling, and just general UTILITY work I think you should check out the M59 too! I wanted something for general utility duty (minus mowing), and that's what I`m going to end up getting. From all my research, and 'in person' inspection the M59 is a beast.

 

[art]

There are many things that enter in here but a powershift transmission for driving on roadways is nice to be able to shift up and throttle down on the 100X. A training seat is also a nice option.

There are smaller horsepower tractors that also may get the job done but a Kenworth IS a Kenworth!

 

[Double6]

Kubota & John Deere are the 2 most popular brands.
If you have several dealers near by, check with each one & see who has the best prices on the models your looking at. Get on the tractors, check out the controls, all are similar but located a little differently, some will feel right for you, others will be more awkward, you will know it.
Also check out the service & parts dept. A good dealer is worth its weight in gold.
All the best in your purchase.

 

[doall]

don't forget the New Hollands. Blue is good too.

 

[Dargo]

I don't stick with any one manufacturer. Right now I have a JD5525, but I'd have to give the nod to the Kubota 100X series tractors. I wish they gave the lifting capacities of their loaders though. That "crawler" tractor is strange looking, but the others look great and have a lot of really nice features. Good luck! With dealers in my area dying to sell something, I'd imagine one could drive a pretty reasonable deal on a new tractor.

 

[TripleR]

Look at the Quicke Loaders for something heavier duty than that offered by the dealers. I obviously like Kubotas, but as others recommend, I would look at all of them to find the best fit. Good luck.

 

[RogerMc]

I think the Massey Ferguson line is worth a strong look. I also saw the HD 2600 series comparison on their web site. I think they have a lot to offer. I have been looking at the 1600 series line and I like what I see and the price seems good. For me its going to come down to a good local dealer. But you can't go wrong with any of them. If you can I would test drive them all and see what fits you the best. Let us know what you get and think.

Roger

 

[TripleR]

I think the Massey Ferguson line is worth a strong look. I also saw the HD 2600 series comparison on their web site. I think they have a lot to offer. I have been looking at the 1600 series line and I like what I see and the price seems good. For me its going to come down to a good local dealer. But you can't go wrong with any of them. If you can I would test drive them all and see what fits you the best. Let us know what you get and think.

Roger

That sure is a major consideration. We bought a MF375 new in the mid 80's and have ongoing problems the dealer never fixed. When I bought my last tractor, I toured all the dealers and our MF dealer had a total of six new tractors on his lot with only one cab unit. You can see what I bought.