Need advice - 15-20HP

[tacticalturnip]

The MT125 is a good little subcompact, but a word of warning, make sure to get the SSQA standard quick attach for the loader. It comes, standard, with a quick attach setup that is smaller than the standard and will not fit SSQA attachments.

What has you thinking other subcompacts won't run things like a tiller?

The Deere 1025R is a great subcompact as well, though maybe a little long in the tooth these days. For sure I found mine very comfortable and easy to operate. They're not cheap, however.

Kioti, they make a great product, and the current CS lineup is really nice.

More than anything, however, I would argue you need a good dealer to work with. Your dealer performs your pre-delivery inspection, they're typically who you go to for parts or service components, and if you have a problem with your machine, it's your dealer that serves as the intermediary between you and the corporation.

 

[Carl_NH]

I'd look at the MT225S with Yanmar 25HP and 19 at PTO - it's a compact but lifts more and has a 3 range hydro.

Then as TT stated above the M125 SSQA is smaller than standard. Here's a link to another post discussing the smaller non standard SSQA.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/factory-ssqa-bracket-for-mt125-and-mt122-ll1101-loader.427436/

 

[3inthedirt]

So the fact is that a zero turn mower is really what I need.

But why buy chop meat (zero turn) when you can have steak (SCUT)? Price ruled out JD.

I did notice the two speed trans and that was a thought I needed to further navigate through…

Price is becoming the primary driver.

Uses:
Belly mower 80%
Loader 15%
Rake/tiller 5%

It will have a simple life. That opened my eyes to TYM and LS. Then I found out they had Yanmar engines. Big deal!

I need to find out where Kioti is at ….

 

[Carl_NH]

Kioti will likely be in the middle between LS and JD/Kubota.

Since you mostly need a mower, then the smaller sub-compacts will do the job nicely like the Massey or LS125, or BX2380, or CS Kioti models.

 

[3inthedirt]

I’m down to Deere 1025r (with current financing benefits and close dealer) and the MF 1E 25H (very good pricing at a remote dealer with local dealer for ongoing needs). The MF is a little cheaper, has 3 speeds with more lifting capacity. The Deere would be more comfortable but I’m not an all day, every day user.

Leaning heavily towards MF.

Thoughts?

 

[Shawn T. W.]

The 1E 25H is much more tractor than a 1025R - bigger tires, more lift ...

The 1GC.25 M is a much closer size and capabilities to the 1025R ...

The Massey "M" and the JD "R" are the more deluxe versions ... They both make an "E" version which is a more economy or basic bare bones tractor ... But will still work as hard as the more Deluxe versions.

Of your 2 choices ... I'd go Red!

The Massey 1E is a closer match to the JD 3025E, but it only has a 2 range transmission, compared to the MF with 3!

 

[WVH1977]

I have the 1E.35 Shuttle Shift and love it so far. Not to big and not to small but can do real loader work. Moves mulch and gravel with ease.

 

[3inthedirt]

Time to put this thread to bed..........

Thank you all for your comments. I ordered a 1GC25 (new) from Bruno's (thank you for the suggestion). I'm getting the loader for now and will get a landscape rake locally for my immediate needs. I'll get the mmm when the zero turn dies.

The 1E/1M series was too big for mowing my narrow lot. They are a lot of tractor for the money and I almost went in that direction. I liked the LX Kubotas for size, but again, pricey! Kubota and Deere were crazy expensive!

I have the local dealer for support if ever needed. They wouldn't budge on retail price.

It's name will be Mario - named after my neighbor who willed the Farmall Cub to me and started my tractor journey.

Special shout out to Shawn T.W. for his tremendous assistance!

Delivery will be in about two weeks!

 

[tacticalturnip]

Time to put this thread to bed..........

Thank you all for your comments. I ordered a 1GC25 (new) from Bruno's (thank you for the suggestion). I'm getting the loader for now and will get a landscape rake locally for my immediate needs. I'll get the mmm when the zero turn dies.

The 1E/1M series was too big for mowing my narrow lot. There are a lot of tractor for the money and I almost went in that direction. I liked the LX Kubotas for size, but again, pricey! Kubota and Deere were crazy expensive!

I have the local dealer for support if ever needed. They wouldn't budge on retail price.

It's name will be Mario - named after my neighbor who willed the Farmall Cub to me and started my tractor journey.

Special shout out to Shawn T.W. for his tremendous assistance!

Delivery will be in about two weeks!

Excellent machine, and a nice name for it. Be sure to post photos, and have some fun when Mario arrives.

 

[JTKub]

Time to put this thread to bed..........

Thank you all for your comments. I ordered a 1GC25 (new) from Bruno's (thank you for the suggestion). I'm getting the loader for now and will get a landscape rake locally for my immediate needs. I'll get the mmm when the zero turn dies...

Post up some pics when you get it! These MF SCUTS are my favorite looking of the red variety.

I got a 54" MMM with my TYM T224 mainly because I got a deal on the whole package. It mows great, it's just not the best setup for my mowing needs. I can get the job done faster and easier with my old craftsman 42" riding mower.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I'll be curious to know how the delivery goes?

I'm not really that far from them ... 222 miles actually, and with my schedule of never really knowing when I'd be home, and only home for a day or three ... It was going to be a scheduling challenge ... While I paid about $1000 more from my local (6 miles away!) dealer, I am still very happy with my deal, and my dealer ... And after almost 760 hours on my Little Baby Fergie and nearly four years ... I'm VERY happy with My Little Baby Fergie ... Probably best money I've ever spent!

Latest picture of her after a quick morning burial ... To help fertilize the little fig "tree" I planted last spring ...

For most of the time, I much prefer this open station little overgrown lawnmower sized tractor, over my much bigger cabbed CUT, unless it's 90°+ and 80%+ humidity and I gotta mow ... The SCUT is so easy to hop on and off, and very handy for tight maneuvering ...

I did add a "Grampa Step" though, which I love ... There are lots of accessories for these too ... It came powder coated black, I sprayed it red ...

 

[3inthedirt]

They supposedly deliver to southern NC/northern SC every two weeks. They must sell an aweful lot!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I'm guessing that the volume is why they can offer such a good price, and still include free shipping!

Are they charging you any sales tax?

I'm Ag sales exempt in Missouri, so that was helpful!

 

[3inthedirt]

They did not. Arkansas is 10%, they say. SC is 8%. Will need to do it here.

 

[3inthedirt]

I found this today. How it all started.

The '48 Cub and my '53 Olds

 

[Mackman141]

Good choice. I wanted a deere. Even went to the deere dealer. Priced out a 1025r. Not gonna lie. Would of bought one. But the dealer had to order it. 2 to 3 month wait. I wasnt waiting.
Stop by the MF dealer. He had like 15 - 1gc25s /23s ready to go. Rode it around. Immediately liked it. Liked the price too. Compared to the deere.
All the TLB models had r4 tires. Dealer took the versaturfs/r14s off another machine and put them on mine. No extra charge. Dealer was great small mom and pop joint. Little far. About 70 miles from me. I only have 12hrs on it now. But so far im extremely happy with it.
Also I find the loader and backhoe come on/off super easy. Well compared to my old new holland 1630. Hoe on that was a major pita to take on and off.

 

[Skypuppy]

I'm a big fan of the Kubotas, ever since getting a BX2660 with FEL and belly mower in 2009. They frequently have zero percent financing for 5 years and more. $225/month for 5 years was a piece of cake.

 

[3inthedirt]

i think that you need to understand the "game", which has been mentioned here many times.........

Typically, you will get a "cash" price that does not include the attractive financing. Optionally, you can get the zero percent financing, but at a purchase price $2500-$3000 higher. This ensures the dealer makes money regardless.

I found a third option during my search. Purchase at the cash price but offer non-factory financing. This option is not offered at zero percent however. If the loan were to go full term, you would still be paying less than the marked-up price with zero percent financing.

You have to do the math to decide which option works best for you.

As long as you're happy with the deal is all that matters to me.....

 

[Skypuppy]

With that dealer in Kentucky, we established the price BEFORE any considerations re financing. (Barlow) And, back then delivery (from KY to AL) along with a couple hours of hands-on training after arrival, was included in the price. Note: their price was 15-28% (!!) cheaper than any other dealer I had shopped at. FWIW.