Rethinking HST/ eHydro, Hauling, trailers

[Verticaltrx]

I mow with a 7' sickle and haybine. I know how to maintain and use them and can mow 5-6mph so I am not likely to change them out for convenience. They don't use much power. A big tractor with a powershift isn't really needed. I wish there was a smaller unit with it. The closest is the MF 1600 with the DynaQPS. I was quoted about $38K for 1660 cab/ loader for cash. Pretty darn attractive. I am not sure Deere can match that. The MF has a longer wheelbase and would be more comfortable, the Deere has a self leveling loader.

One other thing to keep in mind (not directly related to the topic) is the 3pt hitch/drawbar/PTO geometry of compact tractors. Once you go below your standard 40hp farm/utility tractor often the geometry of the PTO, 3pt hitch and drawbar will be odd. Both my little Kubota and the Deere 4400 we used to have had various dimensions that didn't allow them to work well with standard hay equipment. This is especially true with sickle bar mowers as some of them (especially New Holland like I have) won't mount up if the 3pt isn't right.

 

[charleyfarmall]

There is an adapter to extend the upper link on the 450/451 to help it fit compacts. It is very expensive. I bought one for $60 from the dealer and a few months later it was 3 times that. Odly enough, I use it on the TN75 because it fits better.

 

[jenkinsph]

Charleyfarmall,
You should really find a 4320 thru 4720 cab unit to check out, they are very nice. The ehydro works well with trailers up and down hills and with positioning my 110 backhoe on steep slopes. The electrically controlled hydro is very smooth engaging on steep slopes my backhoe winds up on in the mountains where I live, very easy to feather and mind you the rear backhoe seat position doesn't have brakes just transmission controls.

I use my 4520 to handle the tractor tasks associated with my landscape construction and find it does a good job with diverse tasks. Very pleased with it overall.

 

[charleyfarmall]

I do need to find one, and a Massey 1600 too. This move to Maine is going to be hard. If the farm does not sell, I will need to leave some kind of tractor here to do basic utility work. I have no interest in buying a new cab tractor and leaving it here, and I am not leaving the TN75DA behind either. If it does sell, I don't need/ want an open station tractor other than my old Farmalls. Plus, I need a tractor on either end of the move so I can load an unload all the equipment. I should have a better idea in a few weeks.