part-time user: used w/Cab vs New w/no cab

[Z-Michigan]

300 hours is barely used and the Kubota sounds really good overall. I don't have a cab and REALLY wish I had one, especially for mowing. Mowing overgrown fields is a much nastier task than lawnmowing. Oh, and if you have any allergies or asthma, or a bee/wasp sting allergy, the cab is almost essential. I have all of the above and an open platform - I really wish I had chosen a cab model. My tractor is otherwise great, but half or more of the tasks I do would be 100x nicer with a cab. The cab would get in the way for anything requiring you to frequently get off the tractor, like using an implement that gets clogged and has to be cleaned. And factory cabs are not realistic to remove - assume it is not removable in any way. Finally, the GST transmission on the bota is going to be a bit better for mowing than the HST on the Montana, though either would work fine.

 

[BarryinMN]

I bought a cab tractor because I only wanted to buy one tractor...

300 hours in 4 years qualifies as part time use.

Add:
pallet forks, some sort of hydraulic brush grapple.

Have the dealer plunb the hydraulic lines to the front using push-pull quick tach fittings. (You may drop the grapple & back away forgetting to detach the hoses these will eliminate damage)

Basic FEL attachments will make you highly productive from the first hour and leave plenty of room for additional tools down the road.

Before going into the brush run thru the area with a chain saw on a stick to drop any branches that may damage the cab. Once per season before greenup does it for me.

Post pictures of what you get!

 

[Rara Avis]

Hi. First time poster and shopper for CUT. I am currently looking at 2.

One is a brand new Montana 41hp HST tractor with FEL, ROPS for $21,000.

The other is a 2004 Kubota L4630hp GST tractor, 300hrs with FEL and CAB (htg, ac, radio, rear&side defrost) for $21,500.

I have 37 acres with a neglected farm (barn, silos, garages, buildings) and I mostly will be doing field mowing along with a fair amount of FEL work (moving rocks, some earth, landscaping/mulching, toting, plowing, etc.).

I know cabs are nice but I am not sure if it is worth it for me. I will be lucky if I average 8hrs/week on the tractor. Plus, I am concerned about how easy it is to scratch/damage the cab doing loader work.

Anyone have any input on Cab versus no-Cab or on the above comparison? Is it easy to take a cab on and off? I know Montana is not the brand that Kubota is but Montana seems to be a nice tractor in comparison and one gets the 3yr warranty on the new tractor.

Thanks a lot!

You didn't identify where you are in the country, but for part-time better bang for your bucks is to apply the extra money to more tractor hp...

Cab-less in VT...tractor is much easier to clean up during MUD Season...

 

[machmeter62]

You also mentioned plowing in your post, but didn't say how much of the acreage? Considerable acreage would be more suitable to the GST or gear drive, and maybe recommended by a dealership also?

I don't know as a fact, but I assume with ground engagement implements (plowing), and the tractor under constant stress; the hydraulic drive fluid of the HST heats up, plus one gets less HP to the rear wheels? For loader work, and many other applications HST is a favorite!

 

[farmguy]

Don't ask yourself (Should you buy a cab?), ask (Why shouldn't you buy a cab?). Life is too short enjoy it!

 

[WifethinksImworking]

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all.

Thanks for all of the input....very helpful. I feel a little more comfortable with a cab after hearing all of the comments. Good suggestion to cut the lower branches in tight areas. I don't think that would be too much of a pain in my area. Also, I never thought about the dust, bugs and bees. The other thing is I might even be able to take a cell call when I am working but waiting for an important call. I can possibly multi-task.

Anyone know how much difference there will be with 41hp vs 46hp? Doesn't seem like much to me.

To answer a few questions: I live in PA and, when I said plowing, I should've said "snow plowing" and only my 800' paved drive and a 50'x100' parking area (just personal use so not bad).

Also, Kubota is private but supposedly gone over by dealer - in excellent shape.

I think the only attachements I will need (for now) besides FEL are pallet forks, 6' brush hog and possibly a box scraper. I can rent a full size backhoe/FEL for only $375 (incl delivery/pickup) when I need to have some heavy work done (or pay someone to come in with a machine).

I have no idea about a GST transmission but I will drive it soon. I have used HST and really liked it. I will post when I make the decision....the hard thing with the new is the 0% financing compared to all that cash out the window right away with a used. The warranty on new is nice but I think the warranty issue on the Kubota is minimal).

Thanks!

 

[kozak]

No Contest.....GET That Cabbed Kubota before it's G O N E !!

You won't regret it. Life will be Grand !

Vic

 

[bota7800]

If someone already brought this up I apologize.

Yes, a cab is nice in bad weather, but I would really like a cab with AC in summer. Mowing my acreage is a miserable hot dusty job during the summer mow.

Oh, and the smartaleck answer is 5 horsepower. Seriously though, what are the respective PTO horsepower ratings? Also, what are the hydraulic pump flowrates? These factors are likely more important than engine horsepower.

 

[canoetrpr]

No question - get the bota. The importance of warranty in my opinion is overstated. There is always a risk buying machinery - new or old. You minimize that risk by buying a reputable brand with good service and support and by inspecting the equipment.

I don't have a cab and without question my next tractor will have a cab.

 

[joe48]

A. GO WITH THE CAB YOU WON'T BE SORRY.
B. Unless you can find the Montana with a cab like someone else did go with the cab. The dealer maybe able todo a swap with another dealer for a cab unit.
C. If the tractor was gone over by the dealer ask for copies of all the work orders and see what was done.
D. Go to a Kubota dealer and ask if you can hire their best mechanic to go with you and throughly inspect the tractor, its worth $50-100.
E. Check with dealer there is a possiblity that you maybe able to purchase an extended warranty.
F. How long is each dealer been in business and what are their reps.
G. Ask yourself this: why is virtually every tractor over 70hp in the last 30 years got a cab?
H. Don't even think about taking a modern cab off, with all the electric , hydralics, heat and AC lines and connections, you're just asking for trouble.
I. You probably will get more use out of the AC in the summer than heat in the winter, that dust and dirt when mowing etc gets old real fast. Wind and blowing snow at 0 or even 30*F s--ks, especially the older you get.
J. Either transmission type will serve you just fine. If you go with hydro you can plow with it ok, International Farmall farm tractors were the first tractors with hydro and were great tillage tractors. Most small and medium size bulldozers use hydros today. The only real difference as far as you're concerned is slightly less hp to the gound with hydro in the same hp tractor vs gear drive, but you'll never be able to feel it in the seat of your pants.
K. GO WITH THE CAB !!