Comparison Local Dealer Selections

[lasherb1]

Hello all,

I've recently bought 40 acres of half wooded, half pasture property. I have some significant plans to build the property into what I envision. I had a FORD 3600 for several years before selling but still have several implements. Now I'm looking for something new(er).

Local Dealers:
John Deere
Mahindra
Kubota
Kioti

I visited the Mahindra and Kioti dealerships before taking a tour overseas. To be honest I was looking more at the price you pay vs what you get as I'm looking to purchase used, not necessarily new. My only real requirements are: 40+ hp, front end loader, 4wd, and potentially a cab (allergies). My question to you is: subjectively, what would you buy and why?


Annd go!

 

[Olympus]

Go to the LS website and look for the closest dealer to you. In terms of getting more for your dollar, none of those brands can compete with LS. They're all great brands, but LS has the best "bang for your buck". Kioti used to be very close in terms of pricing with LS, but I've found they have gotten more expensive lately.

Mahindra I have found are priced up there close to Deere and Kubota, but their models tend be beefier and better spec'd than similar size Deere and Kubota models.

If you're looking at used, Deere typically had larger dealer networks with larger used inventories to look through, so that's a plus.

 

[Tractorable]

What's your budget?

Yanmar, a 100 year old Japanese company, has some of the nicest cab tractors on the market now with an efficient new hydro-mechanical transmission. The YT347/359 would suit you nicely. There's a dealer just south of Indianapolis.

The Kubota Grand L's are extremely nice. Haven't heard a single negative comment about them.

The Korean makes (LS, TYM, Branson, Kioti) are all good and provide more bang for the buck.

I'd personally go for Yanmar YT series or Kubota Grand L. You can find some nice used Grand L's but with the financing deals of buying new it might make more sense just to go new.

 

[ericm979]

If you're willing to do your own service and minor repairs you don't need to have a dealer that's close.

I was looking for a reasonably clean low hour used tractor. In my area that means Kubota. But also in my area the few low hour units are priced as though they're new. I started looking at new tractors and ended up with a Branson even though the dealer's three hours away. Dave's Tractor is a great dealer though, and they're used to dealing with people like me. If I'd wanted the full hand holding dealer service there's a Kubota dealer locally that does that. Costs a lot more of course. But if you have more money than time or don't want to do mechanical stuff, that's the way to go. I actually like working on things. If I have major problems with the Branson beyond my skills that require warranty work on the entire tractor it'll cost me time & money to get it up to Dave's but I'm betting that won't happen. Very few of my new vehicles have needed warranty work. Most never see the dealer again after I get them.

 

[George2615]

I agree with Olympus to look for an LS dealer near you. When i was shopping 3 years ago LS was the best buy for me. I got a 36 HP cab tractor for about the same price as an open station in the other brands and it came with more standard options.

 

[nybirdman]

I would contact the local dealers and have them put you on a list for trade-ins that suit your needs.I would not purchase just based on price alone.Our family purchased two used Kubota's and they have been excellent;I have purchased two new from our dealer have been more than happy with both.
Not in the market myself but if I were I would look hard at LS and Yanmar.We have a fairly local Mahindra dealer but they just don't do it for me.
I looked at JD,New Holland before purchasing my first Kubota.

 

[Thomas]

Great advice has been given,also research dealerships service department if the time should come for repairs.

 

[lasherb1]

All, thanks for comments. I'm looking to stay around $25K all said and done. I have no preference between mechanical or hydro drives as I've used both. I too am mechanically inclined and will perform most all the maintenance myself so having a dealer close is not important. I'll keep new tractor options in mind if the price is right, but am looking to buy used with low hours. Because of my allergies I'd like to have a cab, but its not a deal breaker.

 

[Olympus]

I personally think nobody makes a "bad" tractor these days. Try to figure out what size/weight/HP of a machine that will fit your need and then try to give yourself some room to grow into. Then start comparing the different brands and pricing and you'll get a better idea of what you want. And if you're buying from a dealer, you want one that is going to take care of you.