M108s for ranch?

[overslope]

Hi everybody.

I'm new to the forum and new to Kubotas. I'm looking for a ranch tractor with loader and stumbled on a local(ish) M108s that seems almost perfect, but I don't know anything about them. I've always heard good things about Kubotas, but that the larger ones could be kind of hit or miss. This seemed like the place to come for help.

About the tractor: 2012 M108s, Hydraulic Shuttle 4, 4 wheel drive, cab and air, with La1403 Loader. Pre-emissions. 1340 hours and priced at $28,500. Some cosmetic damage to hood and grill (doesn't bother me at all). It's a couple hours away, so I haven't gone to see it in person yet. I'm in Central Florida.

Couple questions:

1. I'm a bit more familiar with JDs and Cases, and they all have a problem model now and then. Is this model reliable? Any problem areas I should know about?

2. I need a true 100 horse power machine. I know these are rated at 108, but we've got a similar sized Case that has seemed weak since it was brand new. Was this model pretty strong for its size?

3. Price seem ok?

4. Anything I need to pay special attention to when I see it in person? Any tell tale signs of abuse or red flags?

I think that's it. I'd honestly rather have a 6 cylinder than the 4, but otherwise it seems like exactly what I've been daydreaming about. Trying to do my homework and not make an expensive mistake.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for the help!

 

[russell.still.5]

A friend on mine has a M108X IIRC. He was told Kubota had some issues with the earlier tractor (M108S) but I don’t know what the issues were.

I have a M9540 and like it for it’s smaller size and weighs less than the M108S. It handles a batwing just fine but could use a little extra weight pulling my offset disc.

What are you planning on using the tractor for in your ranch.


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[mickeyd]

Welcome to OTT Over. You came to the right place to get answers.

You definitely need to go and check it out and drive it before making a decision. Check the maintenance and upkeep on it.

Tractor House list them at higher prices but condition will make all the deference.

Here is a review I found online:
Verdict -
The known reliability of the Kubota-made engine and simplicity of the tractor should sit well with many farmers who do not require all the gadgets under the sun. It is not a bad tractor at all. The simple question is: what do you need? If it is something simple and rugged, then this is the machine.

If you do decide to get it, be sure and change all the fluids and filters.

 

[overslope]

"What are you planning on using the tractor for in your ranch."

I've been using "family" equipment, but most of it's nearly worn out. This will be the first tractor I've bought myself, so it's gonna have to be a do-it-all machine. On top of the usual ranch and citrus grove stuff, I recently bought an old citrus grove and turned cows out on it. It needs plenty of work. Planning to plant a good bit of grass this year, so lots of discing, and general dirt work. Also jobs more suited for an actual loader, like pulling up old trees and pulling a big set of choppers over half rotten trees. Mowing with a batwing, which in thick summer time bahia grass is enough to bog down our 95 horse Case. And we have numerous leases scattered around that are usually easier to drive to than haul, so highway handling is another concern.

Between my personal stuff and the family stuff, I need something pretty versatile, but I guess that's the case for most people.

Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated. I'll look into changes between the M108s and its successor.

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[overslope]

Welcome to OTT Over. You came to the right place to get answers.

You definitely need to go and check it out and drive it before making a decision. Check the maintenance and upkeep on it.

Tractor House list them at higher prices but condition will make all the deference.

Here is a review I found online:
Verdict -
The known reliability of the Kubota-made engine and simplicity of the tractor should sit well with many farmers who do not require all the gadgets under the sun. It is not a bad tractor at all. The simple question is: what do you need? If it is something simple and rugged, then this is the machine.

If you do decide to get it, be sure and change all the fluids and filters.

Thanks, all good info. "Simple and rugged" fits the bill. Most of the problems on our other tractors have been computer/electrical. And I'll definitely see it in person before making a deal. Might try to take someone with me that better knows what they're looking at.

Thanks!

 

[mickeyd]

Might try to take someone with me that better knows what they're looking at. Thanks!

That sounds like a great ides. Post some pictures so that we all can see.

 

[russell.still.5]

I saw that tractor on Facebook yesterday. It looks like a great tractor for the price.


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