Cab vs HP

[MaineBob]

I'm finally ready to spring for a new JD 4x20 or Kubota Lxx30. I originally ruled out a cab based on the costs, but the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking it might be worth the extra money. I was originally thinking HP was more important, but now I'm thinking about trading HP for the Cab.

I'll be getting a grapple bucket to do a lot of brush cleanup, tilling ~ 6 acres, bush hogging, and --- here's where the cab helps --- probably some snow blowing. I've got a total of ~90 acres. Bugs (lots of them in Maine) and blowing snow are making me lean toward a cab. If I drop down from a 4720 to a 4320 with a cab, the extra isn't too bad. I am a little worried, though, about using a cab in the woods. Most of my "woods" work will be on designed trails, but it still makes me nervous.

For those of you with cabs ... what say you? Also, are the factory cabs worth the extra expense?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

 

[GaryE]

Bob,

I was thinking about a cab for the same reasons you mentioned. But after talking to people up here they convinced me that if I was going to use it in the woods, the cab would get beat up in no time. I opted for no cab.

Gary

 

[LeadPoison]

Cab in woods=expensive repairs. Those low hanging branches tend to find you sooner or later.

 

[Dmace]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Cab in woods=expensive repairs. Those low hanging branches tend to find you sooner or later. )</font>

I've gone through the woods with and without a cab. Trust me, it's easier to replace a windshield than it is to replace your face after a couple of good branches. A cab makes a world of difference on a tractor. I will never own another without one.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I don't have a cab, work in the woods often, and I would imagine that yes, it could get beat up, but it could also save your life. I've had all manner of things fall on my head while I'm banging around in my woods.

If you're going to be mainly on designed trails, how much chance are you going to have to do damage from something unexpected?

I haven't seen a heck of a lot of posts about anyone tearing their cabs up in the woods, but mentions of scratches etc. are common.

I wouldn't care too much about how it ends up looking, it's a tractor, and a workhorse.

I think if you can afford it, get it. You deserve it don't you? You work hard for the money? You going to live forever and get this opportunity often?

Say more?
John

 

[daTeacha]

Maine, eh? That's almost far enough north to be where the year's weather can be described as "9 months snow flies, 3 months black flies". I'd go for the cab and keep a watchful eye for branches.

Aside from the comforts, one "widow maker" hitting the roof instead of your skull would pay for several windshields.

 

[db2]

I have a TC40DA with a cab and I spend a lot of time in the bush. If you are careful you won't damage the cab and it provides protection from the elements and a hiding place from all those nasty insects. For years I worked my property without a cab. My experience is that having a cab is the only way to go.......for many reasons.

Because I have a cab, I use my tractor more than I would otherwise. The weather doesn't stop me from getting out and getting the job done when I feel like it.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dargo]

After having a cab for the last 5 years I cannot imagine ever going back to no cab. When I'd never had a cab before, it was easy for me to argue both ways. Tractors without cabs seem like the old cars in the early 1900's that were not sealed and were open to the elements; primitive. It is so nice to get off the tractor and not be covered in dirt, have bug bites and not either be freezing or sweating. I'm completely spoiled. I just wore a light jacket to clear snow this last year. Around here we have these little flies with striped wings that won't take "no" for an answer. If you have any, you'll know what I mean. They will seemingly follow you for hours trying to bite you on the top of the head. It's almost worth it to pay the money for a cab just to see those rotten things crawling on the outside of my cab glass trying to figure out how to get to me. Needless to say, I'd not hesitate to go cab again. For the woods and those branches; chainsaw. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[daTeacha]

I think you're talking about what the Michiganders officailly called deer flys. When I was up there, most of them referred to them with another, somewhat more descriptive "D" word having to do with the structures made by beavers to stop flowing water and not really appropriate for this forum. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

They are perisitent little critters and seem to be attracted by motion. My 8N got basically painted with them whenever I drove up the lane across the street. My pith helmet was black with the little green or yellow beasties. Such wonderful memories!!

Definitely get a cab!

 

[HEC]

I went with no cab for a couple reasons, I can get the tractor in my heated garage in the winter and I do work in the woods also.I can't even imagine trying to go in the woods where I go with a cab as they are quite high. You can't reach the branches you would need to cut for that kind of height from the ground. If you have all your trails or roads cut already and have the height and width needed than go for a cab ,they are great for sure. I use a tractor during all the seasons ,would a cab be nice , you bet it would be, just not right for all my needs, unfortunately. Would you miss a few HP probably not.
Good Luck