researching

[oceaneering]

anyone know any good websites that show comparison prices and specs for tractors and attatchments

 

[hazmat]

Welcome to tbn - you've already found the best place on the net for compact tractor information

If I'm remembering right, John Deere has some comparision data on it's website. They at least give you MSRP for their tractors. Pricing is highly dependent on your dealer - It's not like car buying. When you narrow in on a couple tractors, post for a "price check" in the brand specific forums.

Now regarding the specs. I'm an engineer & I love specs, but the bottom line is that in the real world, you're not going to see much difference between 18 & 21 HP, 4 & 4.5 gpm hydraulics etc. You get the idea. The other tough thing is loader lifts are measured in multiple locations, at the arms, X" out, centerline of the bucket etc. Makes it difficult to compare. Bottom line - if it will lift a full bucket of dirt or stone, that's pretty much all you need, unless you have a specific requirement - pallets of sod for your landscaping business etc.

What you do want to look for is "features" - is it ergonomic, do you have good visibility, do you want a cab? Can you mount the belly mower & backhoe at the same time (not always the case). Is a quick attach (skid steer style) available on the loader?

The other thing is if it is mostly a mowing machine, you want a high horsepower to weight ratio such as the New Holland TC26DA (26HP, ~1,600#) or the Kubota B series. I'm not up on the latest Deere models.

Lastly, dealer support is more important than the color of tractor - can you get parts, are the convenient, will they service you fast.

 

[hazmat]

I forgot to mention that Deere & New Holland both have "product finders" that will help you pick the right size tractor for your uses. New Holland covers them by "Class" - Class .5 subcompact ~1,200#, Class 1 ~1,600# ~25 HP, class 2 ~2,500# ~33 HP, Class III ~3,500# 40 HP. The other manufactures will have similar frame sizes.

 

[Mike120]

Almost all of the major brands have comparison pages on their websites. Unfortunately you are limited to what you get to compare to. They are put together by marketers not engineers.

I just went through buying a replacement for my worn out, 25 year old Ford (I'll rebuild it this winter). I looked at everything out there. In the end, my criteria was "can I (or my kids) buy parts for this thing 25 years from now". I bought a JD.

I agree with everything Hazmat said. Especially the part about this website. You'll get better, more honest information here than you'll ever get from someone who is trying to sell you something. I certainly couldn't find anything better. Good Luck!

 

[jbrumberg]

Oceaneering:
I agree with all the posts. I would utilize JD's and NH's product finder as a starting point. I would then visit local dealerships and test drive all the tractors of interest that compare with the models identified with the product finders. Simply comparing the specs which are driven by marketing will make you crazy. Equally important to tractor "feel" is dealer "feel". An imformed and supportive dealership can actually save you alot of money and aggravation. They can be a valuable resource as they are local providers. I would also look at current planned usage and future anticipated use and buy the biggest tractor that you are "allowed" to buy . I would also suggest that you post questions here on TBN. There is alot of collective experience and "wisdom" within this community. We also like to spend others' money . Jay