new tractor decision

[jarbill]

Could somebody give me some owner input on tractors, please? I'm looking for a tractor, and I've narrowed it down to either the Kubota L3240 GST, the John Deere 3320 HST, or the Massey-Ferguson 1533 Power Shuttle or HST. They all are pretty close to what I think I'd need, and they're pretty comparable in things like bucket capabilities and 3-pt hitch capabilities, horsepower, etc. I've seen some threads about a hydraulic system problem in the MF1533's, but according to the dealership I'm dealing with, he says that they've worked that out (we'll see). The John Deere is the most expensive of all, (but not by very much), then Kubota, then MF; however, MF has 2.99% financing for 60 months, whereas Kubota is 5.99% and JD is 6.99%. The interest savings of the 2.99% means I could also get a post-hole digger on the MF for the same money.

Anybody have any thoughts on this at all? I really liked all three tractors, just can't decide. If it were money alone, the MF would win hands down by a thousand dollars or more plus the lower financing, but the hydraulic problem bugs me. I haven't seen anything like that on either the Kubota or the JD.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry in Texas

 

[plastikosmd]

i looked at the kubota and the deere. i chose the deere due to the fact i could put a mid pto on the deere, the capacities were at the upper end for the deere and i did not like the kubota dealer near me. good luck with your search

 

[JiminGa]

don't own any of the three, but if they are all similar in features and you've at least sat on each one (I'd recommend trying out on your property if possible) you have to look at which dealer you are most comfortable with.

 

[cschlaps]

I'm in a similar situation as you, and have focused on the Kubota L3240. I also l like the JD 3320, which I am considering. I am drawn to the Kubota though, based on it's additional weight, size, and 3 pt capacity. Both are great machines, and I don't think we'll be disappointed with either of them...

 

[1586]

If you are planning on doing a lot of loader work I like the Kubota's hydro/auto throttle a bit better. I did look at a 3320 and the only thing I really like better was the loader quick attach design. The auto throttle on the Kub. is a nice feature if you are doing up close work. The two speed auto hydro is nice too and can't remember if the E hydro offers two speed? The medium range seemed very fitting for loader work. Low range for loading and high for transport dumping and all done automatically or manually. VERY nice.

 

[rtdiggr]

I have a MF 1433v i am very happy with it. There is alot of power there, and on mine i can add a mid pto if i want or dealer installed.

I think almost as much as the machine is the dealer, really get a felling for who will help you out. You will soon get a feel for who is there for you.

Ask about implements my dealer was great with this he gave me a discount on everything i bought AND i get a new calender every year

All of those machines you should have no problem getting parts for in the future.

Are you getting a loader with it? or any other implement?

Shane

 

[john_bud]

The Kubota is a more modern design with the new hydro tranny. The Deere is still a good machine, just not quite as modern, some would say fancy or even new fangled. I am about 99% sure that the Kubota is mid-pto able. Used to be standard in that class tractor, but is probably an option now as not many people actually use the mid-pto.

The Massey is a half step (or even a full step) down in quality according to some. I don't know enough about the new ones to tell for sure - so take that with a grain of salt. But it does sound like you have investigated and have seen some indication that they may not be as reliable as the JD or K tractors. Possibly, the Massey should be compared to Mahindra, Branson, Kioti or some of the other tractors that are just a wee bit behind JD and K in quality / reliability (even if it only perceived difference). You may also want to check out Farmtrac tractors. They are loosely based on the older Ford designs.

One thing of note, it looks like you are comparing cost of the tractors with different transmissions. That is not quite a straight comparision. Also, the Kubota HST is right now, the best out there. (IMHO).

jb

 

[MFRED]

The 1533 is a very reliable tractor. They had their small flaws when the first new models came out, much like any other new design. But certainly nothing to be concerned about 3 years after their intrduction to the market. The hydraulic problem you speak of is limited to a few early production tractors I believe.
The mid PTO is an option also. The larger MF hydro transmissions are like the Kubota where the throttle is linked to the foot pedal. Very nice to drive, I hated Hydro trannies until I drove one of those.
I would certainly not compare a MF to a Branson or other shortline brand. Not that there is anything wrong with them. If you trust the dealer you buy from, it doesn't really matter what he/she sells. They are the ones that are going to make your owning experience good or bad.

 

[rtdiggr]

The Kubota is a more modern design with the new hydro tranny. The Deere is still a good machine, just not quite as modern, some would say fancy or even new fangled. I am about 99% sure that the Kubota is mid-pto able. Used to be standard in that class tractor, but is probably an option now as not many people actually use the mid-pto.

The Massey is a half step (or even a full step) down in quality according to some. I don't know enough about the new ones to tell for sure - so take that with a grain of salt. But it does sound like you have investigated and have seen some indication that they may not be as reliable as the JD or K tractors. Possibly, the Massey should be compared to Mahindra, Branson, Kioti or some of the other tractors that are just a wee bit behind JD and K in quality / reliability (even if it only perceived difference). You may also want to check out Farmtrac tractors. They are loosely based on the older Ford designs.

One thing of note, it looks like you are comparing cost of the tractors with different transmissions. That is not quite a straight comparision. Also, the Kubota HST is right now, the best out there. (IMHO).

jb

I would like to know where you get your info about MF? Every tractor has it problems. Your could put my MF 1433v against an equivalent Kubota and the MF is stronger in almost every way. My neighbor has a 3030 kubota and with my tractor sitting beside it, it looks well pretty small and certainly not the same thickness of material even the front wheel the kubota is 12" and my MF is 15" Oh yeah the Kubotas around here are more expensive too. Kubota does have nice paint.

I am sorry to offened anyone but you can't compare a MF too a Korean or a Chinese tractor.

Shane

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

when I was shopping I did a test drive on the MF and found it very comfortable (and I'm not tiny), controls in good locations, and nice tight turning radoius -- plus the dealer seemed like a good guy from talking to him and seeinghow he talked to other customers.
can't tell you about the other 2 because I couldn't get the time of day out of our local JD folks and there wasn't anything larger than a SCUT on the Orange lot.

good luck and happy shopping.

 

[plastikosmd]

no mid mount on the kubota...i think the largest machine that has that is the 3030, according to my dealer(but he was a jerk so maybe he was wrong.) 3 speeds on the deere hydro not 2, and the loadmatch is great. go sit on the machines/drive around get the best deal with a good dealer and you probably cant go wrong with either of the 3

 

[john_bud]

I would like to know where you get your info about MF? Every tractor has it problems. Your could put my MF 1433v against an equivalent Kubota and the MF is stronger in almost every way. My neighbor has a 3030 kubota and with my tractor sitting beside it, it looks well pretty small and certainly not the same thickness of material even the front wheel the kubota is 12" and my MF is 15" Oh yeah the Kubotas around here are more expensive too. Kubota does have nice paint.

I am sorry to offened anyone but you can't compare a MF too a Korean or a Chinese tractor.

Shane

Shane,

I'm glad to hear that you are happy with your tractor.

You did actually READ the words I wrote, didn't you? ALL of them?

Have a great day,
jb

 

[OrangeGuy]

The Kubota GL 3240 has a three speed hydro (actually a six speed with Hydro Plus) and can be equipped with a mid-PTO for MMM, front snowblower, front sweeper, etc.

OrangeGuy

 

[wdscot]

I do own a new MF1528 and overall I am very pleased with the quality and performance. I do wish I had bought the MF1533 just to have the extra power for some of the task's I want to accomplish. I would also look into a quick attach feature for the front bucket. I believe in the long run this will save you money on attachments. The advice on a good dealer is important. My dealer has saved me a lot of money, over and above the initial cost. Good luck in your decisiion. WayneD

 

[cheshboy]

Have you considered a New Holland TC34DA. It has Hydrostatic and Mid Mount PTO. Or if you are on a price budget the T1520 hydrostatic at 35HP is quite a good choice and value for money. It also has a mid-mount PTO.

 

[jarbill]

Thanks to everyone for the input.

So far, I have liked all three almost equally, (JD3320, MF1533, Kubota L3240) However, the Kubota's have jumped in price in the past three or four weeks, from 19300 to about 20700 for just the tractor and QA bucket (and there is another increase coming on 2-1-08).

The JD 3320 with the 300CX QA loader and bucket, 6' rotary cutter, and 5' box blade and canopy is about 22,300.

The MF is currently at 21,500 for the 1533, QA 1525 loader/bucket, canopy, 6' rotary cutter, and 6' box blade, and with 2.9% financing for 60 months.

I did contact a New Holland dealer, but he also sells Mahindra, and he always steers me into a conversation about Mahindra's and I can't seem to find out about the New Hollands. The other New Holland dealer didn't seem very helpful, either.

There is also a Case dealer about 50 miles away. He seemed like he would be a very good dealer to deal with, and I got a quote for a D35 with 12x12 tranny, box blade, canopy, rotary cutter and 2.9% for 60 months for 22,100. I just don't know enough about Case's to make an informed decision. There just isn't much discussion about them on the forum either here or elsewhere.

As far as some of the others, I don't think there are any dealers around here.

Jerry in Texas

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Jerry,
Case is pretty much a red NH, just like Challenger is a yellow MF.
(Case/NH is their parent, just like AgCo for MF & Challenger)

Mahindra makes a very good machine, too - but if the dealer wants to sell you what he wants, not what you want, then it's likely not the place you want to spend your $$. (It also means he likely has a better profit margin on the Mahindra)

you want the 6' box blade over the 5' one -- being able to cover your tracks is a good thing. (so is $900 less on the sticker with more geegaws and lower interest payments!)

good luck and have fun with whichever new toy you decide on!

 

[PA hayseed]

good luck on your decision. I think if it is an apples to apples comparision, then price, distance, and dealer comfort levels are your only deciding factors. If you don't have a trailer, distance will matter alot, especially if they charge for pickup and drop off. The dealer that was steering you in one direction I would steer clear of entirely. Of course, he could have thought a Mahindra was in your best interests.

Too bad you ruled out the Kioti's. I bought one and find it very reliable.
To find a kioti dealer their website lists them here KIOTI - run ahead of the pack!

I am not trying to steer you that way for sure. But always explore all your options before plunking down 22K or more. Once again, good luck, and I hope you pick a great tractor for yourself.

 

[jarbill]

Hi, Hayseed:

I didn't actually rule out the Kioti; it's just that the MF dealer also sells the Kioti, and he kind of kept steering me away from the Kioti towards the Masseys. To his credit, he also steered me away from the MF1540, saying he thought it wouldn't be worth the extra money.

I actually liked the MF1533 pretty well, plus it had the cheapest financing of anybody, which meant I could throw in a post-hole digger or something for the same money as everybody else's packages.

Jerry in Texas

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Hi, Hayseed:

I didn't actually rule out the Kioti; it's just that the MF dealer also sells the Kioti, and he kind of kept steering me away from the Kioti towards the Masseys. To his credit, he also steered me away from the MF1540, saying he thought it wouldn't be worth the extra money.

I actually liked the MF1533 pretty well, plus it had the cheapest financing of anybody, which meant I could throw in a post-hole digger or something for the same money as everybody else's packages.

Jerry in Texas

Just wondering, did the MF dealer have the 1533 and not have the 1540? Again, about everybody says that they wish that they had spent the extra $$$$ and got the 1540. How comfortable are you on each of these tractors? Are there certain things that you like and dislike about each one? Myself, I would find the tractor that fits me the best and then worry about the dealer. You will spend time with your tractor everyday. With a little luck you will see your dealer only a few times, they are all good machines, get the tractor that fits best. Some just feel natural as far as where the controls are and some are awkward. Take all of these things into consideration as you make your decision.

Good luck