Which would you buy? (Help me spend my money)

[RSR]

The time to purchase a tractor is rapidly approaching. I've gotten quotes from all of the major brands that are close-enough they will support warranty work with free transportation to/from the dealer (Kubota, Mahindra, Kioti, LS, TYM). I've left out New Holland (the local dealer is mainly a used dealer, and why buy New Holland when you can buy LS), John Deere (by far the most expensive MSRP. If I pay that much, I'll buy a Kubota instead), and Massey, Yanmar, and Branson (no dealer support).

As outlined in a prior post, my primary uses are snowblowing (90+inches per year) a ~1,000 ft gravel drive, and road maintenance. Secondary uses are clearing a small plot of land to gain pond access (30 ft x 60 ft). building trails in the woods, pulling out and harvesting trees, and harvesting rocks for landscaping/retaining walls.

I've narrowed it down to 4 tractors (3 dealers), with the associated pros/cons. All prices are cash.

Kubota L3560 Cab Special Edition (LA805 loader) - $36,500 (11% off MSRP)
2 Rear remotes
3rd Function
Block Heater
Rear Wiper
Loaded rear tires

Pros:
VERY established, highly-regarded dealer.
HST+
It's a Kubota.
While I hate the treadle pedal on my friends B2650, I like this one. It was very comfortable to sit on the side of the seat and use my lift foot while going in reverse (in anticipation of snowblowing).

Cons:
Price!
The horribly anemic loader.
Lowest HP of the 3.

LS 3140HC ($30,420)
2 Rear remotes (std)
3rd function
Block heater
Loaded rear tires
Rear wiper (std)

LS4140HC ($31480)
2 Rear remotes (std)
3rd function
Block heater
Loaded rear tires
Rear wiper (std)

Pros:
I really like the LS. It just feels comfortable, and the quality is nice.
Best weight and loader lift capacity by far.
Many niceties (extendable 3PT hitch, links, etc.).

Cons:
No auto throttle
The dealer. He's a great guy, and is trying hard, but I have questions about longevity. In business for 2 years, he has sold 16 tractors. Currently only has 3 on the lot, and talks about, "yeah, I need to get another order in". I suspect there may be cash-flow problems.
Hard to gauge competency/training of mechanics. That's not to say they're bad. He started slowly as a chain saw shop, and has excellent reviews going back years, which tells me he treats his customers well. I'm assuming that will transfer over for tractor sales as well. I just don't know if in a year he might say, "nope, carrying tractors didn't work out" and decide to drop them. Nearest dealer would then be 3 hours away.

TYM T474 Cab ($26,800)
1 Rear remote
3rd function
Block heater
Loaded tires
Rear wiper

Pros:
Holy cheap, Batman!
I like the size, being somewhere between the XR3140 and XR4140.
Dealer is a one-man show that has been selling for 10 years. By far the most competent of any of the people I spoke to when shopping tractors. Seems to really know his stuff. In comparison to the LS dealer, the one-man operation sold 23 tractors last year. (He has a hand written board on his shop wall of every tractor he's ever sold since being in business). He has gotten good reviews/recommendation here on TBN.
Highest HP.
Auto-throttle is nice.

Cons:
Not that I plan to, but resale value could be a problem.
The interior was quite "cheap".
Only 1 remote, no option to add a second.
No extendable rear links.
No adjustable stop on the 3PT hitch control (really!?!?). I've confirmed I could fabricate something up, but it's an annoyance that it doesn't come with it. I guess the money has to be saved somewhere.
The ergonomics of the 3PT and remote control are horrible (down by my right hip).


As I go over these options I can convince myself why I should buy any one, or not buy it.

So, which one would you buy, and why?

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I just went through this process and bought an mx5200. There's nothing anemic about the loader and it's a badass machine. The hst doesn't need a "plus" as far as I was concerned. I paid extra for front and rear hydraulics. I didn't get a cab tractor because I'm not a full timer, only a part timer.

 

[Trillium Farm]

Lemme go get the Popcorn! :laughing:

 

[oosik]

Who has the beer.........

 

[cathy liebchen]

I just went through this process and bought an mx5200. There's nothing anemic about the loader and it's a badass machine. The hst doesn't need a "plus" as far as I was concerned. I paid extra for front and rear hydraulics. I didn't get a cab tractor because I'm not a full timer, only a part timer.

Op says "primary uses are snowblowing (90+inches per year) " means a cab unit is a must

 

[wwdiii]

Where is the closest dealer and did they quote you a good deal, thats where I would buy from. Also, if I was buying a cab tractor, I would look at Mahindra for sure.

 

[chim]

IMHO, you need to get on and operate them at least a little. We were shopping last year and there was a big difference in the feel of the tractors I tried out.

 

[RSR]

Where is the closest dealer and did they quote you a good deal, thats where I would buy from. Also, if I was buying a cab tractor, I would look at Mahindra for sure.

Closest dealer is the Kubota. They are a great dealer, and quoted what I feel is a fair price (11% off MSRP). The problem is they are still $10k (!!!!) over the TYM. Thats a lot of coin.

I did look at Mahindra. If going with the 2600, I'd just get the TYM (who makes the 2600 series). I also looked at the Mitsubishi made 1600 series, and was unimpressed. It was my least favorite of all tractors I looked at, so it was ruled out.

 

[RSR]

IMHO, you need to get on and operate them at least a little. We were shopping last year and there was a big difference in the feel of the tractors I tried out.

I have sat on and driven all of the tractors. That's what narrowed it down to these three. The best "feel", was the LS. None of the ergonomics was so good or bad that it would rule any of the three out, though.

Although, interestingly, that was one thing I really didn't like about the Kioti CK4010. It felt like I had to hunch over to reach down to the steering wheel.

 

[searcyfarms]

just back from second round of popcorn and soda from fridge..........out of those id get the big LS -