I felt it was great deal considering all the other places I visted were almost $1K more after a little haggling. I also felt great about buying it from a local guy. These guys have been there since 1947 so I don't think they are going anywhere.
I've had my M4900 for a year now and LOVE IT!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The only issue for me has been PTO engagement with the 7-foot brushog attached is somewhat abrupt and this can shear the pin. Idle all the way down before flipping that lever helps.
I bought it to replace my Ford 3000 that finally needed to rest in greener pastures and have not been disappointed. It's so easy to drive and smooth running I don't even miss my Old Blue Bomb anymore.
Mine has only 80 hours and it feels stronger every time I use it. The M4900 does have a drinking problem, though. It uses almost twice the fuel the old one did and the location of the tank makes it difficult to dump 5-gallon cans in.
Did you get the new frame style or the classic one?
I went with the classic style. I figured with the 36 months/0% I couldn't pass it up. I also have always been somewhat hesitant to buy the first year's new model. I like to give them some time to work out any bugs.
Thanks for the PTO advice. So you recomend engaging at a low idle then coming up to 540? Well you are right... I checked the BB720 manual and it recommends the same. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
The part I said about getting stronger.... break-in seems to take more than 50 hours. Expect full power not to develop until after this time on the hour meter. I think this is one reason I shear so many pins. TOO MUCH P-P-POWER!! (insert Tim Taylor grunt here).
I see you got a FEL - this will greatly help the balance of the machine. I had to add 400 pounds of iron to the front to keep from doing wheelies as I took off. That also really helped plowing and blade work but I don't know exactly why /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
You may want to consider spending some hard earned dollars on a top-n-tilt. You can't reach the top link or leveling box from the seat. With a Quick-Attach on the 3Pt, I never need to leave the seat for implement changes or to make adjustments while grading. V-e-r-y useful addition. If you decide to go this route, contact me and I'll pass along where I got all my parts from. I don't mind spending money for something useful but I see no reason to spend more than I need to. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Top-n-Tilt, or various names, is hydraulic top link and hydraulic leveling box on the right-hand lift arm. Instead of getting out of the seat and turning the top link to lengthen or shorten the link you can do it from the seat with one of the remote valves. I frequently use this when grading to adjust my blades to fill with dirt or let it spill from the bottom.
The tilt function is great when I'm on a slope and have the blade set for moving dirt from one side to the other. Instead of backing up all the way and making another pass, I can make the adjustment from my seat and now the return trip is productive.
If all this is confusing, check out this image:
Please do a search for Top and Tilt on this forum for much useful information on this subject.
Interesting device there. I do not plan on doing any rear blade work. My loader will take care of what I need. Pretty much just cutting, discing and seeding from the 3PH. So I don't see a need for that device. Is that correct?
I did forget those front fenders. At almost 1K I will see if I can get the dealer to toss them in as a freebie. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Well now, I've been educated AGAIN! Front fenders for a M4900? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I had no idea those were available. Hmmm. Rain on dirt = mud on tires = mud on FarmGeek. Fenders over tires keeps mud off FarmGeek. Well, the math's right /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I too, do most of my work with a FEL on another tractor but I also have a long driveway and many paths to maintain. The T&T allows me to cut and clean the ditches and crown the road much easier than the FEL.
Take delivery of your tractor and play er, um, I meant work, yeah, that's it, WORK with it. You may very well not have need of T&T. Save those dollars for more attachments. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Talked to the dealer today. The tractor arrives Monday at the dealership. He had to get it from another dealer in the area. Once the canopy and loader are installed it's delivery time. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Went to the dealer today to check on the new toy. It was delivered from another dealer Monday. They got the loader on today. I started her up and worked the loader around. Good times. A six foot bucket is a rather large object. They are going to put the canopy on and clean her up and deliver her in a week and a half when I get back up there. Can't wait.
