Yeah the 25 is a compact, the 25s they call a subcompact. Unfortunately I don’t have a TYM or LS dealer convenient for me so not considering those. I drove multiple kioti’s yesterday and found them uncomfortable for me, either my legs are too long or my arms are too short but just everything was awkward so I’ve eliminated them.
I did like the yanmars. However the sa425 wouldn’t start when we went to try it which wasn’t a great case for their reliability :/ while they called everything 425 and under subcompact they definitely all “felt” larger than their kubota equivalents.
I really liked the kubotas but they are definitely speedy for way less lift than competitors. Though everything about the dealer experience felt more premium than the others which I’m sure is part of what you are paying for.
MF felt really well built with way less rattle than the other tractors. But worried about ground clearance and I disliked how rough it started in the cold. By far the cheapest option.
New holland felt the most rattle-y and cheap. 2nd cheapest option though. I think the dealer near me specializes in larger ag tractors as they literally did not know any of the specs of the tractors I was looking at when I asked. They get major brownie points though for being the only dealership to offer a demo on my property.
Disclaimer these are my uninformed initial impressions from about an hour at each dealership, I’m sure they all make good tractors, ymmv.
Edit: Also should add that I put out my first impressions mostly so that y’all can tell me how I’m WRONG. Where are these tractors more (or less) than meets the eye. What should I be looking for when I inevitably check them all out again?
Well, that's a novel way to judge your first impressions....but I think I see what you are asking. So here goes, hope something is helpful.
An uncomfortable cockpit? Or is it just not easy to jump on & off? Well, for me either one would take that brand off the list. The same would apply to any other brand. Seating and layout does vary. Some cockpit layouts will fit your body and others not. How it feels initially is important. Same with shoes, hats, or gloves - they may work equally well, but the basic fit won't change with time.
Yes, unfortunately for a tractor novice it does make sense to eliminate dealers that are not convenient to you. You HAVE to reduce the choices somehow, and for convenience not to make sense would take something special. Since there is a lot of competition in the medium price range, I doubt you are missing a unique deal.
It would be wrong to judge Yanmar on the basis of one that didn't start. Yanmars really are consistently high quality for the dollar. And very innovative. One that doesn't start says a lot about that dealer's sales people, but nothing important about the brand. Lots of brands use Yanmar engines. Give it another look.
Kubotas are spendy. Their dealerships look and are professional. You pay for that, and in return get a premium product that maintains value. Check the fit carefully, not everyone likes Kubota's right foot pedal.
A lot of owners seem to buy Kubotas the second time around, though for a novice it may not make sense to invest premium dollars right now - at least not until you know more about what you want in a tractor.
As for FEL lift, much of that is an advertising game. Actual lift is roughly the same in any similar size tractor, and all will lift more than a novice should be carrying. Tractors of any size are limited by stability on even a slight slope, not by their ability to lift a load on flat ground .
If you really want to compare FEL loaders, check how well you can see the bucket angle when seated. and try the FEL control levers to see if they allow you to easily and accurately move the bucket ever so slightly... A lot of FEL quality and cost goes into giving the operator the ability to make small precise bucket movements.
Masseys have been around for a long time. I don't know them well - they are not common where I live. But in the compact and utility size they have always had a reputation for good solid construction which you saw.
Rough starting?? In cold weather ALL diesels tend to start rough. Most of us plug in the block heaterfor a few hours to help with starting them on any winter day. If you really want to compare starting, feel the engine block to see if it is warm. Even a little heat from running hours before will make a huge difference in how a diesel starts.
Lots of good conversation about Massys here on TBN. It's a contender.
I wouldn't let the friendly New Holland dealer sway you too much - particularly on a 2023 Subcompact model that the big Ag dealer is trying to move. I'd want to know a lot more about why it is still there. This is a tool you are buying. Economizing on a tool may not be the same as buying what will work for you. If you want to get a sense of how owners feel about their tractors, do a search in that brand's forum here on TBN.
Something you have not mentioned are transmission types. A transmission is the heart of a tractor. The various types \all work well. So get one that you enjoy using. It will probably be a HST. If all else is equal, more gears and more gear ranges are better than less.
Enjoy the search,
rScotty
