We're in the early stages of looking at compacts, and I'm looking for feedback on sizing. The heaviest usage of the tractor will be in the winter, to clear our parking lot, and to unload the occasional freight shipments that we get. The shipments we get weigh a maximum of 1500 lbs, so will be the minimum capability for the FEL.
Because the primary usage will be in the winter, a cab is in consideration. I know it adds quite a bit to the cost, and I've looked at aftermarket cabs but I'm not impressed by them. From what I've seen and read, factory cabs are the way to go.
Our dealer options are Mahindra, New Holland, Kioti, Kubota and of course JD. I've been researching mostly Mahindra and Kioti, as they seem to be the best value.
I've been looking at the 35-45hp range. We want something big enough to do the job properly, but have limited funds. I was really interested in the Mahindra 3616 cab model with FEL, but I'm a little worried that it might be too small. I like the 3535 (because of it's extra weight and lifting capacity) and the 4035, but they aren't available with a cab. The Kioti DK40SE HST CAB would be another option.
I guess my real question is this: Would a 36hp Mahindra 3616 be large enough to suit our needs? We could always load the tires and/or put chains on if traction is a problem. And the 1500 lbs would be close to the FEL's limit, especially considering that a load on pallet forks is front of the pins. (Although 1500lbs would be the exception rather than the norm. The majority of our shipments are <1000 lbs.) I'm also thinking bucket size, the 40hp's have 72" buckets vs 60" buckets on the 35 hp, would make a difference in snow clearing speed. I've never owned a tractor, so I'm kind of at a loss as the the capabilities of various models.
