I'm in the market for a new tractor, been using old Fords for a long time, now I need something I can just start and go, it will need a loader and maybe a backhoe attatchment, needs to be small to manuver in the woods. Just looking to see if anyone 's already done the comparisons? I know John Deere and Kabota are up there, seen a good deal on a "Yanmar" , trying to compare horsepower/lift power/price etc. ....any thoughts? I'm looking at the 30-40 hp range.

I've owned a Kubota L35 for a long time. Best machine I've owned. When it's time to replace it I'll do comparison research again but unless a lot has changed, I'll be getting another Kubota.

How small are you talking. I have a 16.5 horse yanmar with around 2000 trouble free hours on it. I only use it for tilling, moving, and plowing snow with a back blade. It only 2wd.

I also have a mahindra with a backhoe and loader-18hp, 4wd. I's good for what it is. I've dug out stumps and big rocks with it, loaded horse manure and gravel, lots of little projetcs.

The yanmar is from the 80s and if I was in the market and found one in good shape, i'd buy it before something similar in another brand. Yanmar made the diesels for JD for a number of years. And the make everything from small diesel engines through huge ocean liner engines. They have been around for a long time.

Take a look at the John Deere E series. I own the 3038e and love it!

its hard to beat a Kubota-I work on farm equipment for a living and I myself own a Kubota b1700 and love it.

I don't know much about their compacts but I drive a Deere 6430 everyday 6-8 hours per day, and if this tractor is any indication of the compacts I would look at something else. ANYTHING ELSE!

X2 Just don't forget your checkbook. They are mighty proud of them.

I have a JD 2210 compact with a loader . Luv it ! Been a good machine and the Yanmar Diesel engines are really good.
My bigger tractor is a MF and the Perkins Diesel engine is also very good and cheaper than a JD
My buddy has a Kubota and it’s also a good machine.
Both JD or Kubota are good but like was stated above get your checkbook

You might want to consider which dealership is in your area. No matter which brand you choose if you keep it long enough you will need parts for it. This is why we farm mainly with Case IH equipment.

I recently bought a new Mahindra and really like it.

This one is on my wish list. Front and rear three point with pto and hydraulics, reversible steering console, hydrostatic drive and articulated frame.

http://www.antoniocarraro.it/en/catalogue/ttr-4400-hst

How much for that creampuff?

been watching for a new to me tractor also. running a old 1962 mf 35 diesel, time to upgrade. like Kubota, kiote , and Mahindra. 35-45 hp. I use mine mainly in the woods for firewood.

Can't speak for compacts but I bough a kubota bx 1870 sub compact with 113 hours on it from a ad on craiglist. I now have 210 hours on it and cannot be happier with the purchase. I only have 2 acres and bought it mostly to mow with but I have only an hour of mowing on it the rest is work like stacking logs, moving firewood, and moving snow.

Have a Kioti DK45S and love it. Great tractors for the money.

Neighbor of a family member bought one. I asked him what he thought of it. He said...

"It ain't green. But it's done all right by me."

Mike

Before you buy one, check for parts availability. I had a MF 1035, 1988 model. Parts were slim for that series. I sold it and got a JD 3005 w/loader .

I work on tractors for a living and the company I work for sells the mahindra line and we service and work on everything and not only because we sell them but if I was buying a tractor in that hp range I would give the Mahindra line a strong look and when you compare apples to apples and I mean actual lift capacity and weight.

Make sure there is NO smog crap on it if you buy new

I have had an LS 4041 for a few years now and love it. Very solid and reliable, at least two of my close neighbors also have LS' and are happy with them too.