The 3901 is $2350 higher than the Massey. Both new models are identically set up. I am going to buy one or the other within 2 weeks. Is the extra $ worth it?
Kubota 3901 compared to Massey 1840 buying advice
- Thread starter Patt Swilling
- Start date
General feel is that the Massey tractors do the same job, but are a bit less refined. Kubota have been making basically the same tractors for 20 years or more, and every 3-4 years they refine them a bit - fix a few things, tweak a few features for longevity or usability. They're very well thought through in general.
MF seem to contact out each new model. They design them, then ask someone to make them. But they change engines, change chassis manufacturer etc. So they're not making the same design consistently, and they don't have as much time behind them in refining all the pieces together.
There's really nothing wrong with any of the big manufacturers. If you're the kind of person that likes to feel like you got a lot of tractor for your money, the MF is the buy. If you're the kind of person that likes all the details to be just so, and obsesses over your tractor, the Kubota is the buy because it'll make you happy every day. I suspect the Kubota resale would be better too - so if you see buying your tractor as a loan that'll give you most of the money back when you sell it, the Kubota is probably the choice there too.
Of course, asking the Kubota forum whether to buy a Kubota or a MF is probably already telling me what you want the answer to be.
MF seem to contact out each new model. They design them, then ask someone to make them. But they change engines, change chassis manufacturer etc. So they're not making the same design consistently, and they don't have as much time behind them in refining all the pieces together.
There's really nothing wrong with any of the big manufacturers. If you're the kind of person that likes to feel like you got a lot of tractor for your money, the MF is the buy. If you're the kind of person that likes all the details to be just so, and obsesses over your tractor, the Kubota is the buy because it'll make you happy every day. I suspect the Kubota resale would be better too - so if you see buying your tractor as a loan that'll give you most of the money back when you sell it, the Kubota is probably the choice there too.
Of course, asking the Kubota forum whether to buy a Kubota or a MF is probably already telling me what you want the answer to be.
Looking at just pricing is a mistake, I suggest that you should look at the overall cost of ownership and that the calculation should take into account resale ability and resale values. If price is the only factor you may find even cheaper tractors for sale.
BigG
Well-known member
Equipment
l2501, FEL, BB, Rotary cutter, rake,spreader, roller, etc. New Holland TL80 A
Look carefully where the front axle attaches to the frame of the MF. I had a MF1528and the front axle was attached with a small steel strap that ran from side to side at about 1 1/2 inches wide. That was the only thing holding the axle in place. It was a poor design and on mine it was poorly welded, This broke off causing about $1800 damage.
The problems I had with the MF makes me say "never again".
On my L2501 the front axle is attached much better.
The problems I had with the MF makes me say "never again".
On my L2501 the front axle is attached much better.
Iseki makes MF small and utility tractors (not just engines).
Due to past experiences, I would consider nothing from MF/AGCO except machines made by Iseki.
That said, neither MF nor two different dealers treated me well (or even fairly) in times past.
SDT
Not to sound like I am rolling in money, but $2350 is really not that much money if you feel like you will have a much more refined machine. Kubotas hold there value quite well here, I certainly realized that when I tried to find a used one.
Thanks for all the info and opinions. This will be my first tractor purchase. Doing all my homework. I will be buying the Kubota on our Spring Break. 8 more days!