Any opinion on the brand? Family is looking at the 4550 model for for 40 acres. The other one I was looking at was the kubota mx5200. We don't know anything about tractors. Is mahindra a good brand?

Mahindra is decent, Kubota is better. John Deere is even better

Kubota is the best value.

Mahindra is fine but older technology. John Deere in that horsepower is expensive and made in India like the Mahindra.

Kubota makes a reliable and technologically current machine. They are a bit lighter than the others.

Kubota is great for what they are. The 5000MX or whatever they are called aren't up to par with the M series. If you're doing anything that requires a certain size tractor, it ain't big enough. It is a tractor made for a price point, rather than a task.

Find a used M5400 instead if that size is what you are looking for. Please note that they will not be of similar weight, duty rating, or construction as a comparable "old" tractor made of a lot of cast iron and cast steel parts, but the materials and workmanship are good and they are well made for what they are, a light utility tractor.

I bought my first tractor a couple years ago and I was in the same position. The Deere dealer closest to me pretty much ignored me. As someone who had never owned a tractor I knew I'd need some support to answer questions, etc and I wasn't interested in doing business with someone who couldn't return my calls. I was down to the two brands you are.

My neighbor has a Mahindra and is happy with it, although has had some glow plugs give him trouble.

In the end I went with Kubota because I liked the layout of the controls better, and more importantly I was more comfortable with the dealer. I felt like it was more likely they'd still be selling Kubota in 10 years than the Mahindra dealer would be selling Mahindra in 10 years. And they put up with a bunch of my newbie questions and happily answered them.

Kubota makes a good tractor. Typically they are lighter than comparable horsepower in other brands, so you have to go up a size to get weight. Probably their only real drawback. Engines are bullet proof, you can find dealers just about everywhere, and Kubota is really good about having parts and service for even discontinued models.

JD is still a good brand as well, but they aren't the old American made JD anymore - a whole lot of their stuff is made overseas just like everybody else. Their engines in smaller tractros are Yanmar, which is probably made across the street from the Kubota engines.

Don't know much about Mahindra - other than they've been around for a while and seem to be OK.

I'd be willing to bet you would have a hard time finding much difference in performance between the 3 if you didn't know which one you were driving. Biggest differences IMO are going to be service locations, quality of service, and availability of parts.

And thus endeth my very, very, very limited knowledge on tractors.

We run Kubotas and Deeres. Kubotas do the light daily work, the Deeres do the heavy work. Kubs miss fewer days to EGR malfunction than the Deeres.

Buy the dealer network, not the tractor.

Kubota has a great reputation on utility tractors, but having both Deere and Kubota I like the ergonomics of the Deere.

The Kubota is a tough machine and runs like a clock.

Scherer Kubota is a great dealer to work with if they are in the area (they have several locations now).

I shopped pretty hard for a utility tractor a few years ago and ended up with a Deere. I looked at Deere, Case, Kubota, Mahindra, Branson, Yanmar, Kioti, TYM, and LS. Most of the utility tractors are made in India, Korea, or Japan - even the American branded ones like Deere and Case.

I chose Deere because I feel pretty certain that I'll be able to purchase parts for the rest of my life. Now, Deere might get bought out or go bankrupt tomorrow...I don't know. But my instinct tells me they'll be around for a while. You'll likely own and operate this tractor for the rest of yours and you kids' lives. They're not really seen as disposable like cars are, where you get a new one every few years.

My $0.02 is buy one that your grandkids can buy parts for in 50 years.

Family is in Tyler so they will probably go to the dealership there

I would heavily consider buying a gently used, well maintained tractor the year model before the diesel requirements changed.

I have a small 30hp Kubota and love it.

jaggiemaggie said:

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Any opinion on the brand? Family is looking at the 4550 model for for 40 acres. The other one I was looking at was the kubota mx5200. We don't know anything about tractors. Is mahindra a good brand?

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I realize that you're probably more comfortable buying something new and current, but don't dismiss older iron out-of-hand.

I still regularly use a 56 year old Ford diesel with a 6' shredder to maintain property. It seems they made them bulletproof then, and I'm sure someone will still be using it when I'm pushing up daisies.

Frankly, I doubt anyone would give me $3500 for that whole setup. And yet it works fine with very little maintenance and expense.

One thing you'll probably experience -- tractor envy. I've got maybe 50-60 HP, but wish I had more. A friend who cuts hay has a 125 HP rig and he wants 200 HP.

I thought I was content with a 6' shredder - until a buddy showed me his 15' bat wing!

Human nature I suppose.

Good luck. 'Enjoy' maintaining your property and remember to control your vegetation or it will end up controlling you.

If given the choice between just those two brands, its hands down Kubota. Not even close. The only thing Mahindra has going for it is price (and maybe length of warranty, but they have ALOT of exclusions). I have driven both of the tractors you're referring to, and the Kubota is better on almost every front. It more comfortable, better hydraulics, and more power to the ground. The dealer network is certainly better. Parts availability is better.

One question, is there a reason you're not considering Deere?

Seems like JD is out of the price range

After a quick glance seems like JD 40-55hp are comparable to Kubota

Great topic, OP. Thank you for starting this discussion because it is relevant to my situation.

I am looking for a used tractor, and I have settled on the Kubota brand...but would certainly consider a Deere. We have a family ranch (110 head), and we are looking for something to haul a couple round bales to the pasture (front/back), as well as work creek crossings and apply herbicide. I really don't see any need for hay production, but we might consider planting some winter forage.

Some of you mentioned "Horsepower Envy," and that is a good point. What size HP requirements should we be looking at in purchasing a used tractor for our needs?

Thank you in advance for you input!

Burrus86 said:

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Great topic, OP. Thank you for starting this discussion because it is relevant to my situation.

I am looking for a used tractor, and I have settled on the Kubota brand...but would certainly consider a Deere. We have a family ranch (110 head), and we are looking for something to haul a couple round bales to the pasture (front/back), as well as work creek crossings and apply herbicide. I really don't see any need for hay production, but we might consider planting some winter forage.

Some of you mentioned "Horsepower Envy," and that is a good point. What size HP requirements should we be looking at in purchasing a used tractor for our needs?

Thank you in advance for you input!

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Burris: I would look at the 80 hp range. The 40-60 hp range are more in demand and you most likely will pay more per hp. Look at the dollar per hp ratio. A front end loader is a great add on and look at the wear on the rubber. A tractor in that range will run about any implement you would need imo.

We run JD at our family place and I drove a Kubota for the S&C dept when I was a student worker at A&M, both make very good tractors, JD is usually a little more proud of theirs. I have no experience with Mahindra. For 40 acres a utility tractor from either brand above 40HP will serve you well, I agree with the posters who said look at the dealership service ability and parts help.

Quote:

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Great topic, OP. Thank you for starting this discussion because it is relevant to my situation.

I am looking for a used tractor, and I have settled on the Kubota brand...but would certainly consider a Deere. We have a family ranch (110 head), and we are looking for something to haul a couple round bales to the pasture (front/back), as well as work creek crossings and apply herbicide. I really don't see any need for hay production, but we might consider planting some winter forage.

Some of you mentioned "Horsepower Envy," and that is a good point. What size HP requirements should we be looking at in purchasing a used tractor for our needs?

Thank you in advance for you input!

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I agree with Brush Country Ag and was going to suggest a 60+ HP. You can never have enough HP and some of those bigger shredders/trailers/buckets can really strain your engine if you dont have enough horses.

I'm going to agree with Brush Country. If you're looking at an older John Deere (like mid 90's or older)/ or it has a rated PTO HP of 50 or more you'll likely be OK, but even then, that HP range is marginal on moving large round bales. My M6800 Kubota is still a bit light for moving large round bales on rough or uneven country, although the larger tires w/ the 4WD help in that regard. That said, I've got to put a bale on the back if I want to travel any sort of distance with a heavy (6' dia) round bale and not see-saw back and forth over the front axle. Of course, the tradeoff is that it is easier to load on the trailer and haul around than my dad's M8400 or even an old JD 2355 we have (not a bad choice for you).

That said, there is an answer that is almost never wrong: JD 4020 with powershift and a front end loader. Find a rebuilt diesel (there are gasoline and LP versions, don't want gas, you don't want LP unless you plan on using less than 4-5 hrs before refilling) .

the difference is Vanilla and Poo Poo. Kubota beats all!!

I agree with 80+ HP for moving round bales.

It more of an issue with tractor weight than HP.

I bought a JD 5085E with cab, loader bucket, front and rear hay spikes, and a grapple bucket.

Great set up for stuff around the ranch.

Cab is really nice to have, and what's $5K more when you are buying a tractor that size?

Grapple bucket is very handy, but need a 3rd mid SCV.

Recommend 4WD, and have them fill the tires with antifreeze for additional weight for moving round bales.

Burrus86 said:

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Great topic, OP. Thank you for starting this discussion because it is relevant to my situation.

I am looking for a used tractor, and I have settled on the Kubota brand...but would certainly consider a Deere. We have a family ranch (110 head), and we are looking for something to haul a couple round bales to the pasture (front/back), as well as work creek crossings and apply herbicide. I really don't see any need for hay production, but we might consider planting some winter forage.

Some of you mentioned "Horsepower Envy," and that is a good point. What size HP requirements should we be looking at in purchasing a used tractor for our needs?

Thank you in advance for you input!

---

Have had two Kubota's, first one bought in `84, it's still going (now owned by a neighbor). Current model is a Grand series 38HP, and cannot praise this workhorse enough. GlideShift ****** (GST) is super slick, all the gears in one setting. Enhanced 3-pt that is rated at over 3k lift.

At another place, have recently been using a 2014 Deere 5060 (60HP) tractor, made in India, and not impressed at all. I suppose it's their "budget" tractor, but gear shift is clunky, tractor is noisy, already has small diesel and hydraulic leaks.

Two decisions that haunt me to this day...trading my '76 Corvette and selling my '68 JD 4020.

I would not recommend the mahindra. Owned one in the past and had constant problems with the glow plugs. I own two kubota tractos and no problems with either one. As posted above the MX are economy models. I would go with the M series if it's in your budget. My M5040 will handle round bails no problem. I'd go larger if your going to run a batwing mower. I'd say figure out what implements your going to need and buy enough horsepower at the PTO to run the implement. I didn't look at John Deere since they are made in India. Probably just me but I had enough with an Indian built tractor with the mahindra. The dealer would be important to me also.

Kubota >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mahindra

Call Jace at:
E&E Equipment
11601 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76135-9141
(817) 237-6641

I've been told if he caries it he can bet just about anyone's price.

Just got done building Kubotas new headquarters in DFW. They let us use a lot of their equipment for final underground and what not and those machines performed better than any Deere, Cat, Bobcat, etc.

Keep in mind you can add weights on the rear wheels to the Kubota to help with weight issues.- that's what we have done with with both our Kubota's.
If money wasn't an issue, I'd go straight to JD, but as others have mentioned, Kubota is the better value.
Also make sure the pto is rated for 540 as most attachments use this as a standard- this won't be an issue in a 50 hp Kubota.

Or you can fill the rear tires with antifreeze/water to add weight. My 5040 has the rear tires filled.

I found an M5040 with ~400 hours on it in December 2016, model year 2011 (before the DEF changes). Pulled trigger and couldn't be happier. I also have a 2004 L3130 (30hp Hydrostatic) that has been great too that I bought new.

New tractors take a depreciation hit like cars when you drive them off the lot, then flatline as long as you take care of them. If y'all have the patience, find one with <750 hrs from 2005-2011--no DEF, bulletproof, and if you want to look for another one in a few years can get most/all of your money back.

Money saved going this route can go to implements or hydraulics upgrades for things like grapples and backhoes.

Agree with other posters regarding round bales--if you have a bunch, need to go either bigger or older, or put a flatbed and forks on a work truck.

I currently own an mx5200 and LOVE it.

What I like most is the dealer network. I bought the tractor in Lubbock but relocated to Amarillo a few months later and all of my interactions with the dealer in Amarillo has been excellent. They ordered me some forks from another dealership and delivered before they said they would.

The only regret I have is not getting a cab. Dust from shredding absolutely kills my allergies even with a dust mask.

We run Deere tractors and Case combines (cause that's how granddaddy did it) at the farm, but at home I couldn't justify the added cost for a Deere.

Bought a gently used Kubota MX4800 last year after much searching (and internal family debates)....Things I considered

• HP
• HST Transmission (I did not think I would like it, but it is great).
• 4WD
• Loader (this really comes in handy and adds weight to the front)
• Shredder Size - Wish I had a larger one
• Ability to trailer it on a standard trailer (weight limits) for repairs
• Thought about a cab/roof - but it added height and would not fit under low canopies or in the shed.

I had looked at JD - price and dealer network were an issue.
I also looked at Mahindra - just could not get past either getting a Kubota or JD.

I've run Kubota's for 20 years, they're my preference for newer utility tractors. I can't think of a single major issue on the 3 I've ran in that time. I have an uncle that bought a 75 hp 4x4 Mahindra last year, no complaints so far. My Dad had a New Holland 150 hp that's a tough machine.

Interesting to see the love for the JD utility tractors, I don't have any experience with them. Most all the farmers I know run JD or Case exclusively in the fields, but have a Kubota for a utility tractor.

If you can get one without the particulate filter, it will save a lot of headaches

I have had no issues in my L4701 or my SSV75 skid steer regarding the DPF. Granted I feel I have to run them at a higher RPM to keep the build up down. I do wish they did not have the filter but good so far.