IH454 VS Bobcat 445

[onceacop]

I am new here. I purchased a 445 w/o the loader at the 0% financing. Yet to be delivered. Traded the 454 in for a $6000 credit. Paying $13000 diff with a brush guard and some filters, rear remotes, and R4 tires. What are your opinions on comparing these 2 tractors for performance. I am very happy with the IH. I just wanted a new tractor, warranty, 4 wheel drive and the hydro. I primarily use this type of tractor for food plots and mowing with a 3 point finishing mower not a brush hog. I have a tandem disc, 8' cultivator, landscape rake, and seeder. Here is my IH. Did I make a bonehead move? Never ran a new tractor in the field before so have no idea how the power is. thanks, like this website alot. Posting this in the bobcat section also. eric

 

[bbse]

I don't understand the R4's without the loader....actually, for my uses, I don't want R4's with the loader. In ag uses R1's will work much better IMHO. I have a lot of hills, do some plowing, etc., the first time I tried to use the loader in a muddy field it was a joke. I slip and slid all over the place. My current tractor has R1's and has much much better traction. I just ordered a CT225 and the first thing I wanted was a swap from R4's to R1's.

 

[onceacop]

I mow alot around the house and buildings. Was thinking the R4 would leave less or no damage. I do need the tires for field work and trails. Was hoping the 4 wheel drive would even the score with less aggressive tire. Maybe I can change the order.

 

[galaxie428]

I would think the ag tires would be a little rough on your yard, at least when it is a little damp. I got the r4's on my 230 and I am very happy with them for what I use the tractor for which is mostly stuff around the yard. My friend came over with his JD, a much bigger tractor than mine, to help me with some stuff and he tore the heck out of my yard with his r1's. That is just my opinion though.

 

[bbse]

I have said this in other threads but my experience with a Kubota 3450 and a 3010, both with r4's, was that they were not a good compromise between ags and turfs. My R4's still tore the yard up when it was not completely dry, granted not as bad as r1's probably would but I don't mow around the house with a tractor anymore. If my primary purpose was mowing and I occasionally did loader work or field mowing, I would go with turfs. If I worked on hard surfaces and needed the extra plies then R4's. If I wanted maximum traction in the field, soft ground or mud then R1's.

 

[WWhunter]

Mr. onceacop, I have researched this same question and came to the same conclusion as you. I feel the R4's in combination with the ability of 4 wheel drive and the differential lock the R4's will fit my needs. I also do food plots and field work similar to the work you discribe. How ironic!!!

Funny thing being.....I also just ordered a CT445. Supposed to pick it up this week sometime. So, let me ask you.....How did you get talked into buying the Bobcat? Just curious.

One more thing....If you don't like the R4's you ordered, I'm sure you have a friend you could give them to and then go buy yourself some ag tires.

WW

Ps. What the heck is the hammer on there for?

 

[onceacop]

WWhunter,

You must not have alot of farming experience. The hammer has many uses. Mainly for beating something into submission. The adjustable links on the 3 point and the rear 3 point lever will make our lives much easier when hooking up. I think my Bobcat will not need a hammer. I am contimplating changing the tire order. Will call them monday. I'm glad I don't have an open can of beer on the IH. You'd see that too.

 

[WWhunter]

Nope, never farmed a day in my life.
What the heck kind of guy are you.....have to hammer stuff into submision?
You drink beer? On the tractor? No wonder that strip has a dogleg in it!!!!