Comparison How to compare tractor & implement features?

[flusher]

How do I compare apples to apples when it comes to tractors?
What are the main specs to compare?

Certainly people on here have a list of must haves as far as mechanicals go. Anyone care to elaborate?

Similar question about those types of things that may not be standard on a particular tractor. But if you wanted to make sure you were getting your tractor set up (expense no object) right, what would you want to have as options. The little things that make a difference in your productivity and enjoying your work as much as possible. What you didn't get that you wish you had etc.

Similarly, when it comes to bells and whistles that are on tractors now, what doesn't mean anything to you. Is a waste of money/durability/etc.

Any brands in particular that take shortcuts in quality or options?

What do I want? What am I looking for?

Need the following.
4 wheel drive with front end loader.
Tiller
Rotary Mower
Box Blade.

Before you get down and dirty with tractor specs, you need to clearly figure out what jobs you'll be doing now, 1 year from now, 3-5 years from now with your tractor/implements.

Then you need to figure out which implements you'll need and, very important, what size implements will be required for your job. How big a tiller? Box blade? How much acreage are you planning to mow? How quickly do you want to finish a mowing job?

Then test drive a bunch of candidates.

As far as must haves on the tractor: chain hooks on the FEL bucket; skid steer quick attach plate on the FEL; double or triple rear hydraulic remotes; a decent sunshade on the ROPS; a large tool box on the tractor (most come with tool boxes that are way too small). You'll also want to attach some protection to the ROPS to keep stuff from hitting you in the backside when you mow. Here's what I have on my 2008 Mahindra 5525





It's a piece of expanded metal from my local weld shop attached to the ROPS with hose clamps (you don't want to drill or weld on the ROPS since it's a safety device).

You can see the triple hydraulic remotes (flat top fenders are a big plus when installing these).

Here's what the skid steer quick attach plate looks like



This image also shows the chain hooks that the dealer welded to the FEL bucket. Two grab hooks on the ends and a D-type slip ring in the middle. The dealer welded 1/4" steel stiffener to the bucket and then welded the hooks to the stiffener.

 

[e.myers]

Thanks. Noted!

 

[daveinnh]

I would agree with Soundguy and add:
- consider a factory cab in a cold climate
- make sure you can add chains between tires and wheelwells
- have dealer show where you fill diesel and change fluids and filters

 

[timswi]

We really need to know acreage and intent. If you have 4 or less acres and doing property maintenance, a BX would be perfect. If you are working 300 acres, that's another story.

There are times that too big is a problem as well. I sold a larger tractor for a BX because the big one just destroyed everything and got in my way.

Just another side of the equation.