Blank Slate in Missouri

[gocards1177]

Well, I have to admit, I was wrong. I proved all of the advice I received so far from you guys to be true today. A friend let me borrow his 2001 JD 4310 to bush hog the front 6 acres of one of my fields. It's a 27 HP PTO, so he has a 5' RC on it. It's also an HST transmission.

I learned two things: I need a bigger tractor than his, and I LOVE the HST. I realize that my dislike of the wine came from side by side comparisons of geared versus HST tractors. It's quite apparent if you just drove a geared tractor. But if it's the only thing you've got and been using it for a few hours, you don't even notice it.

 

[FrankieO]

Good to hear you figured out what you want--that was half the battle for me, and it took twice as long!

 

[k0ua]

Well, I have to admit, I was wrong. I proved all of the advice I received so far from you guys to be true today. A friend let me borrow his 2001 JD 4310 to bush hog the front 6 acres of one of my fields. It's a 27 HP PTO, so he has a 5' RC on it. It's also an HST transmission.

I learned two things: I need a bigger tractor than his, and I LOVE the HST. I realize that my dislike of the wine came from side by side comparisons of geared versus HST tractors. It's quite apparent if you just drove a geared tractor. But if it's the only thing you've got and been using it for a few hours, you don't even notice it.

I am glad you got a chance to use the HST tractor, I have always believed if the "gear lovers" could actually use a HST equipped tractor for a few hours, most would choose the HST. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think a lot of that opinion is based in not knowing how wonderful a HST compact tractor is to operate. I am not saying that Gear tractors dont have their place, as in tillage tractors as an example, but for most of us small tractor owners I think a hydro is best for what most of us do with our tractors. There, that's my opinion, from a totally biased "HST lover"

James K0UA

 

[MoKelly]

Welcome. I like your name!:thumbsup:

Just wish we could have handled Milwaulkee a little better.

MoKelly

 

[jenkinsph]

I suspect a 4520 cab tractor such as I have would be a good fit for your place. I recommend you try one out with 6 to 8' equipment, you will be amazed at the difference a 50 pto hp tractor makes. Long term you will be ahead if you get something larger with the proper options to start with. There are lots of threads on TBN where people are trading up because their first tractor was to small, didn't have enough features or options and also found they wanted a cab.

 

[TripleR]

Like jenkinsph, I would be looking along the lines of the lines of a 50-60 HP such as his or the Kubota L5740 etc. I use a L5030 HSTC and it has all the power I really need, but we have bigger tractors if needed.

The two tractors I use the most are the L5030 and M8540. While I like a lot of things about the geared unit, for all around general use, the HST wins every time for me.

 

[idaho2]

gocards1177,

I have a Mahindra 5530 Turbo 4wd and pull a 10' Mahindra (Kodiak) mower. As others have advised definitely look at the 50 and up in hp. But consider what implements you intend to need down the road. Also, look at the pto hp and most 3ph mowers need more pto hp than a pull type. Research your implements and go from there in determining your tractor hp & pto hp. Also don't forget to have at least twin hydraulics as a minimum.

idaho2

 

[gocards1177]

As far as cabs go, doesn't the glass panels get beat to h*ll by tree branches and what not? It sounds pleasant from a cofmort point of view to have a cab, but how durable are they?

 

[TripleR]

As far as cabs go, doesn't the glass panels get beat to h*ll by tree branches and what not? It sounds pleasant from a cofmort point of view to have a cab, but how durable are they?

Not very, so if you are going to be in the trees, go open station or be ready to do a lot of trimming. I hit limbs with our pretty regularly, but only small ones and I am not a tractor waxer, so a few scratches don't bother me. I will, however, get less if I ever trade it in.

We have open station tractors, but I don't remember the last time I used one.

 

[jenkinsph]

As far as cabs go, doesn't the glass panels get beat to h*ll by tree branches and what not? It sounds pleasant from a cofmort point of view to have a cab, but how durable are they?

You can break the glass but it isn't as easy as you might think. On the other hand you can drive an open station tractor through the trees and get hurt yourself. I have had an occasional branch bend around the rops and fold back towards my head. In my experience new tractors are just too expensive to drive through dense trees at wild abandon. Not much point in it either, most of the time you pick your way through with a few trimmed trails.

Best bet is to trim the branches for clearance of the cab or rops. Yes this may be a large undertaking but recognize you don't have to cut every tree or every lower branch. In my area trimming the branches higher is a real plus to lower the fire danger too.

I use the x749 mower to work under trees that are too dense for the tractors to get through but there are some places nothing will fit, I just go around.