What should I look for?

[Tahoe24]

First, new member and wanted to say hello and thank you in advance for any help.. So, I am upgrading to a larger tractor. I need one with a FEL. I have been doing a lot of internet shopping and pricing. I have also been to some stores to actually talk to people and look at the ACTUAL size of the machines. I feel I have narrowed it down to Kubota or JD due to both dealers are real close in case of needed service.. New holland is with Kubota and Kioti isn't to far.. I like the size of JD 2025r and around, also Kubota B series.. Any size is ok.. I originally was looking at sub compacts and now just feel as though it's not enough. SO, my question or questions would be, is either any better or worse and why? Any amount of hours I should stay under or stay above any year? Just some general advice from owners who have had good or bad experiences? I live in CT (I know, state sucks) and it seems to me that tractors are much cheaper elsewhere.. Should I buy used or new.. Seems to me that newer used is def the way to go.. So, my apologies for long post, any advice would be great... Thanks again..

 

[LindenBruce]

Welcome to the forum. Have you looked at the Mahindra Max25 or Max 28? I am at this same juncture myself and am seriously looking into buying a Max 25. What type of use do you plan for this tractor? Trenching? land leveling? Snow removal? Etc. Bruce

 

[Tahoe24]

I did. I think they were about 1600-2000 more than other models new.. Kioti was best price for sure.. But seem to be a lot of nice used machines out there.. Although not as close as I would like!!! What is it about them that interests you? I'm not against them at all, don't see a lot of used..

 

[Tahoe24]

And sorry.. Snow removal, clearing my back lot.. Lots of brush and leveling.. Keeping my cub to mow.. At some point put in a backyard patio, mulch etc..

 

[farmstart]

I did. I think they were about 1600-2000 more than other models new.. Kioti was best price for sure.. But seem to be a lot of nice used machines out there.. Although not as close as I would like!!! What is it about them that interests you? I'm not against them at all, don't see a lot of used..

Hi fellas if either of you are looking at Mahindra try taking a look at TYM. TYM builds most of the Mahindra tractors over 35 h.p. the max 28 is built by Mitsubishi.
As far as purchase info I would go for as large of a tractor as you can afford. Most people find that they wish they had bought a bigger machine. I own a TYM 43h.p. and wish I could have bought a bigger machine. Unless you need to fit in very tight spaces you should be looking at a 35 to 45 horse machine minimum. You will always find more things you want to do with your tractor then you originally had thought of..
So I guess the next question is How big is your property? ? Will you be land clearing ?? Logging for fire wood. Managing a small herd of animals like horses or cattle. Digging, trenching, landscaping.? Are you in the construction trade or is this all for personal use??

 

[Tahoe24]

For me it will be for 2 acres. Will be clearing about a half. Then personal use after that. Will need a backhoe at some point, but I will prob rent that for a day or two instead. I have always wanted one and with a recent back injury, it limits me to what I can lift and such. I really like the B series.. Especially the 3200. I can't go as big as 40-50hp.. That would be overkill, and my budget won't allow. New, maybe 17k max, used 15k is what I am looking to spend..

 

[the old grind]

IMO, that one time you're tractor seems a bit small for the task you may also be thinking that having gone a bit bigger wouldn't have made the others much more difficult. I like the expression "newer used" and believe that's where power often meets pocketbook in a good way. Agree that the biggest you can afford likely won't come with regret after a season or two.

You may hear, "pick the best dealer and settle for the brand." Thanks, but no thanks, .. if the founder dies, .. JR doesn't take over, .. and/or a subsequent owner is a total jerk. Be sure you're comfy with the features, ergonomics, rep, and support from us as well as your seller. btw: as with cars, you typically get a better deal 'used' from a dealer of another brand. Anyway, don't let price weigh too heavily at the expense of sacrificing what really appeals to you.

I have two tractors again, which is one more than I really need. Still, as with boats and bikes, no matter how much or how many you have in the shed you still like to shop. I do, sorta for fun, but also just to see whose stuff is pleasing owners. LS, Kioti, and Mahindra look sooo good to me, but guess what? Somehow picking can be sparse as far as used, and that says buyers must hang onto them. "Newer used" is also where some distance away may be worth living with if the good deals aren't close. Don't forget that not all dealers will care if you bought their brand elsewhere and used. They'll want your parts/service biz and to be your friend if/when you wish to trade up. :2cents:

 

[300UGUY]

I looked at used for years, finally ended up buying a new Kubota L3400, the difference in price was only about 2K, and I got a new machine and a warranty. Financing it over 5 years was good also.

 

[TSO]

For me it will be for 2 acres. Will be clearing about a half. Then personal use after that. Will need a backhoe at some point, but I will prob rent that for a day or two instead. I have always wanted one and with a recent back injury, it limits me to what I can lift and such. I really like the B series.. Especially the 3200. I can't go as big as 40-50hp.. That would be overkill, and my budget won't allow. New, maybe 17k max, used 15k is what I am looking to spend..

(If you have a dealer)... Take a look at an LS G3033/3038. 33 & 38 HP, New with 5 yr warranty, good loaders, and within your budget. Also take a look at the Massey 17xx GC tractors.

 

[vwnotrunning]

I had looked for a good used tractor, but either didn't get there soon enough or they always wanted as much as new. I ended up getting an LS after looking till I was worn out. Having the 5 year warranty is nice, but haven't used it much.

 

[Equipmentpro99]

With only two acres you would be money ahead to just rent a tractor in my opinion. But if you have the money and dont mind spending it, go with a kubota. John deere has had problems with their hydrostat transmissions on some of those smaller tractors.

 

[farmstart]

(If you have a dealer)... Take a look at an LS G3033/3038. 33 & 38 HP, New with 5 yr warranty, good loaders, and within your budget. Also take a look at the Massey 17xx GC tractors.

Tso is right LS makes a good tractor. Look for spring sales when new sometimes they offer a free loader. My TYM was 19 with a free loader and that was a 43 h.p. 4x4 the 33hp LS should be easily in the 17k range especially if you can get the free loader promotion. If Not look into TYM. Even a Massey in that power range with the right deal.
I see you mentioned a back injury and limited on what you can lift. Maybe look into a grapple. Everything Attachments makes a great grapple at an affordable price a small 50 to 60 inch grapple if you were able to finance it at the same time as the tractor over 5 years it would add 25-35 a month to your payment. Agricredit acceptance will actually finance for up to 7 years. Since tractors hold value better than cars that might be another option as well. Good luck and happy shopping.

 

[Tahoe24]

This is Great advice.. And yes, thought about renting.. But has always been a dream to own one.. So screw it, I'm doing it.. Not getting any younger.. Let me ask opinions on three tractors. JD 2320, not sure year, but has to be newer (2008 up) with 145hrs. 200 cx loader, and I like the two separate hydro pedals. 24hp. 2 range hydro. Or two kubotas. One is 2620 with 60hrs with rear tiller attachment. 3 range hydro. Kinda same with the 3rd, but it's a 2920. Comes with 60 mid mower, canopy, arm rests on seat. Has 3 range hydro with 300hrs. This is a 2008, the other with 60hrs is a 2009.. Being a newbie and really no experience with tractors what does everyone think? Thanks again..