FEL and 4WD - How necessary?

[rScotty]

A tractor with 2WD and no FEL is sort of like an old ranch house with no indoor plumbing. Sure, some people might even like living in it, but resale value is very low compared to a modern house with plentiful indoor plumbing.

4 WD and a FEL is the modern standard for CUT, sub-CUT, or even a general purpose tractor. Anything less is living in the past.

How do you feel about gears versus hydrostat? My first few tractors were all gear types - I still have two of those plus one that is a powershift/automatic clutch type. It's mechanically clever as can be, but ventures a bit too far toward complexity for its own sake. In its defense, I'll say that they do have a good rep for reliability.. But there's a better way..

Our newest and most powerful tractor is a hydrostatic transmission with 4wd & loader. I was leery of HST at first, but after using it hard for a number of years now I wouldn't have anything else for a utility loader tractor or Tractor/Loader/Backhoe. I especially like how the hydrostat allows the engine governor to respond directly to the load. The motor revs up automatically when the load calls for it and then just as automatically slows down or idles when the load is removed. That's the kind of "using your head" kind of design engineering that gains support for a company.

But for a field tractor used mostly for plowing, cultivating or road grading a gear drive machine would be fine.

For anyone wanting 4wd and a loader, don't overlook used machines. There are beginning to be more on the used market. 10K should get you a nice one. Tractors rarely wear out or have any problems at all. The tractor manufacturing industry is very mature....there have been few if any necessary technical advances in the last 20 years or so. Also, tractors are low rpm machines, so breakage is rare and usually develops very slowly. What this means is that if you can start one in cold weather, use it for an hour doing some loader work, and then take it up and down the road a few miles....you will find that however it works that afternoon is most likely just the same way it will work for the next decade.

IMHO, there isn't nearly the advantage in buying new as there once was. Fast forward a year and a used tractor is going to be hard to tell from one bought new. Repairs and wear just aren't an issue on a well cared for home-owner tractors.
Luck, rScotty

 

[vabiker23518]

My first tractor was a used Bolens G-152; 2 WD and no FEL. It worked ok, but I decided after a few years to go 4WD and FEL. Purchased a TYM 233 and love it. Does everything I need. Also, it has hydrostatic Xmission which I like better than gears. Especially when bush hogging!

 

[Gregs JD1023]

When I bought my Deere 1023 I had planned on getting a FEL but didn't realize how much I'd really use it. All I can say is Down With Shovels. Also my back is really happy. The 4 wheel drive is needed due to the tractor weight or lack there of. This year I purchased the 260 backhoe attachment. Also thought I'd have limited need for it, was I wrong. I use it from digging out rocks to making holes for plants. Like I said, Down With Shovels.

 

[dragoneggs]

When I bought my Deere 1023 I had planned on getting a FEL but didn't realize how much I'd really use it. All I can say is Down With Shovels. Also my back is really happy. The 4 wheel drive is needed due to the tractor weight or lack there of. This year I purchased the 260 backhoe attachment. Also thought I'd have limited need for it, was I wrong. I use it from digging out rocks to making holes for plants. Like I said, Down With Shovels.

yep... 4WD and FEL is a godsend. My back thanks me every time I use the FEL (oh which is about every time I get on my BX). It's a no brainer... even for me.

 

[PhysAssist]

yep... 4WD and FEL is a godsend. My back thanks me every time I use the FEL (oh which is about every time I get on my BX). It's a no brainer... even for me.

2X and LOLZ for "no-brainer... ?..even for me"

:laughing:

 

[sd455dan]

Your story sounds just like mine Beltman60. I keep riding by the Mahindra/MF dealership near work and have to resist stopping. I really like both the Mahindra and MF line but I know they are gonna give me a price that will make me cringe. However, with the 0% for 84 months currently offered, I am tempted to see what kind of monthly payment I can lock in. I hate to finance and spend more than I wanted, but I would not have to worry about getting a lemon, and would have a tractor with much higher resale value and demand if I had to sell.
Gonna keep my eye out for used, but new is looking better and better.

How goes the search??

Did you find a good used tractor with loader- or possibly a new machine ,

or does the Search continue :tractor: ?

 

[City Farmer]

I'll add my $.02 FWIW. The Loader is a must. I've had (3) tractors all with blue paint. (47hp) Ford 3000 (no loader), (65hp) 4400 TLB, and a 1715 (24hp). The 1715 was a great little diesel, gear, loader 4x4 tractor. The only problem with a CUT is you'll run out of tractor really fast with 25-35hp and 900-1500lbs or so loader lift. If I was working 40 wooded acres I'd get the biggest loader tractor I could for my money. I sold the 1715 and bought a 350 Case dozer to cut trails and push dirt. Maybe I'm just lucky but I've been able to get by with 2wd machines. The 2wd 4400 TLB weighs 10k and I've never had a problem with driving into a pile of anything and getting a full load with the diff. lock engaged. I'd take a full sized 2wd loader tractor over a 4x4 CUT anyday. I've skidded some trees thinking there's no way that 3000 would pull, it surprises me every time.