Drawbacks of a tractor too large?

[azhfl56]

What are the drawbacks of having a tractor that is too large? Other than the obvious. I am seriously drawn to the M6040 cab and due to a snafu with a dealer I have an opportunity to trade up to a M6040 from an L4330, both are cab tractors and both have FEL.

So far the drawbacks I have found are as follows. The 4330, PTO HP is low enough to allow for standard implements. The PTO HP on the 6040 is 55 at 2600 rpm, yet the 6040 attains 540 rear rpm at 2160 engine rpm, so the PTO HP of the 6040 at 2160 engine rpm may be low enough to allow for standard implements. The tractor is just under a foot taller, so I will have to modify storage area. Aside from price what are your thoughts. I don't need this size tractor, I simply like it ALOT.

Regards,

Bryan

 

[KennyV]

Bryan,
They are close enough in size that there should not be any real disadvantage in choosing either… BOTH are nice , as is any cab tractor.. KennyV

 

[stevenf]

To give a brief history I went in for a M6800 and drove out with a M9000. I use it to work on our ranch it is 347 acres but I only farm a very small portion of it like less then 10 acres, I also use mine to do road work, gather brush and drill holes in solid rock with a hydraulic down pressure Beltec auger. The 6800 would have done these jobs easily as well maybe a bit slower on some stuff but not a lot of difference. I've seen all sorts of claims for fuel economy and I don't know why this is but mine uses on average a gallon an hour, scientifically tested by a 300 gallon storage tank and 300 hours on my machine if I used it only for PTO powered equipment I'm sure my fuel use would be higher and if I used it for nothing but ground engaging implements it would be higher, the smaller tractors mostly claim about a gallon an hour as well. The implements can cost more especially if you buy ones at the outer edge of what your machine can handle, I did not I just buy cat 1 and cat 2 implements and am more careful with the cat 1's but if you buy on the heavy duty side cat 1's work fine. So I'd say with little or no proof tractor parts will probably be more expensive, how much I don't know but bigger and heavier is usually more expensive, especially tires. The actual size of the machine (will it fit where you want to work) is something to consider when looking at bigger. Also the weight difference if your working on your manicured lawn lighter would be better but if you plan is to work in fields and farming applications heavier is always better "far as I know". When you go to change fluids you'll have more fluids to pay for in the larger machine as well. All of this said I have used and abused my M9000 and I love it, I wouldn't want a smaller machine now and I don't expect that to change anytime soon although I'd love to have a much smaller machine to do little chores with in addition to my big one but my lovely wife would probably kill me if I said that before the final M9000 payment hits the bank November of 2007.
Steve

 

[rbargeron]

My 2 cents - the M6040 is bigger than the 4330 - but in most situations you'll either (1) not notice its size or (2) be really glad you have it.

Your question was about drawbacks of a tractor too large - and there are some minor ones. If this M6040 is on R1 rubber it is taller and would be more tippy on sloped terrain. Due to its higher ground clearance, you may tire of climbing up an down off it. The visibility in close from the seat is not as good as with a more compact machine. If your place has a lot of tight places - like between buildings or parked vehicles, or narrow places to turn around, the bigger rig will be less handy. Any chance the dealer would let you try out the M6040 for a couple days and see how it fits your circumstances?

Don't worry about overpowering implements - they are protected with shear pins or other overload devices. Not an issue.

When you start using a bigger tractor and realize how capable it is, you can forget all about the smaller ones. Your idea of what is possible will grow to the scale the bigger machine can handle. I must admit I'm the guy who sometimes signs my posts with "Power Is Good- So Is Weight". Take care, Dick B

 

[rdsaustintx]

Saw the header and can't resist.

If it fits in your barn, there is no such thing as a tractor that's too large

RDnT

 

[wilnis]

I've worried about the same issue as I went from a Kubota B7200 with 17 hp in the mid 1980's to just trading in my NH TC33D for a TN60A. That was a substantial jump for me after being on compact tractors, but I've have a dedicated mower (JD X595) so I don't need a mmm, and the extra power and size makes it possible to do round bale management I couldn't do on my other machines, use pallet forks in all kinds of ways I'm just learning, and the power of this machine is awesome for someone like me and my needs. And it fits in my barn!! And my wife can drive it!! Regards-Bill

 

[3RRL]

I think you have a great opportunity that many of us would kill for. There is not a huge size difference between the M6040 and the L4330...not so much that it should make a difference for what you intended anyway. Just gives you all that "extra".
As far as the PTO, if it's a 2 speed, you can run some pto implents in the higher speed and use less engine rpm to achieve 540 pto rpm. Especiall if it doesn't come close to lugging the engine... I do that a lot when mowing dry and use a lot less fuel and wear and tear on the tractor. It also leaves me more gear selection to pick my ground speed.

 

[rbargeron]

Rob, I don't think the new Mxx40 models have two-speed pto - just 540 for U.S. models. But I'll bet the Australia/New Zealand versions will have 2-speed pto's when they are offered there - The M5700 and M6800 both have 540/750 in those countries (maybe others) where high-speed implements are still common. I converted my US L5450 to 2-speed pto by ordering parts listed for the Australian version of the tractor. Way cool - and as you say, save fuel, noise, wear, and have better choice of ground speeds. Whole saga including pics is at :http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/9488-adding-2-speed-power-take.html?

 

[RobJ]

Below are my drawbacks of a tractor too large.....
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Thank You

 

[InlineDieselFan]

The only drawbacks are the bigger one usually costs more, and you may not be able to manuver around the wifes plants in the front yard as easy.

For the shop, build a bigger one, you can always use the room.

I don't recall seeing people complain about too much power. The only folks downgrading in size are those that move to much much smaller lots.

steve