Buying Advice cab tractor

[TripleR]

Is that why I clean snow off my truck all winter? :laughing:

That may very well be; have you checked into any local TA (Tractors Anonymous) meeting in your area.:laughing::laughing:

I want to make it clear that I am not making fun of or questioning anyone's treatment/mistreatment of their tractors etc., just an observation of how we differ in how we view our equipment.

Growing up farming, tractors were pieces of machinery meant to get dirty, muddy, wet, scratched, and used hard. I just don't get too emotional over my tractors or trucks. I take care of them and keep them a long time, but a little dirt or ding here and there or them sleeping out in the open causes no great alarm.

Resale is not a consideration as by the time I am finished with them, they are pretty well finished because if they can be repaired for a reasonable cost, I keep them.

Of course now that I am getting a bit long in the tooth, I may start treating myself to something newer more often.

 

[flusher]

I've been spending some time on this and other sites trying to learn enough to make an informed decision. There are a lot of great threads and they have already been very helpful. Thanks!

I recently bought a place on 7 acres with a 500 ft driveway. I am looking for a tractor with front mount snowblower for keeping the drive clear. I will also use the tractor for landscaping and dirtwork. I believe I have narrowed it to either a Kubota B3000 or a JD 3720. I can tolerate and indeed enjoy cold weather activities, but given the option of blowing snow in a heated cab while enjoying a cup of coffee vs being bundled up and freezing, I'll take the heated cab. I am certain either of these tractors will be plenty of machine, but the JD is obviously much more capable. The JD (and blower and FEL) I'm looking at is used (160hrs) and the Kubota new, so it isn't much of a price difference.

So here is my question. Can I get either of these through a 7 foot door? I know the published specs would indicate that I can't, but what if I put smaller tires on? What if I ran the tires low? Does anyone have any experience "shortening" either tractor?

My 1964 MF135 diesel was lowered for orchard work by replacing the 28" dia rear rims that you find on field tractors with 16" dia rims.



Those rears are BF Goodrich 6 ply 18.4-16A tires (18" wide, 16" rim dia, 40" tall overall). The spindles on the front axle were shortened to keep the tractor level. You can get this size tire at most tire stores that handle agricultural tires--tires like this are used on large ag equipment like combines, self propelled swathers, etc).

Good luck.

 

[tomga]

I have a few ideas for you,
There is much I don't know about your Drive or garage etc.
I understand you have a cement floor.
Different types of doors will enable more height.
Using a saw to cut out concrete the width of each wheel may work.
Shut door and plug holes with old rags-rug etc.
I have lot experience with ice and snow, over 30 years and many miles town roads,schools, shopping centers etc. in WI.
Is your driveway level or hilly, is it narrow or wide, is it subject to heavy drifting?
Small tractors are limited if you have bad conditions and I would like to see
the snowblower in action, how long it takes and will it work in heavy wet snow.
Your 4 wheel drive pickup with a v plow combo may work better.
Before freeze, get drive in good condition, grade + compact it.
Many times things don't work like you think they will, and with snow and ice there are so many different conditions.
Good luck to you,
I hope I helped
TOM

 

[rideit]

Thanks all for your valuable input! My drive is paved except for part of a turn around area by the lower garage. That portion is red rock for now until I get it paved next summer. I had not considered the potential for snow sticking to the blower if the blower is warm. Both garages are heated and there is no doubt the blower would be well above ambient outside temp when I first start out. Any others have this situation and if so how big of a factor is it. I had fully intended to keep either one garaged all winter.

Also, is there a big advantage one way or the other between the 59 inch Deere blower and the 63 inch Kubota? I have been assuming both are solid blowers but perhaps that is not a valid assumption.

 

[Grandad4]

I'm pretty late getting into this discussion, but a couple of thoughts hit me while reading this. First, regarding your header, you said there's a steel beam which limits your options for changing the height. Is there a wood trim piece covering the steel? If so, maybe you could replace it with aluminum or vinyl and gain some clearance.

Second, although you could cut a couple of channels into the concrete pad for the tires, you'd need to concoct some kind of weather threshold that fits down in the ruts to keep out your Minnesota winter and also various critters. After all, it's under your house, right?

Third, regarding snow sticking to your snowblower because it's warm from being inside. Once you drive it outside, it won't be warm for very long! If you back the thing outside and let the engine warm up for 10 minutes, all the sheetmetal on the blower will be at or near ambient temperature.

Finally, keep repeating to yourself, "I do want the cab... I do want the cab." Best of luck with your shopping!

 

[WayneB]

If the dealer is close enough ask him to bring the tractor out and just check and see if it will fit? If he wants the sale he just might do it.

Wayne

 

[Martian]

BUY THE 3720!!

You will regret it later. To have to store that rig outside isn't the worst thing that will happen to it. If it were an open station sitting outside through the winter I wouldn't get it *** I'd be shoveling snow off of where my *ss is about to be for an hour:laughing: but a cab tractor is made for this. Next year, possibly springtime, I would build a shed for your tractor. Too get a 3720 with such low hours EXACTLY how you want it though can sit outside for a year. You will be kicking yourself later not getting it and upgrading and getting something once you have a shed and end up costing you a lot more $$$$

 

[mcd176]

Definitely go with the cab, You will thank yourself over and over when its 10 degrees outside, I don’t care what anyone says, a cab vs. coveralls and ski masks is a no brainer, no amount of warm clothing will keep you as warm and comfortable as a cab. Worry about the storage options in the spring.

 

[grsthegreat]

Definitely go with the cab, You will thank yourself over and over when its 10 degrees outside, I don稚 care what anyone says, a cab vs. coveralls and ski masks is a no brainer, no amount of warm clothing will keep you as warm and comfortable as a cab. Worry about the storage options in the spring.

+1111111111

cant agree more. worth every cent

 

[mpham]

I agree. I did the no cab thing for the last 20 years. Froze my butt off every time. This year I have a cab tractor and need to redo the whole wardrobe. I was sweating like crazy.