Buying a tractor - too many choices! Please point me in the right direction

[jeff9366]

The G series list hydraulic lift control as "manual"

The R series lists hydraulic lift as "position/draft" What's the difference?

(With Kubotas-----) Manual hydraulic lift means when you lower implement it does not return to position it was in before being raised. It returns to position set my control lever. This is mostly an issue when using a Rotary Cutter. You would probably want to add Limit Chains to maintain an exact grass cut height. (See LINK.)

Position Control returns implement to exactly a pre-determined height, usually adjusted with a stop block locked by a screw.

Draft Control was part of the original Harry Ferguson designed Three Point Hitch, when plowing was a tractor's most important function. It is still important plowing, and helpful when pulling a full Box Blade. Reactive ground force compressing the 3-Pt. Top Link raises the implement when it runs into hard ground, a rock, or a Box Blade fills.

Plowing, Draft Control prevents the tractor from pivoting around the rear axle and going VERTICAL in 1/2 second when plow encounters immovable object underground. Box Blading, Draft Control usually prevents tractor from stalling out with full load in box.

Draft Control was $500 option on my Kubota L3560 in January 2012.



LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ta-b3300su-zerco-check-chains.html?highlight=

 

[TripleR]

Might find this interesting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX5J5suE-Gs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSatF4QoqmI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH9Tmdtsgg

 

[jeff9366]

I just can't see how the 30ish horsepower G3033H at $17K can't get what I want done with extra to spare. The loader is rated at 1600 pounds and the unit weighs about 2600#.

I owned a Kubota B3300 SU, sames specs as G3033H above. Very light. Not stable enough for heavy work. Once you start to lift a wheel or two wheels off the ground regularly, it will only be a matter of time until you roll the tractor.

That 1,600 pound load is cantilevered way out in front. When one wheel drops in a rut, turtle den, hog wallow, that now unbalanced bucket load can roll the tractor. Worse on unlevel ground.

It is not a power issue, it is a safety issue.

I am older and do not heal quickly. I sold the B3300SU to someone who uses it to mow church grounds and bought almost same size but heavier, more stable L3560.

I have no idea what vehicle you drive but I advise no one to buy a tractor lighter than their truck.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I don't think anyone has mentioned one attachment that I feel is VERY useful and I can't live without. And that is a grapple attachment on your FEL. If you have junk to move in the woods, you will really enjoy the grapple.

 

[motownbrowne]

I understand that you've already sized up your intended tractor purchase, but notice that essentially everyone who has responded has said to step up once more. It's well worth the difference in price.

 

[noose]

I don't think anyone has mentioned one attachment that I feel is VERY useful and I can't live without. And that is a grapple attachment on your FEL. If you have junk to move in the woods, you will really enjoy the grapple.

Yeah, the guy that owned before me has a lot of "Junk" all over the property from various half-arsed projects that never saw completion. That's the first order of business actually. What would a used grapple go for? I assume it's a skid steer mount type?

I understand that you've already sized up your intended tractor purchase, but notice that essentially everyone who has responded has said to step up once more. It's well worth the difference in price.

Yeah, I'm getting that message loud and clear... Given that, Here's the few options that seem to be (tractor only) about 20-22K:

Kioti CK35HST
LS XR3037H
Kubota L3560HST

Those seem to be a step up and all well over 3K pounds. I'll have to get some prices, I guess, and go try them out in person. I guess then, when getting to this price point, it's going to come down to price out the door more than anything else. I'm not going to get one of the off brands like Tym as I want to make sure my dealer is still around. Maybe other options, too. I'll look into the 40HP+ prices of these as well and see where that goes. I'm not going to be able to get this done by tomorrow so year-end incentives go out of the window. It seems Kubota is already starting to leak their 2015 1Q specials as is Kioti so I'll just look for now and wait for a smoking deal. I was ready to pull the trigger on a G3033H but I'll do more research.

 

[noose]

Might find this interesting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX5J5suE-Gs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSatF4QoqmI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH9Tmdtsgg

Thanks! I've see one, but not the other two.

 

[GManBart]

I owned a Kubota B3300 SU, sames specs as G3033H above. Very light. Not stable enough for heavy work.

I agree that bigger might be better for the OP, the LS G3033H weighs almost 50% more than a B3300SU....if you include loaders, it's an even bigger difference.

B3300SU weighs 1,930lbs and the LA504 loader is listed at 492lbs without bucket...total of 2,422lbs.

G30333H weighs 2,710lbs and the LL3102 loader weighs 1,124lbs without bucket...total of 3,834lbs.

Difference of 1,412lbs or 58%!

The two aren't remotely "the same specs."

 

[Complete Turf Care]

What would a used grapple go for? I assume it's a skid steer mount type?

I doubt you would find a used grapple. But you can just add one to your bucket. And you will have to add a 'third function' hydraulics to your loader. Probably about $2500 for everything, but once you get it, you won't know how you ever lived without it. (Kinda like a cell phone).

Here is where I got mine, and I'm sure there are other places to get them too. Add-A-Grapple - Precision Manufacturing

 

[GManBart]

I doubt you would find a used grapple. But you can just add one to your bucket. And you will have to add a 'third function' hydraulics to your loader. Probably about $2500 for everything, but once you get it, you won't know how you ever lived without it. (Kinda like a cell phone).

Here is where I got mine, and I'm sure there are other places to get them too. Add-A-Grapple - Precision Manufacturing

I've seen quite a few used grapples on Craigslist...mostly the standard skid steer type, but that would work. There are also a number of folks listing new grapples on CL that are pretty reasonably priced...this guy is selling new 66" models for $1400:

New 66"-84" Skid Steer Grapple Buckets