Helping my Pops with research/decision making!

[Anonymous Poster]

Hello,
I have read and learned SO much here from all of you, and am hoping to use this forum to assist my retired dad in finding a compact rig which will meet his needs. He is looking for a 20-30hp compact with an FEL and backhoe (see profile for uses and topography)
He doesn't need a mower (we have small and large chomping creatures who do THAT!) but would eventually get a posthole auger and other implements. He is pretty excited right now--almost teenager level!
I have read your posts, and had brochures sent to his place for Kubota, NH, JD and Kioti. From your suggestions, we are setting up a day to visit the dealers (50-100 miles away) so he can test drive models, check prices/options and make a decision. From your posts, I know HIS comfort and dealer relations are very important.
He enjoyed using my brother's older Kubota, but it has been replaced with a new B model (sorry, I don't know which, but I think I heard him say it was 21hp)--it has had several problems--
(starter, and other concerns after only 40 hours),
although Kubota has been wonderful about service, etc.
From a daughter's point of view, I would like something reasonably priced, with ergonomically placed controls, & implements fairly easy to remove and switch. When he gets working, he puts in long hours so I think comfort is important too (that's the nurse in me talking!) which is why he needs to try them all himself.
I just wanted to thank all of you for your patience, support and experience--I have learned so much in the last few weeks from this site and I DO appreciate it!------Keeping my fingers crossed.... Rena

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a Kioti 3054 that now has about 30 hours on it and I love it. I opted for the 3054 because it has live PTO to run implements better and a shuttle shift and syncronized gears to shift while moving. I cannot say enough good things about it after having itonly amonth now. Everything is located hust right for me as far as FEL joy stick, shuttle shift, adj seat. It is really nice to spend a day on and not getall cramped and sore. Make sure that you test one and see how he likes it.

ChrisW

 

[frank_f15]

u tell us the type of land but not how much and how often he will be using it. can have all that type of land in a few acres . can only speak of the kubota, (but other man. will have comprable models) from what u say in profile i would suggest something in the b2910 class or even the l series. u say u want comfort for him then u need to look at hydro, not much help i know, but mabey your pop can get on and tell us what he thinks HE would like. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Look at the Kubota Grand L Series. Hard to beat for comfort and ergonomics.

http://www.kubotagrandl30.com/

 

[Rick Jay]

missrmk,

I've got a Kubota B2910, and when I originally purchased it I got it equipped with a loader, backhoe and posthole auger. It has the most "creature comfort" features of the Kubota B-series, and that's one of the reasons I chose it over the smaller B's.

As far as comfort and convenience go, here are my recommendations:

1.) Hydro. Much simpler to adjust speed and change direction. No gears to really worry about, other than the Low-Medium-High speed range. Great for loader work or work in close quarters. I'm on 2/3 acre, so just about everything I do with mine I'm near something. With the hydro, I can easily adjust the speed to a crawl and confidently work within inches of obstacles.

2.) Check the 3 pt. hitch connection hardware. The B2910 uses telescopic extendable lower links. This means that when connecting implements to these links, you can back-up real close and use the exension of the lower links to make the connection. This means there is very little "brute force" positioning of the implement. Really makes connecting implements much easier...especially for those of us with ailing backs. (I believe most manufacturers offer something similar to this, so if the model he's interested in doesn't include them as standard equipment, they might be able to be added for an additional cost.)

3.) Suspension seat. When I injured my back 2 years ago, the suspension seat allowed me to drive the tractor without any real pain. My smaller lawn tractor was much more punishing to drive.

4.) Cruise control. Depends on the application. Since he's not going to be mowing, he might not need it. It's mostly useful if he'll be at a steady speed for a reasonably long time. Or, as I use mine, to use the brakes to steer for certain loader operations.


I think the best thing for him to do is to drive several tractors and see what size he feels will be best for him. Then come back and tell us what he thinks.

Oh, by the way, I haven't really had a problem with my Kubota in 3 years...of course, I've only got 80 hours on it, so I'm not probably the best example of reliability. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the brands you mentioned.

And I also agree that the dealer is an important piece to this puzzle. Make sure your dad feels comfortable with the dealer.

Good Luck to both of you.

~Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Rick..
Thank you for the suggestions. I called him and he IS strongly considering options such as the HSD, 3 point hitch and cruise control but didn't know about the seat--I printed the helpful suggestions given today and faxed them to him this evening. He doesn't have a computer (by choice!) so he asked me to help gather info for him... The NH dealer called him this AM and had several suggestions as well. We appreciate your kindness!------Rena

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the suggestions..

Chris,
I printed out and faxed your post to my dad---who thanks you for the help, was pleased to hear from a satisfied Kioti owner, and appreciates you sharing this information.
He was assisting a neighbor last year on a JD--the seating and lever positions were awkward for his height (short torso, longer legs) and OH, he felt sore the next morning. Repetitive reaching/straining, leaning forward, etc. This is why he will test a few before making a decision. We did finally locate a Kioti dealer 20 miles from the other places so he WILL give those a try as well!-----Rena

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Your post!

Hi Frank..
I printed and faxed your post to my dad--the nearest dealer (50 miles, good reputation, but limited models on site, no 2910 there last week according to my brother) sent him a brochure--there is a dealer 100 miles away with a larger, more diverse selection. I think he is going to go with the Hydro in any case.
(In reference to my dad getting online--He has MANY talents but not interested in adding computer literacy to the list, which is why he asked me to help)
Land: 15 acres around his main house and property (creek, pastures and areas past the orchards which can be pretty wet and boggy during winter rains--parts of this property has springs running under it) and another 20 elsewhere--this is timber and brush with some gentle sloping, pastures and is mostly dry . He has a long list of projects to finish on both properties.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and suggestions and for taking the time to pass the information along!..........Rena

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Comfort

Hi Hammer
Thanks for your suggestion and link--it was much appreciated. My dad says his short torso/longer legs causes problems if he has to reach or lean to use levers, etc. He doesn't mind upgrading if it means he can work comfortably for stretches at a time, so when he sees the Kubota dealer in a week or two he WILL check them out!
----------------Rena