FEL and 4WD - How necessary?

[vtsnowedin]

Having done it both ways I consider having a tractor with out a loader equal to missing your right hand and not having FWD on top of that equal to missing both hands. You can still go ahead but you have a hard time grabbing onto the work and putting it where you want it.

Pinetree10: If your tires are spinning a lot while loading you don't have enough ballast in the tires or on the 3PH. Did you get your rears liquid filled?

 

[RBA50]

I used my Kubota B2320 for a month or more before I paid a cent on it. $0 down, 0% for 60 months.

 

[RalphVa]

If you have any hills or uneven terrain, you MUST have 4wd for safety. I started off with a Gravely, even went to dual wheels on both sides on it to gain enough traction going up and down the back hill down to our creek. Only thing that worked is getting 4wd. Gotta ALWAYS keep it in 4wd unless going down a paved level road.

To me, not much sense in having a tractor unless it has a FEL.

Ralph

 

[TripleR]

We got by without a FEL or MFWD for a long time and still have four like that, but every one of the last five my brothers and I bought all have it.

 

[bigbull338]

yes you can get by without a 4wd drive an fel on the tractor.but it would be so much easier with them.2wd drive tractors are cheap an easy to find.

 

[k0ua]

A tractor without 4wd and a Loader is like a" day without sunshine" (my apologies to Anita Bryant) You can "get by" with a lot of things. A loader is THE most useful attachment on ANY tractor, and a 2WD tractor with a loader is a weak sister unless it is large and heavy. A small CUT 2wd tractor with a loader is not a lot of fun. What you want is a 4WD tractor with a loader.. That is why you are not finding many of them on the used market, because their owners are happy with them and keeping them. You can find 2wd tractors without loaders for sale... does that tell you something?

James K0UA

 

[varmint]

Yup- if you bought a two wheel drive no loader tractor, you would soon regret it. All the remarks above are basic truths. Done.

 

[txdon]

Very necessary. I use the 4wd and FEL every time I start the tractor. Even on the days I just mow there is usually something that needs pushing or loading. When you use the FEL with a load the back end gets light and 4wd will keep you moving instead of the rear wheels just spinning. I also have not had to put water in the rear tires for weight with 4wd but I usually do keep a box blade or BH on the back.

 

[Zebrafive]

My first tractor was 2wd without a loader. John Deere 2030. Bought 20years ago used. It will be 40 years old next year. It's more weight and HP then most small tractor here. I wanted a loader and 4wd, but the budget would not allow. Three to four years after I bought it I found a used loader for it. Handiest attachment I have. Then came the grapple, second handiest attachment. After 17 years I finally got both 4wd and a loader. I bought a used JD 6415.
Stretch your $$$ and buy used. Maybe you can then get both 4wd and a loader first time around.

 

[newbury]

<SNIP>I am buying used and haven't had much luck finding a tractor with 4wd and FEL that fits my budget(<$10,000). I have however found some nice tractors, often with attachments that are well within the budget. Are there implement for the TPH that can be used for clearing roads, moving downed timber, etc.

Remember, I am a newbie at the whole tractor thing. Thanks for your help.

Mark

Call Messicks.

Going on about a year ago I was looking for a 40HP w/ 4WD & FEL for < $15K. Messicks had one. But I bought my M4700 w/ 4WD and FEL for about $12K first. 50HP, 10 more than I wanted, but I put up with it.


So far I've had to sink about an extra $5K into it. Of course that included:
8" Jinma Chipper - $1,800
Plow - $450
Tiller - $800
PHD - $500
Pallet forks - $250
PEC - $150
Oil - $20
Hoses - $50
And a lot of diesel!

The point is those bargains are out there IF YOU CAN WAIT AND REALLY SEARCH!! If you need something soon look at Messicks.