Quote:
Originally Posted by IROC
So, since PPOT is huge source of wisdom on many subjects...
I am looking to buy a compact utility tractor. I have narrowed down my search to either a John Deere 1025R or a Kubota BX2680 (or maybe a 2380...). I've read the reviews, watched the videos, talked to the salesman, etc., and just wanted to get some good ol' PPOT feedback. On paper these two are very similar. My goals are ~25 hp, 4WD, loader, belly mower as a minimum. I will also likely get a bush hog and maybe a tiller. Kubotas and John Deeres are the most prevalent around here. Don't see much Massey Ferguson/New Holland/Mahindra/Branson. I actually sat on a Mahindra yesterday and didn't like the ergonomics at all. The John Deere dealer is about 2 miles from my house, so that is a plus.
Anyone have one of these (or their many similar brethren)?
|
Please let us know what your final utilization is for the unit. We use a Deere (110hp) and a Case (60hp). Deere is constantly broken down, Case only wants normal maintenance. Both were assembled in the USA at about the same time. As a disclaimer, the in-laws let their neighbors constantly borrow (been trying to stop this for five years) the Deere and it gets alot of abuse from them.
BAD about Deere: Who actually makes the one you are looking at? The manufacturers sticker may actually be on the firewall. It could be LS or a Chinese brand. LS appears to be a good tractor. Deere will ALWAYS own the tractor, you are buying the right to lease it. ALL the software belongs to Deere. You will always have to go to Deere for anything electronic related, they will give you a stink eye (well at least us) for replacing filters and fluids yourself. I believe the older Fiat Deeres were relatively good quality and ran for thousands of hours.
My buddy had a five series that was made in China, did NOT have the integrated subframe. Bolts that held the front and back halves together gave way and he was sitting on the transmission while the front end rolled away. Again, he lived in rocky terrain with lots of hills.
BAD about Kubota: Never heard anything. I found their console to be difficult to use but that is MY issue not someone elses.
BAD about CASE: NEVER buy one made in Turkey or China. Just do not do it. Made in USA is best one.
Neighbor had a Branson, down for repairs every week. BUT he even stated his was a misnomer as others in his family had the same tractor with ZERO issues.
New Holland/Case are possibly still made by LS Tractors. If not, check out LS anyway. They are simpler and may fit your requirements.
Other thoughts: Why a new one? There are some good used ones around. The older Massey Fergusons are relatively inexpensive. Stay away from the made in China ones and you should be OK. LS makes a good tractor, they make or have made tractors for all the major brands.
Make sure you get a front end loader, in that small a size get 4WD.
Practice with the different types of shifters. They make a difference if you will do lots of dirt work or picking up of things.
I miss my old Massey!!!!
Tier IV engines require DEF/urea fuel additive. Read up on it.
How many acres do you have? We mow 10 or so acres with a zero turn mower. Quicker and easier than the brush hog. Was mowing about thirty using the zero turn in preference to the brush hog. These are horse pastures.
The Dealer will make or break your purchase. How easy are they to deal with? Do you like the salesguys? Tour the repair facility. How many units are in for repair? How fast do they move through the line? It might take two or more months for our Deere to be seen at the best local dealership. At the mediocre one it is more like four to six weeks.
Just in case you were wondering, I hate the Deere. Except when it is running, then it is a real workhorse that is waiting to break down again. And it is bigger than the Case so I can use it for the heaviest work.