I started with a broad search.
i lined out JD for philosophical reasons.
Kioti came off the list early due to there only being one dealer within 2 hours of my place. I know the man who owns the dealership, he’s a good man, and I might have bought from him had he been closer.
RK, Yanmar, etc. all presented similar or worse logistics concerns.
That left Kubota, New Holland/Massey, and Mahindra.
The New Holland guys were engaged, but not particularly helpful to a new tractor buyer. The sales guy kept trying to push me either into a 40 HP tractor, because he had it, or waiting an indefinite period for a Massey. He couldn’t make a compelling case for either. Looking back, if I was an experienced buyer/operator perhaps they would have been OK.
Marinara was responsive, close by, and engaged but the closest dealer was also a trailer and used car dealer, and the shop was clearly a general shop, not a Mahindra shop.
I’d have been OK doing business with them, and their price was competitive. Their inventory was good, and there was a second dealer within range too.
My closet Kubota dealer stood head and shoulders above the others. They’ve been there since dirt was installed. They have a great facility, shop, parts department and reputation.
He laid out the tractors in his product line that fit my described usage, helped me pro and con within his line, but didn’t try to push me into a particular solution.
He recommended accessories when asked, was insightful, very professional, and helpful.
I’ve also got 3 Kubota dealers with an hour of my house.
Both Mahindra and Kubota wrote me offers, the Kubota was within $1K of the Mahindra.
The L2501 I bought is also the ideal compromise in size for my needs. The Mahindra was a little larger which might be nice outside, but would definitely be an issue in the barn.
Once I did my due diligence, Kubota was the obvious answer for me.
I know people who have Kioti, JD, Yanmar and Mahindra compact tractors.
With the exception of the later model JD tractors, they all think highly of them.
Perhaps my feed store owner and cattle farming friend gave me the best advice:
“I’ve never owned a tractor under 100 HP, but from what I see all those little tractors are pretty good. It’s hard to find a bad one.
If you don’t like it you’ll be able to get most of your money back out of it.
What color do you like? Make your choice based on the dealer and the deal.”