Tractor questions for a noob

Got a friend looking for a compact tractor. Looking to avoid tier 4 if possible. 30ish hp wanted. 4x4 and fel required.

Can purchase with cash, but would like the 0% financing offered by some.

Are all new units now tier 4? Is he forced to go used to avoid the dreaded 4? What's the tier 4 cutoff....hp limit? Age? I

Is tier 4 as bad as the www makes you think?

I just posting to get him some knowledge, as I don't know squat about these machines.

Thx

 

Anything new will be tier 4. There is an exemption for 26hp and below. Before 2014 should be able to find T3 stuff.

I have only heard a little grumbling about T4 as far as decreased fuel efficiency and having to deal with the additional T4 regen systems and fluid. It seemed that initially, there were some problems with the regen systems. Like all technologies, they will sort it out...just unsure if that has happened yet or not.

My experience with two brands...JD - fairly reliable, nice features, expensive parts, lots of dealers. Kubota - nearly stone reliable, less features than most Deeres (unless you go Grand series), expensive parts, not as many dealerships as JD. I don't think there is a wrong choice between these two. They are the only ones I have real life experience with, I cannot comment whether there is a better option out there. I can say that my L3130 has just been fantastic for nearly 15 years. I may actually have to put some repair money into it soon though for the first time, and it could be quite expensive...but I have no reason to complain about it after all the trouble-free years.

 

26 horsepower and below you avoid Tier IV. Both Kubota (2501) and JD (something 25!) have models that have engines de-rated to stay under that threshold. On the Kubota, the loader is the same as on the bigger machines. They should be a great choice for your friend. I am shopping know, but need more horsepower for some tasks, or I would pick up the Kubota.

 

Watch out for the newer New Holland’s. When I got mine 5 years ago it was built by Shabiro and then they switched to another company. The Shapiro’s were very well built but they had problems with the new builder. I would think they got them worked out but who knows. My brother was a New Holland master mechanic so I took his advice on what to get.

 

Make sure he gets a live PTO.

 

Guess he is looking at a JD 3038. Any opinions on that machine?

 

I have limited JD knowledge but their front bucket quick attachment is brand specific, That is only JD equipment fits it and you cannot use other brands. Other tractors have a universal quick attach system and they can use any of the universal attachments.

 

Our local NH dealer is pushing Massey Ferguson now

 

Is there any that aren't anymore? (newer ones)

 

lots of misinformation

 

Let’s us what know it is, please. Just saying that isn’t much help.

 

BX 2680 26hp non tier 4 , 4wd hydrostatic tranny. It is the largest sub=compact in their line. Next step up is 1st level in compact, B2601. Same motor so non tier 4. Lots heavier hydraulics. Lots of engineering in their lines. I am completely satisfied with the product and the service.

 

Don't know, but Dad's 1947 Cockshutt 30 had a live PTO.

 

That would be about the timeframe I would guess that live PTO started showing up here n there...dads Ford 600 does not have it, the 801 does.

 

I am very annoyed. I went to check the Nebraska tests on this live PTO business and the old tests are no longer online, amoung other unfortunate changes.
Test Reports | Tractor Test Lab | Nebraska

 

That's a decent tractor, but in the end, it's a very stripped down price point model. As such, I don't see it as any better than the budget brand Korean/Indian tractors like TYM, etc. If it were me, I'd avoid this tractor and either spend a little more for a Kubota or less for a budget brand. JD is a bad compromise of cost and quality.

 

Ssswwweeeeetttttttttt.............................................

 

My father in law has a 5 or so year old Kiote (spelling?) that is not live pto, hit the clutch and everything stops!