The Most Reliable Tractors

Ford, Case IH, Massey Ferguson, John Deer, New Holland, Kubota, White, Allis-Chalmers, and the list goes on. One thing they have in common is they all believe they have the most reliable tractor. So which one actually does? Just like Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, most consumers have their favorite brands. However, for the used tractor buyer, the biggest considerations are which brand will be the most reliable, with the least amount of maintenance and cheapest parts. This is the age old question when tractor shopping.

When looking at sub compact tractors under 40 hp, nothing beats a Kubota. The initial cost may not be the cheapest, but in the long run, it would be cheaper to own than other sub compact tractors. Kubota offers a more reliable, high tech tractor. Parts are readily available if maintenance is needed. Kubota has been leading the sales market for sub compacts for many years and offer higher trade in and resale values. However, in the over 40 hp range, Kubota does not measure up with Ford, Case, Massey Ferguson, John Deer or New Holland. Their tractors are lighter duty and have a tendency to break down quicker than other brands.

Leading the industry in Utility tractors is very tuff to say. Each brand has had their ups and downs. Massey Ferguson had the most reliable innovative tractor in 1965. Even today, the 100 series has held their value. According to the 2008 Hot Line Farm Equipment Guide, the 165 series had an average auction price from $1,750 to $4,800, the 175 series had an average auction price from $1,900 to $9,500, and the 180 series had an average auction price from $1,600 to $7,000. In 1966, John Deere took a leap ahead of the competition with their 20 series. With the 3020 and the 4020 came the Power Shift. John Deere has been a leading tractor for years and have been known to hold their value the best. The Ford 4000 and 5000 series were very tough and economical tractors. However, the hydraulic capacity for the 3-point does not have as much lift as the newer Ford models. The 8x2 transmission was very tough and nearly indestructible, but the reverse speeds were not ideal. The newer Ford models have an 8x8 transmission that is more user friendly and easier to work on. They offer more hydraulic capacity, front-wheel-drive, and nicer steering.

So which tractor is more reliable. Each dealership will provide reason of why you should buy their tractor over another. As far as I'm concerned, they all have their strong points and their weak points. They all have one thing in common, they will all eventually break down, especially if they are pounded and not maintained. The tractor that is the easiest to repair and work on, with the most readily available parts will depend mostly on your experience and area. So weather you are into Blue, Red, the other Red, Green, the other Blue, Orange, White, or any other color, more than likely you will eventually have to work on it. Depending on what you plan to do with the tractor and your location should determine which tractor to purchase.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for used tractors, trailers and used trucks. Mascus makes trading in used machines and trucks quicker and more efficient by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Robert Tate
Regional Sales Manager - UK
Mob:+ 44 (0) 7970 230055
E mail: robert.tate@mascus.com