Orchard Tractor

Believer · Jul 15, 2009

I'm looking for a tractor to use on my new place. I don't need a narrow tractor but I found one a JD 5510N close by. What are the compromises I should understand about a narrow tractor? I understand the wheels can be turned around to widen the track.

Lunk · Jul 15, 2009

Believer said:
I'm looking for a tractor to use on my new place. I don't need a narrow tractor but I found one a JD 5510N close by. What are the compromises I should understand about a narrow tractor? I understand the wheels can be turned around to widen the track.

Only one that comes to mind is:

Narrow track = increased chance of tipping, when operating in off-camber conditions...

Lunk

Opti-Mist · Jul 15, 2009

Lunk nailed it. The reduced track width really detracts from the utility of the tractor. In a vinyard application, fine; but in an all-purpose application, I'd leave it.

Robert_in_NY · Jul 15, 2009

One thing to note is the narrow vineyard tractors like you just found are very heavy and almost all their weight is down low to the ground so even though they are narrow they are quite stable still. I have never heard of one tipping over but then again I don't know of too many people who would use one to mow ditch banks and such. These tractors are designed to work in vineyards and a lot of vineyards are on rather large, steep hills and terraces.

The downside to narrow tractors is that the cab/ operators station is very compact. They are fine for orchard use though if you have tight trees as they are narrow and low to the ground plus they turn sharp so they work well.

RickB · Jul 15, 2009

From a service standpoint, they are about as handy to work on as a skid steer because they are very compact. I agree with Robert; lateral stability is not a serious problem due to the low CoG. Ground clearance, operator comfort and to a small degree, visibility, diminished opportunity for commonly mounted accessories are among the reasons not to buy an orchard/vinyard tractor if you don't need the power to size advantages they offer.

PERCTK · Jul 15, 2009

Need to determine what your use is for this equipment- Mowing, Loader work, 3 point hitch work etc, I agree with the others on their commnets. If you need a loader or other implement maybe more difficult to find for a narrow model since they are typically used in specailty operations.

Good Luck

MNawara · Jun 17, 2014

I am looking for a narrow tractor that I can use for sprying citrus trees

Cherokee140 · Jun 18, 2014

I would bet that you have choices that we in the states have no idea about....everything from modern western equipment to stone age soviet equipment. I really can't help you and I would bet the most here in the US can not as well. I would look at what others that are in the same field of work use and is popular. We could suggest a Kubota but if the most close dealer is in Israel that would not help you much. Find out what is supported locally and look at that. If you keep us updated this could be a good look at an area of the world and farming that we don't see very often.