MechanicalGuy
Platinum Member
Tractor sizing and comparison and choices...Help me choose- UPDATED wtith Land Pic
So I've made a matrix to identify important parameters and characteristics of potential tractors. I'm looking at models in the 45-50HP range specifically, but I've included some above and below that threshold because they've given me an idea of physical sizing that I can use in this matrix to help me understand how a potential tractor that I've not demo'ed will physically fit my size before I bother driving hours to go test one out and see immediately that it's too small. I'm a really tall guy, 6'8", and comfort is first and foremost. The tractors that I like the size of, the Kubota L4701 and the JD 4044 seem to be a good minimum that I could live with. I've left the JD off this matrix because I won't be buying one. I have left of the Mahindras as well, because I was not happy with the "sit in" experience that I had on the 1626 and the 2640. I don't know who makes what, but I'd be glad to hear people recommend tractors that fit my criteria that I may not have considered and that I do not know about.
I'm looking mainly for tractors with no cab, 4wd is a must, loader is a must, and I'm really thinking a hydrostatic transmission is a must, although I have no idea what the CVT in the New Hollands would offer, and the Yanmar YT347 with it's hybrid transmission seems like it would be the best transmission available in a tractor.
Look over the matrix and see the color conditioning that I've used to kind of identify the sizing that I'd like the most. the lighter color suggests that the tractor is physically smaller, and the greener the cells are colored, the bigger the dimensions are. The first sections are physical size related and highlighted in light red. They are more heavily weighted because the tractor has to fit me first and foremost.

updated matrix:

The tractor will be used with a bush hog, a grapple, a box blade, and the loader mainly. I may use a haro or a plow for small gardens, but the main uses will be keeping up roads and maintaining a few small acreage flats on a very hilly mountainous 128 acre plot. We have lots and lots of crappy scrub pines cut down and more to go. Big piles of 'em. The grapple will work well.
Please be easy on me. I've never had a tractor, drivin or used a tractor. But we have this big plot and lots of stuff needs to get done, and my back won't do it.
There are probably several errors on the matrix, but hopefully none very egregious.
Options that I'm going to opt for are 3rd function hyd in front and at least one rear remote and a removable sun shade. I really don't wanna spend more that $32k on Tractor with loader and an inexpensive bush hog implement, but that's not set in stone.
Here is a look at what we're dealing with:

So I've made a matrix to identify important parameters and characteristics of potential tractors. I'm looking at models in the 45-50HP range specifically, but I've included some above and below that threshold because they've given me an idea of physical sizing that I can use in this matrix to help me understand how a potential tractor that I've not demo'ed will physically fit my size before I bother driving hours to go test one out and see immediately that it's too small. I'm a really tall guy, 6'8", and comfort is first and foremost. The tractors that I like the size of, the Kubota L4701 and the JD 4044 seem to be a good minimum that I could live with. I've left the JD off this matrix because I won't be buying one. I have left of the Mahindras as well, because I was not happy with the "sit in" experience that I had on the 1626 and the 2640. I don't know who makes what, but I'd be glad to hear people recommend tractors that fit my criteria that I may not have considered and that I do not know about.
I'm looking mainly for tractors with no cab, 4wd is a must, loader is a must, and I'm really thinking a hydrostatic transmission is a must, although I have no idea what the CVT in the New Hollands would offer, and the Yanmar YT347 with it's hybrid transmission seems like it would be the best transmission available in a tractor.
Look over the matrix and see the color conditioning that I've used to kind of identify the sizing that I'd like the most. the lighter color suggests that the tractor is physically smaller, and the greener the cells are colored, the bigger the dimensions are. The first sections are physical size related and highlighted in light red. They are more heavily weighted because the tractor has to fit me first and foremost.

updated matrix:

The tractor will be used with a bush hog, a grapple, a box blade, and the loader mainly. I may use a haro or a plow for small gardens, but the main uses will be keeping up roads and maintaining a few small acreage flats on a very hilly mountainous 128 acre plot. We have lots and lots of crappy scrub pines cut down and more to go. Big piles of 'em. The grapple will work well.
Please be easy on me. I've never had a tractor, drivin or used a tractor. But we have this big plot and lots of stuff needs to get done, and my back won't do it.
There are probably several errors on the matrix, but hopefully none very egregious.
Options that I'm going to opt for are 3rd function hyd in front and at least one rear remote and a removable sun shade. I really don't wanna spend more that $32k on Tractor with loader and an inexpensive bush hog implement, but that's not set in stone.
Here is a look at what we're dealing with:

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