Decided today that I need a new tractor. The one I have is fine, but is rather basic. I need to upgrade. I need a grapple and a hydrostatic transmission on the new one. It’ll be a Kubota.

The existing tractor is a Kubota 4400 DT. Four wheel drive. Pre DEF. Standard type transmission. FEL. Rear hydraulics to run my log splitter. I think I got it new in 2008. An Air Ride seat has been added, much to the happiness of my back. Hours on the tractor are about 750. Always under a roof.

My left knee is causing the need for an HST. The grapple is for moving whatever. The neighbor came over with his tractor and grapple and made short work of what would’ve caused me a lot of physical effort. It became obvious that I need one as I age.

So, what’s your guess as to what my existing tractor is worth? I may just trade it in toward the new one, but I don’t want to get skinned on the trade in price.

Being covered it's whole life, with a loader it's worth about 15,000 retail.

I'd suggest looking through tractor house dot com to see what similar units are selling for. My guess on a low hours creme puff like yours the dealer would ask $18-19K. And maybe give you $12-14K trade. Just my

I’ll talk to them this week, and see what they are thinking.

When I bought my JD, a guy told me that a tractor without a FEL was half a tractor and a FEL without 4wd is useless. I also needed to buy one step up from my minimum requirements. I have found those things to be true.

Prices are crazy now a days. I'll bet your tractor is worth more than you paid for it. See what dealer says and try and sell it out right. Or trade number might be what your looking for with no h'assel to sell it outright. What ever you do we need to see pictures of the new one.

I went through this decision a few years ago. If you have enough land to justify it and If your existing tractor is paid off keep it as a second tractor. I now have 2 tractors and it's one of the best decisions I've made. There are times when I jump from one tractor to the other several times a day. Way easier than changing implements back and forth and more productive. I would encourage you to keep it at least for a while after you get your new one and if it doesn't make sense after 6 months, then revisit selling it.

I would do some shopping around and see what they’re selling for, prices have gone through the roof!!!! I bet it’s fairly close to being worth what you paid for it but this next one will hammer your wallet…

Are you sure a hydro will be less pain on your knee?

I have seen those sell in a few of the Auctions I have been to in the last year, depending on the shape its in, 12,700 - 18,000 are the number I have seen.

Gasguzzler, an HST won’t need my left leg (with bad knee) to be involved.

Maybe tomorrow I can get to the Kubota dealership and see what they can do versus what I want on a new tractor. The L4802 might work for me, but I need more information.

I agree with the first part but not so much the 2nd. While my next tractor will likely have MFWD, I've done a ton of work over the last 40 years with 2wd tractors. Most of the effectiveness depends on weight, not the number of powered axles.

I’m talking to the Waco Kubota shop about trade in for the 4400DT and price for the MX5400 HST. Don’t have either price yet, but I have found out about a few things that tick me off. The standard L series are missing a few things that I must have. The Grand L series is big on electronics and price, and I don’t need that. Apparently what I’ll have to go with, if I do go with Kubota is the MX5400 HST.

I might sniff around on Kioti tractors. The neighbor is really happy with his. The DK5310 SE HST looks good to me.

Have you talked to Washington county tractor?
They seem to be some straight shooters, and may be worth the short drive.
They actually bought out the Normangee kubota store.

That is who I’m talking to. And also talking to a Kioti dealer. Let’s see who comes back with the best deal.

Check Mahindra. Should have one close. Had a Kubota 5740 Hydro (59 Horse), and left it at the ranch I sold and bought a Mahindra 1533 Hydro (35 Horse) a couple years back, for the 10 acres here. Check the weight's of the tractor's you're looking at. . You will be surprised.

I have the MX5200 it's a 2016 model, nonHST, FEL & 4WD no issues with anything. I've got 540 hours on it and take care of it like it's one of my kids. It has the DPF filter and I never let it idle. It's recommended to operate at 2000rpm this is to keep the DPF filter in good shape. I guess all of them have some kind of emissions on them today. The "L" in Lxxxx tractor stands for landscape. Time to step up to a big boy tractor.

If you might consider Mahindra, call Navasot (Gavin) at J-5 tractor in Normangee.
He’s very knowledgeable on anything tractor.

You'd be pleased with the MX5400 HST - can't go wrong with the Kioti either (they're heavier than a comparable Kubota).

Whatever you get - as was said - run it over 2,000 rpm - don't let it idle excessively. It is the bane of these newer smaller tractors and WILL eventually create problems if you idle it a lot.

I was told to replace the DPF filter on my MX5200 was $1600.00. DON'T IDLE YOUR TRACTOR!!

I know this is old but just wanted to tip in on this... it can also happen from bad fuel and more so than not working the tractor harder than the fuel use can handle... especially with hst tractors you need to be sure your giving it plenty of fuel to get the job done.

The Kubota sales guy told me to run it at 1500 rpm or more so the DPF filter can do what it has to do. Got about 30 hours on the tractor now. No complaints. The hydraulic upper link arm is a great thing to have, as is the one hydraulic lower link arm.

Not as frugal with the diesel as the older smaller one. No surprise there.

I also have a vintage 8N Ford. When I first got it, I sent it to a mechanic who went through everything, put on new rear tires and overhauled the engine. I and neighbors put in a lot of wheat crops for deer season and other stuff. Then I quit using it when I bought a John Deere with 4WD and a front end loader. It has now sat for over 10 years. I need my butt kicked for that.

Lots of old tractors just sitting in fields not running. I have a Ford 4600 sitting outside.