Help!! Bigfoot wants to buy a tractor!

[Wantbigtractor]

Hello! I have big feet and I need a tractor!
My shoe size is 17. The shoe is 16 in. long from heel to toe. From base of seat box where it meets the floor to the tip of the pedals is 16 inches. I have tried various tractors from the Kubota M6-141 to the LS 6168. They fit in the 68 hp cab, but in the Kubota the toes sit about one inch or more UNDER the pedals! So to stop the mighty M6 I have to rotate my foot 90 degrees, pull my leg back closer to seat, lift leg, rotate foot back to normal then apply the brakes, clutch or throttle! Not safe for emergencies. The 68 hp cab LS fits with about four inches extra in front of foot. And the LS 8101 100 hp tractor fits better.

Here is my dilemma, I need a 100 hp cab tractor and the base of seat to pedals in the cab must be greater than 19-20 inches to allow for blood circulation. So the LS 100 hp tractor fits, but I am concerned about parts access and delivery times on them when I start to use it as a business. Massey Ferguson 4700 is 15 inches floor to pedal, but closest proper dealer is 200 plus miles one way so no dice.

Current tractor that can fit my budget and parts concern is the John Deere 5100 M. However they told me that the floor spacing I need will vary in that model depending on the year. Budget wise I have to consider a 4 year old tractor as new is unaffordable. My 60k budget is the limit of what I can work with. The 5100M range loader lift capacity to height is about 3800lbs. The 100HP LS is 5,300 lbs to height and 58K brand new.

So, here is where I need your help. Go with LS better capacities but free 4-5 day shipping ( if NC distribution center has parts in stock) or pay by weight to overnight part of in stock. Closest dealer is 4 miles from home. John Deere has lots of Dealer locations also and their closest is 13 miles away. How are they in having parts in stock at dealer, non fluid or filter items, vs having them in stock at DC and getting them to you with or without freight cost. Also what is the floor spacing between seat base to pedals on the 5100M around 2016 or newer. Also I am planning on adding warranty to if the tractor fits my feet.


So parts and service, JD or LS and will it fit my feet? (5100M) Willing to consider other brands in 100hp range with 60K budget and cab. Thanks!

 

[Bavarian]

I can not comment on your spacing reqirements. But how about looking into the JD 6 series used. I have a 6430 premium. I'm coming home today. Take some measurements.
On the parts, didn't use much. Once I had to order a plstic cap for the shift lever. I think it was in within two days. Not a crucial item.
Then I pinched a seal on the single point connector for the grapple. It's been spraying oil when the grapple was operated. Part was in stock.

 

[newbury]

If you are buying used anyways have you looked into getting someone to modify the pedals for more clearance?

 

[searcyfarms]

If you are buying used anyways have you looked into getting someone to modify the pedals for more clearance?

exactly, spending this kind of money i would get what i wanted adn liked most and then adjust the pedals to fit - i have adjusted them with a torch in a couple of my tractors regarding pedals/levers for hydraulics to make them more ergonomic

 

[Wantbigtractor]

If you are buying used anyways have you looked into getting someone to modify the pedals for more clearance?

Interesting. No did not think of that as there did not appear to be enough room among the brands I already viewed. My local dealer measured a 2019 5100M and it was 18 inches, so that appears to be a good starting point on Deere. They found 2 used ones around 3850 and 4000 hours with records. 2016 model year. Would these hours be normal or excessive for 4 years old?

 

[Jstpssng]

1000 hours a year does seem like a lot. That's 20 hours a week every year. Still, that isn't a lot for the size tractor you are looking at, if it was maintained properly. Every one of the tractors you listed has a good reputation, I would worry more about finding something which has been taken care of and big enough so that you will be comfortable using it.

 

[searcyfarms]

1000 hours a year does seem like a lot. That's 20 hours a week every year. Still, that isn't a lot for the size tractor you are looking at, if it was maintained properly. Every one of the tractors you listed has a good reputation, I would worry more about finding something which has been taken care of and big enough so that you will be comfortable using it.

likely lease units used for mowing in that size range - a lot of 6 series are used for that too and contractor units - look for signs of loader mounts removed that might tell you something also as well as drawbar wear

 

[jpm]

If there is room to raise the seat may give you some more space. I put three inch spacers under mine for vision but it also gave me more leg room

 

[Bavarian]

I took the measurements yesterday. And the clearance is 16". On the leftvside, there is enough room beside the clutch pedal. But the right is more limited due to the fuel pedal which is even closer.

 

[3Lfarms]

I have only needed two warranty parts for my LS 6168, a new hydraulic hose and new throttle pedal. Dealer ordered both from LS and had them in about a week.
If you like the LS and it has the power you need, don’t be afraid unless you think the dealer is incompetent.
There is nothing at all wrong with LS tractors, but a fly by night dealer with a poor service shop my leave you high and dry if you do need service down the road.
LS is tops in the value department though.