Well, the tractor size we HAVE, is an International 444 which I understand to be 35/38 hp give or take. I understand the 5' and MAYBE 6' to be nice size for it. Upgrading to a 6' isn't worth cost/benefit to me (as of yet)...sooooooo, this will also mandate a new PTO with more hp!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Again, currently, Uncle in law has been cutting farm..takes him about solid week of working during cooler hours of day..and THAT is yet, another concern of mine.. sooooooooo
my contemplations are taking me away from my REAL desire (L-48 after trading down from Brutus) and considering possibly an M class with cab so Uncle and Father in laws can have some protecton from the elements if they continue to "insist" to do some of this..I really hate seeing them out in the hot sun like that..and I know I hate seeing ME out there too!
Ok, so upshot is, I'm not talking ONLY a "X" foot cutter, but also a tractor, so we are looking at (M-6800/10'cutter) about $35,000 for a round number.
Obviousely, I can spend $100K (really I can't) and get a mega machine that will cut farm in 12 minutes. It's all about trade offs and that's what Im' after... the "sweet spot" of 'reasonable time", "reasonable $$$" and LIKE the idea of having a cab..
Are the "M" series MORE stable on slopes than the L series?
Does the M series hydro shuttle have a similar "lag" or freewheel tendencies that a GST has when changing gears or direction?
Any thoughts/suspicisions if the M series is considered for a hydro upgrade?
I wish this endeavor was ONLY a consideration of what size cutter. I'm SO flabbergasted that these two guys have done this for the last 40 years with a 5' cutter... AND..have NO (perceptable) concerns/thoughts on the benefits of how a wider cutter might save them a load of time.
I saw a 15' batwing and it is HUGE...as well as the machine needed to pull it...or at least the machine they had it hooked to was a monster. if THAT setup is matched together, then sadly, that (tractor) is overkill and certainly financial overkill for being primarily a field cutter.
Wouldn't scapling be a bigger issue with a 15' over a 10'? Or, does the batwing configuration of the 15' help reduce that tendency over the 10' NON batwing?
Thanks
Richard