New 25hp tractor purchase

[tacticalturnip]

Right!

Also, aesthetically, it's the last in the lineup to remind me of the old Ford/NH machines, just in the simple square look.

It's a handsome machine.

 

[dodge man]

Does anybody make a pump to run off the mid pto? I know they make them for the rear pto.

 

[helmdog25]

Does anybody make a pump to run off the mid pto? I know they make them for the rear pto.

Don't know yet, haven't gotten that far. I just saw somewhere that it was a suggested use for a mid pto, particularly because of the higher rpm. I liked the idea because I could have a completely independent hydro system. Thought it would be good for running SS attachments that rotate like augers, vibrating devices, log splitter, etc. Probably should have it's own topic post, if there isn't one yet.

 

[dodge man]

The one huge advantage of skid steers, even those little stand on ones, is hydraulic flow. It’s not a bad idea to get a bigger pump if you want to buy a bunch of stuff that needs hydraulic flow. But then I think if you need that kind of flow maybe you’re looking at the wrong kind of machine.

 

[helmdog25]

The one huge advantage of skid steers, even those little stand on ones, is hydraulic flow. It’s not a bad idea to get a bigger pump if you want to buy a bunch of stuff that needs hydraulic flow. But then I think if you need that kind of flow maybe you’re looking at the wrong kind of machine.

Yeah, probably true, but my wife says I can't have every kind of machine. So sometimes I need to make the round peg fit in that damn square hole. It's why I have a burning outfit, welder, grinder, lathe... you get the idea.

 

[paulsharvey]

Don't know yet, haven't gotten that far. I just saw somewhere that it was a suggested use for a mid pto, particularly because of the higher rpm. I liked the idea because I could have a completely independent hydro system. Thought it would be good for running SS attachments that rotate like augers, vibrating devices, log splitter, etc. Probably should have it's own topic post, if there isn't one yet.

I didnt invest much time into searching, but the quick version I got is, the mini TLBs from JD and Kubota use a pump like you discussed, dedicated ti the back hoe. No idea if thats true, but might be a starting point to do details research?

 

[Texasmark]

Hi everyone.
I'm looking to buy a new 25hp tractor/FEL, my first brand new tractor. I'm replacing/upgrading my old Kubota B7100. So I'm seeking a little advice. My first instinct was either Kubota or JD as I've owned both, but after a quick look and comparison, they come with a premium price tag. I'm not a heavy user, nor brand loyalist, so I started looking at more affordable options.

My next knee jerk reaction was to look at RK and the RK25. We have a store in our town, so convenient. The RK25 has every spec I wanted, plus some nice extras, like a suspension seat (my butt is very happy about that one). While they aren't one of the big 2 (or is it 4, 5?), they are a re-branded TYM T25, and as far as I can tell, just as good as an orange or green tractor, at least at for my needs.

Since the RK is basically a TYM, I started looking at them as well and happened upon the Dixie Horse and Mule website, which brings me to two questions:

1. Has anyone had any experience purchasing from Dixie Horse? I'd be buying online and having the tractor shipped to me in FL.
2. They have the Solis 24H+ listed on their site. It is priced significantly less than even the RK/TYM and looks to have very comparable specs. I know Solis is a Chinese Indian company and fairly new to the US, but from my initial research, they seem to be solid enough for my needs.

Hopefully this won't start a brand debate, it's not my intent, and god knows, there's plenty of those discussions out there. But any advice or shared experience would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe

I bought a 2021 LS M2-25s in January of that year. I had a 2016 Branson that gave me good service but when I bought it I thought I thought I would stay with my "old school" stick shift way of thinking.

As time passed I realized that I really needed a Hydro. I went to the Branson dealer and they didn't take trades....wanted to trade in the existing Branson 2400. They did give me the phone number of a "guy" that takes trades.

Turns out the "guy" was an LS dealer. In short, he took 2 tractors in trade ( the Branson and a real nice '63 Ford 2000 diesel) gave me a super price on the LS and delivered it 250 miles to my farm, free of charge, and picked up my trade-ins.

The LS 25s as I'm told was chasing the business model and potential customers of the Kubota 2502 at a much reduced price. 2 examples of the creature comforts in a compact has Hydro standard, premium upgraded seat, tilt wheel......that was one of my problems with the Branson...getting in and out of the seat with the steering wheel in the comfortable operational position it made it hard to get into the seat and sit down....with the LS its a piece of cake.

Early in the purchase the left rear multifunction light developed an intermittent problem. I ordered a new one from the dealer where purchased, and when I received it I put the old one back in the box and returned it with a free shipping prepaid sticker. Haven't had any other problems.

What I will say is that tractors in this size, especially when they usually come standard with loaders, like mine, you need to pay attention to your terrain and load. No side dressing a pond dam for example. Up and down...keep it level.

One other thing worth mentioning. LS offers, and I bought for 50 bucks from a local LS dealer, a professionally boxed total filter change kit...contains all the filters that the tractor uses. Whadda deal.

 

[Texasmark]

Welcome. Do you have a trailer (own or rented) to get it yourself? I personally would never buy a tractor (maybe sight unseen) and then have it shipped. I drove to and from and then back to (with a trailer), the dealer 100 miles away in the same day to buy my JD 855. That's about as far as I'd want to go, for a decent deal. Look around (and only at name brand machines IMHO) w/in that range.

See my other post in this thread when talking about buying sight unseen...risky but worked out great for me.

 

[helmdog25]

Well, my new Kioti CK2620H was delivered today. And, yes, I bought it without a trip to the dealer. Connor tractor in Ocala was great (@paulsharvey, you can add me to your list of "heard good things").

I had them install the rear remotes. Ordering a hydraulic top link tomorrow.

I'm strongly considering doing my own 3rd function setup. I kept going back and forth about whether I wanted a "true" 3rd function, or a diverter setup. So I think I'm going to do both. I'm still working on the design, but I'll do a post about it if I do...
.

 

[paulsharvey]

I think it will serve you well.

 

[paulsharvey]

After about 10 Hours, Do check two things, we'll maybe 3 things.

1) Check the orange dip sticks on front axle, Kioti has been know to under fill those

2) Frontier axle pivot, some heavy handed assemblers Torque than down, but the bolt is suppost to be bottomed out, backed out a quarter turn, and lock nut to keep it there

3) loader mounting bolts. After about 40 hours, some of mine definitely needed torqued

 

[paulsharvey]

If your front axles are low, I just drained then of the fluid and refilled with gear oil.

 

[tacticalturnip]

After about 10 Hours, Do check two things, we'll maybe 3 things.

1) Check the orange dip sticks on front axle, Kioti has been know to under fill those

2) Frontier axle pivot, some heavy handed assemblers Torque than down, but the bolt is suppost to be bottomed out, backed out a quarter turn, and lock nut to keep it there

3) loader mounting bolts. After about 40 hours, some of mine definitely needed torqued

Oh, number 2 is new to me, where did you hear about that?

That's a nice machine, I can't say enough good about the predecessor. You'll get a lot of good work out of the CK, and some fun.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

If your front axles are low, I just drained then of the fluid and refilled with gear oil.

Even if not, I'd never go by the "recommended" drain/replace schedule ... Do it at 50 hours at most the first time!

 

[paulsharvey]

Oh, number 2 is new to me, where did you hear about that?

That's a nice machine, I can't say enough good about the predecessor. You'll get a lot of good work out of the CK, and some fun.

Where did I hear about that? I never did. Mine came with that front axle bolt Torqued, and I thought, dang this front axle is stiff, but maybe im just used to my old Kubuta being sloppy. You want it kinda not flop around when you lift front end with loader, but to move with hand pressure.

You won't notice it on level ground, but when you drive over a dirt pile, you'll think, man, this just doesnt feel right.

I believe they are torque down in shipment?

 

[tacticalturnip]

Where did I hear about that? I never did. Mine came with that front axle bolt Torqued, and I thought, dang this front axle is stiff, but maybe im just used to my old Kubuta being sloppy. You want it kinda not flop around when you lift front end with loader, but to move with hand pressure.

You won't notice it on level ground, but when you drive over a dirt pile, you'll think, man, this just doesnt feel right.

I believe they are torque down in shipment?

I'll have to take a look at mine.

 

[dodge man]

Nice looking machine!

 

[Texasmark]

If your front axles are low, I just drained then of the fluid and refilled with gear oil.

On gear oil vs THD fluid, I had a self imposed problem with my 2007 65 HP Branson where the front bearings went out...the big ones. THD was the fluid in the axle and the recommended lubricant.

Fast forward to 2016, 24 HP Branson, in the owner's manual and moulded into the fill/dipstick plug is this: 90w gear oil.

Here is proof to me that the front axle needs better load cushioning in the front axle than you get from THD.

When I put the 6530 back together the fill fluid was 140w gear oil....had I lived up North it would have been 90W. That problem occurred over a decade ago and have had zero problems since.

 

[thebmrust]

Dealer was the last thing on my list since only two dealers, out of a dozen name brands, are open Saturday. Not a single regional dealer is open Sunday and many also closed Monday.

I looked at Deere 5+ years ago but my gut said NO. Ended up w a TYM T25 Sep2025. I wanted a 2515 but the price wasn’t quite right and that dealer didn’t sit well with us. Went with a closer TYM dealer and he did us right. Which happens to be a mechanic first then a dealer second. His shop has been around longer than the store. It’s also the only tractor specific shop in the area that I know of.

As for rebranding. Let’s look at Bad Boy, which are TYM, that used to be Branson.

Well, they all share parts. That’s similar to many GM, GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac cars/trucks. Trim packages might be car/model specific but power and chassis might be more standard across some models.

Used vs new. Tractors seem to hold value unlike most other consumer products. Treat it well and you’ll prob keep the value up.

Nobody knows what company will be around in 1 year or 25 years. Even companies don’t really know themselves. Some make bad decisions and they somehow live another day. Other companies make good decisions then they have market or supply problems and they disappear.

Buy a tractor, do the work. Take care of it.

 

[Texasmark]

Dealer was the last thing on my list since only two dealers, out of a dozen name brands, are open Saturday. Not a single regional dealer is open Sunday and many also closed Monday.

I looked at Deere 5+ years ago but my gut said NO. Ended up w a TYM T25 Sep2025. I wanted a 2515 but the price wasn’t quite right and that dealer didn’t sit well with us. Went with a closer TYM dealer and he did us right. Which happens to be a mechanic first then a dealer second. His shop has been around longer than the store. It’s also the only tractor specific shop in the area that I know of.

As for rebranding. Let’s look at Bad Boy, which are TYM, that used to be Branson.

Well, they all share parts. That’s similar to many GM, GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac cars/trucks. Trim packages might be car/model specific but power and chassis might be more standard across some models.

Used vs new. Tractors seem to hold value unlike most other consumer products. Treat it well and you’ll prob keep the value up.

Nobody knows what company will be around in 1 year or 25 years. Even companies don’t really know themselves. Some make bad decisions and they somehow live another day. Other companies make good decisions then they have market or supply problems and they disappear.

Buy a tractor, do the work. Take care of it.

On vehicle mfgrs. sharing parts, I had I think it was the '98 Dodge 1/2 ton and put new front brake pads on it. Stamped on the rotor was the letters GM. That made me wonder how many more parts were made by other manufacturers?