IrishStout
Member
Hello all,
I've been researching and window shopping for a tractor for almost a year as I've lived on my new property and got a feel for my needs. I've got 20 acres with about 8 in hay. My main requirement is to have 32-35 pto hp to run a hay mower and baler when necessary. My neighbor who I share hay work with has a tractor to run the equipment, but I want to pitch in when needed. Other needs would be bush hogging, road maintenance, snow removal, and pulling downed trees from the woods.
Currently I'm looking heavily at a Kioti CK4010Se, Massey 1750M, Kubota L3901, L4701, and L4060, but despite my knowing better cannot disqualify LS XR4140 or 4145. I really don't care for the Kubota treadle peddle or the loader handle position, but dealer proximity, quality, parts availability, etc have kept them in the mix. The L4060 is a step up in price, but some of my dislikes are somewhat remedied with this model. I like the Massey lack of dpf, but wonder if their own system doesn't have it's own issues too. Massey fit and finish is really nice, but lacks some features I'd find standard on the Kioti for a better price. Kioti seems to check all of the boxes for features, ergonomics, price, and reliability. My closest Massey and Kioti dealer are the same.
This is a tough game. There are many good choices, but seems to be none that are perfect. I've reached the point that I've got to start the test driving and see what feels good. I've never owned a tractor, but I'm sure once I get on board I'll be able to get a feel for what really works for me.
Any opinions on the machines, good or bad, would be appreciated. I've got time, I'm looking to purchase in the spring, but would like to pin down my machine by the turn of the year so I can order if necessary and take delivery in the spring. At least that is the plan.
I've been researching and window shopping for a tractor for almost a year as I've lived on my new property and got a feel for my needs. I've got 20 acres with about 8 in hay. My main requirement is to have 32-35 pto hp to run a hay mower and baler when necessary. My neighbor who I share hay work with has a tractor to run the equipment, but I want to pitch in when needed. Other needs would be bush hogging, road maintenance, snow removal, and pulling downed trees from the woods.
Currently I'm looking heavily at a Kioti CK4010Se, Massey 1750M, Kubota L3901, L4701, and L4060, but despite my knowing better cannot disqualify LS XR4140 or 4145. I really don't care for the Kubota treadle peddle or the loader handle position, but dealer proximity, quality, parts availability, etc have kept them in the mix. The L4060 is a step up in price, but some of my dislikes are somewhat remedied with this model. I like the Massey lack of dpf, but wonder if their own system doesn't have it's own issues too. Massey fit and finish is really nice, but lacks some features I'd find standard on the Kioti for a better price. Kioti seems to check all of the boxes for features, ergonomics, price, and reliability. My closest Massey and Kioti dealer are the same.
This is a tough game. There are many good choices, but seems to be none that are perfect. I've reached the point that I've got to start the test driving and see what feels good. I've never owned a tractor, but I'm sure once I get on board I'll be able to get a feel for what really works for me.
Any opinions on the machines, good or bad, would be appreciated. I've got time, I'm looking to purchase in the spring, but would like to pin down my machine by the turn of the year so I can order if necessary and take delivery in the spring. At least that is the plan.
