New Utility Tractor Advice Needed 50-60hp

[kf4uda]

I would say that any of the machines that you listed would do your work. The question is which of the dealers will support you best if you have a problem. Sounds like you have already ruled out one dealer due to attitude. I would have done the same especially after two chances. I bought a New Holland. Not that I am attached to New Holland so much as I trust and like the dealer in my area. He has treated me more than right over the years. Maybe quiz some tractor owners in your area about some of the local dealers....My :2cents:

 

[Industrial Toys]

As far as dealer attitude goes, "principles" won't get you the "best" tractor. To each his own. Many dealerships are stressful, busy places. Some have learned not to give much time to tire kickers. Sorry, that's just reality. Probably the likes of JD and Kubota dealers have learned not to spend too much time on people shopping on price. You have your heart set on a JD or Kubota, sit down we'll talk. You just want the cheapest tractor out there, what's the point? It's generally not the same as a car dealership, where sales people are sitting around picking their noses.

 

[kneedeep]

Sit on the models you are interested in. You will spend many hours in the seat. Operate the controls.

Look at the fit and finish. To me, fit and finish is important. Others shoppers could care less.

A quality dealer should always be friendly and helpful.

You will find $10,000 price variation between the utility class tractor brands you are considering. Deere will be highest; Mahindra lowest.

Many comment the heavy made-in-India Mahindras are low tech and old school. Low tech and old school appeals to some tractor buyers.

Low Tech/Old School means more time in the field and less time in the shop!!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I'm looking for a new tractor for our 10 acres - 3.5 in woods, 6.5 in pasture. Right now I have a 9N and am looking for something a little more capable. Mostly I will be using the new machine for hobby farm bushhogging, pulling logs out of the woods, moving hay bales, and other material handling.

I may at some point start doing my own hay - between my pastures and my neighbor's 10 or so acres in pasture. If I do, I think it will be with a square baler. I'm looking for an open-station tractor.

Where we live, we are fortunate to have a lot of good dealers within 20 minutes, including:
Deere
LS
Massey
Kioti
Mahindra
New Holland

I'd like to get a utility tractor with a loader in the 50-60hp range and try to stay around 30-35k - or less if possible... I'm leaning toward hydro transmission or the Deere power reverser.

Right now I'm looking at:
the Deere 5055e and the 4066m,
the Massey 2706e,
the LS XU6158,
the Mahindra 5555,
and the Kioti NX5510.
The local Kubota dealer has blown me off both times I've stopped by, so I'm not currently considering them.

I prefer to buy American made/assembled/whatever if possible. But I am open to considering the Japanese, South Korean and Indian machines as well.

What I'm hoping you can help with is -
1. Are these tractors similar enough in intended use to be compared?
2. Am I missing an obvious contender?
3. I'm a new tractor novice - how the heck do I decide which one to buy?

Thanks.

That's too bad, the MX is a perfect tractor for what you want. Where in NC are you?

 

[ovrszd]

As far as dealer attitude goes, "principles" won't get you the "best" tractor. To each his own. Many dealerships are stressful, busy places. Some have learned not to give much time to tire kickers. Sorry, that's just reality. Probably the likes of JD and Kubota dealers have learned not to spend too much time on people shopping on price. You have your heart set on a JD or Kubota, sit down we'll talk. You just want the cheapest tractor out there, what's the point? It's generally not the same as a car dealership, where sales people are sitting around picking their noses.

I agree. As someone mentioned earlier, you get what you pay for. Cheapest is rarely best.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

Skip the 4066 if you plan on doing any heavy work. Look at a 5E or 5M series. If you see a lot of complaints about the 5E series its not necessarily that they are bad but Deere sells lots of them so therefore more people to complain

I made hay for 40 years. If you do it right it takes lots of time and lots of money for fertilizer, chemicals and equipment. If you buy old equipment it will break just when you need it most. If you just want to "play" then buy some used equipment but don't expect to make any profit nor would I even expect to break even on that small of an acreage. If this is what you want to do, by all means have fun! Good luck

 

[Piparoo]

That's too bad, the MX is a perfect tractor for what you want. Where in NC are you?

Thanks! I have not completely written off Kubota yet - mostly because they seem to hold their value well, and the dealer gave me a quote on an MX5800 the way I want it at just under $35k with tax. So that is in the price range I am hoping for. I am also considering the M5660 and 6060 as well. We are in Lexington NC.

 

[Piparoo]

Skip the 4066 if you plan on doing any heavy work. Look at a 5E or 5M series. If you see a lot of complaints about the 5E series its not necessarily that they are bad but Deere sells lots of them so therefore more people to complain

I made hay for 40 years. If you do it right it takes lots of time and lots of money for fertilizer, chemicals and equipment. If you buy old equipment it will break just when you need it most. If you just want to "play" then buy some used equipment but don't expect to make any profit nor would I even expect to break even on that small of an acreage. If this is what you want to do, by all means have fun! Good luck

I think you are right about the 5 series, over the 4066. And it definitely would be hay for fun - not for profit.

 

[shooterdon]

Only had my LS for a short while but it is a bargain and I am lucky to have a good dealer. My dealer will pickup and deliver for warranty work at no charge so I save the cost of large trailer and the time/hassle to take it in.

I see LS as the new Kubota. Well built and gaining market share with low prices. If they were crap, New Holland would not be contracting with them for their machines. I saved thousands over the NH, and even more over the orange and green options.

BTW, I prefer the Kubota but not at the premium I would have had to pay.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Thanks! I have not completely written off Kubota yet - mostly because they seem to hold their value well, and the dealer gave me a quote on an MX5800 the way I want it at just under $35k with tax. So that is in the price range I am hoping for. I am also considering the M5660 and 6060 as well. We are in Lexington NC.

Roger that. I'm up the road north about 2 hours or so. Call Sinks, they are local. If that doesn't work try Clark Farm Supply in Greensboro, ask for Chris.