Tractor Research this Weekend

[JonLeonard]

I made my rounds this weekend of tractor dealers in my area. I got to ride alot of different machines and get a feel for the different dealers. Originally I was looking for a tractor in the 25-30 hp range, but I quickly came to the conclusion that a smaller unit would do the work I needed. There is also no way I could afford the $$$ to buy the bigger units.

I plan to use the tractor to maintain about 700 feet of gravel driveway, mow about 9 acres, 3 every week, rest once a month or so. I would also like to do some general landscaping, fence installation, move bales of hay to our goats, etc. I think any of these tractors will do the job, but Im looking for input.

Here are the prices I got

John Deere 4010, HST, Industrial Tires, Valve for Loader $10,220
60" Mid Mount mower $2220
Total 12440
Rebate of $700 (this dealer wasnt offering the full $900, as they didnt comply with the open house stipulation)
Total cost of $11740

Kubota 7500, HST, Industrial Tires $10,000
60" Mid Mount Mower $1950
Total cost of $11,950

New Holland TC18, HST, Industrial Tires, Folding ROPS, Filled Tires $9350
60" Rear Discharge, Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $11550

Cub Cadet 7254 HST, 25Hp Gasoline Engine, Industrial Tires, 4WD $9995
60" Mid Mount Mower $2200
Total cost of $12,195



The JD dealer did not have any of the small chassis 4000 TEN series tractors in stock, so all I could do was get the price. He also told me he had no idea when he would even be able to get one.

The Kubota and NH are both sold theby same dealer. I drove both quite a bit and each had its advantages. The Kubota was quiter and drove very smoothly. Its operator platform was flat, and easy to get in and out of, and the seat was comfortable. The TC18 was louder and not as smooth running, but *seemed* more powerful. The dealer told me he believed the TC18 actually had more torque than the Kubota 7500 despite the 2 1/2 hp difference. The TC18 has position control on the 3ph, cruise control, and a substantially better weight rating on the 3pt as well. NH also offers a rear discharge mid mount mower which seems to be a very nice option. The transmission whine of the TC18 was more noticable then the 7500, but not overbearing.

Lastly was the brand new Cub 7254, just of the truck on Friday. The dealer had a hard time getting it started (not a good sign). The engine was the loudest of the bunch, and the transmission whine was very loud.
There is a large hydralic cylinder on the 3ph that I did not see on any of the other brands. I assume that the lift mechanism is built into the casing on the others, and this one was simply exposed. Seemed wierd. I also noticed that the step flexed slightly when I got on the tractor, which seemed to indicate less strength than either the Kubota or NH. The dealers that I have talked to about Cubs dont inspire confidence, they seem to be more "mower dealer selling tractors". I prefer the reverse.

So, after my first look, I am leaning toward the TC18, not quite as refined as the Kubota, but heavier duty and more features.

Any opinions/experiences to share?

Jon

 

[hazmat]

Jon,

The price on the deere looks pretty good, it is somewhere between 10 & 15% off retail + the rebate.

For the NH check out

TC 18 Pricing under New Holland Buying pricing.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=buynh&Number=138141&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>TC18 Pricing</A>

(I really need to learn how to put links in)

For the kubota check out

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kazez.com/~will/kubota.html> Kubota B Series Prices</A>

(I just learned how to put links in -- thanks again harv)

This page was set up by a fellow TBN member

I am looking at the same size machines. I have driven the 4100 hydro and 4110 (gear). Personally I prefered the twin hydro pedals to the "treadle" pedal, although I am sure I would get used to it. I did not like the gear 4110, it was difficult to drive, had to stop before changing directions, also when you clutch, the PTO stops too.

Which did you like better? Any plans for an FEL?

Hazmat

 

[hazmat]

Jon, I just realized that you already answered which one you liked better. My preference was JD, NH, Kubota.

Funney how they all come out to a similar price. Here's a real kicker, the new X595 garden tractor costs MORE than the 4010 even before you take the available rebates into effect.

The reason I asked about the FEL, is you can get another $300 rebate if you buy a second implement. See Deere's web site for details.

Hazmat

 

[BGM72]

I just bought a TC 18. Paid around $11,800 deliverd (not including sales tax) 4WD, Power Steering, HST, Folding ROPs, FEL and Industrial Tires. I am not sure if you are financing but if you are NH has better rates and longer terms.

I have only put a few hours on mine but here are my first immpressions - Loader and 3 pt work great, smooth and very acurrate position. The engines runs a little rough but only when idling at low RPMs it smooths right out after you increase the idle a little. For my use the tractor has plenty of HP. I am not mowing so the PTO HP might be a consideration for your use. The controls are convenient and easy to use. In general the only problem is my technique in operating (see my posting in Owning/Operating)

Hope this helps.

 

[JonLeonard]

I would love to have a FEL, but the cost is just too much right now. I am planning on getting whatever needs to be done to the tractor to accomidate the FEL when I purchase it. Then I can add the FEL when our tax money comes back next year.

I like the JD on paper too, but Im not interested in buying anything I cant try out ahead of time.

I definately should have listed the financing in my findings. The New Holland 4.9% for 60 months is the best rate going.

Jon

 

[hazmat]

Harv,

Thanks for fixing my link. I've been practicing in the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=support&Number=84240&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1> hyperlinks </A> thread in the news/feedback forum.

Hazmat

 

[rf33]

depending on the size of the bales you are considering moving for your goats (round?? square??), you might need to carefully select what size tractor is going to handle this chore, as the round bales I feed are usually about 1200 lbs, and this would require careful ballast selection in some of the smaller tractor models.

 

[JonLeonard]

I mean the kind of hay bales that are human luggable...they are like 2 ft by 5 ft about 18 inches tall. Kind of thing you can carry/move yourself but would be alot easier to let the tractor do it.

Even though the TC18 is rated to pick up 1200+ pounds with its 3ph, I would imagine I would need some serious counter weight to do so.

Jon

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Watch out! I thought I'd always use square bales, but I quickly grew to need the round bales... Just factor that in your figuring, because that would make for an interesting ride in this size range....

Then again, square bales would not be as much of a chore with a FEL....

Right now I move my round bales in human luggable mode. I wear gloves, though...

 

[RoyJackson]

"Originally I was looking for a tractor in the 25-30 hp range, but I quickly came to the conclusion that a smaller unit would do the work I needed. There is also no way I could afford the $$$ to buy the bigger units."

Maybe you should look used instead of new. A JD 770, 870, 850, 855, 950 or 955 would be 20 to 30some PTO Horse Power and cost you right around what the 4100 would go for (looking at the 1987 to 1995 tractors). I'm just noting the Deeres because I know those models...I don't know the older Kubota's, NH or Fords.

There is some really nice machinery floating around that would probably suit you quite well...better, perhaps, then a new machine with less HP.

I run a 1991 Deere 670. Had 600 hours and came with a FEL, 4WD and a practically new Befco C30 60" finishing mower. This machine wouldn't be big enough for your needs but it is right in line with the power output of the 4100, TC-18 (or TC21) and the B7500. This machine cost $8500 and was financed through John Deere (at a higher interest rate, of course).

Runs like a champ...

<font color=red>I always believed in you're better off buying used equipment that can do the job then new that can't</font color=red>

 

[Kodiak]

Remember that the cost of that FEL, or even an upgrade to a Class II Boomer, averaged over 60 months may not increase your monthly payments that much.
And don't forget that the new TC24 should be showing up soon.

 

[crown]

John,
Kubota is currently running a rebate program. I don't know the amount on the B-7500. As a point of reference I purchased mine for $9700 HST, folable ROPs, three front suitcase weights, Turfs.
Good luck!!! The search is half the fun/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Worksmart]

Jon - Here's a wild idea/w3tcompact/icons/clever.gif...... Why don't you adjust your withholding(interest free loan to the gov./w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif)....take the extra money in your paycheck and use it to cover(all or partial) the extra amount to finance your loader now/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. From everything I've been learning.....FELs are less expensive to buy in the package up front. C

 

[OkieNCognito]

Jon,

I'm also shopping a new tractor. I've got 800 ft of gravel road to maintain and 5 acres to mow (2 acres finish mowing and 3 acres brush hog) plus misc dirt work and tree clearing. I'm looking in the 25-30 hp range so I'm curious about what brought you to the conclusion to go with a less hp. I consider going smaller at times, usually when I'm feeling quilty about dropping so much money, but so far I've been able to shake it off and remind myself that giving up the extra weight and hp may not pay off in the long run.

I did have a couple of dealers suggest that I could probably get-by with less tractor, but they all felt I could easily go either way. I'm surprised that with your 9 acres, less than 25-30 hp is still optional.

 

[JonLeonard]

I just looked at the work I intend to do *most* of the time. The most common task I do is to mow about 3 acres once a week.

Once every month (maybe a little less) I mow the other 6 acres. So if that takes a little longer than with a bigger machine, it doesnt effect me that much. I couldn't justify the additional money to be able to mow the extra space in 3 hours as compared to 4 (my estimates, could be WAY off?).

The other main task, maintaining the driveway is, hopefully, a once or twice a year event. Again, if it takes a little longer its not a big deal. I plan on hiring a dozer to shape up the road initially, so that a smaller tactor will be able to maintain it, if I keep up with it, easily.

Moving food to our animals is no problem as a 3pt platform can easily carry a couple of bales of hay and a bag of feed. I have water available close the the animals, so I wont be hauling it. Water is incredibly heavy though, so if you move alot of it, that could justify a bigger tractor, or at least a trailer.

With all that said, I still *want* a bigger tractor. However, since I dont have unlimited funds, I needed to justify every dollar. Im hoping to be able to dicker with the dealer some and come in at about 11K for the TC18 tractor and mower, which is about $400 less than his initial price. To that Ill add, as they are needed, a carry-all platform, boom pole, post hole digger and a rear blade. Long term Ill eventually add a FEL, tiller, and a box blade to that list. Any of these tractors can handle those attachments, if properly sized, with ease.

This is my first tractor, and I hope this explains some of my thought process in selecting this size of tractor for my needs. If anyone out there sees any major flaws, please speak up!

Jon

 

[hazmat]

Jon,

Rule 1. Cash is king

It has often been said here that there isn't anything larger tractor can do that a smaller one can't, provided you take smaller bites. Sounds like you have thought hard about the solution that gets the job done in a reasonable time. I don't see any flaws in your thinking.

I feel your pain, I am trying to step up from my garden tractor to get more done quicker on my 4 acres. There isn't anything that I can't do around the house with my lawnmower, wheelbarrow, shovel, chainsaw etc. that I could do with a Compact Utility. I have been trying to convince my fiancee that the CUT will do it faster.

For those following the "is it extravagant" thread, last night she asked me to put together a budget showing all our expenses and how the tractor would fit into that. Of course the budget is balanced (including setting aside some savings for the furniture that SHE WANTS) & has cash to spare

Hazmat

 

[hazmat]

Jon,

Re-reading your post, I do think you are missing something. You probably want to consider some front weight to balance the rear implements.

hazmat

 

[JonLeonard]

The dealer is going to fill the tires with calcium chloride. But I think I will add the front weight bracket to the tractor, and potentially the new TC18/21/24 brush guard. Depending on what they cost of course

Jon

 

[JonLeonard]

I have been doing some calling around, and found a dealer about 40 miles away that has a John Deere 4110. So, Ill probably go on Saturday to check it out.

From the literature I have, the 4010 and the 4110 are very close to the same size/features. Just 1 1/2 hp seperate them.

There is also one of the converted Quality Farm and Fleet stores that is reopening as a Tractor Supply Co. very close to the dealer. Maybe I can pick up something good on a Grand Opening special. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jon

 

[ByuBill]

<font color=blue> I have been trying to convince my fiancee that the CUT will do it faster.</font color=blue>

Of course you did tell her that having a CUT will give the two of you more time together and that you won't be too tired to do the things that she likes to do.... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif