360TLB will be delivered tonight....yup, I'm excited.

[Slacker]

OK, after 10 hours on the machine I've developed the following comments/observations:

1. Plenty of power and traction for "woods" work. 39hp is plenty for that size frame.
2. Backhoe currently runs off spool valve and feels underpowered. I ordered the tractor with pto pump but it didn't arrive with one. Dealer has one on order. Hopefully it increases the digging force on the hoe.
3. One quick disconnect drips/leaks hydro fluid.
4. Front loader has tons of lifting power, I was impressed.
5. The R4 industrial oversized rear tires seem to add stability.
6. The overall stability of the tractor is wonderful. After owning a Yanmar type JD750, it feels like a bulldozer with regards to stability.
7. The mitsubishi drizzle is a quiet engine and I love the side exhaust.
8. The independent/manual pto switch is really handy. Nice to have the choice.
9. The dash board warning lights are hard to see in the sunlight.
10. Shuttle shift is a wonderful thing.
11. The foot throttle linkage will not have a very long life unless I fabricate a guard for it. Its located under the right deck and is asking to get ripped away by brush. The Tiny return spring will be hard to find. If it gets snagged during work, it could cause an accident or over-revving of the engine.
12. I don't know how I made it without power steering!
13. The suspension seat is very comfortable.
14. The farmtrac grill guard is super rugged and has excellent coverage.

-more to come.

 

[barticus73]

When you comment saying the hoe seems underpowered, are you referring to digging power or speed of motion? Thanx!

 

[Slacker]

When you comment saying the hoe seems underpowered, are you referring to digging power or speed of motion? Thanx!

I'm referring to digging power. Even the curl seems weak. Feels like its not getting enough fluid, or the bypass pressure valve is set wrong.

 

[NewToy]

I'm with you regarding that power steering. I used my FIL's MF135 until I got my FarmTrac and I had forearms like Popeye in just a week or so. I can spin my wheel on the 270DTC lock to lock with one brisk spin of the wheel. Amazing machines. Glad you like it. When I first got mine I wanted to put a cot in the garage so I could spend more time with it. (Just Kidding)

John

 

[citytransplant]

2. Backhoe currently runs off spool valve and feels underpowered. I ordered the tractor with pto pump but it didn't arrive with one. Hopefully it increases the digging force on the hoe.

Sure is a sweet setup you got there. Good luck. The dealer I bought my 270 from had another 270 in his shop recently for some routine maintenance. That unit was purchased earlier this year for commercial use. It had the backhoe attached powered by the PTO pump. Dealer tells me that the owner says that the unit is a 'lil beast. Both dealer and owner couldn't be happier with it.

Thanks for the 10 hour review. Please keep us posted.

 

[Iowachild]

Here she is:

WOW!

That's a great looking rig.

 

[Slacker]

Can't edit my original post so I'll just copy past the original and add more observations:

OK, after 10 hours on the machine I've developed the following comments/observations:

1. Plenty of power and traction for "woods" work. 39hp is plenty for that size frame.
2. Backhoe was running off spool, but is now on PTO pump kit. Still feels underpowered to me and others. Goes into bypass quickly.
3. One quick disconnect drips/leaks hydro fluid- Corrected by dealer.
4. Front loader has tons of lifting power, I was impressed.
5. The R4 industrial oversized rear tires seem to add stability.
6. The overall stability of the tractor is wonderful. After owning a Yanmar type JD750, it feels like a bulldozer with regards to stability.
7. The mitsubishi drizzle is a quiet engine and I love the side exhaust.
8. The independent/manual pto switch is really handy. Nice to have the choice.
9. The dash board warning lights are hard to see in the sunlight.
10. Shuttle shift is a wonderful thing.
11. The foot throttle linkage will not have a very long life unless I fabricate a guard for it. Its located under the right deck and is asking to get ripped away by brush. The Tiny return spring will be hard to find. If it gets snagged during work, it could cause an accident or over-revving of the engine.
12. I don't know how I made it without power steering!
13. The suspension seat is very comfortable.
14. The farmtrac grill guard is super rugged and has excellent coverage.
15. @ 6.9 hrs, its used almost 1/2 tank of fuel (2 hrs loader work, 2 hrs cruising around and 2.9hrs w/6ft bushhog). 10gallon tank.
16. Three point hitch arms have to be removed to install backhoe. Its a PITA.
17. I am VERY happy with having a Medium range. It's perfect for almost all tasks.
18. The tractor turns and carries a 6ft Howse rough mower easily. I can't tell the difference driving with it attached or detached.
19. I need a canopy.
20. The range selector lever is too close to my leg while driving. I am pushing on it alot when driving over uneven terrain.
21. I don't think I'll need differential lock anytime soon. The traction really is impressive.