Buying Advice New Tractor Suggestions

[coolnature]

I agree 100% with Luke, Foreman and Pappy. If you are set on JD, I would get the 85E and 240 loader with 12x12 or 24x24 power reverser tranny. If you don't get the loader when you get the tractor, not only will the loader cost more later, you will kick yourself when you realize how much work you could be getting done if you had a loader. And while you are negotiating, get the 3rd function for the loader so it will be grapple ready. As for the 5075E, there is a thread with many posts concerning what appears to be a widespread brake problem.

 

[ragingrooster]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

 

[varmint]

I'll chime in with these observations. GET THE LOADER. They are somewhat specific to the tractor, and why cause yourself an expensive headache trying to install something that works as well as the factory's original? And, get it with standard skid steer quick attach bucket, not a pin on QA. You will find switching to a grapple, or forks, or a snow plow (God forbid) soooo much easier. I'd also get it with at least one set of rear remotes. And, consider this: a neighbor just got a nice new, more powerful tractor. His first comment was- it uses a lot more fuel than the old one. If you don't need more power, it won't really help you. Most tractors run out of traction before hp.

 

[ragingrooster]

Sounds like I need to get one of those 1025 package deals for half the price.

 

[coolnature]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

A used loader will work if you can find one. But the tractor also needs to be "loader ready" which means it should have the hydraulic mid valve and the necessary hardware for mounting the loader.

 

[Got2BTru]

I'll be honest, when I bought my Mahindra a month and a half or so ago, I didn't really see the "need" for the FEL, but I still went with it, even though it was roughly $6k. Boy am I REALLY glad I got it...I've used it for several things that I simply wouldn't have anticipated!

 

[GManBart]

So, why won't a used loader work on the tractor?

A used loader will work, but there aren't too many people selling current used loaders, much less the exact one you need, so the supply is very low. Then, realize that you will pay a lot less to buy the loader with the tractor than you will if you go back in a few months to buy it separately....which is likely how it would play out.

For the tasks you're talking about, an FEL is the most important thing/useful thing you can have on your tractor.

Earlier you mentioned pulling stumps....you're not going to pull stumps out with a tractor unless they're very small. Digging them out with the FEL is very awkward, and even digging them with a backhoe is pretty slow. If you're going to cut a trail and get rid of stumps, it'll probably be cheaper, and much faster to have someone come in with a dozer and clear the trail in one shot.

 

[ragingrooster]

Let me clear the air. In my earlier post when I mentioned that I got the tractor priced without the loader, I never said ANYTHING about not getting one. My goal was just to price tractors side by side to get the best baseline comparison possible. Next step was the throw in any any additional items (FEL, box cutter, etc.) in the decision process, and price it up to my maximum limit (probably around $50k) to see where the chips fell. The fact that deer's got 0% financing was a big plus too.

I also understand that I can get almost all of what I need done with less tractor. But, I'm thinking that it's better to go bigger than on the small side. I agree that burning more fuel is a disadvantage, but not one that's overwhelming in my eyes. One other advantage I saw was the weight of a larger machine being a plus. Am I wrong on this?

Once I put add on's like loaders or cutters into the mix, I'm sure LS or Kioti will start to look attractive, and I'm sure they're really good too. The thing that's got me stuck on deere is that no one's really raved about some of the other lines like LS or Kioti, which was really what I was listening for here. Or, if anyone thinks it's really just a matter of shopping paint color (which I doubt) please speak up.

Outside of that, I get the dealer thing. Which is another thing that got me where I am. For instance, I'm sure Got2BTru's Mahindra is a great machine. But, when I went to the local dealer, I almost had to put a gun to someone's head to get them to talk to me. So, they were "out" pretty quick.

I'm very grateful for everyone's feedback, and hope you'll keep it coming. But, since were headed into election time, let's put it to a vote:

In the new mid-size tractor category right NOW, who gives you the most bang for your bucks???

 

[GManBart]

I'm very grateful for everyone's feedback, and hope you'll keep it coming. But, since were headed into election time, let's put it to a vote:

In the new mid-size tractor category right NOW, who gives you the most bang for your bucks???

I suspect people were holding back about brands because that always seems to turn into brand warfare when you start talking one versus another.

In the size machine you're talking about, I think the LS P7040 offers an incredible set of features for the price. 97hp (PTO 85hp), 40x20 power shuttle transmission, over 6K on the 3p, 3,500lbs on the FEL to 136", 16gpm pump flow, 3 remotes standard, and comes in around $50K with a cab, probably $5-6K less open station. I was briefly considering this size machine last year but opted to buy a backhoe to get my dirt moving done. Once I get the bulk of the dirt moved, I may sell the hoe and get a Utility tractor in this size, and I'd definitely consider the large LS line.

 

[BigB1066]

Hello, stay away lite weight tractors. (Kubota). Yes there Great tractors out other (Case McCormick Massey Ferguson John Deere) Check the weight on each one. If your putting hours on this tractor you will see a big difference in pulling or pushing and the ride.

Happy Tractor Hunting!

 

[whizdbiz2]

I can promise you that not getting the loader with the tractor is a huge mistake! Huge! Others might be too polite to be that blunt. Also, from what you described a 5100e is ridiculously oversized. If price is an issue I would implore you to downsize and get a FEL and impliments. That being said, it's your money.

What he said. Even on the used market there are tractors in that size with FEL available. You might have to cast a wider net but they are there. I was looking at tractors early last year in a smaller size with FEL and saw a number of them, but decided to buy new (wife even suggested that to get the warranty, surprised the heck out of me!). I consider the FEL so essential, and I see you do too, that if it was me I'd start with tractor and FEL as the comparison point and add on the other implements. Personally I've been able to buy some very good slightly used or new implements at local auctions, just had to be patient until they come up at the sales. Admittedly what I'm getting is smaller than what you need but I do see some bigger stuff, I just don't look too hard at it.

Do yourself a favor, don't get "green blind", check out the other colors (even go back to that Mahindra dealer, I know mine is pretty busy because they are selling so many.) You will be surprised how much more tractor you can get for the same money, or the same tractor specs for less. Took me a good hard, unbiased look at the other brands to start to wonder what the traditional brands had that was worth so much more money for the same thing. Good luck in your search.

 

[Got2BTru]

Outside of that, I get the dealer thing. Which is another thing that got me where I am. For instance, I'm sure Got2BTru's Mahindra is a great machine. But, when I went to the local dealer, I almost had to put a gun to someone's head to get them to talk to me. So, they were "out" pretty quick.

I think the dealer is one of your top decision making points. I looked at green (they would have a better dealer, but were too far away). I looked at one red & he was larger, but cocky...turned me off I ended up with another red dealer because he was closer, though smaller. I didn't go with green for "bang for the buck". Green would have been $8k more for a 41 or so HP tractor vs. my 55 HP. Just didn't think it was worth it. To each their own though...

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I would also say dealer is very important. Might be suspicious of a salesman who talked you into a 100hp tractor without a loader. Maybe that's not how it played out but something to think about. IMHO green is not what it once was. I have seen several years of industry surveys that put Kubota top for customer satisfaction closely followed by Kioti with Deere a fair ways down the list. Maybe they grew too fast? Check to see where that E series is manufactured - might be surprised.

 

[varmint]

Kubota has a stellar reputation, and a matching resale value, at least here on the East Coast. My neighbor got a cabbed Deere 5055E, and he isn't all that pleased with it... For me, a dealer isn't so important, but then I have only Kubotas, and never needed a dealer for anything.

 

[Grandad4]

Hello, stay away lite weight tractors. (Kubota).

Just spent the afternoon moving dirt with my "lite weight" Kubota. In her dirt workin' clothes, she weighs somewhere around 8,000 lbs and a lotta dirt got moved. She's been doing it for 14 years now with no significant repairs or downtime. Just saying, sometimes overgeneralizations don't tell the whole story.

 

[paulfun9]

Do yourself a favor and take all the brands into consideration. I have owned JD and Kubota before and this time around the Kioti stood out as the clear winner.
Fact is they all make good machines and you would be doing yourself a favor to look at them all and pick the best one for you. I wont argue with those who think resale is better on some as in some areas it does seem to be but around here I really don't see a big difference when you base it on a percentage rather than the outright advertised price. Also we must remember just the same as my cousin is finding out with all the way lower than asking price offers on his Harley that all those bikes he sees advertised with high prices is just that asking prices and most never really sell for the asking price and many don't even get close to it.

 

[hwatkins]

ragingrooster your tag just says North Georgia so not sure if you are Northeast or Northwest, but if you are close to Nelson Tractor either in Blairsville or Jasper, I would give them a try. I have a smaller 30 HP Kubota and have been extremely happy with it, I've had it 5 years and basically zero issues. If you have never had a tractor, you will be shocked at what a 40-50 HP machine can do; I think one of the larger L series would be a good choice.

More weight of a larger tractor helps in some cases, but if you are trying to get back in the wooded areas of your property, then a smaller tractor will work better for that.

Implements add up quick and they tractor won稚 do much without them, so I would focus on the whole package. The FEL is a must, I wish I would have gotten a backhoe when I got mine, first time you need to put in a water line, drainage ditch, etc you will curse not having a backhoe.

Here is a list of attachments I would look at to start:
FEL (with Quick Attach)
Grapple Bucket
Pallet Fork
Backhoe (expensive but comes in very handy)
Bush Hog
Box Blade
Field Cultivator
Disc Harrow (Depends on soil, ask local farmers)
Tiller (Depends on soil, ask local farmers)
Post Hole Digger (If planning on any fencing, Hydraulic quick attach is best, but 3 pt works)
Fertilizer Spreader

Not sure what you are doing with the pasture, but may need hay rake and baler or hire that part out.

You will want to get the FEL and the Backhoe, if purchased from the Tractor manufacture. For the other implements, I've had good luck with everything attachments, they seem to be higher qaulity for lower cost than what the dealer sells.

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

....I also have to admit that I'm also thinking about the 5075E if I need the extra room to budget for implements. Just my plan B.

....and price it up to my maximum limit (probably around $50k) to see where the chips fell. The fact that deer's got 0% financing was a big plus too.....

That was the boat I was in first of the year. I went with the 3 cyl 5075E with implements vs. the 4 cyl. Financed the whole lot and writing it off on my taxes. I have two 4045 4 cylinders and I love the motor but money talks as there are ~$10K difference from the 5075E to the 5085E. I did not buy the tractor to move mountains just to dig fence post holes, pick up rocks, grade the driveway, drag my arena, move hay bales, and clean up horse manure. I got 5075E cab 4x4, 240 FEL with SSQD, 3rd hydraulics, HD construction bucket, PHD, auger, BB, rock bucket, hay spear, and full coverage insurance for the life of the loan for >$56K.

As other people have mentioned dealer location and impression should be a factor. Where I am we don't have those other brands, mainly JD and Kubota. Kubota in general seemed to be lighter units. Of course, brand loyalty played a factor for me.

 

[John_Mc]

I also understand that I can get almost all of what I need done with less tractor. But, I'm thinking that it's better to go bigger than on the small side. I agree that burning more fuel is a disadvantage, but not one that's overwhelming in my eyes. One other advantage I saw was the weight of a larger machine being a plus. Am I wrong on this?

You can get ALL of what you need done with a smaller tractor, unless we've grossly misunderstood you original post. Yes, people generally say it's better to go a bit bigger than the minimum you think you need to get your work done, but in this case, you may be looking at almost double what you really need.

There are others who can tell you more about some of the other uses, but I can tell you a bit about using a tractor in the woods. Maneuverability is just as important as total HP and weight, unless your woods bear more of a resemblance to NYC's Central Park than a real forest. There are pro loggers here who have modified 50-65 HP tractors for work in the woods, and are quite happy with them. There may not be a whole lot of them around anymore, but that's because guys with chainsaws, tractors, and skidders seem to be giving way to Feller-bunchers, harvesters and forwarders for logging in our area. That profession seems to be getting a whole lot more mechanized.

If you are setting up a tractor for real work in the woods, you'll want to get a belly pan installed, limb risers, and FOPS. Going with just ROPS is taking a real risk in the woods, though many (including me, up until recently) have done it for years. I also find a logging winch indispensable for bringing in saw logs and firewood efficiently and safely.

 

[meyerld]

If you go with the 5100E you may want to get the H260 Loader. The 5085E and 5100E have a much larger frame than the 5055/65/75Es. My dealer indicated they won't put the H240 on 5085/5100E because during certain configurations the front tires will rub the loader frame. Regarding makes there are so many opinions out there but at least from a family who is now 4th generation happy and proud John Deere owners, I would say you can't go wrong with them and at least the women I know get "excited" by the color.