Best tractor list

[Donnyj]

Hello BobS,
You have made some great points about the layout of that model tractor. Hopefully people don't get the wrong idea about that brand of tractor. They do make nicer models than that one. I tried out the blue version of that tractor and found the 3pt hitch lever actually lays right up against your leg. Way to tight for me. I'm 5' 8" at 180 lbs. Still to tight and cramped for me. The major problem or poor design of that tractor {according to me} is the fuel tank behind the seat. I could not even see the end of the 3pt hitch arms when they were lowered. I can't imagine trying to grade with that tractor. The statements you made about "feeling" for the correct levers while operating are exactly why I picked the tractor I did. Shift levers are on the left while the 3pt hitch lever is right beside my right hand at a comfortable position and the view behind me is clear with no fuel tank blocking my view. Just like you said earlier, I bought my tractor based on what I needed to do with it and how productive the layout of the controls were. Very good advice.

 

[Keith_B]

Pssst, Keith. Bob put you on his "ignore" list. He won't see a word you have written. Your above post will be for naught.

I am well aware of his move. That's Bob's way of saying he was wrong and I was right on the fact/opinion issue without his actually admitting it publicly. He calls me silly and puts me on his ignore list, it is like a little kid having a temper tantrum and stomping off to sulk. Plus, the odds are that he didn't actually put me on his ignore list, he just said he did so he could sulk.

Bob's one of these guys that views the world in two ways, his way and the wrong way.

 

[3RRL]

The cream always rises to the top.
Hard to argue with that statement.
The real question is, who will be making the cream and what's IN the cream. It's no secret that almost all major brands are starting to use components made in 3rd world countries. Many are assembled outside the U.S. such as in Mexico? I see this practice as a growing trend, not a decreasing one.
As with nearly anything you purchase, there will always be "choices" balancing procduct and price. Then there are always "markets" to sell to. I'd say the real value of the procduct (or lack thereof) lies solely with the purchaser. What's that old saying?...one man's junk is another man's treasure...

 

[Bob_Skurka]

You have made some great points about the layout of that model tractor. Hopefully people don't get the wrong idea about that brand of tractor. . . Just like you said earlier, I bought my tractor based on what I needed to do with it and how productive the layout of the controls were. Very good advice.

Donny, I forgot about that point but I do have a photo. In fact another bad (opinion) design, at least of this version, is that the SMV sign must be removed to refuel the tractor (fact).

But I was not trying to pick on this particular tractor, nor even this brand. In fact if I was better at using Photoshop, I would likely have changed the color to purple, yellow or pink or something that would have made it harder to identify the brand. And I've even pointed out problems with Big3 machines and my own machines.

The point of my post, clearly missed by some folks, is that there are some design features that are clearly inferior to others.

The real question is, who will be making the cream and what's IN the cream.

I'm not sure it matters who makes it or what country it comes from when we are talking about the BEST. I think it is more an issue of who innovates the features that are truely useful. Some features on an Indian tractor may be better than an American tractor but worse than an Italian tractor, etc. Your point about value is well taken, and well made, but there are some things, when discussing BEST, that are clearly superior. . . not that everyone can afford it, but the thread is not about who can afford what it is about BEST.

 

[Dargo]

Keith, I'll admit that I do have a few people on my "ignore" list. While I cannot speak for Bob, I can tell you why I felt obligated to place a few on my ignore list. Basically when a guy proves to me (usually over and over again) that he cannot possibly add anything of any value to a conversation, when he constantly offers up wrong and, often dangerous advice, and when I can never gain any useful information from that individual, he goes on my ignore list. It's a fact that most states have closed their "state hospitals" due to lack of funding and sent some mentally unstable people out into the general public. Fortunately, it's not too many, but I feel a few have found their way here; which is fine, except I have not the time nor patience to debate someone with the mental capacity of a three year old.

 

[Limecuda]

I looked at all of the major brands last week except JD. I left the dealer of pictured tractor a little unimpressed myself. Whereas I liked the beefiness of the tractor that loader mount is (IMO) ridiculous. It is way too limiting on the right side. If you can worm your way around the control then you would either be extremely skinny or wounded from the gashes received.

In terms of "best tractor", I'm having a hard time. I want a 25-30 hp, 4wd, hst, fel, capable of utilizing a 6' rfm for maintaining my 8 acres of relatively flat property. Any suggestions are welcome please explain why in your opinion. The Kioti dealer was the first to say a 25 hp (ck25) would be fine with the 6' rfm. I think weight should be an issue with the fel.

 

[Keith_B]

Dargo, I know what you're saying about mentally unstable people. I own a website with a messageboard, and have had to deal with users that threaten other users.

All of us are here because we love tractors and using them. which means we all have things in common.

 

[Egon]

Me; beigng a sorta simple fellow relegated to the lower drawer in most capacities just can't undertsatand what all this discussion about.

Seems to be a lot of controversy but am not really able to ascertain whats it about. Maybe a bad day or something like that. Or is it just plain foolishness?

With all those quotes etc. one gets to read foerever but it's just repition. Sure builds up the useless post number though. Just like this one!

 

[Dargo]

...and have had to deal with users that threaten other users.

Holy smokes man, you don't think I'm trying to threaten you by any means, do you?! Sure I can get serious, but I also play the jester at times and, if you find the right thread, I am the the one being picked on (in good humor....I hope ). Heck, I think if you can't laugh along at yourself at times you have other issues.

But, we are off the "best tractor list". If you want to place a "for the money" qualifier to the list, I would submit a deal I seriously thought about and missed while I waited. A local Rural King had their largest model, an 82 hp Cummins powered unit with a cab and A/C listed for a super sale price because of some sheet metal damage. I've tried to put it out of my mind because I think I should have bought it, but I think they ended up selling it for $14,995 with a matching Koyker (sp?) loader. It honestly was a very heavy tractor. I drove it around their lot (several times), and it worked fine. The paint was really faded on it and it needed new sheet metal for the hood and one rear fender. Still, for the price, I think that would have been a heck of a deal for the money. As you can tell, I'm still bothered that I waited (literally weeks) before I decided I'd add it to my fleet only to find that someone from out of state came in and was thrilled to get it. Figures.

 

[Dargo]

With all those quotes etc. one gets to read foerever but it's just repition. Sure builds up the useless post number though. Just like this one!

Okay Egon, no more useless posts from you just to add to your post count!