Green or Orange: That is the question

lacamo · Aug 24, 2006

I'm thinking about a new utility tractor for work around the farm (manure handling, tedding/raking, field work, small-scale logging, etc), basically replacing an older MF. The choices are JD 4320 or Kubota M5040DT. The prices are about the same from two very reputable dealers I've worked with before. The JD dealer is down the road while the Kubota guy is 50 miles away (charges travel time & mileage). Can anyone offer compelling reasons to go with the Kubota?

floridahay · Aug 24, 2006

Have you looked at the John Deere 03 series tractors? They are a true utility tractor whereas the 4320 is a compact tractor. It is not comparable to the Kubota, which is a utility tractor, not a compact. If you are looking for a basic,reliable tractor I think you will find the 03 series to be a real bargain for what you get. I have a 5203 that I am very pleased with.

wolc123 · Aug 24, 2006

I was looking similar tractors, the Kubota GL 4330 and the JD 4120 a year ago. The JD dealer was 60 miles away and the Kubota was only 5. I went with the JD mainly because it was $800 less. I didn't worry to much about the mileage as I did not expect to have problems and I have not after 10 months and 100 hrs (the dealer mailed me an oil filter for the 50 hr service). Also, the JD comes standard with a quick attach bucket that allows me to instantly drop the bucket for mowing, or quickly change from bucket to pallet forks or bale spear. The 4000 20 series might be classified as "compacts" but there is nothing really compact about them. Plenty of size to handle the tasks you describe.

lacamo · Aug 24, 2006

I did look at the 5003 series last year. The prices were great, esp. with the real JD engines (vs Yanmars); but I'd want a shuttle-shift, 4WD, and a quick-detatch loader.

AndyMA · Aug 24, 2006

Just curious, did you look at the New Holland TN line? Many happy users.

Andy

AndyMA · Aug 24, 2006

AndyMA said:
Just curious, did you look at the New Holland TN line? Many happy users.

Andy

Of course I should say I'm biased, having owned 2 TN75's. There all good tractors, but if you haven't looked at the TN's I think it would be worth your while.

AndyMA · Aug 24, 2006

lacamo said:
I did look at the 5003 series last year. The prices were great, esp. with the real JD engines (vs Yanmars); but I'd want a shuttle-shift, 4WD, and a quick-detatch loader.

Interesting that you mention John Deere engines vrs. Yanmar. As you probably know Yanmar is one of the most reliable engines made. Deere actually dropped Deere engines in many of it's excavators and went to the Isuzu engines that it was putting in the excavators it made for Hitachi. I certainly wouldn't rule out a tractor because it had a Yanmar engine. I just might select it because it did.

Andy

MessickFarmEqu · Aug 25, 2006

As was said, your comparing apples to oranges. If you want an equilivant Kubota look at the larger grand L series machines. The M is way more tractor in this case.

Doc_Bob · Aug 25, 2006

AndyMA said:
Of course I should say I'm biased, having owned 2 TN75's. There all good tractors, but if you haven't looked at the TN's I think it would be worth your while.

I agree. My TN has been a delight.
Bob

Wesdor · Aug 25, 2006

I own a Deere, but wouldn't be afraid of the Kubota. They are both good tractors. The additional distance to the dealer might be the deciding factor for me.

Regarding Yanmar vs. Deere engines. A friend of mine told me that Deere is having some problems with their engines. He got the information from a mechanic at the local Deere dealership. So I agree with the others, the Yanmar engine is a proven work horse, don't be afraid of that name.