Tractor Sizing GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (Development version)

[airbiscuit]

I made up something like this just goofing around the other day. Were you thinking like this? Not sure how to attach a spreadsheet.

 

[2ndhalf]

Tractor Data Compare tool. Pretty cool! It doesn't have a lot of the data you have above though. Wish it did. Yours is great.

Compare Tractors - TractorData.com


Don't you just loves Technology!

 

[jeff9366]

I agree that Deere's nomenclature is easier to follow. I was using Kubota B2601 vs L 3301 for small vs mid chassis example. Weight is a good differentiator, but the diameter of the wheels and tires also makes a big difference. That also seems to correlate with chassis size.

Are you thinking about creating a master guide spreadsheet?

I comprehend NOW. Probably obscure for others.

Wheel diameter will more-or-less correlate with chassis weight. That is why I intend to insert personalized recommendations beneath the introductory paragraphs.

My thought is to encourage newbies to focus on researchable WEIGHT first, so when Newbies visit dealers they do not flounder around but look at fairly specific models by weight. So many newbies start with an open (blank?) mind but become more confused after succeeding dealer visits ~~~~~ finally finding T-B-N in the search for clarity, "truth" and The Holy Grail.

No master guide spreadsheet. I have pretty much attained tractor and implement nirvana, so not too motivated in that direction. The T-B-N writing I do now reduces my tractor operating time.

When I worked I was a spreadsheet animal. I started sales analysis with Lotus 1-2-3 in DOS. After twelve years of retirement my wife handles all technology issues.

 

[jeff9366]

I like it..

The only think I would say on the dealer quality and local is that it is especially important if you use your tractor to make a living. If you do not it is less important IMO.

I agree. However my intended audience is tractor newbies.

Commercial operators would have experience with tractors and tractor foibles.

 

[jeff9366]

I made up something like this just goofing around the other day. Were you thinking like this? Not sure how to attach a spreadsheet.

Excellent work. I like the color.

Under DIMENSIONS I suggest a calculation for tractor pounds per gross engine horsepower.

I would show width as WIDTH/R1 TIRES.

NICETIES: I would describe non-turnbuckle stabilizers as telescoping or rigid/pinned. (Just me.)

As you have data for Gear and HST it would be interesting to see drawbar HP comparisons between the two transmissions.
In factory brochures some models seem to be more efficient at converting gross horsepower to real work.

(However, as a retired sales manager and occasional marketer I am skeptical of published data which cannot be cross checked, at least with experience of TBN regular contributors.) ((I am aware of the Nebraska state tractor tests but seldom visit there.))

 

[oosik]

This will be of great help to those just entering the "field". A suggestion - a page of terminology & explanations for the newbie. A statement of who should buy new and who can buy used - and why. Remember - enlightenment should never offend anybody.

 

[2ndhalf]

I agree. However my intended audience is tractor newbies.

Commercial operators would already have experience with tractors and tractor foibles.

I understand the audiance but when newbs come on here asking tractor buying advice too many guys repeatedly tell them the dealer proximity should determine the tractor choice. This unessasarily limits there choices.

 

[jeff9366]

A suggestion - a page of terminology & explanations for the newbie. A statement of who should buy new and who can buy used - and why. Remember - enlightenment should never offend anybody.

Your suggested information can be inserted as focused, personalized recommendations beneath the introductory paragraphs.

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. This covers new vs. used.

I want to focus on researchable bare tractor weight and SAFETY.
I just want to direct the discussion. Relative to tractor selection for newbies no one says START HERE, with bare tractor weight.

Everyone can still contribute. I feel the diversity of recommendations is the strength of
T-B-N.

I considered a paragraph on small front wheels/large real wheels and inherent tractor instability, especially on slopes, but decided it was too verbose. Instead, if appropriate, I will insert inherent instability discussion, which blindsides newbies, beneath the introductory paragraphs.

 

[jeff9366]

I understand the audiance but when newbs come on here asking tractor buying advice too many guys repeatedly tell them dealer proximity should determine tractor choice. This unessasarily limits their choices.

Only if newbs follow proffered advice.

I feel the diversity of recommendations is the strength of T-B-N.


"A quality dealer, reasonably close, is a priority for me; less so for others, well experienced with tractors, who do their own maintenance. For most new to tractors a quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is essential. My kubota dealer is six miles away."

I tried to be tactful with this issue. I will consider alternative verbiage if you offer it.

 

[2ndhalf]

Yes, it probably makes sense to keep it fact based and non-disputable otherwise everyone will have an opinion of it's accuracy and start disagreeing with it and confusing Newbs.

I think you have a great approach.... keep it fact based and let the TBN community fill in the gaps with experience.