Do we really need all the electronic features in new tractors?

[stephan]

Thanks for this. Was also prompted to take another look at the SDF offerings, specifically the Deutz-Fahr Agrolux recently. If it weren't for the fact that it was a good bugger I trust who suggested them, I would have maintained my bias against Indian made tractors. So, I plan on taking another look at these. I note you've had a few small issues with the SAME tiger, but nothing major.

It's in at the moment with 2 oil leaks, one from the front diff and the worse one from around the PTO shaft. Just shy of 100 hours. Not concerned at all as I know you always get a few niggles with anything new.

 

[the old grind]

China makes lousy low tech machines. Buy one.

Here ya go. (Don't leave home without it.)

 

[KiwiBro]

Harsh.

Not to mention missing the golden opportunity of all the lookamoi lookamoi lookamoooooi fix-it videos

 

[redman135]

Is there a standout used tractor with excellent ongoing parts availability around the 50-70HP range you could suggest please? After a min' 1.5t to full height on the FEL, 4WD, ground clearance but stable on hills.

Regarding emission regs, I just checked on the NZTA website and can't find anything but some simple visible smoke tests that apply t tractors. It looks like we have an almost free pass in this department. Although I guess if the rest of the world is on T4 engines, the manufacturers are hardly likely to keep building simple, clutter-free engines for us only. Am I missing something about emission regs that apply to NZ tractors?

Hello KiwiBro, There has been a major tightening of emissions regulations for new heavy vehicles, so large trucks and large tractors now need "ad blu" to meet the new regs, this is on top of EGR that most were already using..The start date was around 30/06/2013 or 2012. I don't know what the cut off date is for the mid sized diesels is.
I suggest you ask a tractor dealer where to find info on emissions regulations.The NZTA site is poor. It doesn't even have proper dimensions info for tractors.

 

[Soggy Bottom Outdoors]

The computer/electronics on my Deere 9500 combine has always worked as it should. But I've replaced numerous belts, hoses, chains, and hoses on it. The bale moniter on my round baler has always worked correctly. But none of the hour meters in dashes of the Ford tractors I've owned(3000, 3600, and 5610) have worked much past 1000hrs. Mechanical cables.

 

[KiwiBro]

Hello KiwiBro, There has been a major tightening of emissions regulations for new heavy vehicles, so large trucks and large tractors now need "ad blu" to meet the new regs, this is on top of EGR that most were already using..The start date was around 30/06/2013 or 2012. I don't know what the cut off date is for the mid sized diesels is.
I suggest you ask a tractor dealer where to find info on emissions regulations.The NZTA site is poor. It doesn't even have proper dimensions info for tractors.

Cheers. I agree, it is hard to pin down the applicable regs on the NZTA site. The info seems to be all over the place - a bit here then a bit there but that bit is now out of date, then a bit over there, etc. So, I have just emailed them with what I think is the rules that will apply to my case, asking for them to confirm, and also asking for more info on the emission regs for tractors.

Apart from confusion over the emission regs, it's hard to work out whether a wee tractor incapable of over 40kmph needs to be registered or licensed, or is just exempt from the fees thereof and fines for being on a public road when travelling no more than 21kms between farms.

I'll certainly raise this with the dealer when I finally get around to buying a tractor, if the NZTA don't get back to me.

Thanks again.

 

[dirtfergy]

I am looking at Mahindra tractors. At first I saw the shuttle shift tranny as an extravagance. Then I thought about my long term health regarding diabetes and loosing muscle mass. Will I still be able to operate the clutch and the unsynchronized shifter as easily as the shuttle? Only about 1500 difference between the tractors. Tier 4, 4540, Manual and tier 4, 4530 Shuttle. both 4 WD which is a necessity for me. The other consideration is that manual trannys are bullet proof for the most part and fewer moving parts. I will be pulling stumps brush hogging and building an RV park. I have an idea of how I am going to go but since I saw this thread, thought I would get others opinions.

 

[GreenCamo]

Kubota MX series... Pure work horses. No fancy shmancy cabs, ac,heat, music systems, hst, bucket levelers, but wipers, yada,yada,yada. A real man's tractor...

Except the MX series is just an L series with bigger tires and wheels, for the most part.

 

[Redneck in training]

Check Zetor tractors. No electronics on the Tier IV engine. Zetor Major is basic mechanical tractor. Proxima and Fortera are heavy duty ag tractors with electronics for control functions. None of Zetor engines has electronics associated with it. Zetor Major is primarily designed for lighter duty such as haying, hobby farming, acreages and this sort of things.

Edit: I guess there is no Zetor dealer in NZ anymore.

 

[zimbo]

I dont know if you guys still get the 200 series Massey's they are bullet proof. Otherwise look at the TAFE machines - basically the same and very simple. If you want to go more modern look at the new Global 4700 masseys, not too many fancy bits.
If your going to use a front loader its very nice to have an auto reverse.

Most farm tractors in this region are as basic as possible, until you get to the larger field machines.