I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?

[TripleR]

Could someone explain hydraulic shuttle shift vs. JD power reverser vs. standard manual shift? I have HST now and LOVE it, and will really miss that.

Would I be stupid to have a tractor this big when I don't use it commercially and only use it on my 30 acres of land? I know it seems excessive but I feel like I'm really pushing the limits of my current tractor when I'm using it.

There are a lot of old threads on this, maybe this will help:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/227500-syncro-shuttle.html

No, not silly at all, we found the ideal situation is two or more tractors, but that is not practical for many, so the bigger tractor may very well be just the ticket.

As mentioned, we went with a Kubota, but would have loved John Deere etc. just as well. Mention was made of the Kubota being "lightly built", not a problem, we just use rope to keep ours from blowing away when not in use.

 

[bigbull338]

go test drive the 6040HDC,i think you will like it.my friend has the 7040HDC an he says that i can run that tractor with no probs an i have yet to go look at it.as i just bought the MX5100HST when they bought the 7040HDC.

 

[Martian]

Mention was made of the Kubota being "lightly built", not a problem, we just use rope to keep ours from blowing away.

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

15MPH winds and sometimes those Kubotas will end up in the next county!:laughing:

 

[jenkinsph]

Piston.
I suggest you keep a hydro for this work and look into the 4520 and 4720 cab models as well as comparable size in other brands. What little you gain in lifting ability will make the larger models more cumbersome in the woods. There are alot of places the smaller 4720 will go with a cab height of around 8' that the larger tractors will not go. Since you have the larger fel on the 410 when it is needed I think you would be happier with a 4000 series cab tractor or other equivalent brand size.

 

[Bullseye]

Sounds like you are making a decision like a made a few months ago.

We had a Massey TO-35 for years until the engine blew. I can work on stuff but I am not a tear the engine down and rebuild type of mechanic so it was time to look for something new. Everyone says I am nuts, but I only looked at 2WD because of cost and the old Massey we had never needed 4WD.

Had it narrowed down to a Kubota L4400 or a JD 5045D. There is a big weight and size difference there because one is CUT and one is UT.

I borrowed my neighbors L3840 and finished my cutting. I spun it out on some hills that our old Massey just went up no problem (it was in 2WD and had R4's, I am sure R1's would help). I determined that I wanted something heavier and bigger.

Ended up coming across a JD 5210 with 122 hours on it, looked like new. Bought it and put a new JD 553 loader on it. First thing I did was head out to the places the Kubota spun out and the JD went up the hills like the old Massey did.

There is place for the lighter CUT's without a doubt, but if your terrain allows I am a firm believer in going bigger frame and heavy if your application fits.

 

[TripleR]

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

15MPH winds and sometimes those Kubotas will end up in the next county!:laughing:

Yeah, we put those microchips like you use on dogs in all ours, so people can figure out who they belong to.

We came up with something else for the John Deere; little cheaper, but more trouble.

 

[jenkinsph]

There is place for the lighter CUT's without a doubt, but if your terrain allows I am a firm believer in going bigger frame and heavy if your application fits.

What seems to work for me is having a well ballasted yet small footprint CUT with plenty of hp and the ehydro. For this type of work a nice fancy tracked skidsteer with enclosure would be great but I prefer tractors far better for most things.

 

[jenkinsph]

Yeah, we put those microchips like you use on dogs in all ours, so people can figure out who they belong to.

We came up with something else for the John Deere; little cheaper, but more trouble.

I remember that, glad no one was seriously hurt.

I prefer fencing to keep mine at home, sometimes after high winds you have to get everything out of the corners though.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Piston, be sure to look at all the Korean tractors and the Mahindras. You ask about certain sizes and capabilities and price range, that is going to limit your choices to used. I don't think that you will find anything new, the size that you want for $30k. If the budget goes up, nice things can be acquired new.

 

[Piston]

I'll try to address everything:

Sounds like you just want/need to get away from lightly built tractors ?

Yes and no. The FEL lift capacity of a comparable framed tractor isn't all that much different than mine is.
I think it has more to do with what the units are intended for, I'm trying to make my CUT tractor do more work than it was designed for. I'm well aware of the ongoing debate of 'bota's are lightweight' and don't want this to turn into another one of those threads :laughing:

There are a lot of old threads on this, maybe this will help:TractorByNet.com - Compact Tractor Forum

Yup :thumbsup:
I also did some preliminary searching over the last 6 hrs haha. I did find a couple good threads explaining the basics. My understanding is that the closest I can get to the ease of use of an HST is the hyrdo power reverser transmission, so I guess that's what I want
I'm not sure I'd be as happy with an HST on that size tractor even if they did offer it though. Since my tractor (the dreaded K word tractor was too light for what I was doing, I added rear ballast to the tires, 1100lbs of Rimguard. Then, I added a 1k pound box blade. I get good stability now, but I can barely use my HIGH setting as the tractor just wines the whole time. I am pretty much stuck with medium and low and a lot of times low is too slow and medium will whine as well. I feel like I'm now overloading the tractor and asking too much of it. I don't think it's cause it's a Bota, I think it's cause its not meant for what I'm doing with it. (OR-my expectations were too high)

Piston.
I suggest you keep a hydro for this work and look into the 4520 and 4720 cab models as well as comparable size in other brands.

I have thought a bit about this, and I certainly won't rule it out since you suggested it, I know you have plenty of experience with that size tractor!

There is no doubt that an HST is highly valued by me. This is probably the ONLY downside I can think of by upgrading. It's a big one that's for sure!



I'm embarrassed to say that I actually have quite a few hours sitting in a 4x20 cab model. Only problem is, I've never moved it from it's parking spot on the dealer's lot! I swear they see me coming now and go lock up all the cab models so I can't sit in them :laughing: I wouldn't mind a little more space in there for my afternoon naps:laughing:

I do think I'd appreciate a bigger cab, but I see where a bigger tractor can also be cumbersome.

Another note about the FEL lift capacity, I almost never use the bucket, and almost always use the grapple, which I wouldn't be able to put on the 410, and on top of that, once I get my house built, I'll be losing the 410 back to my dad who is 2hrs away (it's actually HIS backhoe anyways, I'm just using it for the 'land clearing stage')

On top of wanting a cab for the cold winters, and more lift capacity at the FEL, I've also had my eye on buying a rear 3pt hitch grapple for skidding logs. I don't think my current tractor has the capabilities I want out of it. I worry so much about pulling the rear end out from stressing the top link so much.

Also, what is this I am reading about a "buddy seat"? That could be a huge selling point to the wife now that we have our first child on the way....FINALLY!
I'm gonna need a spot for the kid to sit when he/she gets old enough :thumbsup: