Dependable Workhorse
Model Year: 1995
I have a small farm where I primarily make round bales. And holy buckets does this little guy have some snort. I run a Vermeer 605J round baler which makes 5 foot wide by 6 foot diameter round bales, and as long as I have a smooth field I can open her up to the 1C range. About the only downside that I can find is that the SCV joystick pushrods are built pretty weak (plastic) and when they start to gum up, they break. The replacement parts are aluminum though, and fit right in without any problem. The other problem is that when it gets below freezing, the steering wheel does not turn as water freezes it up, so it takes about 20 minutes to warm up and melt the ice. I needed to replace the clutches at about 7600 hours, but they were original, so I can't fault it there. Otherwise the only time it even smokes is at startup or if I am really lugging her down. Very happy with the purchase of this little guy. The only downside is that I don't have a heated cab for winter use, but that is not the tractor's fault.
Pros: Powerful, reliable, starts in any weather
Cons: Lousy SCV pushrods