help with first tractor purchase!!

[fluffers]

Looking for my first tractor for snow clearing a 1000' ft dirt drive way as well as mowing about 5-8 acresand also be able to move things around the property- I have narrowed it down to the following all with hst tranny
1-new bobcat CT50 with cab and loader-$29000
2- new Mahindra 6010 with cab and loader-$30,000
3- used 2011 Kubota L5740 with cab and loader and only 100 hrs-$30,000
i will be doing my own maintenance and no dealers around to test drive- My dad really likes the Kubota but wanted more knowledgeable opinions- also any thoughts on pricing- thanks so much for all the help!!

 

[Cat793D]

Who's engines are in the Bobcat and the Mahindra ....Daedong from Korean ??? not saying there is anything wrong with their engines .....but Kubota used their own engines designed and built in their own engine plant in JAPAN .....you decide .

 

[wolftree]

fluffers,

It really comes down to you sitting on and operating a tractor. Does the seat move far enough? Does any operator control feel awkward to you? Only you can say what feels just right. The differences in todays tractors is pretty small and really comes down to personal choice. Any of the tractors you mentioned would be good and one you could learn to live with, find the one that fits you as close to perfect as you can find.

 

[murphy1244]

no dealers around to test drive??? Noo Test run? Really? Who is the closest dealer? You have to sit on them to get the feel of it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I would shy away from the extinct Bobcat simply because they are no longer branded by Bobcat. They are said to be a white Kioti but still, no longer made so no parts dealers. Kioti dealer might cross reference for you even if begrudgeonly.

As for the other two, sit on each of them and see which one feels the best to you. Drive them and operate the controls to see if they are located in the right spot for you. Ergonomics is a big part of deciding which tractor is right for you.
For the same price, I might be swayed to the brand new tractor, but 100 hours is just past the breakin period and will save you the cost of the traditional 50 hour oil and filter change (assuming it has been done and I would insist on prove of that)

 

[Gary Fowler]

Big thing. Make sure the AC and heat work perfectly on the used one. Major expense if bad compressor or other malfunction of the HVAC and pretty hard to fix one yourself unless your are into AC repair.

 

[GManBart]

Who's engines are in the Bobcat and the Mahindra ....Daedong from Korean ??? not saying there is anything wrong with their engines .....but Kubota used their own engines designed and built in their own engine plant in JAPAN .....you decide .

Mahindra makes their own engines.

If loader capacity is critical, it wouldn't be much of a contest because the Mahindra can lift over 20% more

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota L5740 is a "Grand L". Equivalent to a Lexus. Quiet. Pin-adjustable stabilizers AND telescoping Lower Links.

Plenty of horsepower and traction with 4-WD for your requirements.

I aspire to own one.

 

[TripleR]

I can't say anything good or bad about the Bobcat or Mahindra as I am not familiar with them. I own an L5740 and really like it, especially the HST+, but agree you need to find which fits you the best.

Keep in mind this is designed to convince you to buy, but does a pretty good job of explaining the HST+: Kubota HST-Plus Transmission - YouTube

 

[GManBart]

Pin-adjustable stabilizers AND telescoping Lower Links. I aspire to own one.

Those aren't really fancy options now...they're standard on many tractors that cost multiple thousands less for the same general size/power.