Comparison Another newbie looking for advice - no affinity to color

[jeff9366]

I am interested in a tractor, FEL, and BB as a package deal.

June 9, 2016 I authored this post on Ratchet Rake Vs TOO LIGHT Box Blades:

I own both a Ratchet Rake and a Rollover Box Blade.

I have been contemplating Ratchet Rake versus light Box Blade this morning.

I like the Ratchet Rake, which I recommend based on 600 hours experience.

This post concerns Ratchet Rakes Vs. light Box Blades, such as the 60" Land Pride BB1260/346 pounds/69 pounds per foot.

I searched for the weight of kubota L3301 bucket but could not find a number. I presume L3301 bucket weighs approximately 240 pounds, extrapolating from other kubota specs. 68" Ratchet Rake weighs 88 pounds. Adding 240 + 88 = 328 pounds, pretty close to 346 pounds of BB1260 Box Blade.

In addition, the (operator controlled) weight of the FEL frame bears on the Ratchet Rake. Likewise, weight of the Three Point Hitch bears on the Box Blade. FEL frames weigh much more than ( 3X? 4X?) Three Point Hitch components. So, including some FEL weight, I guesstimate that ground contact pressure on Ratchet Rake and BB1260 would be at least equal, perhaps greater pressure on the Ratchet Rake.

Further in Ratchet Rake's favor you have articulation of bucket/RR combination in two planes from the operator's station and 1-1/2" serrated teeth on the Ratchet Rake.

Box Blade can be raised and lowered hydraulically from the operator's station. Box Blade angle of attack is adjustable via the Three Point Hitch Top Link, but not from the operator's station. Standard Box Blade does not have rippers, standard is a smooth cutting edge.

Ratchet Rake is capable of tearing up sod with its serrated teeth, the initial operation in much grading. The Ratchet Rake will not pull as large a load as a Box Blade but it may pull 35% of capacity of BB1260 per pass, with faster cycles. Ratchet Rake is more intuitive in operation than a Box Blade, which requires considerable experience to operate efficiently.

This is why I feel the Ratchet Rake is superior to light Box Blades for LIGHT grading.

This is a novel assessment of the Ratchet Rake. Subject to revision and modification.

When I have heavy grading to do, I mount my 60"/625 pound (125 pounds per foot of width) Bush Hog (brand) Rollover Box Blade on the tractor's Three Point Hitch AND the Ratchet Rake on my FEL bucket.

 

[Streetcar]

I agree with Ed ,for new owner the dealer is very important
Around here both Deere and Kubota offer package deals

 

[oosik]

Ed of all trades - +2. Each tractor, by color, has its own unique features & foibles. With time you can learn how to use them and become a safe, efficient operator.

Dealers are a completely different matter. A good dealer is a true blessing when you need assistance. No matter what tractor you finally purchase - having a dealer that will work with you and provide knowledgable service & advice will make your "tractor days" a real pleasure. Time spent researching dealers will always have a big payback.

 

[TheMadOne]

I got a L3301HST with LA525 FEL, BB1272 BB, Rim Guard Loaded Tires, and Three Remotes out the door for roughly 25K. Figure about 2-2.5k off for the L2501HST and another 1,800ish off if you don't want remotes. The L2501HST should come in just north of the B2601 and is a much more capable machine for most things.

 

[Omega Woods]

I agree with Ed ,for new owner the dealer is very important
Around here both Deere and Kubota offer package deals

This.

Don't ignore Branson.

 

[dickfoster]

I would shop for a dealer before you shop for a tractor. The tractors are =, give or take, dealers are not. find a good one and then shop for a tractor from them. I just took a tractor in for hydro work. My dealer found a loose nut and had it fixed in no time. I worked for a dealer that charged over $50 to replace the blade on a push mower because they could and got away with it. Ed

^What he said^ A good dealer is as important if not more so than the tractor. No matter how good the tractor is if it isn't running it's worthless unless you like expensive lawn ornaments.

BTW Ed, I was born in Waynesboro but it was a long long time ago. My folks and lot of my family are buried there.

 

[Will_C]

I also would advise you to consider the L2501 if you think you'll want a belly mower. You'll find it a much more capable tractor than a B or a BX for the work you have mentioned.

Will

 

[brasco426]

Here's a link to a thread I got on a Mahindra Max 24 and what I do with it. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353157.

We have roughly 6 acres between two properties. Does all the loader work I need to do, got a mower, a box blade, and a chain drag. It's a huge help having a tractor around at the ready to do whatever it is you're needing to do. Although I like my Max 24, they also have the Max 26xl. Both have plenty of fel lift, and 3 pt capacity. For not much more they have the 1526, it's the same 3cyl diesel Mitsubishi engine in all of the models I suggested. Happy Hunting. Donnie

 

[AxleHub]

If anyone has read my posts on other threads . . . you'll remember that I prioritize the buying process as:

1. Find the manufacturer and oriduct you like.
2. Find a dealer you like who sells it.
3. Invest in it when the timing for a good pricing is right.


I've never doubted that a good dealer us important . . but a goid dealer with an average priduct is still average. Fit and feel and capacity and reliability of product is with you EVERY day fir better ir worse. Imo.


I really liked the Yanmar and Kubota products . . but for my needs and purposes and dollars . . the Massey was another step up above. AND the dealer I chose sells both Massey and Kubota.

For those who claim the brands are all similar poiducts with minor differences . . I respect your right to an opinion . . but at least when it comes to scuts . . there are significant differences . . meaningful differences in brands and products.

Product . . dealer . . Price affordability . . for me, in that order.

 

[Streetcar]

If anyone has read my posts on other threads . . . you'll remember that I prioritize the buying process as:

1. Find the manufacturer and oriduct you like.
2. Find a dealer you like who sells it.
3. Invest in it when the timing for a good pricing is right.


I've never doubted that a good dealer us important . . but a goid dealer with an average priduct is still average. Fit and feel and capacity and reliability of product is with you EVERY day fir better ir worse. Imo.


I really liked the Yanmar and Kubota products . . but for my needs and purposes and dollars . . the Massey was another step up above. AND the dealer I chose sells both Massey and Kubota.

For those who claim the brands are all similar poiducts with minor differences . . I respect your right to an opinion . . but at least when it comes to scuts . . there are significant differences . . meaningful differences in brands and products.

Product . . dealer . . Price affordability . . for me, in that order.

If you are a new unexperience tractor owner the differences between colors does not matter you don't know what will be important. A great dealer with average tractor will help more than great tractor with average dealer
In my area I would only consider Deere or Kubota for inexperience owners. Every other brand is sold by someone with tractors as sideline