First-time Buyer Questions!!

Golfgar4 · Feb 13, 2004

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You certainly came to the right place to get some guidance.

You might check out the NH TC30. You can get this tractor in HST or gear transmissions, and I think the lift specifications on the 3 pt are similar to the 790. I believe you could also get a mid pto on it if you wanted.

There are some other equally capable machines out there that you should check out. Since it seems that you are not locked in to one color, spend some time getting information and check out the other guys. You'll acquire a wealth of information as you test out each machine. And at the same time, you'll be getting a feel for the different dealers. A quality, dependable dealer is every bit as important (or in some cases even more important) than the cost of the tractor.

Good luck on your search. Have fun and keep us posted. We wouldn't mind if you took along a digital camera and took pictures too! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JDGREEN4ME · Feb 13, 2004

I would not want a 2210 if my situation was the same as yours. If you want green I would consider a 4310. I also like the Kubota B7800 and B2910. I have heard good things about the Kiotis and New Hollands also. Despite my brand obvious username I would consider all options (I did) and see what you are the most comfortable with. I know I sure had fun getting out and looking at all the different brands. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_In_MN · Feb 13, 2004

JDGREEN,

While I think the 2210 is too small for his uses, don't you think that your 4115 would handle the items he lists?

My concern with the 4310 is that it would be great for clearing that land for the polebarn and nice for bush hogging, but if he ends up spending most of his time finish mowing and doing what he termed "light" landscaping, he may have too much tractor for the bulk of his work.

In reality, he will clear the land for the pole barn 1 time and most likely he will bush hog less often than he finish mows.

I know everyone says buy as big as you can and while I agree to a certain degree, you can have too much tractor in certain situations.

I would have loved a 4310 for relocating my driveway, but my 4010 did it and now I use it to mow lawn, plow snow, maintain my driveway and perform various projects with the FEL.

I justified my purchase as the one tractor that could do everything I wanted. This means that I have a tractor that's too big for some things, too small for others and just right for the jobs I spend the most time doing.

By the way--even though I've had a lot of luck with JD, I would also look at other colors.

Good Luck

Bob

WiJC · Feb 13, 2004

my situation wasnt too different from you. after looking over the 2210, i decided i wanted more clearance etc and a little bigger machine. i first looked at the 4115. i was impressed with everything except the price.

i then went and checked out the kubota b7610. it is an inch here and there smaller than the 4115, but pretty comparable. it came in $2500 less than the 4115 deere.

whala! ill have a orange tractor in my garage next week /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rockyridgefarm · Feb 13, 2004

then went and checked out the kubota b7610. it is an inch here and there smaller than the 4115, but pretty comparable. it came in $2500 less than the 4115 deere. 

Great point! Find out what fits, find a good dealer. But don't assume everything is cheaper than Deere. In some areas, the Kubota would be way higher. And some dealers are bad about highballing you. I think its safe to say you should decide what you think will work and get a few bids. There are several really good brands out there, many with great dealer support.

cowboydoc · Feb 13, 2004

But don't assume everything is cheaper than Deere

You're exactly right. I think one of the problems is that deere is the only one that I know that publishes all of their prices. When you talk to other dealers they may or may not give you their retail prices. You might be already getting 20 or 30% off of retail. Well then someone takes that to the deere site and compares a 20% off retail price with deere's full retail price and thinks green paint is awful expensive. When in reality if compared apples to apples they're pretty close.

del · Feb 13, 2004

For my similar uses the 4210 is working out great. I have
a bigger TLB and all of the uses you have suggested the
4210 would accomplish. 5 foot cutter etc.

Shorter so it is not a bulky machine but much heavier than
a 4115 so with a load in the bucket it is more stable (safer).

Rides extremely nice on pasture (more weight) and the
operator platform and seat are terrific for long hours.

Unless you have A LOT of time on your hands the 2210 would
be too small. (IMHO)

General rule of thumb is that you can't go wrong getting a
bigger tractor.

Too a point, if it won't go where you want it to go...

Also the bigger the tractor the more diesel it is going
to suck.

You get jobs done quicker but you burn more diesel.

I have yet to figure out with my bigger Kubota if the much
increased fuel use over my older Ford is because it's a big
wasteful engine (1650 vs 1400 cc) or I am doing so much
more work with it... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Even with the much-praised-by-JD I-match or it's "quick-hitch"
cousins on the market, there are a lot of implements that
don't work with them for a number of reasons, tail wheel type,
using a tilt cylinder, fit problems. And this means the old
3pt hookup. I should have got the telescoping ends and
didn't. With the smaller tractor this can make it more difficult
to get implements on it. Been there done that with a BX.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifDE L/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JDGREEN4ME · Feb 13, 2004

The 4115 would probably be fine. If I was going to use the PTO that much I just think I would want more than the 20 PTO HP that I have. Good point however that you can have a tractor too big for most of the work you will do. Of course there are days I wish I had a 110 TLB /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

mwood · Feb 13, 2004

In looking over some more literature, and calling a couple of dealers, I've nocited that there is a marked price increase for a hydro tranny. Is it really worth the money? I've used gears on all my garden tractors and never really thought much about it! It just seems that I can get a lot more HP if i'm willing to go with gears.

Again, just a question!

Thanks for all this great discussion. I'm going to go look at the following:
790
4115
4210

(I think i've ruled out the 2210 based on size and the 4110 based on PTO HP)

I'll also probably look at both a 4310 and 4410 if they have them... not that I can really afford them, but it never hurts to look! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks again!

Golfgar4 · Feb 13, 2004

Since you've asked the question, here's one of MANY links that discuss that question. Hydrostat versus Gears??

Do a search and you'll find a whole lot more.

In my mind, the bottom line is buy what is right for you. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif