time for another tractor. Need recomendations

Glenn D

Member
Hi folks

I have a couple N's that work great for what I use them for and an international B275 that works well, so far... but it likes warm sunny weather. I can get it started down to about -19c but if it gets colder than that it's in trouble. I need this stuff to work when I need it, so what I'm looking for is something like my neighbor has which is a Kubota M6030. Except I don't like it much. it just seems light and weak, he also has a MF3070 that seems a little stronger. Build wise I mean. I know Kubotas are highly regarded it just looks like a lof of Honda parts on a tractor is all. expensive and spindly and since i'm not likely to be able to afford anything but old gear then that doesn't seem like a good idea.

anyhow, I had to call on him (my neighbor) to snow blow out the driveway when plan A,B and C all wouldn't start or broke and didn't really have time to Heat up the B275 so it thought it was in Miami. He brought the MF and it sailed through the snow with the same blower I have a lot easier than I could have. The loader on his Kubota also (obviously) works a lot better than my trip bucket kind. And hs only needed to be boosted to start in -30

So my wants are 4-wheel drive. Loader with full Hydraulic and either extra remotes or ones that can be added easily, and I think a heavy frame kind of tractor with power steering, Live PTO and 3PT. That B275 i have is very heavy and the tires are loaded and with 1000lbs of disc or blower on back I practically can't get it stuck on it's own but it can't do a lot of work if it's sinking or slipping and I see now the front drive and power steering make it more of a pleasure to use. actually it makes it useable in circumstances I can't use mine in.

I'm not a half bad mechanic so I can keep old stuff running but I have to be able to get parts, so whatever the recommendations are then quality parts should be available easily. I have other neighbors with zetors, belarus yanmars and they are often broke for weeks waiting for a part and those machines are not always logically laid out and hard to work on. SO I started looking at whats out there and the tractors are all pretty convoluted now for who and where they are made by. when I look around the only ones that seem familiar are the fords and Mahindra tractors because thats what I've been working on. So how about it what do you all think I should be looking at ?
 
I looked hard at a MF2625,made in India, but went for much- used Kubota L5450 with a loader. It's pretty much like your neighbor's except for the engine. It is only about 30 years newer than my MM Jetstar3, but I find myself using it all of the time. The power steering, 4 wheel drive and fluid cooled hydro-clutch make it very handy. it however is a little short on lifting capacity. With current weights, it tends to lift a rear wheel. My loader is a Westendorf, and when I needed a new bracket, they sent it quickly and at a reasonable price. (Ordered thru local Case-IH dealer.) I think the bucket tilt cylinders should be bigger, but they already operate quite slowly. The hydraulic pump runs off the front of the crankshaft, and could be replaced with a bigger one, I suppose.

I like the foot "throttle", and the 8 speeds with shuttle reverser. Usually in 3rd Low.

If temperature is below about 15 deg F, I plug it in.
My constant complaint is with how hard it is to park on a hill. You need to be pretty limber to reach the brake latch. There is no compression braking, or anti-rollback like the old Minnie has. If you just shut it off, the clutch pressure will leak off, and it will roll away.
Biggest maintenance pain will be to change the battery, which is trapped between the radiator and the front cowl, which is trapped behind my loader frame. Relocation is in the works.
A front spindle has begun to leak, and the wheel holes on front wheel seem to be getting hollowed out. Wheels are same as skid loaders, so plentiful.

If I lived in Europe, I'd have a look at a SAME.
In the US, they have very few dealers, etc. Some were imported under AGCO brand, but usually the larger models.
 
I have a kubota , not cold here but hard to beat
price and useability B 7800, M 6040, MX 135 the B
7800 is the easiest and fastest but only 30 hp but
will push the world around in a circle.
 
If you look around there are tractor like the 3930 on ebay with 1300 hrs that were built tuff whit a lot of life left.
 
Been there,done that! Buy the best you can
afford and stay away from "Compacts". I bought
a 47 hp 4X4 Compact with a loader. Great,
everything works, NEW! Loved it until things
started to break. Just not built heavy enough.
I have an 3 cyl 4000 for the heavy lifting. 35
HP Ag tractor will do more work than a 50 HP
Compact.

Get an Ag. tractor.... not a toy tractor. NH,
JD, MF or even Mahindra Utility tractor, if the
tractor is made in India it is probably made by
Mahindria, REGARDLESS OF THE COLOR....make sure
the front hubs stick out past the rims.

Get a loader when you buy the tractor, cheapest way!

If you are going to use it like a glorified
lawn tractor....disregard all of the above.

Bill
 
(quoted from post at 12:17:03 02/19/15) Been there,done that! Buy the best you can
afford and stay away from "Compacts". I bought
a 47 hp 4X4 Compact with a loader. Great,
everything works, NEW! Loved it until things
started to break. Just not built heavy enough.
I have an 3 cyl 4000 for the heavy lifting. 35
HP Ag tractor will do more work than a 50 HP
Compact.

Get an Ag. tractor.... not a toy tractor. NH,
JD, MF or even Mahindra Utility tractor, if the
tractor is made in India it is probably made by
Mahindria, REGARDLESS OF THE COLOR....make sure
the front hubs stick out past the rims.

Get a loader when you buy the tractor, cheapest way!

If you are going to use it like a glorified
lawn tractor....disregard all of the above.

Bill

Good advice. What is the detail about the comment on the hubs? Does that identify a heavier axle or a different kind of axle?
 
I've gotta chime in here. Everyone is raving about the Kubotas, but I'll be honest: I'm not the least bit impressed. They're way too light all around. My uncle has an 80 HP open station 2WD Kubota (it's about 15 years old), and it is put to shame by my Dad's 65 HP John Deere 2550. It's all the Kubota can do to handle a 3-bottom plow (with double wheel weights and fluid in the tires). The John Deere hunkers down and pulls the plow over the hills we have around here with no problem.

I will give it this: it's been pretty reliable over the years, but the weight issue can get you in trouble fast on the side of a hill. Just be ready to buy about 15 - 20 HP more than you need with a Kubota.
 
There are a lot of kubotas around here but I don't see them doing anything too hard. My neighbor mostly uses his MF but it won't fit with the cab into the barns and stuff so thats why he has the kubota. The Kubota wasn't charging and I found a bad connector at the alternator that looks like a pain to get to and the battery is indeed in a horrible place. but the people that have them like them, but you're in the same mind I am about them being light. I didn't understand the distinction between compact and utility tractors but i'm starting to see now. We don;t have any hills to deal with. small rises and some drainage ... but I do want it to be where I left it when I park it!
 
I am only talking about 4X4. The hubs that are
flush with the rim are just welded or a
machined part of the axle. The ones that
protrude through the wheel 6 inches are totally
different. I have replaced 3 front axles on
the compact.

The difference in price between an Ag model and
a Compact is +or- $5K, I've spent more than
that fixing things that shouldn't break. And
lived with a light weight tractor.

Bill
 
I've a stable of vintage Fords that I once relied on but are now hobbies. That said, all are kept in very good condition and all will start in cold weather. Some are used occassionally, One is used regularly as my quad.

I've bought new Massey Fergusons (never again), New Hollands and Kubotas. All new tractors that I buy in the future will be Kubotas.

Kubota did to the tractor market what Toyota did to the automotive market fourty years ago, i.e., (nearly) eliminated initial defects. The reasons for doing so are the subject of another discussion and I will not broach the topic here.

If you want no problems, get a Kubota. If you want few problems, get a New Holland, If you are not concerned about problems and do not care how the manufacturer treats you, get a Massey Ferguson.

Caveat: The above is a highly distilled generalization. There are, of course, exceptions to all generalities, and ones specific circumstances must be taken into account.

No experience with Mahindra or late model JDs.

Dean
 
If you are going to buy new, you might look at LS Tractors, They are New Holland without buying the Dark Blue Paint...

I didn't realize until recently that LS builds the New Holland line in South Korea.
 
(quoted from post at 17:01:06 02/19/15) I've a stable of vintage Fords that I once relied on but are now hobbies. That said, all are kept in very good condition and all will start in cold weather. Some are used occassionally, One is used regularly as my quad.

I've bought new Massey Fergusons (never again), New Hollands and Kubotas. All new tractors that I buy in the future will be Kubotas.

Kubota did to the tractor market what Toyota did to the automotive market fourty years ago, i.e., (nearly) eliminated initial defects. The reasons for doing so are the subject of another discussion and I will not broach the topic here.

If you want no problems, get a Kubota. If you want few problems, get a New Holland, If you are not concerned about problems and do not care how the manufacturer treats you, get a Massey Ferguson.

Caveat: The above is a highly distilled generalization. There are, of course, exceptions to all generalities, and ones specific circumstances must be taken into account.

No experience with Mahindra or late model JDs.

Dean

This farm will always be small, I think I can get by using the old Fords for most of the work that the farm will need (small plots and stuff) They have preformed really well so far and I don;t mind the time it takes to use them. But there are a couple of things I need to do where I have to be moving a lot of dirt and stuff that I need the loader for and a heavier tractor. Bales of hay come in around 1000#s here and I'll need to lift them with a loader to get them out of (and through) the snow. Snow is another problem and the bad weather that comes with it, Actually That is the major problem I think.

The B275 might have been ok for this but it's too old to be relied upon totally especially in winter for critical tasks. I wish it was only 20 years old but it's 60 and thats a fact. it will take sleeves and pistons this spring and all the parts i'll need to get in out and back together without compromising, then it'll still be a low compression diesel that will be a problem to start in the winter when it's really needed. Most of what I'm worried about are emergencies that come up caused by weather or something for the animals. Some things you have to do on a farm you can't wait to do, especially with animals and when that B275 is down I loose sleep.

My only issue with the Kubota is that I won't be able to afford a new one and I have a feeling a 10 year old one will be a lot like my 60 year old IH. You are right about initial problems and how the superior design has probably eliminated them. But that design work was to eliminate initial problems not for longevity and thats where my worry is. whatever I get has to be strong enough to get me through until this farm starts making it's own money and whatever problems can't take forever to repair or figure out.

There are dealers near me for all the major and minor brands of tractors and I have a feeling the quality of service has more to do with them rather than the manufacturer. I think all the manufacturers send these out to the dealers and don't feel responsible for them after that.
 
I have a small Kubota bought new in 1994.

It has proven to be the most satisfying major purchase I have made in my lifetime.

In the 20+ years that I have owned it it has needed absolutely nothing aside from fuel, regular lube, oil and filters.

Nothing.

Not so much as a fuse, lamp or fan belt.

Nothing.

MF and some others will be heavier than Kubotas of similar HP but it is easy to add weight, and most manufacturers are now following the lead of Kubota and new models are lighter than older models of similar HP.

Limited experience with JD due to lack of trusted dealer nearby.

Dean
 
(quoted from post at 13:01:06 02/19/15)
If you are not concerned about problems and do not care how the manufacturer treats you, get a Massey Ferguson.



Dean

Gotta agree with that observation!

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 19:30:32 02/19/15) I have a small Kubota bought new in 1994.

It has proven to be the most satisfying major purchase I have made in my lifetime.

In the 20+ years that I have owned it it has needed absolutely nothing aside from fuel, regular lube, oil and filters.

Nothing.

Not so much as a fuse, lamp or fan belt.

Nothing.

MF and some others will be heavier than Kubotas of similar HP but it is easy to add weight, and most manufacturers are now following the lead of Kubota and new models are lighter than older models of similar HP.

Limited experience with JD due to lack of trusted dealer nearby.

Dean

That is encouraging. What is winter like where you are? Is the machine kept indoors a d how many hours are on it? Trying to gain some perspective.
 

I brought a new bota 0 % interest and I can write it off...
I keep my old ford and farmalls to do garden work the bota does the rest... I have had 3 older Ford loader tractors WITH POWER STEERING and none were good at loader work...

I brought new because used ones were as high as new ones.... They are holding there on as far as resale... I work on a fleet of mid 90's bota loader tractors that are used daily as loader tractors other than one that had a factory defective trans front wheel bearings is all that has been replaced on them... Its a cake walk to replace the front wheel bearings....

One thing a man should have in his lifetime is a good 4X4 loader tractor with all the whistles and bells... I brought a L4600 with HST trans if I had known I were going to enjoy it as much as I have I would have got a bigger bota...
 

Ok well I see there are a couple of "grades" of Kubotas. The 4x4 ones come with lawn tractor like frames (stamped pan) my neighbors looks like it's largely formed and welded parts that mimic the cast parts on old tractors, is there another level with cast parts? guess I better do some shopping in person so I can eyeball these things. I could write off a lease too I suppose. I mentioned mahindra because the one I saw seemed heavily built and easo to work on and the dealer is well regarded. Like the Kubota the neighbor had it has large ag tires on the front and back and high clearance in the middle.
 
I'm near Cincinnati, OH.

It's about -2 F as I type. The Kubota would start now if I needed it to but I would need to operate the glow plugs for 45 - 60 seconds. I used it yesterday and the day before to plow snow when the temperature was single digits.

It has always been kept inside and given good maintenance.

Currently about 450 hours.

Both Masseys (2007 and 2013) had multiple problems within the 2 year/2000 hr warranty. The 2007 had an additional recurring expensive problem at 240 hours (out of warranty on elapsed time) that MF refused to address. I've paid TWICE to fix this problem as it occurred at times when I did not have time to fix it myself.

No more AGCO for me and both Masseys are on the list to be replaced with Kubotas.

Dean
 

Ok here a new M series... I think it's a 5040 (6040 or bigger is not available) is close to 60k Probably make a deal with a dealer at the right time of year on one they have in stock. New Holland and Mahindra are about the same for similarly equipped tractors which I guess thats what you would expect Is that about right they all have similar financing.
 
No.

MUCH too high. List price?

An M7060 (70 PTO HP replacement for 7040) open station with FEL should come in under 40K.

Note: The 40 series has been replaced with the Tier IV 60 series and is no longer available.

Dean
 
(quoted from post at 07:13:38 02/20/15)
Ok here a new M series... I think it's a 5040 (6040 or bigger is not available) is close to 60k Probably make a deal with a dealer at the right time of year on one they have in stock. New Holland and Mahindra are about the same for similarly equipped tractors which I guess thats what you would expect Is that about right they all have similar financing.

After I got the best price from my local dealer I talked to his bota rep,,, He knocked off another $800... He started out at $500 and I worked him for the extra $300.... They will have a big sales event in April...

That got the price down to what I could have brought it for at another dealer 40 miles away from me... My local dealer has always been good me...

Google tractorbynet kubota...
 
I have to chime in. I am a Ford guy too. my first tractor was a small 'Bota in '86, for 12,000. I progressively did more and bigger with it, but had no problems except for breaking the hydraulic filter bracket while clearing land. in '01 I traded for a new one that was fifty% bigger. They allowed me $10,000 on my trade!!!!! how can you beat that? no matter what you get you need to get big enough, but Kabota is not cheap, they are super tough. I would be embarrassed to tell here some of the things that I have done in a pinch with my 'Botas, that should have damaged them but didn't. They virtually never need repair.
 
GlennD.
"since i'm not likely to be able to afford
anything but old gear then that doesn't seem like
a good idea."

You have a lot of wants, some which some aren't
found on old cheap gear.

I too want things to start in sub zero temps.
That's why I only have gassers. Many 4x4 tractors
today are diesel. And you read a lot about diesel
jelling because owners are not using #1. Many
with diesels keep them plugged in.

All my cars, trucks, and tractors have no
problems starting in winter. Good batteries, good
engines, good gas, thinner oil in winter.

Before I got a Jubilee and a snow plow I would
hire my neighbor, $10, to plow my drive with his
4x4 ATV. Paying someone to plow drive is many
times cheaper than buying the tractor you want.

Last year I had record number of snows. This
winter haven't gotten tractor out of the garage.
May have to use if the white stuff keeps coming
down.

Might think of fixing what you have so it will
start in winter. Nothing else, put a tractor
inside a warm garage for now. Or what about
adding block heaters to your tractors? My Jubilee
and Farmall C have never failed to start in sub
zero temps. Both my tractors have recently
rebuilt engines too. I keep mine in an unheated
building out of the elements.

Lets us know what tractor you find.
 
Hey Glenn-
I respect everyone who commented on your inquiry. I have two N's -an early 9N in restoration mode, and an early 8N that was restored in 2003 by me but became a working machine. I keep many original parts ready to swap out when I get her all gussied up to take out to the tractor show circuit in the spring and fall. I've driven JD's, His, and bigger Fords. I have a local used tractor dealer that also is the big new KUBOTA dealer around. I know the brothers who own it and so once when I was there buying some TISCO Ford parts, I went in back to talk with a few of the guys and asked why their bays were full up with new Kubotas for repairs. They were also stacked up in queue outside waiting to be serviced. Their answer was simply that guys don't know what they're doing and misuse them causing something to break. I never have driven a KUB so I can't say one way or the other. Neighbor had a JD with a FEL that ran fine in cold weather, but he also used his Ford 8N with back blade for the lighter snowfalls. One old neighbor had a 2000 that was once used in the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Still another had a Ford 1300 and all seemed fine in cold weather. My ambition is to get a '56 860 and convert to 12-volt for my working machine so I can put my 8N to bed and restore again to show queen quality. To me the N-Series models are too light for heavy duty snow plowing although they will eventually do the job. When the snow gets up to 9, 10, 12 inches or more, I have to make multiple passes with my 8N and Dearborn blade. Tires are loaded with Rim Guard and front 16" have the two-piece wheel weights. I think every manufacturer has bad products (lemons)escape the quality systems in place. The old adage, "...don't buy a car that was built on a Friday or Monday..." use to have some truth to it. The meaning was that workers on Friday got paid and would go out the bars at lunch and come back lit up thus making errors on the line. Then returning on Mondays, they would be all hung over from the weekend and performing just as badly. Todays workers are not like that -they can't afford to be caught high or drunk what with random drug testing and all. Not saying some don't find a way , after all we are all human. The choice will be yours in the end so good luck with whatever you go with -keep us posted.

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I mowed a neighbors place a couple of years to help him out. Then he got a new MFW diesel compact. I still mow to help the guy out but I use his tractor. WOW! I'd love one if I felt that I could justify the expense. Much nicer to run compared to my N's. Don't get me wrong, I like my N's but not that much. If I didn't have a big, 110 PTO HP tractor with a blower I'd get one cost being acceptable at least to me. But I won a Tractor Loader Backhoe, the big tractor, a Farmall M and 2 8N's. So I don't really need one. But when I quit farming I'll get one. Be nice to have something new and modern with all the bells and whistles!

Rick
 
There are usually many Kubotas in the shop at my local NH/Kubota dealer also. Nearly all of them are return customers for routine service.

Indeed, most of the owners do not know how to operate tham and VERY few know how to work on them. They just take them back to the dealer for oil and filter changes.

Dean
 
I have a JD 2550 2WD with loader that does just about everything on my farm. Cuts and rolls hay in the summer (Vermeer 605H), and moves the 1200lb bales in the winter. Has been amazing on how well it starts in the winter. 20 degrees is no problem. I usually plug it in if we are going to get to around zero. I can count on 1 hand the number of times I have _needed_ 4WD in the 5-6 years I have owned it. Will never sell it. If it had 4WD would be about perfect. Paid $10k for it... If I need another tractor, will look for a 2350/2550 or 2355/2555...

I also have a 2000 Ford 3 cyl that I use for the light stuff. It is also a pretty good tractor. Always starts, and the power steering and strong 3point get the lighter jobs done fine. We use it for raking and tedding in the summer and light back blade plowing in the winter. More maneuverable than the bigger deere (and 5000 lbs lighter)

John
 
Thanks for all your input. I'll have to see what is around. I don;t think I want to finance a machine. it seems to me they all hold their value well enough. Some other things have come up at the moment so i'll have to spend this energy elsewhere for now. the B275 is picky but does a nice job if i'm nice to it for now.

There aren't many JD's around here except for the really big machines. Lots of the other brands including Fords. Case for the older machines.
 
I'll second the vote for the JD 2550. Dad has a 4WD open station with a loader. Best tractor I've ever been on. It's 65 HP on paper, but it performs like an 80+ HP tractor.
 

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