RAW
Silver Member
I've been reading through this forum off and on for quite some time now. I've searched every conceivable keyword.
I've even touched on the issue in my own threads.
So now, I thought I'd post THE DEFINITIVE thread. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
What would be the BEST rough/steep terrain tractor?
Nothing crazy like a walking excavator. We're talking farm tractors. 4x4 obviously. Locking differentials are good. Many tractors still don't have front lockers standard. It needs to be capable of operating a FEL/grapple and a brush-hog/flail-mower. And let's put a limit of 90hp on the tractor.
I've been eyeballing all of the major manufacturers, but also Landini, Antonio Carraro, and Power-trac.
Landini and Antonio Carraro are Italian tractors. I would imagine that makes parts harder to come by. The AC tractors also are limited in the FEL department. In fact, I haven't seen one with a FEL, but a dealer told me that there is one available. That oscillation and reversible operator's station would be nice. The TRG and TGF look quite capable.
The Power-trac 1460 looks quite interesting, but I'm concerned about the proprietary attachments. You are primarily limited to what Power-trac makes. Plus, you couldn't have it outfitted with a grapple and a brush-cutter at the same time. But the articulation, heavy-duty construction, low COG, and deutz engine are appealing.
The Massey Ferguson 400 series looks like a strong contender. Lower than most newer-style tractors these days while still maintaining ground clearance. Add in the low-profile versions . . . and you're looking at a pretty stable machine. But it sure would be nice to have some updated features. The Landini Evolution (60 series) appears to be virtually identical to the Massey 400. And this design seems to offer a decent front axle oscillation.
New Holland TN series looks pretty good too. I would think the Landini Powerfarm would be comparable.
Nothing in the JD lineup has really called to me. I have gotten the distinct impression that other manufacturers are offering more features/hp per $.
The new Kubota M40s seem to have good potential, but they're still scarce. More than any other, the Kubota lines confuse me about which would be best on steep/rough terrain.
The Farmtrac 7-series looks pretty robust and capable too, but . . . what little I've seen about them suggests that the new 7-series is expensive.
I could go on and on. I've checked every manufacturer I've seen mentioned. I've called dealerships. But I'm guessing that the collected experience/knowledge of the people on this board will be able to provide better answers.
So, peeps, enlighten me!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I've even touched on the issue in my own threads.
So now, I thought I'd post THE DEFINITIVE thread. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
What would be the BEST rough/steep terrain tractor?
Nothing crazy like a walking excavator. We're talking farm tractors. 4x4 obviously. Locking differentials are good. Many tractors still don't have front lockers standard. It needs to be capable of operating a FEL/grapple and a brush-hog/flail-mower. And let's put a limit of 90hp on the tractor.
I've been eyeballing all of the major manufacturers, but also Landini, Antonio Carraro, and Power-trac.
Landini and Antonio Carraro are Italian tractors. I would imagine that makes parts harder to come by. The AC tractors also are limited in the FEL department. In fact, I haven't seen one with a FEL, but a dealer told me that there is one available. That oscillation and reversible operator's station would be nice. The TRG and TGF look quite capable.
The Power-trac 1460 looks quite interesting, but I'm concerned about the proprietary attachments. You are primarily limited to what Power-trac makes. Plus, you couldn't have it outfitted with a grapple and a brush-cutter at the same time. But the articulation, heavy-duty construction, low COG, and deutz engine are appealing.
The Massey Ferguson 400 series looks like a strong contender. Lower than most newer-style tractors these days while still maintaining ground clearance. Add in the low-profile versions . . . and you're looking at a pretty stable machine. But it sure would be nice to have some updated features. The Landini Evolution (60 series) appears to be virtually identical to the Massey 400. And this design seems to offer a decent front axle oscillation.
New Holland TN series looks pretty good too. I would think the Landini Powerfarm would be comparable.
Nothing in the JD lineup has really called to me. I have gotten the distinct impression that other manufacturers are offering more features/hp per $.
The new Kubota M40s seem to have good potential, but they're still scarce. More than any other, the Kubota lines confuse me about which would be best on steep/rough terrain.
The Farmtrac 7-series looks pretty robust and capable too, but . . . what little I've seen about them suggests that the new 7-series is expensive.
I could go on and on. I've checked every manufacturer I've seen mentioned. I've called dealerships. But I'm guessing that the collected experience/knowledge of the people on this board will be able to provide better answers.
So, peeps, enlighten me!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
