FARMTRAC 300DTC Engine 30HP / 26HP PTO

Bob_Skurka · Sep 1, 2005

( I'm new hear take it easy. )

I just call them like I see them. The fact is Jim has a big problem. Another fact is that some people seem more interested in pushing their brand than in Jim's problem. Give the guy a break and stop fighting over the fact that you got a good deal on your tractor and someone else didn't, or the fact that you had the skill to negotiate with one salesman but not another. People are hungry, Jim needs to feed them, the thread is not about the color of the tractor he is driving.

Glenipp · Sep 1, 2005

After reading this post it makes me sick. Dargo attacks someone, but looks as if Bob's got his back. Woods1 is posting under different screen names. He or she should be booted!!!!

Can't we just get along. As for poor Jim reading the stuff.

Dargo just for the record if someone likes his branded tractor what's the problem with that? I see you bash Kioit all the time. and or call it a tier 2 brand. I really don't care, but you seem to dish it out, but you can't take it.

Dargo · Sep 1, 2005

And we don't know who "Glenipp" is?! C'mon man. It isn't that hard to follow the exact same spelling and grammatical errors. It's like your own signature. People aren't fooled that easily. Hmm, three different screen names now...

Filb · Sep 1, 2005

I recently purchased a Farmtrac 360DTC as a TLB package, the 39hp model with the syncro shuttle. I have been very satisfied with my purchase. I have done a number of things with this tractor since my purchase and it has performed flawlessly. I haven't used the 3pt mounted pto imlements yet. I have used the loader and backhoe for some projects around the house. After browsing TBN for a year, and test driving the major brands, I decided that this model offered the best performance for my money.
PROs: The hydraulics are very powerful, especially the loader, which is rated at 1700lbs. The shifting mechanism is user friendly with the shuttle. The Mitsubishi 39hp diesel engine is a real workhorse - runs smooth. The tractor is constructed - heavy duty - it weighs almost 3000lbs alone. Add the loader and backhoe, and the tractor really gets traction. (weight=traction). I went with the bigger tire option for an extra $190 bucks, it sits higher and has more clearance with the subframe for the backhoe. Compared other brand 30-33 hp models I was shopping for, they don't compare to this machine's capability.
CONs: The cockpit is sort of small. It doesn't bother me when I am on it, but getting off is a little awkward. The rear fender is thin, so you really can't put any weight on it. The fuel tank holds about 8 gallons, so it doesn't last very long. The backhoe is only 7.5 feet. I would think that a 39hp tractor should have an 8' if not a 9' BH.

Varmintmist · Sep 1, 2005

1200 hours on the Kubota is realy not that much in the total scheme of things. It is ready for stuff to start breaking though. Food for thought.
Do you need the hoe and the grapple?

As to the Farmtracs. I figure they are good tractors, if you are about 4 foot 7 or under /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I couldnt get past the feeling that I needed pedals near my feet. Maybe they are big sellers in Hobbiton????? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

IMHO the price on the 790 with FEL @14K is going to be hard to beat for a new machine. That is more than 1K less than the quotes I got a year ago. It will do everything you need it to. Pull a small 2 bottom plow or a single bottom real easy, 5 foot brush hog, lime spreader, and as big of a disk or harrow you will ever need for 2 acres. Get Ag tires and load them, you will need the weight.

You are putting in a large garden, not a farm. After the tillage is over unless you are going to invest in a whole boatload of equipment to drag behind the tractor for less than 1 hour a year, you are going to be into a lot of handwork.

Another thought. If you get one you can haul, you can haul to peoples homes and till a garden patch for them to grow their own. The 790 is not huge and would lend itself to the "teach a man to fish" theroy better.

And lastly, you seem to have hit a comfort zone with Deere or Kubota, nothing wrong with that.

If you decide that you need 35 HP, look at the Mahindra 3510. It is more $$ than the 790, but not a bunch for the HP and weight upgrade. You want weight for tillage. I traded a JD on mine and I dont feel under tractored at all.

Jim57 · Sep 1, 2005

( 1200 hours on the Kubota is realy not that much in the total scheme of things. It is ready for stuff to start breaking though. Food for thought.
Do you need the hoe and the grapple?

As to the Farmtracs. I figure they are good tractors, if you are about 4 foot 7 or under /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I couldnt get past the feeling that I needed pedals near my feet. Maybe they are big sellers in Hobbiton????? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

IMHO the price on the 790 with FEL @14K is going to be hard to beat for a new machine. That is more than 1K less than the quotes I got a year ago. It will do everything you need it to. Pull a small 2 bottom plow or a single bottom real easy, 5 foot brush hog, lime spreader, and as big of a disk or harrow you will ever need for 2 acres. Get Ag tires and load them, you will need the weight.

You are putting in a large garden, not a farm. After the tillage is over unless you are going to invest in a whole boatload of equipment to drag behind the tractor for less than 1 hour a year, you are going to be into a lot of handwork.

Another thought. If you get one you can haul, you can haul to peoples homes and till a garden patch for them to grow their own. The 790 is not huge and would lend itself to the "teach a man to fish" theroy better.

And lastly, you seem to have hit a comfort zone with Deere or Kubota, nothing wrong with that.

If you decide that you need 35 HP, look at the Mahindra 3510. It is more $$ than the 790, but not a bunch for the HP and weight upgrade. You want weight for tillage. I traded a JD on mine and I dont feel under tractored at all. )

Hmmm... The Mahindra... I am going to look at it today or tomorrow. Won't that put me into another over seas made tractor without the proper warranty?

The reason I was looking at the Kubota is it would give me a more versatile tractor of which I could make extra money with and also I have decided to do a small nursery here so I can make more money to support what I am doing and possibly allow me to go full time here rather than work a public job and do this. I will look at the Mahindra 3510... I would like a Shuttle Shift Option.. does that 3510 have this option?

Thanks for all the input. For once I am taking my time to make sure I get a quality tractor and one that I can depend on.

Thanks about the info on the Kubota as well... I don't need one to start breaking down as soon as I get it. It would put me right back where I am.

I am leaving now to get turnip seed, collard seed, broccoli seed and cabbage plants to get them in the ground working the earth by hand. I sure miss my tractor and the easier and more efficient way I could prepare the soil. I am sure the produce would grow better if the ground was prepared better but it will just have to do. A little help will be better than none for these people.

Jim

Maka · Sep 1, 2005

I have been following this for some time and have some questions. What is a 2nd tier machine? Is there a industry magazine, organization or other that coined that term or is it owners of one brand who are in some way trying to lessen the quality of another?

I happen to drive a Montana 3040 on a regular basis (yes, I am a dealer) and I think it is very close to the 300DTC. Maybe I am wrong but if it is then at 5'11" and 220lbs I am very comfortable on it and it has much better ergonomics than a 790, but that is strictly my opinion.

I would like to say it here and now. I reject the term 2nd tier and contend that today more than ever quality between JD, Kioti, Montana, Mahindra etc. is comparable and in many cases the Kubotas, JDs and NH are sometimes inferior.

Having said this none is perfect and all could be better and they are continually getting there.

It is quoted best in the Aug./Sep. issue of Farm Equipment Magazine on page 52 "Most products are more similar than they have ever been" says J. "For the new breed of business farmer, its all the same product, different color. Loyalty isn't what it used to be."

This is a very small piece of the article titled Changing Customer Base Shaping the Dealer of Tomorrow.

I also believe this to be very true. I am not advocating any one over the other as different people have different wants, different needs and will buy what is best for them but all of the above are excellent and I would not be afraid of any of them.

Flame on, as I won't see them until Tuesday. I'm going out of town and won't be here for the fun.

Maka

Donnyj · Sep 1, 2005

Good job and well said Maka. Enjoy your fun. Watch out for those gas prices though! Ouch!!

Jim57 · Sep 1, 2005

I didn't mean to flame any particular tractor except the one I purchased with approx. $7,000.00 of my hard earned money and it ended up being a $7,000.00 Yard Ornament because the dealer hasn't stood behind their 90 day warranty. I just Do NOT want this to happen to me again. I can't afford it financially and the people I am trying to help can not afford me to be down and not producing food.

Check Out the first row planting here... unfortunately it wasn't plowed properly because I have no tractor or tiller.

The first row planted to help others to have something to eat.

Jim

Maka · Sep 1, 2005

Well, I have not left yet but as of early in the morning will be gone. No worry Jim as I understand your frustration and feel for you. I truely hope you get this resolved to your satisfaction.

I did not think you were going to jump on me but I do expect some to get bent out of shape at what I said. I am sure your work will be blessed.

Take care,
Maka