Price Check M8540/M9540 HDC

[rjkobbeman]

rj, thanks for taking the time to explain the 3rd function remote. The only thing I can think I might use this on is a grappler on the FEL, but I doubt I'll purchase that. I might use the money towards another accessory!

I doubt that I do a lot of loading/unloading and will focus mostly on dirt work, fence work and tree clean up with the FEL so the $700 might be a little much for the self leveling feature. You were spot on with the price because that's what the dealer quoted me.

I will definitely upgrade to the 12f/12r and hydraulic shift.

I'm looking at purchasing the tractor in February (really dependent on taxes) The dealer said the 0% financing would be over in December. Surely this will come back soon, I hope. I haven't followed their financing offerings for a while and 0% seems to be the norm on bigger tractors like the M series for 5 years. Anyone think it won't come back soon enough?

As far as the financing goes, nobody knows when it will end. Only you can make the decision to wait or not.

However, a lot of people have said the 0% has been in place for a long time. I started following it a couple of years ago and it has been in place since I started watching. The 0% "programs" are usually around a quarter (3 months) long, however "new" 0% programs seem to be put in place the day after the previous programs ends. The 0% programs are moving tractors in a bad economy. Until things really pickup, I would bet the 0% will be around for a while. The good news is, if you plan to buy in February, you only need "one more" program to be implemented once the current one expires in December. Winter is not a "good" time to move tractors so I would bet 0% will certainly come back for the next quarter.

I have no knowledge to back my guessing though...

 

[TripleR]

Very good information provided as usual.

We had a self leveling FEL on our previous tractor and found it essentially useless for our needs, so we didn't get one on our tractor. It might be handy for some, but was not worth the price for us and haven't missed it.

Definitely get the Hydraulic Shuttle Shift; our last tractor was Synchro Shuttle and the Hydro is the way to go. As to the transmissions, I have no doubt the 9 will work OK, we just like the ability to pick just the right ratios for the operator. I use different ratios than my son for the same job as I like a little slower ground speed in some situations.

On flat land, wheel spacing is no big deal, but we have hills, so we had them extended all the way out.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

Just got a second quote from a dealer in Texas. 39,200 for the tractor and 7,800 for the loader...so right at $47,000 for the M9540 and front loader with 12f/12r..

Has anyone else been looking at this model and been quoted prices? Trying to get a benchmark for what is a decent price.

John Deere has a 101hp that I was quoted 47,000 with bucket and same configuration. Looks like it might come down to dealer once I pull the trigger and purchase the tractor in a few months!

 

[TripleR]

Sounds like a good price to me.

 

[bill in ny]

i would also get the cast wheels on the rear.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

i would also get the cast wheels on the rear.

I have read a lot about the weight of these tractors....does the back end come off the ground when lifting a large round bale without weighted tires and/or cast iron wheels?

 

[rjkobbeman]

I have read a lot about the weight of these tractors....does the back end come off the ground when lifting a large round bale without weighted tires and/or cast iron wheels?

I don't know about a round bale, however I have raise my rear end off of the ground buy taking a BIG scoop of wet dirt. I have also raise my rear end up when I am digging up trees. It is fairly easy to do. That is why I use a ballast box and wheel weights.

I choose to NOT fill my tires.

I WISH I could have gotten the cast iron wheels, but they are not an option for R4s. I went with R4 for several reasons, but the two main reasons were more weight rating on the front tires (probably the back too, but the front was my concern with the amount of FEL work I do) and the resistance to flats via locust thorns.

I would get the cast iron wheels AND use wheel weights... but that is just me. :thumbsup:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

As far as remotes, I have two. One is a self cancelling and the other has a float position. My Bat-wing shredder has the two wings on one remote. I actually prefer it that way, much faster and easier for me.
I also have Top-n-Tilt cylinders. Highly recommend these. Also have not needed more than the two remotes.
quote]

This sounds to me like you could be using 3 remotes. May not need them, but you have to admit that it would be nicer not having to disconnect one of the "TnT" cylinders.

 

[jdjdjd]

As far as remotes, I have two. One is a self cancelling and the other has a float position. My Bat-wing shredder has the two wings on one remote. I actually prefer it that way, much faster and easier for me.
I also have Top-n-Tilt cylinders. Highly recommend these. Also have not needed more than the two remotes.
quote]

This sounds to me like you could be using 3 remotes. May not need them, but you have to admit that it would be nicer not having to disconnect one of the "TnT" cylinders.

Two remotes - only ever needed two. Plugging and unplugging is just part of the job. In one day I may be hooked up to 6 different implements. Third remote would cost me about $850 and might save me a few seconds a day. More of a want-to-have than a need-to-have. If I ever have a single implement that needs three, I can always add a third remote. :thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

I would definitely get the cast wheels and/or filled tires and you will still benefit from a ballast box or some type of weight on the rear.

My son and I were cleaning out a dry pond we use for erosion control yesterday and he was using the M8540 while I was on the L5030. We haven't had time to fab a weight box and even with the filled tires, he would often lift the back tires digging in the mud. He could carry a full bucket, but filling it would often get the rear tires in the air.