Position Control - worth extra $$?

[SacandagaBrad]

I've been lurking in the background for some time learning the compact tractor ropes on this forum, and have convinced myself I should probably have a tractor! I currently take care of business with a couple of old Gravely machines and could do a whole lot more with a larger and more versatile tractor. I have about 300 yds of dirt road to keep clear of snow (shared duty with neighbors, but all are retired, so I want to be able to "go" when I need to), an acre of mowing, docks and boats to put in and out, and will have a construction project going on this spring which will have quite a bit of landscaping.

I have narrowed it down to the 21 HP class, need hydrostatic drive, mid mower,and FEL, and like the orange and blue options. I have driven both. The main difference I can see is the position control on the blue. Is it that much of an advantage? I will on occasion be grading the dirt road with a back blade. Blue is running about $1500 more with my local dealers, but as mentioned, it has position control and I feel confortable with the dealer. Overall, it only amounts to about 10%, and I do agree with most on TBN that trusting the dealer is an important factor. That 10% could also cover the cost of a 3PH snowblower by next winter.

Bottom line - is the position control worth the extra bucks?

Another side issue for me is one of the orange dealers has informed me that the tractor must be insured through the factory to qualify for financing, whereas the others only require proof it is on an existing home owner's policy. An extra finance charge? About $1K over the life of the loan! A deal breaker solely on principal if this is true.

Any info is appreciated. I am really starting to get the bug! Haven't played with diesel since my heavy equipment days.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Things that differ on the New Holland TC21D(Blue) and the Kubota B7500(Orange) and Kioti CK20(Different Orange)

New Holland TC21D(Blue)
Position Control
3 Pt lifts 1265#
FEL (7106) maximum lift height 78"
New Curved Arm Loader (12LA) goes higher (85.5")
Mid and Rear PTO's can be operated independently of each other with seperate controls

Weight - 1535#


Kioti CK20 (Different Orange) 21hp
Has Position Control
Has Rear Hydraulic hook up standard
Has a Front, Mid and Rear PTO
Mid and rear PTO can be operated independently of each other with two seperate controls.
3 Point lift - 1109#
FEL
Curved Arm Loader
Maximum Lift Height 85"
Joystick mounted next to the seat

Weight - 1993#


Kubota B7500 (Orange)
No Position Control
Mid and rear PTO - operates off of one control - the options are Rear PTO or Mid and Rear PTO (from my understanding when using a MMM both the mid PTO and the rear PTO turn)

3 Point lift - 1058#
FEL
Maximum Lift Height - 69.5" (LA302)
Joy stick mounted on loader framework

Weight - 1367#

You didn't specify which Orange so I shared both. Do a search on position control and you should bring up many discussions about it.

 

[thcri]

Hey Don,

You forgot the blue cruise control. Never thought I would use mine but sure did a lot.

murph

 

[bgott]

The Ford 9N only had draft control when it came out. They upgraded to position and draft control when they came out with the 8N due to popular demand. One of the most popular upgrades to the 9N is a device to give it position control. I would definitely rate it as a necessity.

 

[frank_f15]

i have pc on my b2400 , don't use it much but when i need it , it sure is handy. have u looked into jumping up to kubota b2410(has position control) and a few more hp. also u might want to recheck with that dealer that said u have to insure with kubota, from what i recall all they need is proff that your home oweners will cover it.and that u are insured. but things change.

 

[Bird]

Personally, I would definitely want position control, or as an alternative, the new "quarter inching valve" on the Kubota B7800 might satisfy me.

As far as the insurance goes, if that dealer is right, something's changed because all Kubota Credit asked for in the past was proof of insurance on the tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Another side issue for me is one of the orange dealers has informed me that the tractor must be insured through the factory to qualify for financing, whereas the others only require proof it is on an existing home owner's policy. An extra finance charge? About $1K over the life of the loan! A deal breaker solely on principal if this is true. )</font>

When I bought my NH I financed blue due to a good deal at the time... I had the option of adding the tractor to my homeowners, or using blue insurance... Homeowners wanted 256 for the rider policy addon. Blue only wanted 188 as a one time premium... I opted for the blue coverage... It was purely a money decision.

Soundguy

 

[Spencer]

Bird, am I correct in thinking that position control is just that small knob that is attached to a nut that I tighten up so that my 3 pt. lever can not go any lower than the knob? I must be wrong if this costs $1500 more.

 

[hazmat]

Spencer,

You are incorrect. The knob is just for your convienience. The position control is the three point hitch height is proportional to the "position" of the lever. Very easy to return to a set level.

On non-position control, the three point control works like an FEL valve. Push one way, it moves that way, let go & it stops. To return to a previous postion, you need to visually inpect the location of the three point vs, simply hitting the "stop knob" that you have.

 

[Gil]

Position Control is a "Must Have" option as far as I am concerned. I tryed using a machine without position control once and there is no substute. Makes working the 3ph much more controlable.

Gil