Looking for a tractor this weekend, need advice

Indydirtfarmer · Mar 25, 2005

I'm just east of you about an hour and a half.... In Hanover. (We actually live in Louisville, but farm in Hanover) I go to the Dubois County 4H fairgrounds for a farm toy show every November. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

There's also a good Deere dealer in Corydon, but Stone and Stemle will most likely beat their prices. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Remember...THINK GREEN!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Bob_Skurka · Mar 25, 2005

I'm just east of you about an hour and a half.... In Hanover. 

I used to know a girl from Hanover when I was in college . . . oh wait, that is waaaaaaay off topic here. And I think we run trucks into the Hanover area once a week now to deliver to some customers over there.

RoyJackson · Mar 25, 2005

Since you've explained your requirements and budget a bit more, I suggest you not overlook used tractors.

My first was a Deere 670 (19 engine HP, 16 at the PTO) which did very well running a 60" rotary cutter, plowing snow and maintaining my lawn. Your drive is about twice the length of mine, but the 670 handled my work easily.

I wanted more PTO HP for a chipper...sole reason I went for more machine.

So, if you don't mind going used, the opens up many more opportunities...the Deere 670, 770, 755, 855, 955 for the smaller machines (physically, not HP), the 870 or 970. That's just the Deere's. Then you have Ford/New Holland and the Kubota's (although the older Kubota's may not have the HP you require).

Bob mentioned using a rear mower. I use a 60" unit on my lawn, but that's because I got a package deal with my 670. The 790 could easily use a 72" mower. I prefer the rear mounted mowers since I have to back under trees and back down some slopes. A mid mount mower would not work in my circumstances.

Indydirtfarmer · Mar 25, 2005

( I'm just east of you about an hour and a half.... In Hanover. 

I used to know a girl from Hanover when I was in college . . . oh wait, that is waaaaaaay off topic here. And I think we run trucks into the Hanover area once a week now to deliver to some customers over there.

)

Maybe off topic, but run with it! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Hanover is/was also the fictitious hometown of "Woody" of "Cheers" fame. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Bob_Skurka · Mar 25, 2005

Maybe off topic, but run with it! 

Not a wise thing to do, the lovely Mrs_Bob is from Indianapolis, not Hanover.

But now back to tractoring . . .

As Roy stated, there are times when a RFM works better. I used to use one and found it easy to back down the banks along the creek and now that I switched to a MMM last year those areas are overgrown. The RFM gets up closer to trees that have low branches and low branches on trees usually end up being just about the height of your eyes while you are seated. They are also typically lower priced than MMM. I'll also agree with the used option, it can take time to find a good used tractor because they are usually in pretty high demand, if you go used, get a name brand that can be serviced by some of your local dealers.

frank_f15 · Mar 25, 2005

i think you should go in the 30 hp range. you might want to retink the MMM and go with a RFM or rotary cutter and get a smaller dedicated lawn tractor for around the house. I also think you should take your time and check out all brands and sizes that you think will work for you. don't rush it!!!!

ronjhall · Mar 25, 2005

I also need to occasionally mow a portion of the remaining pasture 
A finish mower is a poor attachment to use for occasionally mowing a pasture. A rotary cutter will do it properly. I have tried to cut a 1 acre area with my finish mower. It is very hard on the mower and will require 2 or more passes to get even close to what a rotary cutter will do in one pass.

Wesdor · Mar 25, 2005

You sound a lot like me about 6 months ago. I nearly purchased a smaller tractor and then my brother had me use his FEL. Cost me $3,000 more, but it was a very good decision for me.

Think pretty hard about what you will use the tractor for. I've pushed snow with a rear blade and it is a real pain in the neck (literally).

I was very set against spending the extra money for a loader until I really used one for a day. I'll never look back.

Just my thoughts. Hope you can get what you want for a reasonable price. I second the thoughts of staying in the 30 hp range. Don't go too small.

DannyD · Mar 25, 2005

I bought both of my machines from Hopf Equipment in Huntingburg,IN Fine place to buy, family owned, service dept has some longevity in personel.

Highly reccomend this dealer.

Talk to my wife she may sell you my unit, BX23

Of course I am not to much on it

schole · Mar 26, 2005

Having just gone through the same shopping/test driving you are getting into, I'll share my thoughts.

My wife just bought me (delivered 3 days ago) a Kubota L3400 with FEL, R4s, 72" RFM, and gear transmission on 0% for 36 months -- she was sick of me telling her how much we needed it.

After reading everyone rant and rave about HST, I was expecting to really love it. I didn't. It felt like there was a hp drop from gear to HST -- just my impression. I am not used to HST, however, and many say that once you are used to how they perform, you will love it. I grew up with gear transmissions -- many were a complete pain to operate. The L3400 is the smoothest, quickest, and one of the most enjoyable gear transmissions I have ever used. As for loader work, I tend not to have the tractor moving when I change direction -- ie. I prefer to stop completly, then start off in another direction. Try them both out. You will know soon enough.

I love the look of the R4s but am unimpressed with their traction when I'm trying to get stuck, sliding sideways on a steep hill, buried to the frame in melting snow with the differential locked, avoiding trees, tring not to tip over...otherwise, they are great. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I am considering chains with my very hilly property and significant snow/ice conditions.

The loader on the L3400 seemed to cycle faster than the other orange one, the red one, and the blue one. Also, the fit and finish on the other brands didn't seem to compare with the Kubota for the price/power.

The power to weight ratio is great on this unit. Could stand to be a bit heavier, but with implements, ballast, ?loaded tires... Drives a bit like a racing car, but then again better to have a little too much than not enough hp.

Tough to get one machine to be everything. I think the L3400 is close to being a 'real' worker for my bush work and yet nimble enough to get around most of the yard.

I picked up a bush hog second hand. Hoping to add a BH at some point.

We shouldn't be allowed to have this much fun!! You will be very excited with whatever you purchase.

Shawn