Hello, care to toss an opinion in here?

[Threepoint]

Hmmm, and this is a problem, why? You don't have both feet down either, does that make it bad too? I guess you could put a spinner on your steering wheel if your right hand slips..

No, not a problem at all, just another data point for the OP. I do a lot of loader work with both bucket and grapple. So the quicker the movements, and the fewer times I have to release either the steering wheel or the joy stick the better. I actually do have steering wheel spinners on all my tractors (including the GF 1800 mower!) to speed things up even more. So, during repetitive bucket and grapple work, my right hand stays on the joy stick, and left hand stays on the spinner except when I need to change the HST range.

 

[Threepoint]

"If you'll be doing a fair amount of loader work, you may be happier with the HST."

Many folk find this true !

"There's a trade-off in power due to the HST."

Yes, but most folks find this to be very minimal in the day to day operations of the tractor. If it is a big concern, your probably looking at an under powered rig anyway. Go up in HP.

"with the shuttle shift, you must come to a dead stop each time before shifting from forward to reverse"

True, but in reality you don't want to be traveling forward at any real speed and stomp on the reverse in a hyrdo. Two things come to mind 1) excessive wear on the transmission/hoses/fittings etc or 2) getting thrown through the windshield or over the front end loader if it engages right when you stomp down

Just a couple more cents thrown around.

Agree with all of this. As for changing direction forward or back, I'll start to do it just after I let up on the HST pedal and as the tractor is just about but not completely stopped.

I can work pretty quickly this way. BUT, when doing repetitive bucket work moving material, I have to be careful when I turn my head to the right to look behind as I back up. It's easy to pull back inadvertently on the joystick and end up with the bucket higher than intended. Dirt, stone, manure, snow spilling over the back edge! Of course, this has never actually happened to me!

 

[OzarkChris]

Agree with all of this. As for changing direction forward or back, I'll start to do it just after I let up on the HST pedal and as the tractor is just about but not completely stopped.

I can work pretty quickly this way. BUT, when doing repetitive bucket work moving material, I have to be careful when I turn my head to the right to look behind as I back up. It's easy to pull back inadvertently on the joystick and end up with the bucket higher than intended. Dirt, stone, manure, snow spilling over the back edge! Of course, this has never actually happened to me!

One of the many reasons I have cab tractors these days

 

[s219]

I have to use twin pedal and treadle tractors interchangeably, and really can't see the fuss one way or another. Either is easy to get used to. The only legitimate reason I have seen people go for one or another is a leg injury or handicap.

I should mention that on this site, I have seen a few people complain about the Kubota treadle and then you find that they are putting their entire foot on it like a big rocker. Some of the models (Grand L) have that type of treadle with a very specific angle and pivot to make it work, but the treadle on most other models is meant for you to shift your foot heel to toe and would be completely uncomfortable/impossible to use like a rocker. Going forward your heel is on the floor and your toe is pressing the treadle. Going in reverse, your toe is on the floor and your heel is pressing on the treadle. It's a very simple and natural motion where you pivot at the knee. I can operate the tractor all day long and never get any fatigue in my leg muscles or joints.

So before you write off the treadle, make sure you are using it the right way based on the particular model of interest. It seems silly to say "you're doing it wrong" but statistically it seems to be a possibility based on what I have seen here. On older Kubota models, operation was more obvious because the treadle was hidden under the floor and you just had two foot pads sticking up through holes in the floor. Now they put the treadle above the floor and people see that and seem to think it's one big rocker pedal.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
In tight spots, I use the side of my boot rather than my heel to "feather" the tractor in reverse.

 

[Amvcane]

In addition to all that s219 posted, I would also like to add that if you will be using a 3pt snowblower, I find it very easy to turn side saddle and heel the reverse side of the treadle. Much more comfortable than trying to reach foward for the twin peddles.

 

[lorandroehl]

Hello folks,

Eventually, upon finding the right land, I'll be replacing my Deere 1025R; the tractor has been nothing but wonderful, but I'm expecting I'll need more ground clearance.

I'm thinking something just about 35 horsepower will put me in the right physical size. I absolutely love the Deere 3033R, but I'm finding it hard to stay green given the direction the company is moving. Mother Deere really doesn't seem to need me any more.

This has put me looking around, and Maine has many options available to me, from the Massey dealer down the street to an hour drive for LS. I've written Kubita off; despite being impressed with them, I absolutely hate the treadle design.

I have been impressed with Kioti and the advances they have made in the last decade; my biggest concern was dealer viability, but come to find out my nearby Kioti retailer is the 6th largest in the nation by sales- I don't think they're going anywhere.

So, I'm thinking CK351SE, and also looking at the Massey Ferguson 1835M, add to that equivalent McCormick and LS models whose model numbers escape me.

Looking at these options, and considering my purchase will be months out, what are your thoughts?

I realize I may be a little late to the party, but thought I would add my opinion. I have a Kubota L4701 HST purchased new in 2019. I have 2 Kubota dealers reasonably close to me, 1 is about 40 miles and the other about 50 miles. Also have a New Holland and JD dealer each at about 50 miles. Other brands have no dealers close to me and I wanted a dealer in my close area. Both the Kubota dealers were great to work with, the NH and JD not so much so they were eliminated. I felt a dependable honest dealer was very important for me.

The last HST tractor I used prior to this was an IH 656 back in the 70s on the farm where I grew up. Because my new tractor was going to do a lot of loader and/or back and forth work I wanted the HST. Initially I found the treadle design on the Kubota a little strange, but got used to it very quickly, probably within 5-10 hrs. of use. Now I like it and don’t even think about it much during use. I have a size 10.5 foot, but recently have been clearing snow wearing heavy boots (-20 F here this morning). I find the treadle design to work very well and am quite happy with it. I use my toes to push forward and my heel to push reverse. Works well.

I agree with others that have said do not eliminate Kubota just because of the treadle design. Weigh all factors in making your decision. Again the dealer was huge for me.

 

[nrosario]

I would recommend you keep the 1025R and get whatever machine you need for the rest of the work once you acquire the land.
There are allot of precise / small tasks you can do with a subcompact tractor

 

[hornett22]

Only thing I see Deere offering is multiple reasons not to buy their products.

 

[ovrszd]

Only thing I see Deere offering is multiple reasons not to buy their products.

We can add a dozen names to that list.

 

[hornett22]

We can add a dozen names to that list.

Possibly. I'm going off my experiences.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Hello folks,

Eventually, upon finding the right land, I'll be replacing my Deere 1025R; the tractor has been nothing but wonderful, but I'm expecting I'll need more ground clearance.

I'm thinking something just about 35 horsepower will put me in the right physical size. I absolutely love the Deere 3033R, but I'm finding it hard to stay green given the direction the company is moving. Mother Deere really doesn't seem to need me any more.

This has put me looking around, and Maine has many options available to me, from the Massey dealer down the street to an hour drive for LS. I've written Kubita off; despite being impressed with them, I absolutely hate the treadle design.

I have been impressed with Kioti and the advances they have made in the last decade; my biggest concern was dealer viability, but come to find out my nearby Kioti retailer is the 6th largest in the nation by sales- I don't think they're going anywhere.

So, I'm thinking CK351SE, and also looking at the Massey Ferguson 1835M, add to that equivalent McCormick and LS models whose model numbers escape me.

Looking at these options, and considering my purchase will be months out, what are your thoughts?

You have a Massey dealer down the street? That's easy: get a Massey. Make them get as close to price for their Massey as they can to any other less expensive brands you shop for.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Next time I head out by the Kubota dealer I'll stop in and take a picture of my winter boots next to the treadle.

Again, I understand the treadle isn't that bad; it's not the machine, it's me, I am a giant.

Reminds me of my time in the Army; there was a type of truck we had that I could not operate safely. I was certified for everything we had, but my knee would knock the transmission into neutral on an RG-31. The seat sat low, my knees splayed out, and if I so much as scratched myself without being aware of my knees I would hit the shifter.

 

[tacticalturnip]

You have a Massey dealer down the street? That's easy: get a Massey. Make them get as close to price for their Massey as they can to any other less expensive brands you shop for.

You and my wife are on the same page.

I think I've about worn it down to a DK4210SE or an 1840M, but I still have plenty of time to make a decision.

Of course, when my SCV lever broke off in my hand the other day, well, I was almost ready to make rash decisions.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I would recommend you keep the 1025R and get whatever machine you need for the rest of the work once you acquire the land.
There are allot of precise / small tasks you can do with a subcompact tractor

You really speak my language, but I've had trouble translating it to the missus.

 

[Kioti Dave]

You really speak my language, but I've had trouble translating it to the missus.

I can understand your position. I wish I had kept my B7800 for some of the smaller chores around the house. If I had more storage I would have. Hind sight is 20-20.

 

[MESSMAKER]

You and my wife are on the same page.

I think I've about worn it down to a DK4210SE or an 1840M, but I still have plenty of time to make a decision.

Of course, when my SCV lever broke off in my hand the other day, well, I was almost ready to make rash decisions.

Bump it up to a DK4710. They only cost a bit more and will make you smile.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Bump it up to a DK4710. They only cost a bit more and will make you smile.

Is there any real difference outside of the horsepower? I can't think their is, just being the same series, but I'm still getting my feel for the Kioti lineup. Right now I'm running a Deere 1025R, so everything I'm looking at is a big jump in horsepower, hydraulic flow, frame size, etc.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Is there any real difference outside of the horsepower? I can't think their is, just being the same series, but I'm still getting my feel for the Kioti lineup. Right now I'm running a Deere 1025R, so everything I'm looking at is a big jump in horsepower, hydraulic flow, frame size, etc.

No difference. I have the 4710 and have only ran out of power a very few times. I think 5 less pto hp would change that. I have worked with an under powered tractor. It can be frustrating. If you are just doing loader work, you will not notice it, but it shows up quickly at the pto.