Buying Advice First Tractor purchase advice

[CobaltSky]

I visited Adam in Calhan. Thanks, Adam for showing me your tractor! I have done quite a bit of looking around. Decided I do need a cab here, and probably a decent factory cab.

I think I have my needs and preferences narrowed down to Mahindra 1538 HST cab, MF1736 HST cab, and either LS XR3135HC OR XR4140HC. Of these, the only close dealership is the Mahindra.

LS seems unbeatable on features, standard options for price. Of those 2 LS's I am leaning toward the extra 5HP and the full 6' FEL for an extra $2k.

Probably going for FEL only financed at purchase, unfortunately. But I plan to pick up elsewhere: Caroni TM series flail mower, pallet forks, 6' grader/scraper (land plane), rear blade, top-n-tilt.

I think I only have one good option to purchase the flail, but looking for good value options / sources for the other implements if I go with LS, since the dealer seems to be limited to sourcing from beavervalleysupply.

 

[dickfoster]

I've had a 1538 Shuttle TLB for a couple of weeks now. So far I'm happy with it. If the dealership is good you shouldn't have any trouble with a Mahindra. Just make sure that the dealer will stand behind the product no matter what brand you buy.

 

[airbiscuit]

LS seems unbeatable on features, standard options for price. Of those 2 LS's I am leaning toward the extra 5HP and the full 6' FEL for an extra $2k.

It's more than just a 5hp difference. The extra weight and larger tires make a huge difference in traction and performance!

I think you are settling in on a good plan. No Kioti dealers nearby?

 

[jeff9366]

Have you decided a turbocharged engine is advisable for your >7,000' altitude?

 

[dickfoster]

Did you decide a turbocharged engine is necessary for your >7,000' altitude?

He is at nearly 7,000 ft. so a turbo would help maintain power, especially on a hot, muggy, summer's day.

 

[CobaltSky]

He is at nearly 7,000 ft. so a turbo would help maintain power, especially on a hot, muggy, summer's day.

Yes I'm just over 7000ft. The Massey and the LSs are turbos. Mahindra and Kubota takes a hit on that, no turbos under 55hp.

And while it gets hot in the sun here, muggy is not a term ever applied to our area

 

[paulfun9]

Correct. Now I think the OP said he works from home, so this may not be a problem for him, but I have to get to work most every day. If we get a foot plus of snow it doesn't help beans if I clear the driveway and the road is still snowed in. I'm still not going anywhere. So clearing the driveway is great, but sometimes the capability needs too exist so he can clear the road if needed. That said, he shouldn't make the road his primary concern.

Also, 800ft of drive is still a lot. If he gets say, 12-18" of snow (which isn't unreasonable for his area), and then it drifts overnight with the wind, a SCUT isn't going to do squat. Even most CUTs will struggle with that. IMO a SCUT is WAY to small. SCUTs have their place, this isn't it.

This is something many don't take into consideration. Yes I could get threw my driveway after a storm with a small machine BUT what about tomorrow or the next day or even tonight when I get back from where ever I had to go. A small machine takes a lot more time to get it clear and after the wind blows it shut again it takes an other chunk of time. I have had to clear more than 4 times for the same storm due to drifting and with a small machine that can quickly become a long tiresome and cold process.
I also see that one poster thinks we only need to be prepared for 80% of our needs but I strongly disagree with this as the slight increase in cost compared to the added cost of renting or paying someone else to cover that remaining 20% becomes way more than the extra spent for the right machine in the beginning very quickly. I know this for fact as I get calls when we get that odd storm and am the one collecting the money to clear people out who already have small tractors that wont handle it.
I also see the potential for disaster with not having enough machine for the odd thing. My wife pushed her way threw a bad storm to get home one winter night and somehow she made it right to the garage door with her jeep. Problem was she blew something under the hood and it caught on fire. Now the jeep is burning right next to the house with the wind blowing the flames guess where? and the fire truck couldn't even make it from the main road in let alone up the hill and down our private road to get to the last 1/4 mile of uphill threw the drifts. Having the equipment to handle the storm was essential in saving the house that night as I was not only able to pull the jeep out into the field without plowing where it could burn without hurting anything but I was able to open up the road right out to the highway and get the fire truck in here faster than the township could direct a plow truck out here. Now imagine if it was this or a medical emergency and you had chose to only cover 80% of your possible needs how important would that money saved be then and how important would that extra time wasted overworking the small tractor to clear what clearly should and would be handled better by that 35 to45 HP machine be.

 

[dickfoster]

This is something many don't take into consideration. Yes I could get threw my driveway after a storm with a small machine BUT what about tomorrow or the next day or even tonight when I get back from where ever I had to go. A small machine takes a lot more time to get it clear and after the wind blows it shut again it takes an other chunk of time. I have had to clear more than 4 times for the same storm due to drifting and with a small machine that can quickly become a long tiresome and cold process.
I also see that one poster thinks we only need to be prepared for 80% of our needs but I strongly disagree with this as the slight increase in cost compared to the added cost of renting or paying someone else to cover that remaining 20% becomes way more than the extra spent for the right machine in the beginning very quickly. I know this for fact as I get calls when we get that odd storm and am the one collecting the money to clear people out who already have small tractors that wont handle it.
I also see the potential for disaster with not having enough machine for the odd thing. My wife pushed her way threw a bad storm to get home one winter night and somehow she made it right to the garage door with her jeep. Problem was she blew something under the hood and it caught on fire. Now the jeep is burning right next to the house with the wind blowing the flames guess where? and the fire truck couldn't even make it from the main road in let alone up the hill and down our private road to get to the last 1/4 mile of uphill threw the drifts. Having the equipment to handle the storm was essential in saving the house that night as I was not only able to pull the jeep out into the field without plowing where it could burn without hurting anything but I was able to open up the road right out to the highway and get the fire truck in here faster than the township could direct a plow truck out here. Now imagine if it was this or a medical emergency and you had chose to only cover 80% of your possible needs how important would that money saved be then and how important would that extra time wasted overworking the small tractor to clear what clearly should and would be handled better by that 35 to45 HP machine be.

He does have the acreage for a larger machine. I have a 38 and only have 5 acres. Maybe larger than what I really need but maybe too small for what he needs.

 

[CobaltSky]

I think you are settling in on a good plan. No Kioti dealers nearby?

Kioti dealer is "up the pass" in Lake George. I haven't made it there yet. Been meaning to, but I seldom head into the mountains that direction.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like cabs on Kioti start at 45hp?

 

[GoldenCityMuse]

This thread resonates with me.

My first post, but I am in the mountains of W New Mexico, very similar terraign to CobaltSky.

Am looking seriously hard at the Yanmar LX4900 TL HST. Which is the turbo diesel. Only thing is, no cab. But it is a bit milder here, & will probably get an aftermarket.

I really think he should go with the larger HP unit. My thoughts are I want my tractor to be able to handle 99% of jobs, not just the 95%. If CobaltSky is as rural as myself, it does not work to go into town & rent the bigger tractor when needed. And let me tell you, that high elevation REALLY KILLS the power of any IC engine, especially naturally aspirated ones.

Just a few thoughts from me living 20+ years at 7600' altitude in West NM.

 

[AxleHub]

This is something many don't take into consideration. Yes I could get threw my driveway after a storm with a small machine BUT what about tomorrow or the next day or even tonight when I get back from where ever I had to go. A small machine takes a lot more time to get it clear and after the wind blows it shut again it takes an other chunk of time. I have had to clear more than 4 times for the same storm due to drifting and with a small machine that can quickly become a long tiresome and cold process.
I also see that one poster thinks we only need to be prepared for 80% of our needs but I strongly disagree with this as the slight increase in cost compared to the added cost of renting or paying someone else to cover that remaining 20% becomes way more than the extra spent for the right machine in the beginning very quickly. I know this for fact as I get calls when we get that odd storm and am the one collecting the money to clear people out who already have small tractors that wont handle it.
I also see the potential for disaster with not having enough machine for the odd thing. My wife pushed her way threw a bad storm to get home one winter night and somehow she made it right to the garage door with her jeep. Problem was she blew something under the hood and it caught on fire. Now the jeep is burning right next to the house with the wind blowing the flames guess where? and the fire truck couldn't even make it from the main road in let alone up the hill and down our private road to get to the last 1/4 mile of uphill threw the drifts. Having the equipment to handle the storm was essential in saving the house that night as I was not only able to pull the jeep out into the field without plowing where it could burn without hurting anything but I was able to open up the road right out to the highway and get the fire truck in here faster than the township could direct a plow truck out here. Now imagine if it was this or a medical emergency and you had chose to only cover 80% of your possible needs how important would that money saved be then and how important would that extra time wasted overworking the small tractor to clear what clearly should and would be handled better by that 35 to45 HP machine be.

Paul Fun,

It seems like you are offering opinions based on your needs and situstions . . not Cobalt Sky's.

Cobalt only gets a fewvsnows per year . . . and when it comes to getting snow . . isnt it a mile+ after the driveway? They get snows that skidsteers take days to clear . . And he doesn't need to "get to work each morning".

I guess i thought our goal was we were supposed to offer opinions based on the OP's needs and situation . . not ours. He said he doesn't want a zero turn and a tractor as I recall . . He didn't have the storage space or budget for both.

I don't see how your situation compares to his just as mine situation doesnt compare to his . . I get lots of snows and I have lots of slopes and hills.

 

[airbiscuit]

Kioti dealer is "up the pass" in Lake George. I haven't made it there yet. Been meaning to, but I seldom head into the mountains that direction.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like cabs on Kioti start at 45hp?

You are right about that cab thing. It looks like you just saved yourself a trip. You are getting closer to narrowing down your choices. I am guessing the excitement will start to set in soon.

 

[grm61]

Typically I wait for the snow to stop and the wind to slow down at least a bit, then spend a few hours hours walking behind a snowblower freezing my tail off getting wind blown snow thrown in my face, clearing to the to of the driveway to get one car width bobsled run cleared. By then or shortly after, someone with a skid has been by to clear the rest of the community roads. At least that has been my experience here during just this one winter.

I don't believe you would regret spending the extra money for a factory cab with heat and AC.
It can be raining, blowing, snowing , you are warm dry and comfortable, most factory cabbed tractors come with work lights front and rear...I do 95%o f my snow removal at night, you can see what you are doing better. in the daytime evedrything is just bright white and blends together. You can see approaching traffic easier at night, and they can see you better.

My factory cab has two big side mirrors like a truck, and a inside rear view, and sun visor so you can keep tabs on what is going on around you, along with worklights front and back,F/Rwipers, heat, AC, am fm CD player 3 cupholders, phone charger, tilt, cruise etc....It really does take all the discomfort out of foul weather any time of day or night.

I spent many years behind a walk behind snow blower with the wind blowing the wrong way:shocked:

I'm not going to participate in the scut debate...If you can only have one tractor I would recommend 35 to 50 horse machine, and a factory cab on what ever you choose.
Mow the grass around the house with a lawnmower.

Good luck.

 

[grm61]

Getting myself out of the driveway won't matter much if the neighbor's haven't plowed the other roads in yet, so I'd kind of like to be able to contribute to that effort a bit, which would keep me from having to wait on them to save me, and keep me from having to pay cash to them for helping to maintain the community roads. So one way or another I pay. With the right tractor and implements, I can pay with my equipment and time, without them, I just have to keep forking over cash to the ones with equipment doing the work.

Good on you for wanting to help, and do your part.

 

[CobaltSky]

You are right about that cab thing. It looks like you just saved yourself a trip. You are getting closer to narrowing down your choices. I am guessing the excitement will start to set in soon.

.
Yeah that NX4510 with the cab seems to also be the cutover point for the turbo. Probably can save myself the trip though, I'm betting that model will be more than an LS XR4140 or even the apples to apples XR4145. I'd actually like a Massey, but the value on the LS seems to get me more for the money.

I think I am pretty close. Trying to source a good value flail mower, assuming XR4140. Seems harder than it should be

 

[grm61]

I think I am pretty close. Trying to source a good value flail mower, assuming XR4140. Seems harder than it should be

I'ts alot of work trying to buy the right tractor
One thing I would point out between the LS and Kioti is tire size...I'm assuming you're getting R4s...The LS has bigger tires 17.5/24 rears and 12-16.5 fronts, although the fat tires look impressive... for this weight of tractor, I believe the 14.9/24s and 10-16.5 on the Kioti are a better choice for offering enough flotation, but also enough ground pressure to be effective.

My.02

 

[airbiscuit]

I am toying with buying a flail mower. I currently have a rough cut mower, but would like a flail for my trails. The only ones I have found in my budget are:

Caroni from Agri Supply (add about $350 shipping) Flail Mower, Caroni, Rear Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 3837, TM19

Woodmaxx (free shipping) FM-78 Flail Mower | Tractor Flail Mower | PTO Mower Attachment | -WoodMaxx™

Both also have 5' versions

 

[AxleHub]

.
Yeah that NX4510 with the cab seems to also be the cutover point for the turbo. Probably can save myself the trip though, I'm betting that model will be more than an LS XR4140 or even the apples to apples XR4145. I'd actually like a Massey, but the value on the LS seems to get me more for the money.

I think I am pretty close. Trying to source a good value flail mower, assuming XR4140. Seems harder than it should be

Cobalt,

Getting your 1st tractor is a test of wisdom vs. Facts.

You mention you like a Massey product (I assume the 1736 you prior mentioned) over an LS product . . . but the LS is a little cheaper with options included.


You can plot it on a spreadsheet . . But there are other things to consider as well:

1. Length of warranty on each

2. Name recognition and resale value. Is one consideted a level 1 product and another a level 2 product cstegory ?

3. How many dealerships are there for each in a 175 mile radius ?

4. Real value is how many hours can you run a tractor in comfort before you need to stop? My point is . . The quality of the seat arrangement and spacing and fit and feel with be with you all the time. Unless it is a huge difference in price . . other things are more important than cost.

5. I spent 9 years planning to buy a Kubota and studying them intensely. And then I learned about the Massey product and in 3 months I changed my 9 year direction and product choice. I took a lot of jokes doing it but I've never regretted the decision . . . not because of the brand name . . But because there were so many things that made my new choice more comfortable to use and operate. I spent more to get the higher model in the size range . . And yet again I never regretted it even though money was an important thing. It was am investment rather than an expense.

Being practical is a great thing to be if you have exhausted all the options and studied the facts thoroughly. Now its diwn to a couple of choices. Get the one you'll be excited to use each time you turn the key. If it takes awhile to assemble all the implemebrs you want . . thats OK . . time is on your side.

6. Have you asked about ALL the finance options available on each of the tractors compared to cash price/rebate options. If you are only getting one finance option offered on each tractor . . ask again.

7. Ask about insurance options available. I don't know what LS offers but I know AGCO has a great choice at a low price.


You will live with these 7 issues long after the price is determined and a tractor delivered.

 

[CobaltSky]

I am toying with buying a flail mower. I currently have a rough cut mower, but would like a flail for my trails. The only ones I have found in my budget are:

Caroni from Agri Supply (add about $350 shipping) Flail Mower, Caroni, Rear Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 3837, TM19

Woodmaxx (free shipping) FM-78 Flail Mower | Tractor Flail Mower | PTO Mower Attachment | -WoodMaxx™

Both also have 5' versions

I was stalking that TM19, tried to add it to cart earlier. Out of stock, all locations. I need to call to see when they are expecting more from Italy...

 

[paulfun9]

Paul Fun,

It seems like you are offering opinions based on your needs and situstions . . not Cobalt Sky's.

Cobalt only gets a fewvsnows per year . . . and when it comes to getting snow . . isnt it a mile+ after the driveway? They get snows that skidsteers take days to clear . . And he doesn't need to "get to work each morning".

I guess i thought our goal was we were supposed to offer opinions based on the OP's needs and situation . . not ours. He said he doesn't want a zero turn and a tractor as I recall . . He didn't have the storage space or budget for both.

I don't see how your situation compares to his just as mine situation doesnt compare to his . . I get lots of snows and I have lots of slopes and hills.

No your missing the point! Every ones situation compares in some ways to their own. Problem is many don't see it.

Only the original poster can read my experience or yours and apply what he needs or wants to it and arrive at something that might work for him.

The night our jeep was burning up and our home was in danger of being lost to the fire I plowed 1 and 1/4th mile of private driveway and 2 miles of township road just to get the fire truck back here. Now I am not saying he needs to have 100+ HP on hand like I do or a crawler that can pull the fire truck if need be but to some extent being able to cover yourself in time of distress is much better than not!

Take my experience for what it is Apply what you envision, need or want and come to your own conclusion but for me being able to cover 99% is much smarter than spending all that money and only being able to cover 80 percent every time.