Tractor Sizing Please help a guy out!

[rScotty]

Oh, certainly. The L3301 was cramped, I constantly banged my knee or caught my foot getting on/off at first.(You do it enough and you'll settle in). Floor was cramped for long days, and the brake on the same side as the treadle meant I almost never used it.

Locating the wheel brakes on the same side as the pedal means just one thing: That the person who designed the cab had never used a tractor....and neither had his bosses.
Still, although Kubota got that completely wrong on the M59, they did change it on the M62. And they got a lot of other things right as well. More right than wrong.

One example of something they got right, is the model itself. Other companies have made medium size TLBs. The TLB is a model where the backhoe is standard and the 3pt hitch is the option rather than the other way round...., but nobody has made them successfully. Kubota has done so with several sizes.

Another thing done right is the transmission. Their HST+ tranny couples a proven HST to a fingertip controlled 2 speed axle. It's simply the best HST ever.

And if you are a guy who wants more room. The large flat operator's platform on any TLB has LOTS more room than the compacts or utility model tractors. There's almost space for two on the larger models.

I like all tractors - old and new, and the weird ones too. But we are still surprised how much we use the our TLB for even simple chores.
rScotty

 

[Croomrider]

If you look at LS you need to look at the XR series. The XR series does not have the gas tank behind the seat and the seat moves back quite a bit farther than the MT series. You may still need to raise it up, but there is more room. It was an important factor for me. Also the LS tractors have the dual pedals that you are looking for.

 

[dodge man]

I just bought a JD2025 in February. I'm a little over 6 feet tall and the seat seems a little to close to the steering wheel to me. The operators platform has plenty of room but the seat just needs to be back further for anyone taller than me.

 

[Eric102]

I would like to save as much as possible but in matters like this one my needs dictate my budget. I'm gonna give the 4052r a look tomorrow.

Also check out the 3R series which are a little smaller and cheaper. I'm 6'3" and my 3320 (same as the newer 3R's) is very roomy for me.

I recently added the optional air ride seat and that adds a little more seat height and greatly improves the ride also.

 

[mstrucker2003]

I just got back from the LS dealer and was on the lot for over 15 minutes and no one even came out to greet me so while it was good that the tractors didn't fit me well anyway, that says a lot. But on to the good news. Thanks to Ortimber I went and sat on the JD'S and the 4052M fit me a lot better than the 4052R partly because of the loader joystick placement and for me I like the more simplistic M. The dealer quoted me a price of $38,514.65 for Hydro Tractor, Loader, Trailer, Box Blade and Rotary Cutter. I'm not an all green guy so I think I'm just going to get the tractor and buy after market implements and that's where I need your help again guys.

I'm gonna let them add a third function kit for a grapple but what brand has a good after market grapple that won't break the bank and works good with JD'S hitch system? I've seen videos of Deere owners having problems with Titan brand grapples and the hitch. Also I'm gonna have them add a set of rear remotes for a
Top-N-Tilt kit but should I also buy the kit from them and let them install it or buy an after market kit and what are your thoughts on letting them add a canopy? Thanks for all the help because it has helped me out tremendously.

 

[Eric102]

I went with the Everything Attachments 55" root rake grapple on my JD 3320, they can do JD or skid steer attach. When I bought it a couple years ago it was around $1,600 delivered.

 

[mstrucker2003]

I went with the Everything Attachments 55" root rake grapple on my JD 3320, they can do JD or skid steer attach. When I bought it a couple years ago it was around $1,600 delivered.

That's nice. How do you feel about adding the canopy?

 

[paulfun9]

I would opt for a regular quick attach for the loader instead of the JD only that comes on them.

 

[Eric102]

That's nice. How do you feel about adding the canopy?

I had my dealer install it when I purchased the tractor. They recommended an aftermarket canopy from tractorsunshade.com over the Deere product at that time (11 years ago). Its been great, no issues at all and its been abused in the woods (hitting trees) over the years.

 

[mstrucker2003]

I would opt for a regular quick attach for the loader instead of the JD only that comes on them.

So you're saying I can tell the dealer I want a regular quick attach instead of their brand?

 

[ovrszd]

Yep....

 

[rScotty]

SNIP --
I'm gonna let them add a third function kit for a grapple but what brand has a good after market grapple that won't break the bank and works good with JD'S hitch system?
Also I'm gonna have them add a set of rear remotes for a Top-N-Tilt kit but should I also buy the kit from them and let them install it or buy an after market kit and what are your thoughts on letting them add a canopy? Thanks for all the help because it has helped me out tremendously.

Last time we bought, we ended up with a new Kubota..... but only after spending a lot of time trying to talk ourself into a JD. Maybe it's the color, and maybe our own history with the brand, but we just have a special feeling for JD.
Anyway, along the way I learned a couple of things from time spent with the salesmen there that turned out to be good advice.

One is that it's worth while to let the dealer install their OEM remote kit & actuating levers because JD hydraulics are arcane. But after they do the hard part, you can easily hook up all accessories like the Top-N-Tilt yourself.

Another reccomendation was that we should opt out of that proprietary Quick Attach system that JD uses on their loaders. Don't even get it, and particularly don't get the JD QA system and plan to use it with an adapter to the more popular and universal SSQA system. Stacking adapters like that puts the bucket way too far out in front. Fact is that almost everyone else in the world uses the Skid Steer Quick Attach system (SSQA). You can have your FEL equipped with the SSQA system right from the start but need to insist on that, and also pay JD's rather high fee for that option. It's worth it.

Canopy? Definitely. Get as nice a one as you can. With an Insulated top if possible. JD has led on canopys since the old days of the JD umbrella.
BTW, JD dealers still sell the whole umbrella kit: furling umbrella and a universal tractor mount kit for about $125.00. It's one of the great bargains and works as good as it looks.
Really Retro,
rScotty

 

[paulfun9]

So you're saying I can tell the dealer I want a regular quick attach instead of their brand?

As stated by rscotty yes!

They do charge more for the standard SSQA but you will find it痴 worth it.

 

[RollTideRam]

The Deere quick attach works fine, but it is different. I had no trouble finding attachments for my last JD tractor.

 

[paulfun9]

The Deere quick attach works fine, but it is different. I had no trouble finding attachments for my last JD tractor.

My friends also have no trouble finding them but they always pay a lot more. They also complain they can never find used and they can’t simply borrow something from the neighbor.
Your market for resale is also limited.

 

[mstrucker2003]

Thanks again for all the input like I said it has truly been helpful. But, I can not overlook the fact that overwhelmingly while no one has explicitly said do not get the JD almost everyone has said don't get this or that from JD. I did go back to one of my local Kubota dealers to see if it was something they could do for me as far as that wretched rocker pedal (I know some people love it but my size 16's hate it so don't be offended) because that's the main sticking point keeping me from buying the MX 4800 or 5200. The service guy said he was going to talk to the service manager to see what they could do so I'm hopeful on that front. The JD does fit perfect as it sits but with the pedal adjustment I could get much more tractor for the price from Kubota and not have to worry about after market or older used implements.

 

[rScotty]

Thanks again for all the input like I said it has truly been helpful. But, I can not overlook the fact that overwhelmingly while no one has explicitly said do not get the JD almost everyone has said don't get this or that from JD. I did go back to one of my local Kubota dealers to see if it was something they could do for me as far as that wretched rocker pedal (I know some people love it but my size 16's hate it so don't be offended) because that's the main sticking point keeping me from buying the MX 4800 or 5200. The service guy said he was going to talk to the service manager to see what they could do so I'm hopeful on that front. The JD does fit perfect as it sits but with the pedal adjustment I could get much more tractor for the price from Kubota and not have to worry about after market or older used implements.

If your dealer can figure out a reasonable way to change Kubotas "wretched rocker pedal" to a side by side two pedal arrangement like JD uses,I predict he is going to have a ton of customers real quick & probably buy a safe to store all the money he's going to make in his new factory.....

Yes, just like Kubota makes an excellent tractor with an unfortunate HST rocker pedal, JD makes an excellent tractor with an unfortunate proprietary FEL quick change. At least JD offers the SSQA option on new machines - but IMHO for twice what it should cost.
JD implements are fine, but they are top of the line and costly plus they only fit the JD quick attach. So most of your neighbors, used implement dealers, and local rental places will have SSQA attachments.
With the universal SSQA you can use a whole world of implements, swap and borrow them with your neighbors, buy used implements, and rent implements from rental shops.

Back to the pedal, we bought our Kubota in spite of the rocker pedal, not because of it. Of course there are going to be some few who prefer the rocker, but most here on TBN find that while the rocker works OK it is simply not easy to use, as instinctive, or placed as conveniently as the side by side arrangement.
So it's become an unpopular design. That doesn't make it unsafe or impossible to use - just not as good as the competition's.

On both issues, the manufacturers are bull-headed & ignoring what their own customers are wanting. But how to change that?

rScotty

 

[the old grind]

Suppose you figure moving the seat 2-3" higher & 2-3" farther back anyway. :thumbsup: Get everything ELSE the way you want it. :tractor:
(SSQA holds value and offers the most gadget/dollar. Guess which I had on my Deere.)

There are other tractor brands, ... Branson and Kioti LS to get the most tractor for $$. Get the pedals right and adjust the seat. Did you say five acres? Mahindra and Kioti have very capable CUTs surpassing my own '04 & '13 33 & 35 hp NHs (weight, FEL-all specs, 3ph lift) but 'derated' to have no Tier IV complication by 'hp' class. "<25" on paper.

Most of all, I believe you are looking at a right sized tractor and are getting good if TMI advice. And by all means, empower the other operator to contribute to the decision. There may come a day when you don't mind conceding some seat time to the lovely Lady.

"A Woman that mows means a Love that grows, Lads." . . . :drink:

 

[mstrucker2003]

On both issues, the manufacturers are bull-headed & ignoring what their own customers are wanting. But how to change that?

rScotty

I wish I knew but, I did also send a message to Kubota customer service explaining my issue. So hopefully it gets to the right people and they start to take it into consideration. Like I told them in the email I know my size 16 feet are not a common problem so if they would at least offer a different option as an upgrade I would be willing to pay the extra cost.

 

[mstrucker2003]

Suppose you figure moving the seat 2-3" higher & 2-3" farther back anyway. :thumbsup: Get everything ELSE the way you want it. :tractor:
(SSQA holds value and offers the most gadget/dollar. Guess which I had on my Deere.)

There are other tractor brands, ... Branson and Kioti LS to get the most tractor for $$. Get the pedals right and adjust the seat. Did you say five acres? Mahindra and Kioti have very capable CUTs surpassing my own '04 & '13 33 & 35 hp NHs (weight, FEL-all specs, 3ph lift) but 'derated' to have no Tier IV complication by 'hp' class. "<25" on paper.

Most of all, I believe you are looking at a right sized tractor and are getting good if TMI advice. And by all means, empower the other operator to contribute to the decision. There may come a day when you don't mind conceding some seat time to the lovely Lady.

"A Woman that mows means a Love that grows, Lads." . . . :drink:

I have tried them all but Branson (no dealer in my area) and none of them fit like JD or Kubota or seem to have the dealer support/network. The wife is another reason that rocker pedal won't work. She likes the twin pedal design also. I'm hopeful Kubota will come up with something.