Which Tractor to Buy

[DougM]

Well we test MOST cars why not MOST tractors ???????

DougM

[Bob_Skurka]

In all fairness to the orginal poster's question, we have gotten off the main topic.

The Nebraska Tests are not only valid, but they are the standard by which farmers can measure apples to apples performance. I believe it is ONE of the valid considerations in making a purchase.

Personally, if I buy a tractor over 40hp, I will buy one that has an independant testing agency approval that PROVES it provides the performance its advertising CLAIMS it will. How good of a deal is it to get a great price on a tractor, but then find out it won't perform up to the claims . . . CUT owners may never be faced with that on their small properties, farmers rely on tractors to earn their living, the Nebraska tests are an insurance policy of quality performanc.

[shoppintractors]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The Nebraska Tests are not only valid, but they are the standard by which farmers can measure apples to apples performance. I believe it is ONE of the valid considerations in making a purchase.

Personally, if I buy a tractor over 40hp, I will buy one that has an independant testing agency approval that PROVES it provides the performance its advertising CLAIMS it will. How good of a deal is it to get a great price on a tractor, but then find out it won't perform up to the claims . . . CUT owners may never be faced with that on their small properties, farmers rely on tractors to earn their living, the Nebraska tests are an insurance policy of quality performanc. )</font>

In all fairness to the orginal poster's question, we have gotten off the main topic. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[Bob_Skurka]

Don, just to clarify for you, my post was back on topic. The part that was off topic was debating the legal issues of the Nebraska tests. The tests themselves are valid. The orginal post asked about 2 tractor brands, one that participates in the Nebraska tests and one that doesn't. The above post that you quoted, simply states my opinion that I would not buy a 40hp tractor that did not pass the Nebraska tests. The original post asked for opinions, I gave mine, that is on topic. What is not on topic were the series of posts prior to mine, many of which were deleted, and of course, your post which is off topic again, and this post which had to explain that we were back on topic. Do you have something to contribute or are you just posting for the sake of throwing threads off track, again?

[RedDog]

<font color="blue">The orginal post asked about 2 tractor brands, one that participates in the Nebraska tests and one that doesn't. </font>


Captkel is the starter of this thread and he said nothing about a "Nebraska" test. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]


Captkel hasn't been back to this thread. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] Maybe he is out enjoying his new tractor. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

RedDog

[Bob_Skurka]

RedDog, he asked about some specific tractors (NH, Branson), asked for opinions about those tractors, I mentioned the Nebraska tests and I spoke about 2 brands he specifically questioned. The fact of the matter is that the Nebraska Test issue is one point to consider when comparing the brands, just like capacities, power, cost and other factors are points to consider. He also stated he really wants a Deere.

Most other posts have been directing the orignal poster to brands other than he asked about. And most of those provided no useful detail.

[rico304]

I think the Nebraska testing and opinions valued members of TBN are most definately on topic. I'm still looking / researching for "That perfect tractor". Things like Bob mentioned are what keep me going. Most posts look like" You may want to consider (insert tractor brand)." I don't mind those, but they are of little use to me. I want facts mixed in with that. I can't get educated about tractors if people don't mix in facts, testings, experience, and a personal feeling about the tractor. Most threads consist of very little facts other than I love my tractor. I over research, but that is what I do. Many people want this. It makes no sense to start throwing rocks at people that add facts and personal experience along with opinions. It looks like some people go "Off thread" just to slam others when that is not useful. You all love your tractors or you wouldn't be here writing about them. Just don't go after people because they want to throw in facts. If I were looking for a large AG tractor, I would DEFINATELY want to know about the Nebraska testing. Let the buyer decide what is of value to them.

[Dargo]

Okay, I looked at the new Branson tractors this morning with the Cummins engine in them. A very bad thing happened when I was there. See attached.

[Dargo]

Here is another view from the other side. Sorry for the poor pics, but they were taken from my phone.

The Branson was tough, but I have a strong warning about always wearing your seatbelt. The tractor was being driven by a store employee. He was just going around the block to move the tractor. An older guy in a minivan hit him from behind. The ROPS prevented him from being killed, according to the numerous eyewitnesses. (I was looking the other way). The tractor went all the way on it's top and then back over on it's side. The kid was prevented from being crushed to death by the ROPS. However, he did not have his seatbelt on, and very possibly has a serious head injury.

[Keith_B]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
These companies meet the Nebraska requirements (last time I checked):

These companies do NOT meet the Nebraska requirements (last time I checked):
)</font>

There is no passing or failing the Nebraska tests. The tests record measurements of the performance of the machines.
The primary purpose of these tests are to provide drawbar and PTO performance ratings, including hp and fuel efficiency.

Most companies do not advertise the drawbar HP for small utility and CUT tractors, and haven't for years. When the primary putpose of the utility tractor was to pull a plow or a disk this was a very relevant number. In this day and time when the utility and CUT is used for more varied tasks the drawbar HP has lessened in importance.

The PTO hp remains an important measurement, but the average retail customer relies on his/her dealer to match up the proper PTO driven implements to the tractor size.

Here is a link to the tests done from 1999-2004, Tractor test reports. The bulk of the current testing done is for the 100 hp and above market.

Here is a link to the 90-99 tests:
1990-1999 tractor tests

As you can see CUTs by and large are not listed as being tested.

I am curious as to why the original poster was comparing a TN65, which is a utility, to the Bransons, which are CUTs? Those tractors are not really comparable at all.