Compact recommendation

[TSO]

Wow that's a crazy break! How many hours on this machine? What were you doing when it broke?

I think the narrower and shorter wheelbase of the 3135 would be a detriment to both loader stability and slope stability. I agree that you should look at the next size up, the 4140 I believe.

What other dealers do you have around you?

 

[HCROW]

The tractor has 2100ish hours, of which I have put on around 50. I was backing up a hill at the time it broke. The back blade was on the 3pt, but it was in the up position.

Is the 2.5" width difference and 5" wheelbase difference enough to notice?

I have New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, Case, Mahindra, Massey Furgeson and LS dealers all fairly close to me. The Kioti dealer is the furthest away at 75 miles.

 

[TSO]

Oh no! I wonder if the problem had already existed without you knowing ?! Did you say anything to the person you bought it from?

 

[TSO]

And I think you will definitely notice a difference in stability.

Also, are you wanting "premium options" or just basic Hydrostat? Do you have a budget you're trying to stick to?

 

[HCROW]

And I think you will definitely notice a difference in stability. Also, are you wanting "premium options" or just basic Hydrostat? Do you have a budget you're trying to stick to?

I don't have the contact info for the guy I bought it from anymore. I don't think I need any premium options, just the basics, unless I don't know what premium options are. Are basic maintenance costs (fluids & filters) pretty comparable across the brands?

 

[varmint]

I can see how you'd want to be rid of it, but won't making it serviceable again, assuming that the rest of the tractor was working fine before the "incident", be pretty much a no-brainer? Assuming it has a loader, it's gotta be worth something as a functioning used machine- maybe $10,000? As a parts tractor, it won't be worth all that much. 2100 hours isn't worn out, so I would be searching for a skilled welder/machinist to check it out. Those guys are out there, especially in Michigan, home of our auto industry, with all the small shops that support it- they didn't all close up in the 70's.

In any event, bummer! Just the sort of thing that ruins you day.

 

[PHPaul]

I'd never trust that housing again, I don't care WHO welded it. It looks like it broke around the rockshaft for the 3PH, and I SURE wouldn't trust it with a bale spear on the 3 point.

I'd be tempted to do one of the following:

1. Find another tractor with a good rear/trans and either swap engines or swap the entire rear assembly from the engine bellhousing back.

2. Find a good used housing and swap all the internals. More work, but probably cheaper on parts.

3. Part it out. The engine, front axle, sheet metal, tires and wheels would be worth more than any dealer would ever give you on trade in, if they'd even consider a trade at all. More hassle dealing with tire kickers, and who knows how long it would take to get rid of it all.

Options 1 and 2 aren't really cost effective if you have to pay full shop rates to a dealer mechanic to do it.

I'm enough of a shade-tree mechanic that I'd attempt #1 myself.

#2 requires more knowledge and experience than I can muster what with setting up gear lash and bearing pre-loads and such.

 

[TSO]

Check with Paul at "Paul's Tractor" in Clio. (About 30 mins North of Flint). 810-686-4777. He is an LS dealer but also a full service repair guy. Builds custom "tractor pull" machines. See if he can give you a price on the repair.