Buying Advice Looking for a tractor

[Parrotman409]

Gotcha... so this only applies to loader-mount attachments correct?

3 point hitch and PTO on rear is the same?

 

[dodge man]

Yes it just applies to FEL attachments.

I own a JD and there quick attach is a very simple to use system. It also keeps the implement closer to the tractor and weighs nothing extra compared to a SSQA. On a small tractor that can make a difference in what you can lift. On a big tractor probably not a big deal.

The disadvantage is if you already a lot of SSQA stuff already or could borrow some. You can get just about get any implement in the JD system, it doesn’t have to be made by JD, but it usually cost around $100 to get it in JD system. They make a plate that makes the JD system into SSQA but that sort of does away with the advantage of the JD setup.

 

[Parrotman409]

OK, that makes sense. I don't have and SSQA stuff, and the neighbours I have all have much larger tractors so I can't see ever borrowing anything. The only things I can see myself using on the front is the loader bucket and a set of pallet forks.

I've narrowed down to a 1023e or a 1025r -- leaning more to the 1023e as I don't need tilt/cruise/PTO height lock.

 

[rScotty]

OK, that makes sense. I don't have and SSQA stuff, and the neighbours I have all have much larger tractors so I can't see ever borrowing anything. The only things I can see myself using on the front is the loader bucket and a set of pallet forks.

I've narrowed down to a 1023e or a 1025r -- leaning more to the 1023e as I don't need tilt/cruise/PTO height lock.

I don't thin enough weight is ever given to just following one's instinct. It's like choosing a partner. Go with the one that "feels" right.

Not sure about whether you need tilt is that for your steering? I have that on two of our tractors but rarely use it ... although my wife does the few times she drives it.

And you don't need cruise control unless you have a HST transmission and are using the tractor for distance at one speed - like mowing, any kind of field or cultivation work, plowing/blowing snow, or going somewhere down the road more than a quarter mile. All other forms of transmission are automatically cruise control because you can set the travel speed with a hand throttle. But HST doesn't work that way. You have to balance the foot pedal downforce with the throttle constantly unless you have cruise control.

PTO height lock? Not sure what that is either, unless it keeps you from binding the PTO shaft if you lift the 3pt too far. Most tractors just use an adjustable thumbscrew stop on the 3pt lift height lever to do the same thing - and they all have that thumb screw. At least I've never seen a tractor without it. Just remember to set it, or else you can bend a PTO shaft or worse yet bind one against the top link mount.

The advantage to the SSQA is just the convenience in borrowing or renting oddball implements that you would never go out and buy. Like a front hoe, or front cultivator...You can even rent a rock crusher - though I never do myself. SSQA would also be an advantage when buying used FEL implements , because chances are good that whatever it is, SSQA rather than JD. If you aren't tempted to do those things & just stick with bucket & forks you will never miss the SSQA. It just that the JD FEL type quick attach does lock you into a lower number of higher priced implements.

Just understand the options and do what is comfortable. None of these is life-changing. And tractors are about having fun.
rScotty

 

[fried1765]

Yes, I always get a chuckle out of seeing posts that say, "There's no need for a backhoe; if you need to dig a hole just go rent one."

I don't think we've used ours to dig any holes this year - definitely no trenches. We've used the hoe to lift some landscaping size rocks out of the creek and place them around the yard. Just before the snow came a few weeks ago we used the hoe to straighten up some of our fruit trees so we could support the branches - that's normally a heavy job. After the storm it was handy raking downed slash into piles and loading it onto the trailer. Plus the usual chore of holding broken trunks and limbs up for chainsawing.

Last week we used the hoe to push on the side of our old woodshed and hold it nice and square while we rebuilt the corner supports. That job also involved lifting off the ridge beam and part of the roof - easily done using the hoe as a crane.
rScotty

True......but not so true for those who have hoes that are much smaller than your 12' dig depth M59, or my slightly smaller 11' dig L48.

 

[Parrotman409]

Just found out about something called a "bucket spade". Looks like they attach to the bucket. Is there a John Deere Quick Attach front spade? Really almost all of what I could be digging is shallower "gardening" type holes rather than the deeper holes one would use a backhoe for.

I saw the HLA TS48 but it says for skid-steers only.

 

[GeneV]

Just found out about something called a "bucket spade". Looks like they attach to the bucket. Is there a John Deere Quick Attach front spade? Really almost all of what I could be digging is shallower "gardening" type holes rather than the deeper holes one would use a backhoe for.

I saw the HLA TS48 but it says for skid-steers only.

Parrot, I was thinking the same thing when I was tractor shopping, about not needing a backhoe. I was looking at some other digging options at the time. One is a stump or spade bucket, it could do some digging. Also saw people using their forks, on their own or fitting a spade on the end of them.

And then this, speaking of JD1025:

I was impressed, left him a comment about it.

With that said though, I'm really happy I ended up getting a scut with a backhoe. Love it, I end up doing a whole bunch with it. I could get by w/o it, but man sure is nice I'm not having to. How much land are you managing now, just curious?

 

[GeneV]

Haha I just noticed I already posted here earlier. Ok never mind, I read your first post, you got an acre. Yeh one acre, I'd probably not get the hoe or that fronthoe contraption.

I'd look into something like this:

 

[rScotty]

We didn't always have a nice Kubota M59. For 40 years we used this old 3pt hoe for all our digging. I think I bought it used for about $1000 and sold it 40 years later for $800. It never needed anything.

Or if your FEL bucket you can just use some angle iron, bolts, and drill some hoes to do a half-back hoe off the front.
rScotty

 

[Parrotman409]

I was looking at this: Quick Spade | Paumco Products, Inc

Looks convenient and inexpensive. I am planning on getting a set of forks.

Considering most of what we do is digging holes and moving or removing plants... might be perfect!