Comparison/Reccomendations requested

[TheSpoon]

I'm in the market for MY first tractor. Grew up running an 8N. My wife and I recently moved to 10 acres. About 6/3/1 woods/field/lawn. I have a small craftsman rider that I plan on using for our lawn, so finish mowing isn't a concern. What I do plan on doing though is:

- Grade/Plow 1000' driveway
- Brush hog 3 acres. This will become a small (very small) orchard with small (400-100 sq/ft) garden.
- Clear fallen trees and cut trails through the 6 acres of woods

What I think/know so far. I don't want a JD. I've mostly looked at Kubota's and have priced out a couple options.
L3301/R4 tires/FEL/66" SSQA bucket/72" Grading Scraper/60" rotary cutter w/slip clutch (Tier 4 diesel)
L4600/R4 tries/FEL/72" Light Material SSQA bucket/84" Grading scraper/72" rotary cutter w/slip clutch (Tier 3 diesel)

I'm fairly certain the 4600 is going to be more than I need. However, there is only a $4k price difference and from what i gather, less trouble since it's still tier 3 (and I've never heard anyone said they wish they bought "less" tractor).

There are Kioti, New Holland, LS, and Mahindra dealer pretty close to me, and a Massey Ferguson relatively close.

So, I ask. What other brands/models should I look at? I'm willing to spend the money on the Kubota, but also don't want to rule out any good competition.

Thanks,
Nelson

 

[TSO]

Look at ALL of the brands near you!

I think that the L3301 is the perfect size for your property, and there will be comparable machines from all those brands you list. They are all good enough to own.

Of those brands you mentioned, that Kubota will likely have the least features and shortest warranty, and dollar for dollar will be the lowest on the "bang for your buck" meter.

LS will probably be the highest "bang for your buck," with Kioti being a close second.

You will find that all of those machines will offer something slightly different, better, worse, etc... Find the one that feels the best under your butt.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

If you shop from home with an Excell spreadsheet you'll not want to look at Kubota. Kioti (the only other brand you listed I know fairly well) make a good tractor and are very adept at matching Kubota's models and adding more bells and whistles for less money. What you give up is the dealor network, possibly some better engineering, the truly great Kubota insurance, and customer service.
This of course just my opinion and I probably know less than many others on this forum.

 

[paulfun9]

You should look at them all and buy the machine that fits you and your needs the best!

They all make a very good machine and you will be happy with any of them.

 

[teg]

I would read about and look at a L2501 and put the savings into Top and Tilt hydraulics for the 3ph and a grapple for the front. You'll have a much more useable tractor for the money... :2cents:

 

[TheSpoon]

Thanks for the suggestion and it got me thinking a bit more. I probably won't go so low as the 2501, but it does make me lean towards the smaller L3301 or an LS XR series and a few more attachments.

 

[jenkinsph]

Curious why you won't consider Deere?

 

[TheSpoon]

Mostly a cost issue. For the smallest 3 series with the same setup as the kubota its looking like it's around $5k more.

I also understand many shy away because the engines (or whole tractor) in this range are farmed out to Yanmar.

 

[DavesTractor]

Mostly a cost issue. For the smallest 3 series with the same setup as the kubota its looking like it's around $5k more.

I also understand many shy away because the engines (or whole tractor) in this range are farmed out to Yanmar.

I don't sell them, but I am a big fan of the Yanmar engines. They can't be beat. As to the JD's being costly, no doubt you are right, except for the economy models and then it is not an apples to apples comparison. Many good brands to choose from today.

 

[jenkinsph]

Mostly a cost issue. For the smallest 3 series with the same setup as the kubota its looking like it's around $5k more.

I also understand many shy away because the engines (or whole tractor) in this range are farmed out to Yanmar.

You should compare real quotes between dealers as I would be surprised if there was that much difference in money. Yanmar is good stuff too, most brands today are a mixture of parts from different manufacturers, what matters is the quality of these parts. Kubota does build most of their tractors in house which I consider a good thing. I find that most of the brands are good today. I just found it unusual that you excluded Deere from the outset but ended by saying you did not want to rule out any good competition.

I still recommend you look closely at all the brands you can find and get quotes on the out the door price.