Kubota, Kubota or Farmtrak

chambers1517 · Jul 16, 2005

One other thing that leaned me toward the Kubota is the fact that Kubota makes all the parts for their tractors. Massey and most of the others part out their tractors, motor, etc.

dmp437 · Jul 16, 2005

Get the Kubota. If you want a heavier tractor load the tires or pick up extra weights.

PAexcavator · Jul 23, 2005

Ask anyone who uses their FEL and has a Hydrostat if they'd go back to a manual. I don't think you'll find any.

The manual is superior if you are pulling heavy implements and is simpler, with fewer things to go wrong, but, when using an FEL with a manual you have to have unbelievably precise timing or slip the **** out of the clutch to keep forward pressure on the tires while curling the bucket without stalling the tractor.

Typically you will end up carrying 1/3 and 1/2 buckets around. This is why a smaller tractor with an FEL and hydro trans will easily out perform a larger manual tractor. The smaller tractor will load its' bucket faster and can load it to capacity everytime without demanding superhuman skill from the operator.

The hydro allows you to just crack the forward pedal to keep forrward pressure on the bucket while you slowly curl it, ending up with a full bucket practically every trip to the pile.

DK35vince · Jul 23, 2005

( Typically you will end up carrying 1/3 and 1/2 buckets around. This is why a smaller tractor with an FEL and hydro trans will easily out perform a larger manual tractor.)

Sorry, I just don't buy the typically 1/3 to 1/2 bucket with a gear drive tractor. I know I don't drive around with a half loaded bucket with mine !!

JerryG · Jul 23, 2005

Sorry, I just don't buy the typically 1/3 to 1/2 bucket with a gear drive tractor. I know I don't drive around with a half loaded bucket with mine !! 
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Keith_B · Jul 24, 2005

( The manual is superior if you are pulling heavy implements and is simpler, with fewer things to go wrong, but, when using an FEL with a manual you have to have unbelievably precise timing or slip the **** out of the clutch to keep forward pressure on the tires while curling the bucket without stalling the tractor.

Typically you will end up carrying 1/3 and 1/2 buckets around. This is why a smaller tractor with an FEL and hydro trans will easily out perform a larger manual tractor. The smaller tractor will load its' bucket faster and can load it to capacity everytime without demanding superhuman skill from the operator.

The hydro allows you to just crack the forward pedal to keep forrward pressure on the bucket while you slowly curl it, ending up with a full bucket practically every trip to the pile. )

I don't have any trouble loading a full bucket with my manual. I also don't consider myself to have superhuman skill.

First rule of thumb for anyone should be to never drive your tractor when you're half loaded, whether they have a hydro or manual tranny.

Keith_B · Jul 24, 2005

( I like the look of the Massey but the dealer said the Kubotas were hard to beat. This is a huge dealership and they sell a lot of tractors. I guess they would know. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't trashing the Masseys, but this is everything that came out after about 2 hours look at both.)

That translates into a likely higher profit from the Kubota sale.

DK35vince · Jul 24, 2005

( I don't have any trouble loading a full bucket with my manual. I also don't consider myself to have superhuman skill. )

Did some more loader work with my manual today. Full bucket every time, just like always. ( no slipping clutch nessasary).

To20Chris · Jul 25, 2005

"when using an FEL with a manual you have to have unbelievably precise timing or slip the **** out of the clutch to keep forward pressure on the tires while curling the bucket without stalling the tractor.

Typically you will end up carrying 1/3 and 1/2 buckets around." 

That's silly. What do you think the low gears are for?