New to Forum, Input on tractor choices

ovmech · Apr 8, 2006

Hi,

I own a small country spread of 6 acres. From the road I roll to the base of a small hill. 4 acres heavy woods with many fallen pine trees, a creek in the middle that if planned right would be a beautiful pond. The land is bumpy. I have a gravel driveway approx. 250 ft.

I'm in need of a compact tractor, with loader, back-hoe, box or blade scrapper.

I'm looking for good support with parts and service, close or within approx 25 miles from my home. I live close to Decatur, AL. I want something that can take the punishment I'm gonna dish out... I want to be able to get parts when I need them. I want a tough machine not to fancy. I don't care about a tool box or a cup holder. I do want a nice seat....LOL. I'm worried about the cheaper stuff due to support or parts.

Price is important of course.... but I want the most bang for the buck. I'd like not to spend over 18-20K. Finding prices on the web is next to impossible since its secret what prices go out from dealer to dealer.

After reading the board for a few days I'm leaning towards these choices.

1. New Holland TC30 Auto
2. Mahindra 2310 HST
3. Kioti CK25HST

Based on this info.... can I get some pro's and cons's to my choices and maybe some suggestions on other choices I may have overlooked.

Thanks for the time. BTW nice site!

ovmech

DavesTractor · Apr 8, 2006

On the Mahindra, I'd suggest the 2615HST or the 2815HST, or even the 3215HST. The 2310HST has been replaced by these models about a year ago. You'll find the balance of power, lift and manueverability to be really nice on these Mitsubishi built 15 series units.

IslandTractor · Apr 8, 2006

<font color="blue"> After reading the board for a few days I'm leaning towards these choices.

1. New Holland TC30 Auto
2. Mahindra 2310 HST
3. Kioti CK25HST
</font>

All fine tractors. Given your preference for having support within 25 miles I presume you have all three dealers available so I won't mention that factor. Having a good dealer can be important but I would not buy simply from the person I thought was the best tractor dealer. They are not that critical a factor as you can always get help elsewhere.

While you will get lots of knowledgable opinions on TBN, one thing that the forum does not do well is provide you with people who can independently evaluate or even relate experiences with three different current tractors. As you can imagine, most of us own just one and are most knowledgable about our brand and model. That said, it is also a truism these days that virtually all the tractors put out by both the big three and the four or five secondary tractor companies are very reliable capable machines. There is not too much rocket science (had to include that for someone so close to Huntsville, AL) in either tractor design or manufacture. Despite the variations, these are essentially commodity items. That means that individual preferences have a lot to do with what makes the "best" tractor for you. I'd say that tractors in the 20-30hp range would be appropriate for your stated uses/land size and I'd be delighted to have any of the tractors you listed in my barn (alongside my CK20, not as a replacement /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). Go with whichever one makes you smile the most.

SacandagaBrad · Apr 9, 2006

Again, based on what you said about wanting to deal close by, I'll assume you have dealers for the machines you listed. Take the time to go try them all, as much as the dealer will allow. You will get to know both the tractor and the dealer better in the process. Considering they are all good machines, comfort and fit are going to be important decision factors. Shopping is half the fun!

Good luck

Brad

daTeacha · Apr 9, 2006

Look hard at the construction of the loaders, not just their capacity. Some sell a light duty bucket and frame, others a medium duty. Both could have the same or nearly the same capacities and abilities, but the heavier one will put up with more and rougher use. Compare warranties. Mahindra makes a big deal for their 3 year warranty. I don't know what the others offer. Look at the age of the dealership. You would not be pleased to be left with an "orphan" like a Satoh, Yanmar, Belarus, or other brand that is no longer sold here because the company didn't survive in the market, nor one for which your local dealer goes belly up. You'll still be able to get parts for any of those, but a certain amount of convenience is a good thing to have.

In this area, based on the above criteria, I'd have to go NH, despite the fact that I don't especially like dealership. Next would be Mahindra since they are closest, but new. Finally, the Kioti because the closest dealer is almost 40 miles away and also fairly new in carrying that brand. The Kioti guy is a farmer selling/servicing equipment while the other two are equipment dealers. NH is an older, bigger store by far.

Ryno1 · Apr 9, 2006

I think any of the three will do the job, personally I'm partial to the TC30 simply because it's what I have and like. I don't think you can get the TC30 with all the equipment for under $20,000. Tractor and FEL will be $15+ and backhoe will probably be $6+. Up your limit to $25,000 and you can get it done. I highly recommend a subframe mount and pto pump for the backhoe. Check out the Brushhog backhoe and Woods before you buy. Good luck and have fun

RollTideRam · Apr 9, 2006

[
I'm looking for good support with parts and service, close or within approx 25 miles from my home. I live close to Decatur, AL. I want something that can take the punishment I'm gonna dish out... I want to be able to get parts when I need them. I want a tough machine not to fancy. I don't care about a tool box or a cup holder. I do want a nice seat....LOL. I'm worried about the cheaper stuff due to support or parts.

I'm not far from you. Not sure about Moulton, but I don't know of any Dealers for the 3 brands you are looking at in our county. Cullman may have a NH dealer. If you look at others, I've heard the deere dealer in Athens is pretty good, but I'm closer to Arab. I think Burchell sells Montana brand. JC

KiotiJohn · Apr 9, 2006

I much prefer the design of the CK25/30 frame over the others. The NHTC30 is one of their oldest designs and I prefer the sloped hood for better visibility to the front that the CK25 affords.

Any of these would do a good job, but for me, I'd want the heavier Kioti or Mahindra.

Between the Mahindra and the Kioti, I chose what I felt was the sturdier of the two, the Kioti, and also because I don't care for anything Mitsubishi (personal choice).

I've never needed any, but have been exposed to parts prices for the Kioti, and find them to be very reasonable in nearly every case. That's a big plus in my book.
John

ovmech · Apr 9, 2006

Thanks all for the info....

It really helps to have some input from people that know.

I plan on shopping on my next work break, going to dealers and seeing the products.

Again thanks for the info!

ovmech