Like most farm ranch kids, I grew up with tractors as a kid, I learned to drive a tractor when I could just walk good. This question is near and dear to me. I went through the same situation 3 months ago. I decided on the
L4400 geared 4x4 tractor with filled wheels. I did not want an auto transmission, because I was going to be the only driver. I had used the hydros on rental tractors and was not impressed. Dealer told me the only reasin I would come back was to get a bigger tractor in the future, he might be right. However, so far I have no real need to do so. The 4400 is in the shop right now for its 50 hour check up/fluid change. I have 40 acres with use of 160 acres, all in pine trees, not much is flat. The dirt is tough red clay with plenty of iron rock. The location is on the AL/FL border. I have a Front End Loader w quick connect, front Root Rake, 6 ft Bush Hog Squeeler (truly amazing and tough machine), 6 ft disc, 6 ft Box Blade, a small 4690 backhoe, spreader, and an auger.
I wanted a tractor to mow a yard and do field work. I think the
L4400 is well balanced for both. It is not the best for either.
I did notice that the front end loader is a bit slow with a mounded up full bucket load of wet clay. The root rake will not pull up stumps. But the root rake will take a clump of 2 inch yopon or privit out like roscoe, not even a grunt.
The Bush hog will cut 8 ft high, solid, privit at a full width cut without stalling. Knee high bahia grass cuts in high range 2nd gear with the BH down cutting to about 2 inches in height.
If you only have field use for the tractor, get a bigger horse, but if you want a field and around the house tractor, the
L4400 is hard to beat.
Best,
Ed
