City Boy Could Use help

[RobertN]

I will jump in here...

I have both, my Farmall-A and my B8200 HST 4wd Kubota. I've used Ford 9-2-8N tractors a little too.

The older tractors tend to be more task oriented. My Farmall is a good pulling and cultivating tractor. I could pull a disc with my Kubota, but it would not be a good cultivator; it sits too low and would mush the plants. A Ford 8N is similar. It puls a disc or plow, but as a cultivator, not so good.

My Kubota is a good general purpose tractor. But, it would be limited as an Ag tractor. It has similar HP to my Farmall, but the Farmall would do better in the field. The Kubota, with HST, 4wd, loader is a potent utility tool.

So, if you have defined uses for a tractor, the older iron might work just fine; look at all the old Farmall Cubs and A's used for mowing machines. If you want to do a score of utility jobs, then the new CUT will work great.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I think if Maury is from the city and not that familiar with tractors, the last thing he wants to get on is an old tractor with few if any safety features. I say stick with a new machine with all the safety features. Using an older machine not used to being around tractors could cost you an arm and a leg literally!!!!!!!!
Kubota B-7800 is a nice machine but I'm not being partial!!!!!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I would totally agree that Maury should stay away from the OLD IRON, the stuff is fun, and I love it. But it is something to use if you know what you are doing. I would also recommend staying away from the Grey Market machines. There is nothing wrong with them but I've never seen one with a ROPS, he will probably not have any dealer support, get no warrenty, no HST, etc.

 

[PineRidge]

Maury the following are a few questions that I asked myself before purchasing my last tractor. If you have a base line for your needs it makes the rest of the purchase process a lot easier.

What is my target price for the tractor & implements?
Will I need a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive tractor? 4 wheel drive models give you increased traction and stability.
How will I be using my tractor most of the time? Mowing, moving dirt, cleaning out stables, etc.
How much horsepower will I need?
Will I need a manual transmission or an HST (hydrostatic transmission)?
Will I need turf, R-4’s, or Industrial tires?
Will I need the rear tires filled for extra stability or do I need wheel weights? Weight added to the rear tires gives you increased stability and is a must for FEL use.
Will I need a front-end loader?
Will I need a backhoe?
Will I need a tractor with power steering?
Will anyone else be using the tractor other than myself? If your wife will be using the tractor as well some features such as an HST can make her experience a more enjoyable one.
Will I need a rotary cutter or a finish mower?
Will I need any other implements such as a back blade, box blade, posthole digger, or the like?
Will I be doing some of the tractor service myself?
Do I want to buy from an out-of-state dealer or do I want to buy from a local dealer?

 

[Libertine]

RobertN:

Good reply. I think the issue was that he had no experience on tractors and was looking for advice. The problem with buying new is that he may not know for sure all the stuff he will end up doing, or, what he really wants/needs and what is, for him, unneeded. Further, he said he was retired so the issue of how many cubic yards of dirt he can move in an 8 hour shift (or acres per hour mowing, etc.) is totally irrelavent. My suggestion to start with something older for "practice" was based on the idea that for a couple grand he could "learn" a lot about what he really wanted, and what he didn't need - not from others, but for himself. Then, when he does buy something new (spending many, many thousands) he would be more confident instead of relying on others.

You're right about the older stuff being more <font color="blue">task oriented</font>. Obviously, a new CUT will do more different things more efficiently (for the most part-as you point out, not everything). Also, as some have pointed out and as I did in my post, there is an issue of safety - you definately have to be more careful on the older stuff - especially if it has a tricyle setup. But you can get into trouble with anything, even a new "safe" tractor. You have to be careful around any equipment, old or new. My suggestion to start with an older tractor was based on the idea of an inexpensive learning experience before he spends bigger bucks for new. Also, 3pt implements can be transferred. I had a 3pt, remote hydraulics, etc. on my old Farmall SC.

In any event, RobertN, good post.

JEH

 

[Maury]

This is a follow up to my original post. First thanks to everyone for your help. I looked at 8 diiferent dealers for the three brands I mentioned. Technically, I thought all three were very similar. Fortunately, the dealer I liked best had the best pricing.
My Kubota 7610 HSD (24 HP) with a 352 FEL, five foot box blade, industrial tires, and folding ROP was delivered today. The total damage was $13,270 which I thought was very good. The salesman delivered it himself (about 65 miles) and spent about 2 hours going over the machine. I was impressed.
I would receommend this dealer.
Lanford Equipment
Austin, TX
512-385-2800
Ask for Allen
Thanks again for all the great info on this site.
Maury

 

[grandad]

Just in time for spring! Congratulations, that sounds like a fine unit! Please enjoy and be safe!

 

[GerardC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( This is a follow up to my original post. First thanks to everyone for your help. I looked at 8 diiferent dealers for the three brands I mentioned. Technically, I thought all three were very similar. Fortunately, the dealer I liked best had the best pricing.
My Kubota 7610 HSD (24 HP) with a 352 FEL, five foot box blade, industrial tires, and folding ROP was delivered today. The total damage was $13,270 which I thought was very good. The salesman delivered it himself (about 65 miles) and spent about 2 hours going over the machine. I was impressed.
I would receommend this dealer.
Lanford Equipment
Austin, TX
512-385-2800
Ask for Allen
Thanks again for all the great info on this site.
Maury )</font>

Good luck with your new toy. Make sure you post some photos.

 

[Cottonhawk]

Congratuations and have a good time on your new rig and be conservative. I am in the same boat....just mioving out of the city into our new acreage home and just got my new NH TC40DA last week. There are a lot of learning ahead and a lot of fun too.

 

[frank_f15]

congrats on the new tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif u must of had some seat time by now, and of course pictures are a must