Tractors, compact....... Discuss

I am in the market for a compact tractor, NOT a subcompact. I am trying to educate myself on all the brands and their +'s and -'s. In my area i can find Kubota(leaning towards a Kubota), John Deere, New Holland, Kioti, and Massey Ferguson.

I'd like to hear the Beauties and the Gripes of what everyone has experienced. Really working from clueless here.

 

No gripes with Kubota. I've had an L3600 and now an L48. They seem to be a little more "bare bones" with a touch less ergonomics than the other popular brands, but they seem to hold up better with bigger parts than other brands also. Zero complaints here

 

Got an 1984 Kubota, No complaints here either!

 

Keep leaning toward Kubota. They are excellent. As huskihl says, the "L" series is designed as a no-frills work horse, lower-price machine. They make plenty of very ergonomically sound models with all the bells and whistles you could ask for. JD and Kubota both hold their value much better than the rest. JD has proprietary implement attachments; whereas, all the othet bands use the same standard mounts. Kind of annoying.

 

John Deere here, love the tractor. Of the ones you listed the only one I would stay away from is the Kioti. I know a few former owners of Kioti that have went away from them. They both had transmission issues. Of the brands you mentioned what is the best dealer? If all dealers are the same look into the warranty. Kubota has that full tractor replacement, check into that. Of my top 2 would be JD and Kubota, they seem to keep their value, better than the others. No matter which you get, your going to like it.

 

That is not true,this is how misinformation gets spread.
SSQA /skidsteer mount is available as an option.

 

was wondering about this.... thanks

 

Thanks for correcting this. I clearly was not aware. It's been a few years since I was actually in the market and kicking tires.

 

Personally I bought a deere as they have several local dealerships vs 1 kubota. If the tables were turned I'd probably bought a kubota. Get whatever is best supported by you. The other brands I'd consider if I ran into a used one for a "to cheap to pass up" price. Personally I'm happy with the deere quick attach.

 

I haven’t run a compact JD, but have dealt with the frustration of hunting for the hydraulic line adapter on the full-size tractors many times.

 

Sure, we are happy to help you spend your money! LOL

I went with the Kubota L3901 HST 4x4 last year when I pulled the trigger.

If you are thinking new then all of this applies. If not, then some will still apply.

First off, you are buying the dealer and service / parts as much as you are the tractor. In this it is similar to a chainsaw and dealership. So, don't just talk to the salesman. Talk to the service manager (by yourself if possible). They will be the ones you talk to when something is needed or you have most questions once you have the machine. I actually am using a Kubota dealer a little over an hour away from me vs. the one 30 mins away. The service manager responsiveness made that sale for those guys. And he has followed through with responding to a text I sent him on a Saturday morning of a picture with a question. He responded within 15 mins and with the right answer.

If you want the bells and whistles, you can get them in the Grand L series. I stayed within the standard L series (more of a bare b0nes tractor) since my machine is primarily for woods work, with some food plot work, and some landscaping work around the house & pond. The add on's that I went with were the cruise control for what little bush hogging I do actually do, and the telescoping stabilizers (upgrade over the turnbuckles).

If you are going to get a 4x4 tractor, definitely get a Front End Loader. And, if getting a loader, you want the SSQA (skid steer quick attach) hookup. Not the pin on bucket. Not the JD or Euro mount (if you end up with a Deere large enough that it is offered). Deere will also offer the SSQA as an option, and it is the most versatile set up out there. Not to mention quick & easy.

Shop for the transmission type based on the tractor's primary intended use. Most of my work is for wood and FEL work, so I went with the hydrostat. If the primary job I had intended was for hay or field work, I would have gone for a Gear Drive. Neither are bad, just think purpose build. The hydro saves a ton of time with the loader. But if you are going to spend a lot of time with ground engaging or mowing applications going the same speed then gear drive is the way to go.

Fluid fill the tires from the get go. This is much simpler to have done before delivery than after the fact. If you do much FEL work you will need the ballast. Not that you can eliminate having a box blade or something on the 3-point and still lift at full capacity w/ the FEL, but the weight of these CUT (compact utility tractors) is quickly outstripped by the lift capacity of the FEL.

Think about your tire choice. Some guys need a turf, some need a Ag (R1), others opt for the Industrial (R4), and there are even some specialty options beyond those.

 

bobdog2o02. Pick up a Lancaster farming newspaper. It's a good place to armchair shop once you decide what brand. Not sure if you are looking new or used. Whatever you get, a loader is a must. Good luck.

 

This pretty much covers it. Tractor buying 101.

 

Thoughts on Yanmar?

 

Well my Deere is just a yanmar in a Deere suit. Bought it new in 08 and just now put a battery in it. Otherwise nothing but fluids and filters. They have been making tractors a long time but what concerned me was the small dealer network.

 

Kubota would be my first look.

 

I think Well Seasoned has kubota 2650.. My mx5000 is not really a compact..

 

Hey all the top brands are good service is most important Kubota is real good I have a couple of customers with Mahindra 40 hp 4x4 with loaders and they beat them pretty hard and have zero problems I have had Bobcat CT450 {its a kioti with a bobcat designed loader and I had zero problems I used it for hay and mowing I also have several customers with Massey and they have had no real issues with them I got away from using tractors a while ago and use skidloader for everything now hope this helps JB

 

I plan on it being used in the yard for firewood alot, rather not have a skid steered unit

 

skid steer- very little clearance underneath, can't see whats behind you. twin arm units if up in the air no escape.
Option - best of both worlds the mid or small articulated loaders
Tractor with fel-- got to watch what you try to lift ,ballast not withstanding - front axle weight limit, compared to the first 2 takes a country mile to turn around not the best at digging- primary function is for pulling.
Each has their place- based on your use articulated unit might be a better choice random thoughts from one who has used all 3.