Advice for possible first modern tractor purchase

[nrbocke]

Hi everyone-
I am glad I found this site dedicated to Kubota and I have enjoyed reading through posts. I've lived on 5.5 acres in Nebraska for almost 6 years. I've been using an 8N with a 5ft shredder to shred my pasture of brome grass and a small blade to move snow (or try to move snow) and take care of driveway/move a little dirt. It worked but I was already thinking about getting something more modern and my first loader. Anyway, Christmas night I lost my building in a wind storm and insurance gave me some money for damaged 8N and an old Super H I inherited. Like to put the money towards something new(er) and fix my old tractors as time allows.
Here is what I am considering a brand new L3301 with QA loader and HST. My local dealer has 2 in stock but I have been waiting for my building to be completed before I visit with them. 2 other tractors have caught my eye though. I've found a Ford 1620 (smaller than L3301 but bigger than 8N) and a Ford 1920 (larger that the L3301) both within 100 miles of my home. Both are mid 90s with less than 1000 hours. They both include loaders and front wheel assist. Again, haven't looked either over too close due to lack of storage and my work schedule at this time...
Any comparison you guys would have would be great but I'm more posting here to get people's thought process between going late model and new? Using a Kubota price I've found online (not my local dealer) it looks like 1620 would be $8000 cheaper and the 1920 $5000 cheaper. That's a lot of money but is it enough to not have a factory warranty and possible 0% financing? I sure there are also other benefits with modern tractor. Budget wise I really can probably go either way but I don't want to spend money I don't need to/can't justify. How about maintenance? My 8N was my first tractor and first introduction to really working on things so I'm no mechanic. These tractors would be my first diesel anything. Tried doing some research on Tier 4 but still kind of up in the air. Would the old Fords be easier to work on/less failure prone? I know Kubota is probably great quality wise but it kind of sounds like these Fords were a mix between a tank and a Cadillac at the time. Can’t argue with the quality of the 8N but these are 40 years into a different era. Is there any glaring functionality differences between at mid 90s tractor and a 2017? I'm sure I'll eventually get to test drive each model but If you guys can think of any glaring differences off the top of your heads I would appreciate it!
Thanks so much for any advice/input!!!

 

[Missouribound]

According to my Kubota dealer, the L series was Kubota's creation for those who wanted to replace the ford 8N's. It's comparable in size and will do whatever the 8N will do....but in orange instead of red.
And if you are going brand new, Kubota has a slew of incentives from rebates to creative financing some at 0%.

 

[nrbocke]

According to my Kubota dealer, the L series was Kubota's creation for those who wanted to replace the ford 8N's. It's comparable in size and will do whatever the 8N will do....but in orange instead of red.
And if you are going brand new, Kubota has a slew of incentives from rebates to creative financing some at 0%.

That is kind of why I've already picked the L series Kubota if I go this way. I've seen some really tempting B series and JH 2XXX tractors with all the attachments but really don't think I want to give up the 1000 lbs. Also reading threads I can't even find consensus on if these tractors are big enough for a 5 ft shredder. Interesting the Kubota actually had this in mind...Thanks

 

[sheepfarmer]

I went from a Ford 8n to an L3560. Thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The tier IV dpf regeneration system has been no problem. You should be able to find an L size tractor that will power a 5 ft brush hog, the max width for a rotary cutter on mine is 6 ft. I have a 5 ft flail. .

 

[nrbocke]

I went from a Ford 8n to an L3560. Thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The tier IV dpf regeneration system has been no problem. You should be able to find an L size tractor that will power a 5 ft brush hog, the max width for a rotary cutter on mine is 6 ft. I have a 5 ft flail. .

That's a cool picture. So when you went from an 8N to your Kubota did you consider doing something in the middle? Newer than your 8N but something older than say 2000? If so what sold going brand new for you? I just thinking anything "modern" would be a huge improvement. If I don't ever test drive the brand new Kubota I won't know what I'm missing

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

How about maintenance? My 8N was my first tractor and first introduction to really working on things so I'm no mechanic. These tractors would be my first diesel anything. Tried doing some research on Tier 4 but still kind of up in the air. Would the old Fords be easier to work on/less failure prone? I know Kubota is probably great quality wise but it kind of sounds like these Fords were a mix between a tank and a Cadillac at the time. Can’t argue with the quality of the 8N but these are 40 years into a different era. Is there any glaring functionality differences between at mid 90s tractor and a 2017? I'm sure I'll eventually get to test drive each model but If you guys can think of any glaring differences off the top of your heads I would appreciate it!
Thanks so much for any advice/input!!!

This is a Kubota forum so bias is always on Kubota, but let me see if I can give you a little more insight on the ford thing.

It's really not a good basis of comparison to compare the bullet proof built like a tank 8N with either of the 2 newer and forigen made (Shibaura) fords.
Parts for the 2 newer models are much much harder to fine and replace compared to the 8N's and even the Kubota's.

Yes they are comprible running and powered equipment, I work on all sorts and years of Fergusons, 8N's, 9N's, and Jubilee's but wouldn't touch a newer Shibaura Ford because parts are so hard to find.

 

[nrbocke]

This is a Kubota forum so bias is always on Kubota, but let me see if I can give you a little more insight on the ford thing.

It's really not a good basis of comparison to compare the bullet proof built like a tank 8N with either of the 2 newer and forigen made (Shibaura) fords.
Parts for the 2 newer models are much much harder to fine and replace compared to the 8N's and even the Kubota's.

Yes they are comprible running and powered equipment, I work on all sorts and years of Fergusons, 8N's, 9N's, and Jubilee's but wouldn't touch a newer Shibaura Ford because parts are so hard to find.

Ya-I didn't intend to turn it into a Ford vs Kubota post. Was more just wondering what people's thought process was on going brand new over used and what the premium was worth to them. Like is it even worth saving $5000 if one tractor has warranty and the other is 20-25 years older.

I do really appreciate the input on the Shibura Fords though...I've been trying to find this info on generic tractor forums and can't. I am suspicious of the Shibura engines. I assumed the tractor itself would be better built though. I've heard nothing but great things but I believe that could be from biased owners...I do love being able to go down the TSC and being to buy parts for the 8N!

 

[nrbocke]

Ya-I didn't intend to turn it into a Ford vs Kubota post. Was more just wondering what people's thought process was on going brand new over used and what the premium was worth to them. Like is it even worth saving $5000 if one tractor has warranty and the other is 20-25 years older.

I do really appreciate the input on the Shibura Fords though...I've been trying to find this info on generic tractor forums and can't. I am suspicious of the Shibura engines. I assumed the tractor itself would be better built though. I've heard nothing but great things but I believe that could be from biased owners...I do love being able to go down the TSC and being to buy parts for the 8N!

Also back to the Ford for just a second...I noticed some posts where people were having mechanical issues of one form or another and they didn't get a single response back. That had me somewhat concerned... Just my reading on this forum you don't see that and I've always had tons of help on the couple questions I had with the 8N. But again I more concerned new Kubota vs cheaper late model not just Ford vs Kubota.

 

[Bmbbm]

Ya-I didn't intend to turn it into a Ford vs Kubota post. Was more just wondering what people's thought process was on going brand new over used and what the premium was worth to them. Like is it even worth saving $5000 if one tractor has warranty and the other is 20-25 years older.

I do really appreciate the input on the Shibura Fords though...I've been trying to find this info on generic tractor forums and can't. I am suspicious of the Shibura engines. I assumed the tractor itself would be better built though. I've heard nothing but great things but I believe that could be from biased owners...I do love being able to go down the TSC and being to buy parts for the 8N!

i. North Idaho Wolf Man is the expert on all things tractor. If he says steer away due to parts availability I would heed his advise. Even without his input I can't imagine paying within $5-8000 of new for a 25 year old tractor.

 

[nrbocke]

i. North Idaho Wolf Man is the expert on all things tractor. If he says steer away due to parts availability I would heed his advise. Even without his input I can't imagine paying within $5-8000 of new for a 25 year old tractor.

I'll definitely listen to his advice. $5000-$8000 is a lot of money no matter what you're talking about but I kind of agree not a lot (in my mind) when comparing my current options. Just wanted to see if others agreed. I'm glad I brought up those Fords though. I assumed and the few comments I've found make them sound awesome and I was kind of thinking a great way to save some cash.

 

[sheepfarmer]

New vs used is kind of an individual preference thing. I didn't look at used because I don't have the mechanical know how to decide if they were good running or not, and didn't want to have to deal with fixing stuff. I drove several brands of new tractor and settled on my 3560 for a couple of reasons: The dealer had serviced my Ingersoll lawn mower well for some years, he was willing to help me sell my 8n, and store it inside until spring, and the fuel fill tank on the 3560 is on the side at a level I could reach. No more climbing over the loader arms on the 8n with a 5 gal can of gas. (Me and the 8n are of similar vintages.) Oh and my neighbor had bought a Kubota from him, liked it and had been treated well there.

Of the above reasons to choose new and what brand to choose new is to pick a dealership well, for parts, advice, and technician skill. TSC won't be enough any more. Ask around your area for dealerships that give good service and shop there.

 

[nrbocke]

New vs used is kind of an individual preference thing. I didn't look at used because I don't have the mechanical know how to decide if they were good running or not, and didn't want to have to deal with fixing stuff. I drove several brands of new tractor and settled on my 3560 for a couple of reasons: The dealer had serviced my Ingersoll lawn mower well for some years, he was willing to help me sell my 8n, and store it inside until spring, and the fuel fill tank on the 3560 is on the side at a level I could reach. No more climbing over the loader arms on the 8n with a 5 gal can of gas. (Me and the 8n are of similar vintages.) Oh and my neighbor had bought a Kubota from him, liked it and had been treated well there.

Of the above reasons to choose new and what brand to choose new is to pick a dealership well, for parts, advice, and technician skill. TSC won't be enough any more. Ask around your area for dealerships that give good service and shop there.

I am I the same boat...probably worse! One question I have been kicking around though: After the warranty is up on the new Kubota how much more complicated is it than a pre 2000 equivalent tractor? Some posts make it sound like new tractors are full of computers and Tier 4 is something you don't want to mess with while others (like on already tonight) say Tier 4 isn't a big deal and I'm guessing it isn't computerized as like a modern car.
Really appreciate the feed back!!!

 

[Ramos]

As already mentioned, this is a Kubota site so a certain bias is impossible to avoid. However, FWIW, I will throw this out: I have worked for John Deere and still have a strong relationship with the local dealer. Currently, I work for a Case/Massey dealer. If I were shopping for a new/newer tractor of 60hp or less, Kubota would be far and away my first choice. This segment is where Kubota excels. Price, value, design, factory support or whatever, Kubota takes the prize.

Need a row-crop tractor with 100-200hp? Get a green one.

Need a primary tillage tractor with 450-600hp? Get a red one.

My red dealership is 1.5 miles away from the green guys. When it came time for us to buy a small tractor, we chose to drive half a day, each way, to bring home an orange one. One year later, and NO regrets.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I am I the same boat...probably worse! One question I have been kicking around though: After the warranty is up on the new Kubota how much more complicated is it than a pre 2000 equivalent tractor? Some posts make it sound like new tractors are full of computers and Tier 4 is something you don't want to mess with while others (like on already tonight) say Tier 4 isn't a big deal and I'm guessing it isn't computerized as like a modern car.
Really appreciate the feed back!!!

Sorry I really didn't get to finish my other post, had to run off.

I was going to go more into what you were hitting at on the new versus old thing.
Old Kubota's are great, they hold there value very very well, they are fairly easy to get parts for, But they are not super easy or cheap to work on, like you said your not going to be able to go to the local TSC or farm and feed and pic up the average parts for it.

If your not mechanical then I would recommend avoiding a used tractor unless you can find one through a local dealer that will stand behind it and maybe help take some stick out of future needed repairs.

I wouldn't worry too much about the emissions equipment and computers on newer tractors. I think it's just like cars and pickup trucks, I remember all the words that were flying around back when cars and trucks started getting heavy on emissions components and everyone thought it was the doom of cars.
99.9% of emissions equipped Kubota's have no issues with their emissions setup, and with normal proper maintenance you'll have many years of trouble free work out of it too.

No matter if you buy new or used get the Operators manual, and the WSM (aka Service manual) and read all of it, Ok, maybe you can skim through the full tear down sections, but at least know they are there.

 

[nrbocke]

As already mentioned, this is a Kubota site so a certain bias is impossible to avoid. However, FWIW, I will throw this out: I have worked for John Deere and still have a strong relationship with the local dealer. Currently, I work for a Case/Massey dealer. If I were shopping for a new/newer tractor of 60hp or less, Kubota would be far and away my first choice. This segment is where Kubota excels. Price, value, design, factory support or whatever, Kubota takes the prize.

Need a row-crop tractor with 100-200hp? Get a green one.

Need a primary tillage tractor with 450-600hp? Get a red one.

My red dealership is 1.5 miles away from the green guys. When it came time for us to buy a small tractor, we chose to drive half a day, each way, to bring home an orange one. One year later, and NO regrets.

Thanks for that feedback. I probably shouldn't say I'm going Kubota with shopping around but I don't really have a lot of options. My local Kubota dealer actually wrote up my bid for my insurance company on my damaged 8N and Super H. So I have a little experience with them. Everyone was really nice. Sent a tech right out to my house to look everything over, took longer than I thought it should have just to make up a quote (over a month), but other than that seemed like a good outfit. Several JD dealers but I don't like what I read about the E series and the R series seemed to be priced to high in my opinion. The Case dealers don't carry any small tractors but will order one in for you. Guy I work with bought a 75HP and it's been back to dealer twice in less than a year. There are some AGCO dealers but they don't have much CUT inventory and hard to find info about MF online. There is one guys that mostly sells late model tractors (he has the Ford 1620)that deals in LS. I might look at them but his prices he has posted aren't even inline with the Kubota prices I've found. I would need to save several 1000 to even consider. Other than that we don't have any Kioti or Mahindra dealers in state to even consider.
I think I would be more than happy with a Kubota (or for my uses probably any new tractor in all reality) just wanted to see why other made the leap to new over saving the money on a nice late model. Thanks!

 

[nrbocke]

Sorry I really didn't get to finish my other post, had to run off.

I was going to go more into what you were hitting at on the new versus old thing.
Old Kubota's are great, they hold there value very very well, they are fairly easy to get parts for, But they are not super easy or cheap to work on, like you said your not going to be able to go to the local TSC or farm and feed and pic up the average parts for it.

If your not mechanical then I would recommend avoiding a used tractor unless you can find one through a local dealer that will stand behind it and maybe help take some stick out of future needed repairs.

I wouldn't worry too much about the emissions equipment and computers on newer tractors. I think it's just like cars and pickup trucks, I remember all the words that were flying around back when cars and trucks started getting heavy on emissions components and everyone thought it was the doom of cars.
99.9% of emissions equipped Kubota's have no issues with their emissions setup, and with normal proper maintenance you'll have many years of trouble free work out of it too.

No matter if you buy new or used get the Operators manual, and the WSM (aka Service manual) and read all of it, Ok, maybe you can skim through the full tear down sections, but at least know they are there.

Thanks for your input. I actually went to talk to the dealer that had the Ford when I was in their town a weeks ago for work. He was closed for the day...Probably not a great sign, but I was going to talk to him exactly what you were talking about as far as after sale support. Like I said in my last post he also sells LS. I appreciate your honesty. When I've posted on another general site for thoughts on the 1620 versus new I had people telling my don't be scared of the 1620/modern diesel easy to work on and figure things out for a novice. I took that with a grain of salt and maybe they thought I was under selling my mechanical knowledge. But I'm partial to Ford (I think my 8N is cool and really wanted to get a 801 or 2000-4000 gas until decided I would really like loader with HST)and was probably letting that cloud my thoughts on the 1620...The price between it and new really isn't even worth messing with. I appreciate everyone verifying that for me.

 

[workhorse]

I'm no expert and a bit of a been here, but I have a bit of tractor buying experience. First rig was a jubilee, basically got it free. Loved it. Did alot of work for me, but on too many occasions it couldn't do what I needed ( mainly winter tasks ). I ran low on firewood one year and needed to hit the south 40 for logs. Buried it. Decided to sell it and try to get a 4x4. Bought an Yanmar, with a FEL and shuttle shift. Again, miles more tractor, but the shuttle shift was rough and the tractor had too many long hours of farm work on it. Sold that and bought my first orange. Loved so many things about it that showed me the quality difference of manufacturers. It was a late 70's l295DT 4x4 and FEL. I stripped it down and painted it, replaced a bunch of small things and basically had a mint working rig ( if that makes sense ). Never gave me grief at all and did way more than I ever asked of it. My dad uses tractor alot and with our newly acquired property I knew we were going to do alot of loader work ( dirt, stones, moving stuff ) so I started looking for a HST. Ended up selling mine for a good buck and scoring a L3710 HST FEL cab rig. Again, Miles ahead of the old rig and already earning it's keep skidding monster logs out of the woods.

So what's my point you ask ? Don't do what I did ( financially limited ) and just jump up to a newer tractor just cause. Will the Ford's impress you ? Heck yes... But if you have the scratch to go new orange, don't look back. Also, you cannot compare a gear to an HST in my book for so many reasons. You will never know the difference till you drive one !

 

[nrbocke]

I'm no expert and a bit of a been here, but I have a bit of tractor buying experience. First rig was a jubilee, basically got it free. Loved it. Did alot of work for me, but on too many occasions it couldn't do what I needed ( mainly winter tasks ). I ran low on firewood one year and needed to hit the south 40 for logs. Buried it. Decided to sell it and try to get a 4x4. Bought an Yanmar, with a FEL and shuttle shift. Again, miles more tractor, but the shuttle shift was rough and the tractor had too many long hours of farm work on it. Sold that and bought my first orange. Loved so many things about it that showed me the quality difference of manufacturers. It was a late 70's l295DT 4x4 and FEL. I stripped it down and painted it, replaced a bunch of small things and basically had a mint working rig ( if that makes sense ). Never gave me grief at all and did way more than I ever asked of it. My dad uses tractor alot and with our newly acquired property I knew we were going to do alot of loader work ( dirt, stones, moving stuff ) so I started looking for a HST. Ended up selling mine for a good buck and scoring a L3710 HST FEL cab rig. Again, Miles ahead of the old rig and already earning it's keep skidding monster logs out of the woods.

So what's my point you ask ? Don't do what I did ( financially limited ) and just jump up to a newer tractor just cause. Will the Ford's impress you ? Heck yes... But if you have the scratch to go new orange, don't look back. Also, you cannot compare a gear to an HST in my book for so many reasons. You will never know the difference till you drive one !

I appreciate your story. My 8N is about the same way. It does everything I currently need (just takes awhile) except moving snow is very iffy at best. We have been very lucky with snow since we've moved in and I've always been able to at least get a cars width opened up but not without a lot of frustration and hours spent. I do believe snow will eventually return. We just to get a lot more when I was younger. I would just have to wait for a farmer to dig me out. I don't like to have to impose or rely on other people if I don't have to.
Your last statement is interesting. The 1620 is HST with MFD. My thought was to actually check the thing over, drive it, and if it all went well buy it without ever even trying a new model (and pocket the $8000). Can't miss what you've never had, right??? But with the 1620 being 20+years old and a smaller tractor (HP wise) than the new L3301 I actually started wondering if $8000 was a big enough savings. Glad guys on here were willing to give input. It even crossed my mind to get it and then it would have to have some trade value towards a new tractor is needed some day. So I think your post hit everything I have thought about right on the head!!!

 

[workhorse]

Well like I said, any of your options will satisfy you and be a drastic improvement from the old Ford. 8k is nice to keep too, but these new orange rigs hold value and always seem to pay for themselves. Look into parts too, since that was mentioned. I had quite a few things that I "rednecked" on my Yanmar case parts weren't available...

 

[Diver 6]

Just jumped from a 9N to an L3800. Was pulling a 4' cutter on the 9N. Wanted to up that, get a FEL and a tractor with more power. Found one with 187 hours on it. Mechanically it seems to be excellent. Down side of buying used is the PO opted not to troubleshoot a bad switch problem and did some creative wiring. Wasn't until I really got into it that I discovered it. I am dealing with that now but the machine is fully functional while I am troubleshooting it and will be a cheap fix once all is done. For what I paid for it, including a 5' Land Pride cutter virtually new and a box blade, I got a ton of equity going into it. it will do anything I need on my 5 acres.