Hi, as you say good basic machines. We have a slight problem the importer (MotoVok) started telling the dealers what price they should be charging the farmers. This led to very bad after sales backup, warranty and also led to allot of dealers walking away from the brand. So we don't have good backup in our area. Which means we have to travel quite a distance for the smallest item. Not good, if your under pressure.
I think the most important thing is to ensure they are driven by owner drivers. They certainly don't like "test-pilots" and it seems operators will put a rough driver up on a Zetor and they wont let them near their John Deere? Then they tell you the the product is soft. Aren't people funny?
As far as I know the shuttles don't give trouble (the older ones are bullet proof), but as you probably know the clutch is a bit soft.
Go for the 6 cylinder if you can, as the 4 cylinder is OK on its own, but don't seem to like being turbocharged.