Thoughts on 4 different tractors?

bazman82 · Oct 24, 2024

So I've changed up my search a bit after some chats with the wife to free up some funds for other needs around the farm. I will now just basically be using the tractor to move round bales through some clay mud (during spring, fall and winter). Push quite a bit of snow when the time comes and the occasional hay making use (cutting, raking, teddering). Some of these tractors may not foot the bill for my round baler, a Gehl 2580 super wide. There will be some dirt work, but not much and any of the bigger projects, I will just rent a skid steer or dozer.

Pardon Our Interruption

These are the few that really caught my interest and the Branson is one I am leaning towards with just the info off the tractorhouse and the few reviews I did read. I believe it would do everything I need, minus the round baler. The downfall is that it is 1400 miles away....

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I forgot this was on my list too.

ericm979 · Oct 24, 2024

There's one or two Branson 6 series owners on the Branson section of this site. It sounds like there's not a lot of support for them from Branson. But you should check it out yourself.

I'd be leery to buy a tractor sight unseen.

bazman82 · Oct 24, 2024

ericm979 said:
There's one or two Branson 6 series owners on the Branson section of this site. It sounds like there's not a lot of support for them from Branson. But you should check it out yourself.

I'd be leery to buy a tractor sight unseen.

I was reading TYM took over them and looked like some TYM dealers can supply parts if needed. Video calls are a good option for buying like this, if the seller is willing. If not, then it is just as easy to move onto the next option.

rScotty · Oct 24, 2024

I'm looking at your choices: older used Montana, Mahindra, Branson, and an older medium high hour New Holland.

My guess is that your are an experienced mechanic with your own tools and facilities who doesn't mind - even expects - to be doing your own substantial repair and maintenance work. And that includes sourcing parts needed for older tractors no longer in production.

So I'm confused, what are you asking us on TBN? Those aren't models that people go looking for. Frankly, I think you'd do far better to drop back another decade older and buy an even older more mainstream tractor that has better manufacture and better support.
rScotty

bazman82 · Oct 24, 2024

rScotty said:
I'm looking at your choices: older used Montana, Mahindra, Branson, and an older medium high hour New Holland.

My guess is that your are an experienced mechanic with your own tools and facilities who doesn't mind - even expects - to be doing your own substantial repair and maintenance work. And that includes sourcing parts needed for older tractors no longer in production.

So I'm confused, what are you asking us on TBN? Those aren't models that people go looking for. Frankly, I think you'd do far better to drop back another decade older and buy an even older more mainstream tractor that has better manufacture and better support.
rScotty

Just opinions on the tractors listed. I do currently have a SAME Centurion 75 and a Farmtrac 785dtc. I am no stranger to fixing issues that come up or finding parts to these seemingly orphan tractors. The older mainstream tractors that I have seen, are not in great shape and look to have been abused. I would rather get that orphan tractor that doesn't look abused but more well used and just maintain it.

I have a heavy equipment shop within a few miles of me that works on everything and did some work on my farmtrac. I provided the repair manual and ordered the parts they needed and they were all set.

rScotty · Oct 24, 2024

OK. Makes sense. After all, we have a JD530 still in use. And there are several shops that will completely refurbish older 4020s.

bazman82 · Oct 24, 2024

MAST | Tractors Sale | Winesburg |Inventory

Mast Tractor Sales is a small family owned and operated business. Check our online inventory with all the products we have for sale.

www.masttractor.com

This is a bit over my comfortable price range and only about a 5 and a half hour drive from me...

jyoutz · Oct 24, 2024

bazman82 said:
MAST | Tractors Sale | Winesburg |Inventory

Mast Tractor Sales is a small family owned and operated business. Check our online inventory with all the products we have for sale.

www.masttractor.com

This is a bit over my comfortable price range and only about a 5 and a half hour drive from me...

Still looks like a great option.

dodge man · Oct 24, 2024

I’d get the Kubota or the New Holland. Montana isn’t even in business anymore.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 24, 2024

Just my opinion, but that Mahindra will outwork all those others. Now if you need that, I don't know. The Montana is actually a TYM tractor, also sold as a Mahindra in the same time period.
The Mahindra 8560 is a Mahindra, not a rebranded machine. It is a 10k+ pound machine as it sits without any ballast.

Good luck in your search.

bazman82 · Oct 24, 2024

MtnViewRanch said:
Just my opinion, but that Mahindra will outwork all those others. Now if you need that, I don't know. The Montana is actually a TYM tractor, also sold as a Mahindra in the same time period.
The Mahindra 8560 is a Mahindra, not a rebranded machine. It is a 10k+ pound machine as it sits without any ballast.

Good luck in your search.

The only thing that bothers me about the Mahindra is that hole someone cut in the plastic just under the hand throttle. Not sure what was tried there or not... If it was just linkage repairs then that wouldn't be a problem.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 24, 2024

bazman82 said:
The only thing that bothers me about the Mahindra is that hole someone cut in the plastic just under the hand throttle. Not sure what was tried there or not... If it was just linkage repairs then that wouldn't be a problem.

That would be my guess. I don't know what else would be there.

RjCorazza · Oct 24, 2024

bazman82 said:
The only thing that bothers me about the Mahindra is that hole someone cut in the plastic just under the hand throttle. Not sure what was tried there or not... If it was just linkage repairs then that wouldn't be a problem.

It sure looks like the previous owner needed to get in there on a frequent basis with the wingnut cover.

bazman82 · Oct 25, 2024

So in my area, I have JD, NH, MF, LS, Kubota, Case all within an hours drive of me. All are overpriced in my opinion. I did however, find an LS dealer about 2 and a half hours away that has a 2023 MT468CPS for 42,999 new, old stock. I'm thinking if I go LS, I can get some of my "wants" while also staying somewhat on budget but would be getting a slightly smaller tractor. I believe it would run everything but my round baler...ugh, I hate being in a position where I need another tractor and don't have a ton of time to wait for the right deal...

bazman82 · Oct 30, 2024

So the Branson 6640C is labeled as a Utility tractor whereas the Kioti DK65S is labeled as a compact utility... The Kioti is bigger and heavier than the Branson so what difference between the 2 that makes the Branson not a compact?

tradosaurus · Oct 30, 2024

bazman82 said:
MAST | Tractors Sale | Winesburg |Inventory

Mast Tractor Sales is a small family owned and operated business. Check our online inventory with all the products we have for sale.

www.masttractor.com

This is a bit over my comfortable price range and only about a 5 and a half hour drive from me...

$33K for a 2004 M6800 with 1970 hrs? I wonder what the cost was brand new?

bazman82 · Oct 30, 2024

tradosaurus said:
$33K for a 2004 M6800 with 1970 hrs? I wonder what the cost was brand new?

Usually tractor data has that info but it doesnt. That tractor looks huge but has a weight of 5712lbs for 4wd cab and the kioti dk65s looks tiny in comparison and has a weight of 6856lbs....

bazman82 · Nov 7, 2024

So I pulled the trigger on the 2007 Kioti dk65S I was looking at. I was able to get a bit of money off the tractor and the shipping covered. It was everything the dealer described and showed. Runs good, no issue there so far. He did mention that the loader was uneven by about an inch but his inch must be bigger cause it's off by about 2 or 3 inchs on the left side. I believe I can straighten it out enough to plow snow and move round bales.