jjp8182
Platinum Member
I'd just like people to open their eyes to other types of machines that are out there, like these articulated ones, skid steers, tracked skid steers, compact telehandlers, etc... so here goes.
Of course, loader work benefits from being out front. That we all know. But with a machine like mine, I can see the entire bucket when it's on the ground. I can't see in front of a traditional tractor, as the hood blocks the view.
Hydraulic post hole digger on the FEL arms not only allows for easier alignment with the point on the ground where you want the hole, as you can see the spot on the ground from the operator's seat, it allows for power down, which a 3pt doesn't have, and it allows for reversing the auger if it gets stuck, which a PTO on a 3PT doesn't have.
Anyway, those are just some of my observations made over the past years.
It takes me just a tad under 15 seconds to unlock and drop an implement and pick up another one and lock it into place and be on my way, and I don't have to get off the seat. If it's a powered implement, then I have to set the parking brake, unbuckle my seat belt, get off and hook up two hydraulic hoses, which adds about 30 seconds. I'll take that over a 3pt hitch any day.
Fully agree, getting an awareness of what's available is definitely a good thing -- though it's not always easy. In fact the only way I found out about the machines made by Multione was through stumbling across it while researching mechanized methods of fruit/nut harvest (for potential future uses).
There's definitely no arguing the visibility differences either, since it's really a function of where the engine in placed relative to the operator. So about the only way a single vehicle is going to offer good-to-great visibility both fore and aft would be for the operators seat to be mounted over the engine. Which can introduce challenges of it's own (not to mention it'd reduce the effectiveness of using engine's weight as ballast/counterweight).
When it comes to hydraulic augers, the points are all valid though it's also worth noting there are also 3pt mounted units capable of providing down pressure, and use of hydraulic drive is an option for 3pt boom units (which is probably a development that is a direct result of hydraulic augers gaining popularity). In fact depending on the manufacturer (and hydraulic output of different pieces of equipment) it's entirely feasible use the exact same hydraulic motor mounted on either a front mounted plate, a 3pt mounted boom, or excavator mount (and likely many others). Personally the thought has crossed my mind that getting both SSQA & 3pt mounting options with a hydraulic auger wouldn't be the worst idea since it'd allow greater flexibility in placing useful tools at either end of the tractor/machine ...of course I suppose getting the 3pt boom with hydraulic auger, and a 3pt to SSQA adapter (but that might start to get a tad crazy & unwieldy)
While I'm not quite as fast as that 15 second hookup time, I'd also be surprised if it takes me more than a minute to hook-up the 3pt with my tractor - and after having seen videos of fixed end lift arms, and used a quick hitch I've decided I'll never buy a modern tractor without telescoping link-ends on the 3pt (buying an older one with the old Farmall fast hitch is something I'd very much consider though). In all I may really need to time how long it takes me at some point.... though for me it's tends to be a relatively relaxing activity (plus it allows me to make a quick/casual visual inspection of the item before I start using it).
So I guess in my mind really it comes down what tasks a person wishes to perform and where the greatest visibility is needed/desired (which can partially be personal preference for some things) ---- and (potentially) in some cases if they are willing to use a proprietary/unique connection system for implements.
Wrapping things up on that note, despite any and all flaws (real and/or perceived) with either 3pt hitches or SSQA as attachment interfaces, the fact that they both are such widely used standards allow for innovation to occur on the part of implement/attachment manufacturers at a cheaper cost and larger market potential -- which in turn gives me as a purchaser flexibility in expand my capabilities through different implements at a lower cost if the tasks I need to perform changes - or superior options for performing existing tasks become available. Granted not everyone needs/wants such flexibility, but it's something else that would need to be considered (ideally before making a purchase :thumbsup: )
Really I don't think there is an overall "best" machine that can accomplish every task (hence the variety of different machines), so it really comes down to learning what's available and deciding what's best for the situation (mini-wheel loaders, compact excavators, and additional tractors all remain on my list as potential future purchases .... and that doesn't preclude other types of machines that I may stumble across in the future).
