Jmac, it's a McCormick 4x4, sync shuttle 12x12 with 38hp and 31hp on the pto. It took me almost two years to drive to all the dealers and test them, and I drove them all, except a Deutz-Fahr, hard to find down here. Also spec'd them all. The deciding factors for me was it came with dual remotes, rear work light, foot shields as standard equipment. Plus it had the highest pounds of 3pt lift and front end loader lift of the comps and most importantly it has the Mitsubishi 4 cylinder motor. Really sips fuel for the torque output. On my field, I can run an 8 foot single spindle bush hog. Oh yeah, they also had the free quick attach front end loader deal going on when I bought it. Has a standard quick attach 5' bucket on a Bobcat plate as well. So yeah, I'm real happy with it. Especially now since it's paid for as of July 2015.
Close, and I mean real close, was Kioti, but a little higher price and no loader deal, but they had the longest warranty. Dealer was also 30 miles further back then. They have a neat little rear remote for the 3pt so you ain't gotta do the reach around when changing out and hooking up. Should be standard on em all if you ask me.
I don't reckon I'll ever get another tractor, although those a/c cabs are tempting when in the hay at my age. But if I was a tradin today, I'd look real hard at McCormick again, Kioti, LS and Yanmar and personally wouldn't look any further. Of those, I'd say LS may be the most bang for the buck, but which ever of those has the best deal and dealer, doubt you could go wrong. And I'd make 'em throw in a pair of Pat's quick hitches so I don't have to go buy another set. That's another thing that should be standard. Handier than a shirt pocket.
