California
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2004
- Messages
- 14,680
- Location
- An hour north of San Francisco
- Tractor
- Yanmar YM240 Yanmar YM186D
At least for me ... I think a loader on a first tractor is a must. This immediately replaces the wheelbarrow and shovel misery that so limits what you can accomplish. You soon think of new applications that the loader makes possible - unloading a heavy welder for example or storing seasonal stuff on pallets and moving them with forks. The loader opens up a whole new world.
While a loader on the first tractor is essential, 4x4 is a nice addition where you can afford the added cost. 2x4 with loader isn't nearly so limiting as no loader at all.
Related - I think around 20~25 horsepower is the dividing line where 2 wheel drive is sufficient for many tasks. Below that a 2wd is too light for ground-engaging work (except rototilling).
Added - just saw the two preceding posts. I disagree on the claimed limits of 2wd with loader. The issue here is cost as a constraint on choices. Where cost limits options, choose the loader.
While a loader on the first tractor is essential, 4x4 is a nice addition where you can afford the added cost. 2x4 with loader isn't nearly so limiting as no loader at all.
Related - I think around 20~25 horsepower is the dividing line where 2 wheel drive is sufficient for many tasks. Below that a 2wd is too light for ground-engaging work (except rototilling).
Added - just saw the two preceding posts. I disagree on the claimed limits of 2wd with loader. The issue here is cost as a constraint on choices. Where cost limits options, choose the loader.