whats a good compact tractor?

[beenthere]

............  Remember, the big names are all built in Korea, China, etc. not in the USA anymore anyway.

...........

Welcome Marcus

I consider Deere to be a big name 
The 4300 and 4310 ironwood mentions are made in Augusta, GA as are most of the Deere tractors. There are factories in Germany, Spain, Mexico, China, India and Brazil, but that is mostly where the tractors are sold too.

[Ironwood]

Thanks for input guys.

 Still learning alot.

 Yes, 2120 Ford has shuttle shift. Yes, the rims would need replaced, they dont make 26" R4's, so $$$ if I went that way. I could run it with exsisting tires....... I LOVE the fact that is weighs 4500 lbs. stock. The Brush Hog loader may be a little cumbersome, I havent seen it in person yet.

 I asked the JD, he DIDNT really sharpen his pencil

 I look around at auction prices and it makes me think I should just try to go that way. I know it is a "pig in a poke" and I could get a problem machine, but I see where some of the ones I am looking at could be bought for $6000-$8000 less than dealer prices. I really dont need their financing (which is really the only reason to go to a dealer), although I would know I am getting a solid machine, at least in the case of the Deere, and Ford 2120.

 The 430 loader on most of the 4300-4310's is just "OK" in my book. The 4310 my dealer has has a CX300 loader with a commercial bucket, which seems a fair bit nicer than the 430 loader. Also, the tighter fit to the machine would make it easier for the wife, kids to run. Also, the 4300-4310 could run a belley mower (the one I am looking at doent have one w/ it), so I could mow with it, just have to find a deck.. I could NOT run a belley mower on the Ford 2120, I do have a Woods RM59, but I could not mow with R1's.

 I do have the option of the Ford 1920 that is REALLY nice shape. I think if I could get the guy down on price, like $9000-$10,000, it make make sense, I need to look back and see if R4 will fit it's rims.

 Ironwood

[beenthere]

I've been seeing a 4300 at the local IH dealer with a cx300 FEL. May stop by out of curiosity to see what they are asking. It looks in great shape.
Tried to find a 4300 or close for two years close by, but there just were none. Being over 10 yrs old, more may be showing up.

[Ironwood]

OK, now I am getting somewhere, I am ADDING the JD 990 to my search. Simple rugged 38hp gear tranny. I am also trying to limit my loader options on the Deeres to the 300-400cx models. I do ALOT with the loader and earlier 430, and like loaders are not as well build or "tight", my buddys 4600 has a 460 loader and it racks badly, and he has hardly used it.

 Ironwood

[caver]

I'm another Kioti fan...LB1914... TLB. The four year warranty and excellent dealer also helped. I may trade it off on a bigger one this coming year. Yep, made the classic mistake of not buying bigger but funds were limited at the time. Five years later and no problems.

[Ironwood]

I have heard some good stuff on the Kioti as of late, my Dad has an early one, likely a 20-25 HP, it has a backhoe on it. He has had issues over the years, He is 2 hours away and I dont ask to use it after I toasted the clutch (I reimbursed him for the repair, it was my fault) I did rent a twin to his and snapped the rear pin on the Hoe pivoting on it (thought it should be able to withstand that, but the pin was CAST!!! Duh. hello, cast is brittle what were they thinking, that was 12 years ago. I cannot get over my intial impression, and here is a link to a "new engine" Kioti after only 300 or so hours, HOW does that happen? perhpas owner neglect, but I have also heard of head gaskets going and then sucking dirty air toasting hte cylinder.
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=6302003&

 I just cant look beyond some of the majors, for resale and parts availability. JD, Kubota, Ford (parts and support may be an issue).

 Pretty much looking at a SIMPLE 990 JD gear, which they still make in a 4005 JD geared (current model), one size smaller 3005, I found a couple used 990's with low hours.
 
 I talked ot the MAIN compact and Sub-compact tractor repair guy at my local  BIG JD dealer about  a bell and whistle used 4310 vs a 990 in terms of LONG term durability, and it was OBVIOUS his opinion  . I am looking for 20 years of dependable no hassle use. I dont mind "upfront cost" I just dont want ongoing issues with electronics and potentiometers, and selenoids, hydro repair and diagnositic $$$$ going to the dealer, if the 990 breaks I can split it and replace the clutch. 

 Ironwood

[tractormanNwv]

Just my opinion....but if you want to buy a tractor, don't go to a dealer, go to an individual your more apt to get an honest answer instead of a sales answer.I myself collect J.I.Case tractors for the most part, between myself, my wife,and my dad we have 13 case tractors..VI-VAI-VAC-DC  1 minneapolis- moline z, and a 1969 MF 150 with the 3cyl perkins gas that does a terrific job of everything I ask of it. but for pulling logs or about anything else the 1949 DC Case chain drive will walk circles around it.I would suggest  yesterdaystractors.com  or  antiquetractorsforum.com  both sites have multiple selections of used tractors in about every year imaginable. If you are gonna use a front end loader try to get a tractor with live hydraulics.....the older  fords  9N-2N-8N....ferguson 20- &-30...farmall M-&-H with belly pumps will work you to death, all good tractors, but man beaters.

Jim

[bandmiller2]

I'am late into this fray,and stuck in the 50's all my tractors are 2 cyl. deeres and I can find no reason to trade up.A tractor is worthless without weight especially with a loader.You always need the next larger size tractor.Parts and available service is important,that why you pay more for a name you recognize.A solid older tractor used, of good breeding, is your best bet. Frank C.

[caver]

  I just cant look beyond some of the majors, for resale and parts availability. JD, Kubota, Ford (parts and support may be an issue).
Ironwood

Mice got into the dash on my Kioti and ate the wiring. I had to buy a new fuel level sender because they ate the wires right up to the epoxy. They did not stock the part and had it in less than two weeks.
Since my last post my dealer had a low hours Kioti DK40se HST that I traded for.