Buying Advise Needed

cds · May 24, 2006

Thanks to all that took the time to reply.

It seems that 4WD is the way to go.

Regarding the tires, I guess I should rethink my position on turf and go with ags. If the ags are too damaging, could I eventually change over to turfs? I guess I'd have to change tires and rims... or would there be a 4WD gearing issue due to a change in wheel/tire circumference?

If anyone has any input on the Foton models (good or bad), kindly speak up.

cds · May 24, 2006

Thanks to all that took the time to reply.

It seems that 4WD is the way to go.

Regarding the tires, I guess I should rethink my position on turf and go with ags. If the ags are too damaging, could I eventually change over to turfs? I guess I'd have to change tires and rims... or would there be a 4WD gearing issue due to a change in wheel/tire circumference?

If anyone has any input on the Foton models (good or bad), kindly speak up.

JohnS · May 24, 2006

( Regarding the tires, I guess I should rethink my position on turf and go with ags. )

Before finalizing that decision, I'd re-evaluate your tasks and how often you will be doing them, and if keeping your current mowers is an option. Assuming lawn mowing at once a week, that could be your major task. Given that is the case, re-evaluate if turf with chains can do the other tasks, be it possibly take a bit longer. If you have relatively flat terrain, and not hard packed soil, you might be able to plow with turfs and chains. Might have to go to a single bottom plow, but unless we are talking some huge gardens, your plowing activity is probably a yearly event. Using turfs and chains in my soil, I'd suspect the treads/chains would fill quickly and become a slick. Your soil may be different. Try to get additional input from others, that might have done this. Plus, you have the option to use your current mowers. Choices, choces, choices..... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

( If the ags are too damaging, could I eventually change over to turfs? I guess I'd have to change tires and rims... or would there be a 4WD gearing issue due to a change in wheel/tire circumference?
)

I use to believe that a gear change was required, but I think I have seen dealer input that indicates that it is not. Check with the dealers you are condidering.

JohnS · May 24, 2006

( Regarding the tires, I guess I should rethink my position on turf and go with ags. )

Before finalizing that decision, I'd re-evaluate your tasks and how often you will be doing them, and if keeping your current mowers is an option. Assuming lawn mowing at once a week, that could be your major task. Given that is the case, re-evaluate if turf with chains can do the other tasks, be it possibly take a bit longer. If you have relatively flat terrain, and not hard packed soil, you might be able to plow with turfs and chains. Might have to go to a single bottom plow, but unless we are talking some huge gardens, your plowing activity is probably a yearly event. Using turfs and chains in my soil, I'd suspect the treads/chains would fill quickly and become a slick. Your soil may be different. Try to get additional input from others, that might have done this. Plus, you have the option to use your current mowers. Choices, choces, choices..... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

( If the ags are too damaging, could I eventually change over to turfs? I guess I'd have to change tires and rims... or would there be a 4WD gearing issue due to a change in wheel/tire circumference?
)

I use to believe that a gear change was required, but I think I have seen dealer input that indicates that it is not. Check with the dealers you are condidering.

cds · May 24, 2006

JohnS:

Thanks for the comments.

I have other equipment for grass cutting. I may occasionally do some field mowing on a neighbor's property (once or twice each summer). I would do mostly tilling/plowing a garden, bush pulling, light grading, (no snow removal expected).
Do you have experience with turfs & chains?

Thanks for the information on the tire change/gear change. I was worried about that. Do the turfs and ags use the same rims?

By the way, I enjoy your website. How old is your tractor and how many hours do you have on it now? Please feel free to share any words of warning or wisdom with a potential crate tractor buyer.

cds · May 24, 2006

JohnS:

Thanks for the comments.

I have other equipment for grass cutting. I may occasionally do some field mowing on a neighbor's property (once or twice each summer). I would do mostly tilling/plowing a garden, bush pulling, light grading, (no snow removal expected).
Do you have experience with turfs & chains?

Thanks for the information on the tire change/gear change. I was worried about that. Do the turfs and ags use the same rims?

By the way, I enjoy your website. How old is your tractor and how many hours do you have on it now? Please feel free to share any words of warning or wisdom with a potential crate tractor buyer.

SPIKER · May 25, 2006

CDS:
(Please fill in you're info so people can see where you are from, no need telling you about snow remoal if you live in South FLA. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

anyhow crate purchace is OK, can save a few $'s too. one of the biggest things is to get a helper so moving tires ect can be done without something falling over on you... I assembled 2 units one by myself took 15 or so hrs as I wasn't presed for time, the second my brother helped me oput and we were done start to finish in 8 that was with pulling the crated tractor inside and dragging out the old crate & driving out the new tractor... also had a few refreshments in there /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

one big thing is to go over the tractor top to bottom on every bolt, nut and componet mount brackets for loose missing or damaged items, I can't stress the missing loose bolt nut part enough,... I got a HYD shower due to LOOSE mounting bolts /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (I missed the fact that the 4 mounting bolts that hold the 3pt speed lower block on were not 100% tight and it blew the o-ring under it when I attempted to lift my box blade on the 3pt. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif it show up like a texas gusher right between my legs > /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

the taskes you mentioned indicate AGs to me, and the TURFS are a big $ adder and sinse you indicate attepmting to save $ forgo the turfs, and keep it out of 4 wheel drive anytime you are traversing the lawn areas. 4wheel drive and steering causes the ruts more so than anything else, but hey my lawn is probably worse than JOHNSS as he said he has a small quanity of GRASS in his in someplaces /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif mine is mowed field nad I don't expect much from it, infact I haven't mowed 3+ of the acres as of yet so I guess I need to get the brush hog on it...

anyhow have fun be safe and keep up al informed we like to know how things are goig for people.

mark M

SPIKER · May 25, 2006

CDS:
(Please fill in you're info so people can see where you are from, no need telling you about snow remoal if you live in South FLA. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

anyhow crate purchace is OK, can save a few $'s too. one of the biggest things is to get a helper so moving tires ect can be done without something falling over on you... I assembled 2 units one by myself took 15 or so hrs as I wasn't presed for time, the second my brother helped me oput and we were done start to finish in 8 that was with pulling the crated tractor inside and dragging out the old crate & driving out the new tractor... also had a few refreshments in there /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

one big thing is to go over the tractor top to bottom on every bolt, nut and componet mount brackets for loose missing or damaged items, I can't stress the missing loose bolt nut part enough,... I got a HYD shower due to LOOSE mounting bolts /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (I missed the fact that the 4 mounting bolts that hold the 3pt speed lower block on were not 100% tight and it blew the o-ring under it when I attempted to lift my box blade on the 3pt. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif it show up like a texas gusher right between my legs > /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

the taskes you mentioned indicate AGs to me, and the TURFS are a big $ adder and sinse you indicate attepmting to save $ forgo the turfs, and keep it out of 4 wheel drive anytime you are traversing the lawn areas. 4wheel drive and steering causes the ruts more so than anything else, but hey my lawn is probably worse than JOHNSS as he said he has a small quanity of GRASS in his in someplaces /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif mine is mowed field nad I don't expect much from it, infact I haven't mowed 3+ of the acres as of yet so I guess I need to get the brush hog on it...

anyhow have fun be safe and keep up al informed we like to know how things are goig for people.

mark M

billbill1 · May 25, 2006

I have the 284 LE (shuttle shift) if the ground is moist at all, the rear tires will try and spin in soft areas. In 4WD it will move around without spinning. I wouldn't want one without 4WD, I'd be tearing the ground up too much. As I understand it, the pre EPA 25 and 28 hp are the exact same thing, the only difference is the rpm is higher on the 28 hp rated engine. Mine is 28 and my friend has the 25 hp, I see no difference in power or anything else. I also pull a 2-bottom plow with mine, it wouldn't pull the plow with turfs, it would spin. I've never seen a Foton so I can't comment on them. They are good economy grade machines, at least the Jinmas have parts readily available at good prices (I haven't had to buy anything in a year and a half and 140 hours) I have the Koyker loader and I also really like having that. JohnS has been around these tractors more than anyone I know of.

billbill1 · May 25, 2006

I have the 284 LE (shuttle shift) if the ground is moist at all, the rear tires will try and spin in soft areas. In 4WD it will move around without spinning. I wouldn't want one without 4WD, I'd be tearing the ground up too much. As I understand it, the pre EPA 25 and 28 hp are the exact same thing, the only difference is the rpm is higher on the 28 hp rated engine. Mine is 28 and my friend has the 25 hp, I see no difference in power or anything else. I also pull a 2-bottom plow with mine, it wouldn't pull the plow with turfs, it would spin. I've never seen a Foton so I can't comment on them. They are good economy grade machines, at least the Jinmas have parts readily available at good prices (I haven't had to buy anything in a year and a half and 140 hours) I have the Koyker loader and I also really like having that. JohnS has been around these tractors more than anyone I know of.