I’ll be needing a bigger tractor when we get to Tennessee. I’ll have some long steep inclines to mow, so I’ll need the pto power along with driving power.

I won’t need a mid pto, so no sense spending the money on that. Just about any tractor I’ll need to add 4th & 5th hydraulic outlets to the back and a 3rd function on the front for a grapple.

I’ve always had JD’s but would now consider a Kubota as well. Both are now priced about the same by hp.

I have read some negatives about Kubota’s support structure and parts availability but I have no experience with them.

The tractors I’m considering at this point are the MX5400, MX6000, or JD 4052R. I want a cab with heat and air for sure..... getting old you know.

What say you?

I'm a John Deere guy but my suggestion would be to visit both the Kubota and the John Deere Dealers closest to where you will live in Tenn.

Ask to speak to a few of the Techs in their repair shop one on one for a few minutes each as you want to buy a new tractor and repair support is of primary importance to you.

The Dealer responses to that request and the distance from your Tenn. place to each dealership will be of immense help in making your decision.

As for a HP suggestion, get the heaviest weight MFD tractor in the 55hp to 70hp range with the widest stance.

MPB covered it perfectly. Really nothing to add.

Considered a good used machine? Might save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. You might find one being sold by someone like yourself, low hours, private ownership, spent most of its life in a barn.
As far as Deere vs. Kubota, I have two Deere tractors, both a bit smaller than what you are looking for (35 & 43 HP). They are good tractors. A few years ago (2017) I had the opportunity to use a new Kubota tractor/loader/backhoe. It appeared to me to be a bit more thought out. “Refined” if you will.

MPB covered an important point though - proximity of service. Both brands being competitive, who would you rather deal with when you need service?

Add to that thought, can they make up hydraulic hoses? Sometimes one will spring a leak, can they make one NOW? Or does it need ordered and how long will that take? My oldest JD has pipe threads on the hydraulic hoses. I can buy those at Tractor Supply or they can easily be made up at a local shop. Does your dealer (either one) stock a selection of hoses for your machine.

In either case, the size you are looking at should be a good machine. Built to be repaired and run forever. Are you going to do some of your own repair/maintenance? Can you get manuals? Real, paper hard cover manuals (not online or CD). Get a set when you get the tractor.

I've heard only good from MX owners. I often hear "pick the dealer because service is very important." Maybe I've just been lucky but after delivering my tractors (I've bought 3 from two different dealers) I've not needed them again. Nothing's ever failed and servicing is straight forward and detailed in the owner's manual. Most Kubota dealers will download the service manual for your tractor on a thumb drive.

I do like the two Kubota's you mentioned. As I am in the market for a piece of equipment myself (tractor, skid steer or maybe excavator) I don't really need a mower.

I do not have a dealer near me so have not looked at them in person. As mentioned. You can buy used and have shipped to you and save thousands. But you do have to be ready and willing to pull the trigger as they are currently going fast.

I have not looked at JD.

I ordered a JD 4720 in 2006 after JD announced their cab. I tried to find a tractor with servo to the bucket but none were found so I ordered the tractor moving the servo from the belly to the front allowing me to use a grapple bucket and angle blade.
The blade show in this photo.
At the time there were only 3 hydraulic outlets available, draft link, bely and bucket control.