Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong

[toddler]

Neat machines.
If we had local dealers, I'd have considered getting one.
Just not a fan of mail order tractors unless they want to sell me an on-site service plan cheap. Don't believe they'll have the same re-sale as my b2710 either.
Todd

 

[bryce]

I to like the Power-Trac. The smaller models, 418-425 are priced better than any compact. $6000. for a PT418 is great. "Sir" McChaulky has found "EarthForce" for us. It combines old world technology with a few improvements. Priced from the mid 20's on up they come with a loader and a hoe. All but the smallest 2 come with articulated frames. $30,000. for a 34.5hp with TLB, new! I'll take one or two. Bob

 

[TonyC]

You make some excellent points which has made for an interesting thread. I have a few observations to offer.

1. You specifically mention compact tractors. Most of what you point out would apply to all tractors of any size. Not a major point, I know but it does spread the blame out a lot thinner!

2. We will lose the 3 pt hitch system about the same time the country goes completely metric.

3. Freedom Hitch has added your name to their list of renegade subversives.

4. I would never attempt to cut 4 acres of heavy brush with a mid-mower compact tractor. I have accomplished similar tasks in less than a day on a 1961 2wd Ford Tractor, 60 HP with a 6 ft bush hog.

None the less your comments are true and insightful. Now the next time I bush hog, instead of fantasizing about Michelle Pheiffer I will be forced to think about the inefficiencies of my equipment! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Reminds me of the preacher who bought an old gas push mower from a local family. When he couldn't get it started, they explained to him that it was temperamental and they found that cussing at it was the only way to get it to work. He told them "I have been a man of God for over thirty years and not once during that time have I ever cursed. I don't think I even remember how". They told him "Just keep pulling that rope, it'll come back to you"! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong-Not Michelle!

Tony...my mind just went blank on changing compact tractors... but you sure got great taste in women... /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[TonyC]

Re: Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong-Not Michelle!

AAAAhhhhhhhhhh. Thanks John for effectively deprogramming me and getting my thoughts back to the things that are important in life. After looking at her my 3 pt hitch seems like a brilliant feet of engineering. Thanks for the new computer wallpaper too! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Mosey]

I just looked at the Power Trac web site and there are a lot of things I like about it, but I don’t see it replacing my Boomer. Some implements work better on the back such as a moldboard plow or tiller or you would be driving on the plowed or tilled ground. Other implements will work well in the front at times, but will be better in the back at other times, such as a landscape rake when making the final pass before seeding grass or you would compact the soil after raking it. So, the ideal tractor would have to be bi-directional, like the New Holland TV140 discussed earlier.

The small tires on the Power Trac and the low profile are great for mowing on slopes, but the lack of ground clearance would cause problems. I would bottom out in several areas. Also, the small diameter tires will not provide as much traction as large diameter tires.

It’s seems to me that a smaller version of the New Holland TV140 would be the way to go. Stick with PTO shafts to keep the cost under control. I don’t mind the 3pt hitch. That way folks could buy the tractor and still use their existing equipment while they gradually switched over to front mount mowers, etc. It would probably even be cost effective to modify existing rear mount mowers and other equipment to work on the front. For example, the gear box on a finish mower could be rotated 180 degrees and the 3pt hitch brackets relocated to the back of the mower.

 

[knucklehead]

<font color=orange>The small tires on the Power Trac and the low profile are great for mowing on slopes, but the lack of ground clearance would cause problems. I would bottom out in several areas. Also, the small diameter tires will not provide as much traction as large diameter tires.
</font color=orange>

Thanks Mosey, I was thinking that. The idea is very attractive, but the execution doesn't do it for me. I am imagining being in the woods, hauling firewood with an industrial forklift. Better bring a winch! They're probably excellent in their pictured element: open, even ground (not necessarily level). I didn't see any aggresive tires.

I like the idea of equal tire sizes, and the turning radius question above could be solved by slightly increasing axle width, and reducing tire size, or by simply increasing wheelbase. I considered the Pasquali's, too; does anyone know how to find them? I've only found references to them on YT message threads. They appear to be better suited to woods or rough ground work.

 

[knucklehead]

I just found several threads on link to all sorts of different tractor sites.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST I DON'T THINK YOU'VE DONE ALL THE NECESSARY RESEARCH. IF YOU LOOK AT ALL THE FACTORS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE FOR THESE NEW TRACTORS YOU WILL UNDERSTAND YOU WILL HAVE TO BE ABOUT DOUBLE THE PRICE. THE IDEA I FOUND MOST AMUSSING, WAS MAKING ALL WHEELS THE SAME SIZE. IF YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT THAT, IN MOST CASES THE WEEKEND WARRIOR NEEDS A SMALL AND MANUVERABLE TRACTOR. IF ALL WHEELS WERE THE SAME SIZE, YOU WOULD NEED 20 ACRES JUST TO TURN AROUND. ONE THINK I URGE YOU TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THESE TRACTORS THAT FIT YOUR DESCRIPTION, IS WHO MANUFACTURES THEM. WHEN YOU ARE MAKING AN IVESTMENT LIKE THESE YOU SHOULD HAVE THE PEACE IF MIND TO KNOW THAT THE MANUFACTURER WILL STAND BEHIND THE MACHINE WITH PARTS AND SERVICE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, AND TO BE HONEST THAT IS UNLIKELY FROM SOME OF THESE MANUFACTURERS.

 

[Carl_NH]

Glenn,

Let's hope that PT can cross the chasm and develop a loyal following. Change is always challenged by the majority as this eventually requires action.

To change this market will take years, and it will come, but the mainstream market need to make competitive offerings with PT as imitation is the best form of flattery.

Carl