Thought I'd decided...

Anonymous Poster · Feb 9, 2003

Thought I\'d decided...

...but I just can't make up my mind. I've got six acres to clean up, then turn into pasture (it's just rough right now, with some old fences and scrubs and trash foliage, few trees). I have to stay under $15,000 for my CFO to approve the purchase. Here's what I need: 4wd, FEL, rotary cutter, and disc. I also need an independent PTO and any transmission other than a manual (leaving either synchro or hydrostatic). My choices as I see it are Mahindra 2310, Mahindra 2810, Kubota 7500HSD, and Kioti LK3054. The Kioti is the most powerful of the bunch, followed closely by the big Mahindra. Is the Kioti being phased out and replaced by a CK model in the near future? The local Kubota dealer is the best of the lot, but the Kubota seems to be the least of the tractors. There is also a Long dealer nearby; a LandTrac LT-300 would fit my requirements as well.

I apologize for making yet another plea for help from the experts! I know you guys are getting tired of my questions. I'm sure I'll quit annoying you after I make my purchase.

Nah, probably not.

Gary_in_Indiana · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Are you even considering late model used? Just a thought...

Anonymous Poster · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Gary,

The limitations of my mechanical ability make buying a used tractor unwise. I'd be a lot better off buying a new machine, having a relationship and a warranty with a local dealer.

Bigoldbooger

RoyJackson · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

A Synchro is another manual transmission, by the way. Just easier to shift.

As far as the "grey" market or lesser known brands...well, that might require more mechanical savvy. Parts might be a problem. I reckon my biggest concern about the Mahindra's, Long's and such is the potential to be orphaned by the dealer, should they fold up. Any other dealers of these brands local to you?

Keeping it under $15K might be tough if you want a new tractor. I'd go a bit higher (if you've got to have new) and look at the Deere 790, New Holland TC24 (never even seen one of them yet) or Kubota 7800.

Of course, I've no problem buying used...that's about all I buy. However, I would buy used from a dealer. At least you have some recourse. If he's worth his salt, he'll want you as a repeat buyer and treat you right.

Remember though...these ain't Chevy's we're discussing. Tractors are tough but require a modicum of mechanical knowledge. Having them hauled to the dealer for everything can get a bit expensive (now, my dealer is pretty cheap...40 bucks for pickup and delivery)

Good luck in your decision!

Steelfan · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Hi B.O.B.

Roy and Gary are pretty much right about buying used. First you should consider it, and also dealers make the difference. Most of the big 3 brands have a warranty that covers repairs even if it is used. I bought my NH TC21D for more than $3000 less used than I could have new. It had 92 hours on it, and looked brand new. Also it was still under warranty from New Holland. I will be the first to tell you, that I know nothing about mechanics, but I very happy with my used tractor. And if you run into a problem, there are many on this forum that will help you. Good Luck

Kent

JDGREEN4ME · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

You have stated that 'building a relationship" with a dealer is important to you, I agree with that also. Since you feel the Kubota dealer close to you is probably the best maybe you should give the Kubota a closer look. I haven't seen any bad comments listed about them, seems owners are happy with them. I know that is true with other makes also but I say this because of your apparent comfort level with the Kubota dealer. Good luck with your search... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

thcri · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

There is nothing wrong with buyin used. Just make sure there is a dealer around that will back it up. If someone can buy a tractor for 3,000.00 less with only 92 hours that is a great deal. But it is no good if there isn't a dealer around.

When I was dealing I just couldn't see spending more money for used and that is what I ran into. I originally set out to buy a John Deere 4100 but ended up with a New Holland TC21D for about 1,000.00 less. Plus I didn't have to pay for it for a year. The mistake I did make was too small, ended up trading back in right away for a TC29D. Was well worth it.

Murph

frank_f15 · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

there are so many options out there! i bought used(barley) and never a problem, the landtrac seems to be a nice machine. a little cluttered on the deck, but will do the job .

crown · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Go with one that feels best to you and from the dealer you have the best feel about. I also have six acres and have a B-7500 is handles all my task well. You state you have some considerable clean-up to do what will you be doing afterwards. Then make your decision based on what you will use the tractor most for. Good luck shopping, have fun. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

earthmaster1 · Feb 9, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

i dont think you would be disapointed in the mahindra, i think the platform layout is better than on the LK kioti, i think the low finance rates with Mahindra will also make them very attractive. i have been very happy with my 2810. good luck with what ever you choose.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Thanks for all the responses. So I guess what it comes down to is this: Go with the dealer I like best, since all four tractors will do the job adequately. Is the synchro transmission superior to a straight manual? How?

Woodbeef · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

TYM has just released a hydro tractor up here,so Mahindra will not be far behind,if it is not out already. Probably be the 2810 I'd guess.

I'd not be one bit affraid of the Korean brands vs the Japanese built/and or developed ones. The Koreans seem to weigh more and give you more bang for your buck!!

Try them all out as many times as possible before you decide.

From the look of things I'd not be concerned about Mahindra,they are here to stay. Escorts is purchasing the rest of their joint venture from Long,so there might be some changes there. Kioti has went to self importing. AM Jawa imports the Century brand,Branson is its clone.

Synchro trannies are smoother shifting,with less gear clash(grinding)vs. a non-synchro.

earthmaster1 · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

syncro shuttle and syncronized trans is by far much nicer, do yourself a favor no matter what you purchase buy something with a syncronized shuttle/trans or the hydro, but dont go for something without the shuttle. Loader work will be so much nicer . I absolutly love the sycro shuttle on my 2810 mahindra, pushing snow back latley with it, you go into the pile and just pull the shuttle back(up on the steering column) and your going backwards, no looking for reverse and then shifting trying to find the forward gear again, no shifter between the legs, i think its great and priced less than hydro.

frank_f15 · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

don't want to say syncro or hydro IS BETTER THAN MANUEL just that they are easier to operate for a lot of folks. i hated the shifting on my old tractor. for me i would never have anything but hydro. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif try them all out and see what u like and what works best for U. be advised tho that manuel tran. is a bit less expensive,

Anonymous Poster · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

If I were you I would look at the Branson Tractor, I was given a quote 15k for the following:

Bansn 3510 $11,000
FEL $3,000
5' Medium Duty Bushhog $1,100

My gues is you could ge the same, just change the Bushhog to a standard duty and you could still get a disc for the same price.

Good Luck

gellison /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Feb 10, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

I wish there was a Branson/Century dealer nearby. Closest one is an hour away. The Kioti/Long/Mahindra/Kubota dealers are within 15 minutes. So unless something happens to change my mind, I've ruled the Bransons out. However, everything I hear about them indicates that they are great tractors and an especially good value.

19th_VA · Feb 11, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

Where are you located? I don't think one hour makes much of a difference. The more important thing is how comfortable you feel with the dealer and the tractor. Just two cents.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 11, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

I'm just south of Birmingham, AL. The reason I want a dealer nearby is that, like I have said, I can't do anything mechanical beyond standard maintenance. So it would be much easier to work with a dealer that is 15 minutes away instead of an hour.

Pacesetter300 · Feb 11, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

I have to agree with jas5n. It's nice to have your dealer close, but it's not like you have coffee with him every morning. I would not spend a couple of thousand extra to have a dealer 1/2 hour closer. The deal has to be right and you have to like the tractor. It couldn't hurt to look, see and get a feel for things, you might be surprised!
JMHO Pacesetter

Anonymous Poster · Feb 11, 2003

Re: Thought I\'d decided...

My dealer is about a half hour away...

I chose him over one that is a minute away! So I went orange rather than blue...because the dealer felt better to me. Night and day...

Anyway, don't expect to need your dealer too much. Todays tractors are quite reliable...but yes, there can be problems.

BUT, you will probably not be taking your tactor back for repairs too frequently. So that hour away is likely not a big deal...remember, you can buy the routine service items either from a dealer closer or by mail order...

Good luck in whatever you decide...