Kubota vs Massy

[Holmen WI]

Looking at 2 used tractors: 2006 kubota 4330hst with loader, 1300 hours, price is $19k; vs a 2001 MF1440V, 1525 loader, 1200 hours.

I have a Ford 1710 and looking to trade up to a bit larger and more modern tractor.

the massy is a shuttle shift and kubota is the hydrostatic transmission.

both look good, serviced and overall appear in good condition based on the hours and year.

I am leaning to the massy as all I care about is value and durability and both strike me as lasting for a long time as I prob only put 100 hours on a year. Each appear comparable in power, lifting capacity, etc.

any advice and experience would be appreciated.

Being a value buyer, with current low availability and high used prices, maybe it is wisest to wait if I don’t need to buy right now?

 

[Rockbadchild]

what will you using it for ? with the massy you have more hp on the pto being a shuttle shift in comparison i haven’t driven a kubota and i have no complaint about the massy … the hours are the same years goes to the kubota but hp and transmission goes to massey depending on your preference hydro vs shuttle shift … hydro is nice for front end loader use but for pulling and pto usage shuttle shift is better …

 

[Holmen WI]

Very helpful points.

mainly will use for land management, tilling soil, pulling and fel moving of up to 2k lb logs.

the ford 1710 I have had shuttle shift so I am used to that. I grew up driving the M farmalls, so I’m not fancy. Only functional. Thanks again.

 

[jeff9366]

Dimensions MF 1440
Wheelbase:	68.5 inches 173 cm
Length:	121.5 inches 308 cm
Width:	60.2 inches 152 cm (min)
Height (ROPS):	94.4 inches 239 cm
	71.2 inches 180 cm (folded)
Weight:	3001 lbs 1361 kg
Front tread:	45.5 to inches 115 to 0 cm
Rear tread:	44.5 to 56.8 inches 113 to 144 cm

Massey Ferguson 1466 Loader
Height (to pin):	98 inches 248 cm
Clearance, dumped bucket:	80 inches 203 cm
Dump reach:	23 inches 58 cm
Dump angle:	32°
Clearance, level bucket:	71 inches 180 cm
Reach at ground:	56 inches 142 cm
Rollback angle:	12°
Breakout force (at pin):	1840 lbs 834 kg
Lift to full height (at pin):	1200 lbs 544 kg
Bucket width:	60 inches 152 cm
Raise time to height:	5.3 s
Bucket dump time:	3.0 s
Lowering time:	3.2 s
Rollback time:

Dimensions Kubota L4330
Wheelbase:	74.6 inches 189 cm
Length:	121.3 inches 308 cm
Width:	66.5 inches 168 cm
Height (ROPS):	91.1 inches 231 cm
Height (cab):	87 inches 220 cm
Weight:	3440 lbs 1560 kg (DT)
	3860 lbs 1750 kg (HSTC)
Ground clearance:	14.8 inches 37 cm

Kubota LA853 Loader
Height (to pin):	113.6 inches 288 cm
Clearance, dumped bucket:	89.8 inches 228 cm
Dump reach:	20.1 inches 51 cm
Dump angle:	45°
Rollback angle:	40°
Breakout force (lift):	3,125 lbs 1417 kg
Lift to full height (at pin):	2,374 lbs 1076 kg
Lift to full height (at 500mm):	1,764 lbs 800 kg
Bucket capacity:	0.5 cu yd 0.4 cu m
Bucket width:	72 inches 182 cm

 

[jeff9366]

The Massey-Ferguson/Isekis are well regarded on this forum. MF/Iseki relationship has been a long one, so parts should not be a problem.....but you never quite know with older models in one of these private label situations.

How close is the nearest MF dealer? Does the dealer appear secure?


The Kubota is heavier and wider. It will be a much more stable platform doing loader work.
Kubota and Deere are the gold standard for parts availability for 'legacy' models.

How close is the nearest Kubota dealer? Kubota and Deere dealers are usually stable but still worth while asking, does the Kubota dealer appear secure?

 

[Holmen WI]

Excellent insight. The kubota dealer will service both and is selling both units. 1/2 hour away, so good that way.
Your note struck a cord two ways. The kubota bucket is noticeable stronger, and I do move logs quite a bit. Second, it is hilly here. So stability is valuable.

Good data to think about. Thank you.

 

[jeff9366]

The Kubota Loader is noticeable stronger, and I do move logs quite a bit.

I do not know in what year the SSQA standard (Skid Steer Quick Attach) was adopted by the tractor industry. The Kubota you are contemplating may or may not have SSQA, permitting one minute change from an FEL bucket to FEL pallet forks.

Inquire of the dealer about interchangeability between bucket and pallet forks generally. With clamp on (as opposed to SSQA) pallet forks, sooner or later a timber will roll over the bucket and over the tractor hood...... You are welcome to visit and see my hood dents. The incident did not kill me, but it could have.

 

[Holmen WI]

Wow! I’m glad it wasn’t worse for you.

I will definitely inquire further.

any thoughts on price of 19k. Dealer said this is bottom given supply/demand issues.

 

[sea2summit]

Very helpful points.

mainly will use for land management, tilling soil, pulling and fel moving of up to 2k lb logs.

the ford 1710 I have had shuttle shift so I am used to that. I grew up driving the M farmalls, so I’m not fancy. Only functional. Thanks again.

Can you expound on land management and tilling? Roto tilling? HST all day for speed control. Disking and plowing? Shuttle all day for speed control.

Also, why 2k longs? Milling? If not that's a huge load for either of those to tractors to move more than lifting/positioning. Better to yard/drag them than carry them when they are that heavy.

 

[Holmen WI]

Discing today. Tilling some day if I get tiller.

yes, I mill logs. I am talking positioning to mill.

your points are good and helpful. I’m leaning towards kubota due to lifting capacity about 1,000 lbs more.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

I had a 2007 Massey Ferguson 1540 Powershuttle with the 1525 loader (almost the same tractor as the 1440 you describe, just one model generation newer). It was outstanding and the best tractor I've ever owned or operated. The 3cyl turbo engine started instantly no matter how cold the temps were, had very good fuel economy, and was very quiet. I sold it when the economy crapped the bed in '09, but it really hurt to see it go. I eventually replaced it with a '13 MF 1643 Hydro, but while a few things were improved (headlights, seat, ROPS), overall the 1540 was the better tractor.

 

[seville009]

In 2001, I purchased a new Kubota B7500 hst with a front snowblower and mid mount mower; think it was 25 hp

around 2004, I bought more land and needed something bigger in a tractor. Kubota dealer went out of business, so bought a geared MF1540 from a local MF dealer. Tractor was fine, but hated the gears. Traded it in for the same model, but hst. Still have it today.

so.....my opinion/experience (limited) with both brands is that I have had no issues with either brand. You should be fine with either one. Local dealer support would be the only real factor to consider for supplies and any possible issues.

 

[RjCorazza]

I do not know in what year the SSQA standard (Skid Steer Quick Attach) was adopted by the tractor industry. The Kubota you are contemplating may or may not have SSQA, permitting one minute change from an FEL bucket to FEL pallet forks.

Inquire of the dealer about interchangeability between bucket and pallet forks generally. With clamp on (as opposed to SSQA) pallet forks, sooner or later a timber will roll over the bucket and over the tractor hood...... You are welcome to visit and see my hood dents. The incident did not kill me, but it could have.

I ended up getting ssqa pallet forks when I replaced my non ssqa L3410 6 years ago. I considered clamp on forks for the old tractor, but never thought about material rolling up the bucket and onto the tractor or God forbid the operator.
I can definitely see that happening... Almost like a ready made ramp!

 

[Holmen WI]

Thank you! Very useful. Question: I move big logs to a portable mill. I believe the lifting capacity is limited. The kabota is almost double. What was your experience with the strength of the loader, if I may ask?

 

[Holmen WI]

In 2001, I purchased a new Kubota B7500 hst with a front snowblower and mid mount mower; think it was 25 hp

around 2004, I bought more land and needed something bigger in a tractor. Kubota dealer went out of business, so bought a geared MF1540 from a local MF dealer. Tractor was fine, but hated the gears. Traded it in for the same model, but hst. Still have it today.

so.....my opinion/experience (limited) with both brands is that I have had no issues with either brand. You should be fine with either one. Local dealer support would be the only real factor to consider for supplies and any possible issues.

Thank you, very useful.

 

[Holmen WI]

I ended up getting ssqa pallet forks when I replaced my non ssqa L3410 6 years ago. I considered clamp on forks for the old tractor, but never thought about material rolling up the bucket and onto the tractor or God forbid the operator.
I can definitely see that happening... Almost like a ready made ramp!

Really important and valuable information!

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

Thank you! Very useful. Question: I move big logs to a portable mill. I believe the lifting capacity is limited. The kabota is almost double. What was your experience with the strength of the loader, if I may ask?

Not sure if you are asking this question of me, but the 1525 loader on the Massey was decent. Yes, I wish it had more capability, but there is one absolute truth about tractors and implements such as loaders: no matter how much they can do, you always wish they could do more. I recently traded in my 1643 with the DL120 loader (about the same thing as the 1525) for a 70hp MF 4707 and the most capable optional loader available. Guess what? I still wish it could do more, and it easily lifts double the amount of the 1525/DL120.

I have nothing against orange tractors and in fact looked hard at them when I decided to move up. You'll do fine either way. I just prefer Massey Ferguson and part of the reason is I have a dealer just ten miles away. I still kick myself for having to sell that 1540 and wish I could buy it back.

 

[Holmen WI]

Yes, and thank you again.

 

[airbiscuit]

One is a Kubota, a wider, heavier (3860 lbs) more stable tractor, with a hydrostatic transmission. The other one is your Father's Oldsmobile.

 

[paulfun9]

One is a Kubota, a wider, heavier (3860 lbs) more stable tractor, with a hydrostatic transmission. The other one is your Father's Oldsmobile.

Well my son to this day says he would trade any car he ever owned for any of my Olsmobile’s.
Sometimes things are not what they seem!
By the way my last Oldsmobile at trade in time they gave me a brand new car and 10’000 cash. Let’s see how many folks can say similar with today’s cars 20 to 25 years from now.