Tractor Sizing GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (Development version)

[jeff9366]

Jeff, I admire your (persevering? masochistic?) willingness to develop the guide.



There are a relatively finite number of tractor models on the market. There is an even smaller number of types/size groups of tractors (SCUT, CUT, utility, etc.).

It's much easier to summarize/generalize what a particular type of tractor does well, and doesn't do so well, than it is to try to distill the infinite potential uses and circumstances for all buyers. Simple evaluations like "weight matters most" or "horsepower is less important than you think," don't universally apply.

I suggest a better approach to your guide would describe the types of tractors available, and then expand a bit to cover critical features. For example:

SCUT - description of typical weight range, horsepower range, available features, example models, and an open ended list of things these machines are designed to do, and what they will struggle to do (or simply take longer to do).

CUT - Same as you did for SCUT.

Utility - Ditto.

Etc.

AIRBISCUIT in Post #7 has considered your categories and produced a good graphic. Deere and Kubota combined have approximately 68% share of total new compact tractor sales, so AIRBISCUIT'S graphic is 68% inclusive. However, I believe the guide is more useful to tractor shoppers brand free.
Europe has multiple tractor brands seldom exported to North America.

Deere's current "thousands" categories express weight.

Kubota models are confusing to nearly everyone, including dealer sales reps.

There is disagreement about where individual tractor models fall within tractor categories you suggest.

Weight is objective. Weight is useful comparing NEW and USED tractors.

This guide could quickly expand to ten pages but I am determined it always print on ONE sheet of 8-1/2" X 11" paper.

 

[jeff9366]

I am open to evaluating 'insertion ready' suggestions on the topic of 4-WD. Revision 7 consists of forty-nine (49) words relating to 4-WD and slope descents.

Who will contribute a broader statement on tractor 4-WD, including tractor braking during descents, in forty-four (44) words OR LESS?

 

[majorwager]

Jeffy

Anyone who has taken an unexpected downhill ride on a tractor would hardly describe such an experience as an uncontrolled decent. Reminds me of something learned in flight ground school many years ago.

Clinging to a tractor uncontrollably sliding down a steep slope would be expressed in slightly different, and more appropriate for the moment, terminology.

Doubtful the terrain for such a moment exists in Florida, outside of Disney, Orlando.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Okay, I'll bite:

4WD provides better traction (and more power) in all situations, and is critical when working slopes to avoid an uncontrolled descent if the rear-end gets light. However, 4WD can be tough on lawns. Most modern tractors can switch between 2WD and 4WD, giving you the best of both worlds.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

Sliding down a hill, rear end pivoting out around you, in a slope that you know will roll you if you turn.... Is quite the educational experience.

It's so much more educational when you have a half ton behind you pushing.

You find God really fast as your trying to process your options and outcomes in nanoseconds while attempting to prevent your potential eminent death or significant injury.

It's just as fun in 2wd as it is in 4wd. I've been through it multiple times in both conditions, I actually don't have a real preference. Both cause you to pucker so hard that you pull some of the seat vinyl up into your hole! In a mild controlled jackknife, it's a bit exhilarating but yet somewhat fun. When things go far beyond your ability to influence or control the situation... You pray and hold on.

 

[airbiscuit]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

When I was making my trails, I had a friend with a skidder who was opening up an old logging trail going down a steep bank. When he couldn't figure out why he wasn't turning, he looked back and saw both rear wheels off the ground. Luckily, a sturdy oak brought him to a certain stop. I'm not sure if he found God, but he did find the "Oh S##t" handle.

 

[jeff9366]

Safe hillside operation requires four wheel drive (4-WD). Tractors have brakes only on the rear wheels. When going down hill, tractor weight distribution shifts forward, decreasing rear tire grip. With 4-WD engaged tractor feigns four wheel braking. Without 4-WD engaged, on a steep slope, an uncontrolled descent may occur. (49 words)


GirlWhoWantsTractor:
4WD provides better traction (and more power) ( ? ) in all ( ? ) situations, and is critical when working slopes to avoid an uncontrolled descent if the rear-end gets light. However, 4WD can be tough on lawns. Most modern tractors can switch between 2WD and 4WD, giving you the best of both worlds. (50 words)

jeff9366:
(Four wheel drive is a valuable option.) Four wheel drive supplies increased traction. When descending slopes 4-WD augments rear brakes as tractor weight shifts forward, decreasing rear tire grip. Front tires may mark lawns with 4-WD engaged, however 4-WD tractors engage/disengage 4-WD at operator discretion. (46 words) (39 words)

Your turn, GirlWhoWantsTractor.

 

[/pine]

...What if you need to load a truck or lift an object higher than the limited height of some of these CUT loaders or It just doesn't have quite enough FEL lift capability to unload a pallet off a truck.
Or you can get a great deal on a heavy duty box blade or other 3 point attachment- but because a small CUT was purchased it wont lift it - let alone pull it. 2 of my used implements were acquired this way,
because of CUT owners thinking their tractor could handle the implement and then finding out they did not buy enough tractor....

Personally I do not consider a front end loader as an "attachment"...I'm sure there are some that will try to argue the point of an opinion...yes they are attached to a tractor but they are more integral than typical 3ph "attachments"... If a machine is being purchased for primarily FEL work then a CUT/SCUT should not even be considered...

Buying too big of an implement than your tractor is capable of utilizing is not the sagest thing to do...especially since the only consideration is "getting a great deal"...!

When you buy a compact or subcompact tractor you should know it's limitations and not expect it to perform with whatever class of implement you can get a good deal on...!

Being stupid and buying something a tractor can't pull is not exactly "finding out they did not buy enough tractor"...that would make them stupid on two accounts...

 

[Piston]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

2wd vs 4wd. A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[redman135]

Hello jeff9366, there are tractors in the 90-120 hp range where in 2wd you apply the brakes the tractor automaticly engages 4wd for the duration of the brake application then reverts to 2wd. These were farmers tractors.
Do you or any one know how far down the power range this feature goes?