RFI: help with tractor shopping.

[Gunner BV]

Just retired from the Corps and bought about 40 acres in north central Oklahoma with 4 ponds, 3 creeks and 2 springs. Back 20 is great hay pasture that I have an older gentleman baling (rounds #1400) on thirds. I run stockers on the front 20 but pasture has been neglected and need to clear some weeds to reclaim it. Property has one good sized hill.

What I am looking for: Tractor to move round bales, keep pasture in good shape, manage the 1/3 mile driveway, and other routine maintenance.

What I think I need: 40-55 HP, around 4,000+ lbs, FEL, MFWD (springs seep in part of pasture) and a package deal (trailer/Brush hog/box blade/bale spear?oh, and like everyone?asy on the wallet. Last tractor I drove was an 8N several years ago.

Right now, without test driving them, I have:
1. Branson 4225R, (this scares me a bit with parts availability).
2. Massey 2604e
3. Mahinda 4550
4. Mahindra 5555
5. Workmaster 50
6. Deere 5055e (really out of my price range).

Dealers:
JD: 18 Miles and 5 more within a 100.
Branson: 2 right at 100 Miles.
Massey: 2 at 100 and 123.
Mahindra: 1 within 45, 2 at 100.
Kubota: 1 within 45, 2 more at 100 miles.
New Holland: 5 within 100 miles, only two are decent sized.
LS: 1 at 100 miles.

I requested quotes/info from all the dealers here except JD (stopped by there). Only dealers to respond were 1 Massey, and both Branson dealers. I thought this a telling test. Read through many of the posts here and am amazed at how helpful you guys are, even going over the same questions...much like this one.

How far away is too far for dealer?
Thoughts on my requirements? Thoughts on these tractors?

 

[RSR]

Just retired from the Corps and bought about 40 acres in north central Oklahoma with 4 ponds, 3 creeks and 2 springs. Back 20 is great hay pasture that I have an older gentleman baling (rounds #1400) on thirds. I run stockers on the front 20 but pasture has been neglected and need to clear some weeds to reclaim it. Property has one good sized hill.

What I am looking for: Tractor to move round bales, keep pasture in good shape, manage the 1/3 mile driveway, and other routine maintenance.

What I think I need: 40-55 HP, around 4,000+ lbs, FEL, MFWD (springs seep in part of pasture) and a package deal (trailer/Brush hog/box blade/bale spear?oh, and like everyone?asy on the wallet. Last tractor I drove was an 8N several years ago.

Right now, without test driving them, I have:
1.Branson 4225R, (this scares me a bit with parts availability).
2.Massey 2604e
3.Mahinda 4550
4.Mahindra 5555
5.Workmaster 50
6.Deere 5055e (really out of my price range).

Dealers:
JD: 18 Miles and 5 more within a 100.
Branson: 2 right at 100 Miles.
Massey: 2 at 100 and 123.
Mahindra: 1 within 45, 2 at 100.
Kubota: 1 within 45, 2 more at 100 miles.
New Holland: 5 within 100 miles, only two are decent sized.
LS: 1 at 100 miles.

I requested quotes/info from all the dealers here except JD (stopped by there). Only dealers to respond were 1 Massey, and both Branson dealers. I thought this a telling test. Read through many of the posts here and am amazed at how helpful you guys are, even going over the same questions...much like this one.

How far away is too far for dealer?
Thoughts on my requirements? Thoughts on these tractors?

My criteria for "how far away is a dealer", is, will they pick up and deliver for free on warranty claims? I've found many dealers in the 50 mile range that are willing to do that.

 

[Croomrider]

Said he was looking for a package deal including a trailer, so he could probably haul it to the dealer when need be. If it was me in that situation and 100 miles would greatly open up dealers with better prices or service I wouldn't be afraid of that distance.

 

[ericm979]

Round bale size and weight varies across the country. It probably varies by type of hay too, I remember when I was a teenager humping square bales that the alfalfa bales weighed more than oat hay. If there's a way to weigh some samples that'd help.

Package deal trailers and implements are the rock bottom cheapest. You may be better served by picking the implements you want. A few $hundred more on a box blade for example can get you 100lbs more steel and better durability.

It's hard to know what corporations will do but all indications are that Branson will be around for a while as a brand. TYM bough Kukje, Branson's parent company, a few years back. But new Branson models and new features keep coming out. TYM is now using Kukje engines in some of their models. Kujke got the rights to the Cummins A series ~15 years ago and have been making them since. The new BL200 loaders have even more load capacity than the BL25 on my Branson.

You do want a good dealer however, though that's true with any brand. Not a one man operation with no mechanic.

I bought my Branson from a dealer 250 miles away. In 2.5 years I have gone back once, to pick up a used backhoe. They ship parts, which so far has just been filters. If you do your own routine maintenance, chances are you'll never need to go back to the dealer.

If you're just using it on your property you might not need a trailer. If you do need one to take the tractor to the dealer, you can rent a trailer. Of course they can be useful for other things, but the downside is deprecation, storage and maintenance.

 

[Tractorable]

You might be better served with a good used utility tractor with shuttle shift for haying your 40 acres. The shibaura built New Holland Workmaster 55’s are good capable machines and can be found for not a lot of coin. Here’s one just across the border in Missouri:

http://www.tractorhouse.com/ListingsDetail/Detail.aspx?lp=TH&OHID=29254119

 

[jeff9366]

What I think I need: 40-55 HP, around 4,000+ lbs, FEL, MFWD (springs seep in part of pasture) and a package deal (trailer/Brush hog/box blade/bale spear?

What vehicle do you have to pull the loaded tractor?

 

[Gunner BV]

Currently I have a 17 Ram 2500 diesel Crew Cab.

I didn't think about the implements being lower end on the package deal. Would it be better to look for some used implements? Plenty around here.

I greatly appreciate all the responses, I hate making uniformed decisions.

 

[nards444]

Currently I have a 17 Ram 2500 diesel Crew Cab.

I didn't think about the implements being lower end on the package deal. Would it be better to look for some used implements? Plenty around here.

I greatly appreciate all the responses, I hate making uniformed decisions.

Depends. When I bought my tractor by adding an implement from Kubota I basically got it for pennies because of the incentive. I would get pricing for everything and look careful at the price structure, and while doing so see what you can get on the side used.

Used tractors can be good, but I didnt want something with thousands of hours. Which when I started comparing new-used to brand new, it was a no brainer to buy new due to the little cost savings there was in the new-used market.

 

[jeff9366]

What I am looking for: Tractor to move round bales, keep pasture in good shape, manage the 1/3 mile driveway, and other routine maintenance.

What I think I need: 40-55 HP, around 4,000+ lbs, FEL, MFWD (springs seep in part of pasture) and trailer/Brush hog/box blade/bale spear?

As I read your opening post, you have no intention of baling the back 20 acres being harvested on 1/3 shares, so powering a round hay bale baler is not necessary.

Front 20 acres needs attention and has cattle on it.

The parameters you have selected for the tractor are right on.

Consider a Three Point Hitch Bale Spear, which carries bale weight over large rear wheels. More stable with 1,400 pound round bales on a 4,000 pound tractor than FEL Bale Spear.

You may want a tractor sprayer to apply 2, 4-d herbicide (kills the weeds, not the grass) to the front twenty acres.

The sole ground contact implement you have listed is the Box Blade.
Nothing to work farm dirt.

Animals compact the dirt, gradually grass becomes less productive.

A complete pasture renovation would require plowing, discing to smooth plow furrows, dragging, soil amendment, then seeding. (Plowing kills existing grass.) You should be able to find a service to do this -- but the cattle will have to be off the land six months.

There a many, many Three Point Hitch Pasture Renovators which slice the grass to varying depths, allowing soil amendments, air and water to enter easily. Renovators preserve the grass. I have always wanted a Miller Hay King but have been unable to justify cost in my minimal need circumstances.
LINKS (2): Hay King Renovators - Hay King - Miller
tractor pasture renovators - Yahoo Search Results
VIDEO: tractor pasture renovators - YouTube

IMPLEMENTS:
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media...aa214276e14dacb/pub2917tractorimplements1.pdf
everything attachments videos - YouTube
Iowa Farm Equipment

I have purchased implements one at a time, as need came up. I still find it amazing that I can order an implement on a credit card from everytthingattachments.com or Iowa Farm Equipment and have it show up on a truck four days later. Weight is the key parameter in ground engagement implements ~~ unfortunately you have to pay for every pound.

I suggest finding out what implements your hay partner has for his own crop use and inquire if he would repurchase same weight, same brand implements today.


A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after seven years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.

 

[fried1765]

Just retired from the Corps and bought about 40 acres in north central Oklahoma with 4 ponds, 3 creeks and 2 springs. Back 20 is great hay pasture that I have an older gentleman baling (rounds #1400) on thirds. I run stockers on the front 20 but pasture has been neglected and need to clear some weeds to reclaim it. Property has one good sized hill.

What I am looking for: Tractor to move round bales, keep pasture in good shape, manage the 1/3 mile driveway, and other routine maintenance.

What I think I need: 40-55 HP, around 4,000+ lbs, FEL, MFWD (springs seep in part of pasture) and a package deal (trailer/Brush hog/box blade/bale spear?oh, and like everyone?asy on the wallet. Last tractor I drove was an 8N several years ago.

Right now, without test driving them, I have:
1. Branson 4225R, (this scares me a bit with parts availability).
2. Massey 2604e
3. Mahinda 4550
4. Mahindra 5555
5. Workmaster 50
6. Deere 5055e (really out of my price range).

Dealers:
JD: 18 Miles and 5 more within a 100.
Branson: 2 right at 100 Miles.
Massey: 2 at 100 and 123.
Mahindra: 1 within 45, 2 at 100.
Kubota: 1 within 45, 2 more at 100 miles.
New Holland: 5 within 100 miles, only two are decent sized.
LS: 1 at 100 miles.

I requested quotes/info from all the dealers here except JD (stopped by there). Only dealers to respond were 1 Massey, and both Branson dealers. I thought this a telling test. Read through many of the posts here and am amazed at how helpful you guys are, even going over the same questions...much like this one.

How far away is too far for dealer?
Thoughts on my requirements? Thoughts on these tractors?

You stated that are going to have a trailer!
Be sure to get one long enough (and weight capable enough) for the tractor with implements.
With your 2500 Ram diesel, 100 miles is certainly NOT too far from a dealer.
Unless you are a mechanical klutz (doubt that, from a Marine) you can fix the simple stuff yourself.
You may NEVER need to visit a dealer after the initial purchase!

I would steer clear of the Mahindra.
Branson and LS (same as New Holland) have LOTS of fans here on TBN.
Do you have a Kioti dealer within range? Lots of Kioti fans here also.
Kubota is absolutely great, but may cost almost as much as the Deere.
Kubota will have the least deprecation/best resale value.

 

[jeff9366]

Last tractor I drove was an 8N several years ago.

I requested quotes/info from all the dealers here except JD (stopped by there). Only dealers to respond were 1 Massey, and both Branson dealers. I thought this a telling test.

You do not know, what you do not know. You are writing here because you recognize this.
VIDEO: Shady Internet Tractor Package "deals" - YouTube

Were I a dealer I would not spend my limited time responding with a complex price quote, however I would certainly respond courteously and invite you to visit.

 

[Rebeldad1]

You wernt interested in a Kioti??

Dont pass on used implements... there isnt a lot to wear out on most and parts are available.
Lot of people buy several and dont use them so they sell them

 

[3gunr]

You stated that are going to have a trailer!
Be sure to get one long enough (and weight capable enough) for the tractor with implements.
With your 2500 Ram diesel, 100 miles is certainly NOT too far from a dealer.
Unless you are a mechanical klutz (doubt that, from a Marine) you can fix the simple stuff yourself.
You may NEVER need to visit a dealer after the initial purchase!

I would steer clear of the Mahindra.
Branson and LS (same as New Holland) have LOTS of fans here on TBN.
Do you have a Kioti dealer within range? Lots of Kioti fans here also.
Kubota is absolutely great, but may cost almost as much as the Deere.
Kubota will have the least deprecation/best resale value.

I have two mahindras and zero trouble with either.

 

[3gunr]

Buddy just bought a new Ls xr 4140 . awsome rig with all the bells and whistles. i would look at them for sure.

 

[Gafn]

Just retired from the Corps

Right now, without test driving them, I have:
1. Branson 4225R, (this scares me a bit with parts availability).
?

Gunner BV - Semper Fi... GEMD Iwakuni

I have owned a Branson 3520H and recently change to a 3520R - there is a tread about that...
The parts are not as bad of an issue as you would think.

Go drive one and compare some of the specs on the Branson to that others - weight is one area where the Branson comes in heavy my 3520 R is nearly 4000lbs.
The BL200 FEL can lift 2700LBS on a 35HP tractor - I never looked at the larger tractors - I assume Branson will win there as well - could be wrong - have been wrong before
The brakes are wet - so if you work in dry dusty or just nasty water... the brakes are fully internal to the case in a wet bath - you can most likely never over heat them
The Emissions - not computer controlled - it is a passive system, if you run the engine at or near PTO speeds - you will not have an issue - in the last 260 hours I never had a regen cycle
The Tier 4 DPF - being passive can be removed easily - no computer interface - so if it gets old and fails - take it off install a muffler

I am in GA in the mountains and recently changed from and H to an R model, and the hills are not an issue, smooth power from the Cummins Clone (Engines are licensed products for Cummins)
I have much less land than you but have owned a Branson since 2015 and have tilled, box bladed, fertilized, disc'd, finish cut, bush hog'd, and run a log splitter of the FEL hydraulics.
the MFWD works like a champ - only had to lock the rear one time and that gets you out of a hole in a hurry
I have never picked up bales - but have moved IBC tote cages full of fire wood - the FEL feels stable to me
All in all I have been most happy with the tractor, and when I did have an issue Branson stood behind their product very well, that is why I upgraded to a 2019.

Hope you find something that you can be happy with...
Thanks for you service

 

[jeff9366]

You will need a Chain/Drag Harrow for spreading manure in the front twenty acres. In spreading process a good bit of thatch is raked out and spread too.
VIDEO: How to Use a Chain Harrow - YouTube

 

[Gunner BV]

My wife is pushing JD just due to them being so close. Would a 4044M work for what I have in mind? I know is a little expensive but dealer seemed pretty good when I was there, and is very close.

Going to look at Kubota and Mahindra this weekend, scheduling a visit to MF and New Holland soon. The Massey/NH dealer is pushing a Boomer but I think that might be too small? The Workmaster 50 seems in the right area.

jeff9366,
You have been a great resource and I appreciate it. I have already perma-linked that implement site.

Rebeldad1,
I found some Kioti dealers around and will do more research on them. I will take a look at the Dk 5010 and the NX5010. Question: Are they mainly electronic?

Gafn,
Hey DD. I never made it two Iwakuni but did two stints out of Oki. I appreciate the input on the Branson; makes me much more comfortable going that way. Learning there is no perfect tractor and all brands have their benefits....dealer means a lot. Though wondering if I should go slightly bigger than the 4225r. The 25 series look a bit longer than the 20s? I spent some time at Fort Benning...got a really good friend from GA as well, but he is disowned (shh...he's a Sooner fan).

 

[jeff9366]

John Deere 4044M

2014 - 4M Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: John Deere 4120
Series next: John Deere 4049M

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Augusta, Georgia, USA

Variants:
4044M: base model
4044R: deluxe model

John Deere 4044M Engine:
Yanmar 2.2L 4-cyl diesel
John Deere 4044M Power:
Engine: 43.1 hp [32.1 kW]
Gear PTO (claimed): 34.6 hp [25.8 kW]
Hydro PTO (claimed): 33.6 hp [25.1 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 13 gal [49.2 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Control: position control
Rear lift (at ends): 3130 lbs [1419 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 2500 lbs [1134 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)
Engine RPM: 540@2400

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 73 inches [185 cm]
Weight: 3770 lbs [1710 kg]
Length: 130.6 inches [331 cm]
Height (ROPS): 100.2 inches [254 cm]
Height (cab): 97.4 inches [247 cm]
Clearance (front axle): 13.8 inches [35 cm]
Front tread: 53.6 inches [136 cm]
Rear tread: 59.9 inches [152 cm]

John Deere 4044M attachments:
front-end loader
backhoe
all 4044M attachments ...

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Final drives: planetary
Differential lock: mechanical rear
Steering: power
Brakes: hydraulic wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Pressure: 2500 psi [172.4 bar]
Pump flow: 10.2 gpm [38.6 lpm]
Total flow: 15.9 gpm [60.2 lpm]
Steering flow: 5.7 gpm [21.6 lpm]

Electrical:
Ground: negative
Charging system: alternator
Charging amps: 75

Battery:
Number: 1
Cold-cranking amps: 770
Volts: 12

Page information:
Last update: August 1, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[fried1765]

I have two mahindras and zero trouble with either.

Just my very personal opinion.

 

[searcyfarms]

first and foremost thank you for serving and sacrificing for all of us!!!

What a great place to be in looking for a tractor

I have no experience with the 4 series deere but a good dealer can make any tractor better.

I like the LS and Massey followings on here and folks comments but dont know specifics regarding the comparisons.

Sitting on them will tell you a lot, drive around, test features/levers and get a feel for it, some dont like the teeter totter pedal of the kubota some do, some like dual hydro pedals some dont, if you are a tall fella with long legs, make sure its comfy !!!