I’m in the market for a new tractor…. Possibly. These are the ones I’ve narrowed down to. Dealer support is good and close for both. I’m looking at the shuttle transmission and Ag tires. Either tractor will do what I need and I’d be happy with either. I’m just curious does anyone have either and if they’ve been happy?
I don’t have either model, but I’ll vouch for Kubota. We’ve had a Kubota tractor at work for about 20yrs. It’s been run by some serious cabbages and received minimal maintenance. The bottom pan on the bucket is about 50% separated from wear. I can’t tell you what model it is, or how many hours are on it, but it has spent it’s whole life out in the weather and still runs like a top. And I’m talking about folks that figure out a way to break everything. It’s a miracle no one has at least put gas in it.
I’m enjoying my Kubota but there’s an argument for the MF. 1) you’re comparing Massey premium version to Kubota basic version. You get more comfort features with the MF 2) the loader capacity on the MF is greater especially vs the 3901 3) I looked at the 3901 and it was a bit small for my needs and the dealer told me that it couldn’t be equipped with 3rd valve function on the FEL, so no grapple 4) MF has forward and reverse pedals which some might prefer to Kubota’s threadle 3901 probably cheapest of the three. If I was going Kubota in your models I’d got 4701. However for a bit more money the MX series are very capable…more power, heavier, bigger loader
Odd your dealer told you you can't have 3rd function on a 3901. I have a 3800 I purchased new in 2011 and it was an option then. They are the same tractors. The 3901 is just the newer emissions version.
My vote is a Kubota. Which size is up to the OP after buying 4 different sized and 3 different brands I've found what works best for me, the L3800. Rarely do I wish for a larger unit and often would like a small unit to accompany it. That may happen in the future. Keep in mind, this is for my situation. If you are lifting pallets of wood pellets, the 3901 won't lift it. Same with totes full of wood. It lifting capacity is in the 1200-1300 pound range if I recall. Three point forks would be the only option fir the above scenario with that tractor.
3901 can have a 3rd function, just like any other tractor. I ordered my 2501 w/ 3rd function, and it's the same exact loader as the 3901, and basically the same tractor as well.
Its 2501, 3301 and 3901 that are the same sans horse power I believe. No emissions on the 2501 correct? Under 26 hp isn't supposed to have exhaust filter deal.
I looked at Masseys along with several others and was advised by the dealer to stay away from Massey. But that was a few years ago. He didn't even have a new one on his lot. I ended with a Kubota. Not sorry.
I've not looked at the Massey tractors very close buty neighbor has had one fir several years that he has had no problems with. He uses his a lot. My wifes uncle just bought a new one. Little like Kubota BX size. To new to have anything wrong so far.
Yeah I looked specifically at the 1840M. Nice tractor. But the dealer was a bit far and the (closer) Kubota dealer had a MX5400 coming into inventory so I jumped on that.
Yep that's correct, same machine but no dpf on the 2501 If power isn't an issue, the 2501 makes the most sense on those three, they weigh really close and all share the same loader. Only time I want more power is when I'm running the chipper with the pto, for loader work it's a non issue. We use ours almost full time, not just a few hours a month, it never misses a beat!
I rarely have to use mine at max power. Even running a 60" tiller I usually don't need over 2000 rpm. I'm sure the 25 hp unit would suffice for me if buying today. Id want to avoid the dpf bs for sure.
Good info guys! Im not looking for fancy and I know the 1840M is more the “premium”. I’ve seen the 1840E and researched some and it looks like it’s a bit smaller and different engine so I leaned toward the M. I really like Massey’s older 2705E, but they are few and far between. As for the Kubota is the L synchro forward/revers beside the seat? I know that’s how the MX is and I think I’d need to get used to it.
Looks like I may have just answered my own question…. Doing some looking and it looks like the L is direct gear.
