I know you all like Kubota but...

[crazyal]

I like the HSt as well. I've never driven any of the Kubota shuttle shift transmissions but if it's like my 580K's I wouldn't rule it out. But the the extra speed control while using the 3PH the HST gives you makes it very hard to go with anything else.

 

[geedub]

Maybe you're not so crazy after all, crazyal.

(Of course I can't judge your tractor knowledge, but that certainly sounded sane to me...)

 

[crazyal]

It's a nickname from college. Funny do a couple of stupid things while drunk and you get a nickname.

 

[Don R.]

My new 4740 HST with the loader, Brush Hog and box blade cost me $27,300 for the package; and the dealer gave me a great price on my trade-in. In my opinion, the idea that Kubota is far more expensive than other brands is no longer true.

 

[N80]

easygo, I've been told by many people that a 45 HP tractor will be too small. Others have said it would be more HP than we need. I feel good about the range I'm looking at because the "too big" and "too small" comments are about equal.

As I said, I have a very 'light' 45 hp 4wd Kubota. I've also gotten a little experience with a 65 hp JD recently. A 65 hp Ag tractor is a whole other beast. It is large. It is heavy. It is far less maneuverable. It uses a Cat II hitch which means either babying Cat I implements or spending a lot of money on Cat II implements. This size tractor requires a large trailer and something in the F250 range to pull it. It is, of course, quite powerful.

On the other hand, my little 45 hp is good in tight spaces while this 65 hp tractor can barely make it down my woods roads/trails. My tractor is easy to tow and can use any Cat I implements.

I have pulled a 2 bottom plow with ease. Same for a middlebuster. Even with my light duty loader I have cleared over 3 acres of young planted pines, some as large as 8-10 inches in diameter. I've mowed pastures and briar patches. I've done extensive ground reshaping with the box blade. Would clearing the pines been easier with a larger tractor? Sure. But it would have been even easier with a bulldozer. At some point the bigger is better argument starts to fall apart.

Bottom line is, you can get a lot done with a 45hp tractor. A 45 hp CUT is pretty close to a utility tractor.

But if you need more hp, more weight, then get it. But just right is better than too big or too small.