I have my tractor picked out that I want to purchase. The L4240 but I cannot decide whether or not to get a cab. I have about 50 acres (15 acres are open and the rest wooded)here in northern NY. I will be plowing a long driveway, firewood removal in the woods, dirt and rock moving, and anything else a typical home owner would do. I know during times of the year I will be loving that cab when we have those - 20 degree wind chills and I'm out doing the drive....I'm just afraid with going down into the woods and getting caught on tree branches and having them come back and crack the glass. I understand I need to be more careful but I'm just really looking for advice and opinions on whether or not I should get a cab since we experience the extreme of all 4 seasons here in northern NY. All advice is welcome since this is my first tractor purchase and I plan to keep this for many, many years.
Canopy Cab or no cab
- Thread starter mmmm1178
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If you're going into the woods then a cab is no good. Unless you do a lot of branch/limb trimming beforehand. For most other uses a cab tractor is great.
TripleR
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There are at least two pretty long threads, one from the general forum and one from John Deere; lots of good reading.
Our primary tractors are a L5030 HSTC and M8540 HDC. Until recently we kept an open station Massey Ferguson around for woods work, but used it so seldom, we have moved it to another farm.
We have lost a light or two and have some scratches, but can usually maneuver through without contact and if not, there is always the chain saw and pole pruner.
For us a cab is the only way to go and we don't worry about a few scratches; beats a gazillion mosquito bites, ticks, bee stings, being covered in dirt and daily doses of Claritin D.
Our primary tractors are a L5030 HSTC and M8540 HDC. Until recently we kept an open station Massey Ferguson around for woods work, but used it so seldom, we have moved it to another farm.
We have lost a light or two and have some scratches, but can usually maneuver through without contact and if not, there is always the chain saw and pole pruner.
For us a cab is the only way to go and we don't worry about a few scratches; beats a gazillion mosquito bites, ticks, bee stings, being covered in dirt and daily doses of Claritin D.
bigbull338
Elite Member
if your going tobe in thick heavy woods then get an open station tractor.because if you take a cab tractor in the woods you can do some heavy damage to the cab.
electrarc
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My new tractor has a cab. I find that there are days that I would not want to go out on the old open station tractor in the wind and cold. But with a cab no problem.
Here in Aust (QLD) we do not have a very cold winter (2.5 C) and I am using the A/C due to the amount of glass. My neighbor just got a new tractor with a cab and he is also using the AC in winter.
We are both asking ourselves the same question, will the A/C handle the 38 degree C summer with 99% humidity or will we be taking the doors off?
savageactor7
Platinum Member
Unless you're a farmer that's working a tractor for 6- 8 hrs at a time I don't think a cab adds to productivity...just mho.
MHarryE
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I had an open platform L3710 for 8 years and in May traded it for a L5740 HSTC. Last winter finally firmed the decision - moving snow in 10,20 below weather (real temp, not wind chill) helped me to convince my wife. The only problem I have really had in the woods is the mirrors getting folded back because I forget to swing them in. The glass is actually nice since I no longer am being swatted by branches. I expect the hit to break cab glass would knock you out on an open platform. You don't get the cold temperatures in NY that I get here in NE MN, but I expect you have more snow to move. That cab will sure be nice.
Dargo
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As noted in other similar threads, this sort of comment is only made from people who have never had cabs. Spent most of my life with open tractors. After buying my first tractor with a cab, no way in heck, regardless of the conditions, would I ever even remotely consider an open tractor again. Productivity goes up ten fold or more for the occasional user. For example, if I don't plan on changing clothes and taking a shower would I ever hop on my tractor and mow an area that looks particularly bad, move that pile of debris, till a garden for the wife etc.? No, nobody would. With a cab, you can do whatever you want and then go on about your business without being covered with dust, dirt, mud and you won't have all those bug bites.
I can do the "Ben Franklin" method and make two lists; one with the benefits of a cab and the other of the drawbacks of a cab. The list will be about 100 to 1 in favor of having a cab.
aczlan
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I have several places and methods of removign snow:
1. Inlaws with BX2660, power angle blade and cab - I have to put on a jacket and a hat until it warms up, then I just need a long sleeve shirt
2. Inlaws with open station B7500 and loader - Bundle up depending on the outside temps
3. Hotel with walk-behind snowblower - Bundle up (carhart overalls, jacket, stocking cap, gloves and a scarf
4. Hotel with a Cub Cadet GT3200 with a cab and power lift blade or snowblower - Cab is not here yet, but nothing more than a coat, hat and gloves should be needed.
Guess how I would move snow given the choice?
Aaron Z