Cab or No Cab

[grsthegreat]

How good is the heat in a modern tractor with a cab? I have operated a komatsu WA180 pay loader for 12 hours when the temperatures dipped down to -14 and -30F windchill. The cab was sure nice no doubt about that at all!!

The heat was so so, and that was to be expected with it being -30 F windchill outside, the engine was running cold and had trouble even getting to a quarter when I was working it hard! The mild heat was nice at -14F ambient for sure.

We have 5 tractors all in Michigan and not one has a cab!! The neighbor has a 4040 John Deere (80 HP not newer style) with a cab and a contractor/ industrial blade in it, very large very heavy. It dipped down to -30F ambient in Michigan and the neighbors with the 4040 JD had to plow my parents quarter mile driveway as the blowing wind was taking over so badly

i just ran mine last week when temps were -10F plus 20,ph wonds for a wind chill of something like -30F.

warm and toasty in cab. no jacket. Had pre-heated the tractor 2 hours before operating though

 

[bravo2zero]

WOW! I didn't expect such a fast response and from so many. I sincerely appreciate all the feedback. The cost is a tad factor. I do like being out doors. Heat can play a factor in the summer. I'm in Alabama and it can get hot, real hot! I guess I really need to think things over. I'll be going to John Deere soon and taking a look at both options.

I have a John Deere 997 for mowing the land and it gets the job done. But I am beat to he*l and back by the time I'm done mowing the land. I was almost thinking about going with a Skid Steer but I am limited on what I can do.

 

[diesel lover]

WOW! I didn't expect such a fast response and from so many. I sincerely appreciate all the feedback. The cost is a tad factor. I do like being out doors. Heat can play a factor in the summer. I'm in Alabama and it can get hot, real hot! I guess I really need to think things over. I'll be going to John Deere soon and taking a look at both options. I have a John Deere 997 for mowing the land and it gets the job done. But I am beat to he*l and back by the time I'm done mowing the land. I was almost thinking about going with a Skid Steer but I am limited on what I can do.

I can understand why ou might move to a skid steer for the cab option, but if you get a tractor with a cab there's nothing like it. It will only take TWO minutes of regret/ second thoughts at first but when it comes down to it maintaining the heat and air conditioning is not much work.

If you get wayy north of Alabama it's tough to go without a cab. It was -14F here with -30F windchill ouch

 

[bravo2zero]

Yes and I am in north Alabama and we have had our fair share of snow this winter. Cold as get out. I will check out both options and see what feels most comfortable.

How is the vision in a cab? Blind sides etc?

 

[BigMike50]

Yes and I am in north Alabama and we have had our fair share of snow this winter. Cold as get out. I will check out both options and see what feels most comfortable.

How is the vision in a cab? Blind sides etc?

there is no blind sides in a jd cab. they are engineered nice. not only does it keep you out of the elements, it keeps you from fighting off bees and annoying bugs like gnats. I dealt with that crap enough. A cab on a john deere is nothing like a telephone booth like someone mentioned. its like sitting in your living room with climate control. very quiet with minimal engine noise and you can listen to your favorite music. Heck, because of the cab, during the hot summer I like to put my work at night. Put the a/c on, turn up the music and drink my favorite alcoholic beverage in my pajama pants. That's worth 10 thousand dollars to me over the course over of howver many years. Let alone the very cold frigid temps I plow snow.

 

[Dozernut]

"300UGUY said, Right now it's -3F outside, I'd really like a cab on my bota!!!"

I have to do some pallet work tomorrow, it's -1F here. Sure wish the ole Kubota had a heated cab too!

 

[bravo2zero]

Thanks @ BigMike50

I guess I just need to get on down to JD and sit inside a cab and take one for a spin. What slows down work for me on the land that is, is the heat factor. Thus the reason I have a consideration for the cab. Yes it cost more but it might be worth the investment.

How are the LIGHTS at night for working the land. Can you see pretty good?

 

[Green Power]

Buy a tractor with a cab if you can afford the extra price. It also gives more counterbalance for loader work. Heat, AC and radio make "work" even funner.

 

[diesel lover]

Thanks @ BigMike50 I guess I just need to get on down to JD and sit inside a cab and take one for a spin. What slows down work for me on the land that is, is the heat factor. Thus the reason I have a consideration for the cab. Yes it cost more but it might be worth the investment. How are the LIGHTS at night for working the land. Can you see pretty good?

Today's lighting is so amazing especially with aftermarket LED lights!! Even with factory lighting it's except able but with the Led work lights in pitch dark blowing snowy weather it's best! In a pitch or an emergency where you didn't expect to be using your tractor in the pitch dark today's lighting is great!

 

[TripleR]

These threads show up from time to time and it seems cabs are beginning to gain ground. No doubt there are good reasons to own open station, we own several. Given the choice of open station or cab, I always opted for a cab if practical, health issues now restrict me to a cab, but use to operate both. I'm pretty old, so I remember when it was unusual to see cab tractors in use by farmers, now you just don't see them around here.

I rarely see anyone trading in a cab for open station; open station for a cab not so rare.