Plastic vs Steel

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">...60 year machines... </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif How long do you think today's unit churning @ 3200 rpm's will last... versus yesteryear's units that worked @ 1600 rpm all day long...?

 

[icat]

Plastics and electronics will certainly decrease the life expectance unless extreme care is taken. I think the "older" tractors will be around long after the newer units fancy displays have failed. Having said that, I couldn't resist the "lure" of the dash on my L3130 - what can I say, I'm a product of the computer age. I did go ahead and buy the electronics manual though - figured I'd need it sooner or later.

While we're on the subject of steel and plastics. I began my new "tractor search" where most everyone else does - the Deere dealership. I didn't much mind the plastic, but I really noticed the way the cockpit step-up gave under my weight - and it's steel! Now I'm no light weght, might even say I'm a pretty big guy. But I really felt the step was a bit under supported on the unit I climbed into. To me, the NH and the Kubota steps were a bit stronger.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Guys, I just bought a new NH TC35 and I've got about 10-15 hrs on it... just a babe in the woods....

Now, to do this, I had to sell my Ford 1948 8N (which I owned about 3 yrs) ... A marvel of a machine, both for it's simplicity and it's ability to be a wonder ahead of it's time (a virtual pioneer in 3pt technology /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)....

I can only say one thing... If I don't get 56 years out of this machine, I'm asking for a refund /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!!

In all seriousness, if you live long enough to see these beasts actually die (assuming you are one who takes care of your equipment), you indoubtedly replace or change a number of different parts on them. The manufacturers are, for all intensive purposes, the same now as they were then. Trying to make a better tractor for a better price, and always trying out new technology.

What's important to me today? That my little beast performs to my expectations and doesn't break down....

Now, one last parting thought. I was out bush hoggin' the other day.... I sure as heck miss my 8N already... .Not sure how to describe it but that low profile old tractor was simple, easy to manuever, and dependable. .... could it be I just need to be assimilated by my new TC35??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[TresCrows]

I didn't realize your tractor turned so fast? I generally run about 2200/2400 on my 2410. In any case, despite popular belief, most engine wear occurs during engine start and certain other circumstances. The electronics, easy enough to hijink or repair, the plastic, yep it will be gone. J

 

[40Kchicks]

<font color="blue"> I immediately headed for a pile of snow and ice that was in the corner of the lot. I filled the bucket with the frozen mixture and lifted it all the way up. When the bucket reached the top of its cycle, a basketball piece of ice rolled off the back of the bucket and landed squarely on the "plastic" hood of my 4110! </font>

This reminds me of the first time I ever drove a skid steer. I raised a load of gravel over my head and half of it rained down on me. Luckly it had a cab. My wife did the same thing. Seems this experience is fairly common when first raising a fel.
Eric

 

[Soundguy]

Just my .02.. but I like metal.. at least I can do some decent body work on metal.. not sure how easy a plastic repair would be...

As everyone pointed out, there are tradeoffs either way.

One thing I thought interesting was another material... fiberglass.. I've seen some for the asian tractors with fg hoods, etc..

Might be a happy inbetween area... fg can be repaired as easilly as metal.. but has many of the desirable properties of the plastic.

Soundguy

 

[Anonymous Poster]

There is all different grades of plastic,where I work we just finished making plastic ,we make about 17000 to 19000 lbs an hour,24 hours a day an 7 days a week,I think it costs around a $1.00 a pound,this stuff is so tough when we clean after a type change a 10000 lb water truck can spend 12 hours trying to clean a container out about the size of a 50 gallon drum,rubber can be added to plastic to give it its flexibility.
I can guarantee you a piece of this plastic would last years and years

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have yet to see a plastic that sunshine won't degrade. Some types hold up better than others but...

 

[Soundguy]

I have actually seen some pretty uv resistant / sun resistant plastics.. usually in the polycarbonate / optical quality.. area.. but then.. those are not the type for industrial tractor hoods.. good strength.. but no give..

Soundguy

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Soundguy,
Yeah uv "resistant" but not "proof" the sun seems to eventually get to them all. Plastic has its uses especially in wearout disposable items like TV's, electronics and stuff like that. I do not consider tractors to be disposable though.