The more I think it over the bigger it gets...

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I certainly understand you are "weighing" all the foreseeable possibilities. I concur about looking used to save some money. It seems you have skipped the midsized utility tractors. I understand you either want a smaller "manuevarable" machine or the more HP/weight machine but I'd like to chime in if you don't mind..... Find you a clean 5420 or 5520 with MFWD and don't look back. It can be had with loader and cab for maybe less than a new cab 4720. They are reasonably nimble. You can call me and thank me personally when you discover how much better a tractor of this size rides with the larger front wheels. The only disclaimer is if you do get a 10K plus weight tractor that makes its own ruts anyway. I see now that you are looking at the Kub 6040. This is probably a fine machine. Get the cab, it will bring back its money if you ever have to sell. Wishin everyday that I had one.

It may be that the expansionism may take over the ugly 20 acres for you. Trust me, the type of investors or development group usually don't give a hoot about the actual condition of the land as long as it's buildable and not flood prone. Since you own it, you won't have to worry about losing the money you have sank in it but....I'd be hesitant not to spend too much other than making it a nice hay field again at the most. (developers don't even care about that) Just keep it agriculturally tax based.

Good luck on what ever decision you make.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

dcrylic,
I'm over fixer uppers. If I were retired and did not hate working on something someone else wore out I could go that route. That said my mechanical skill is modest and I'm looking for performance. Thank you for the the suggestion though...

Steve,
fwiw, I'd personally take a wait and see attitude on this new Ford Inspired Powerstroke. I personally think they would have been in money to have stayed with the 7.3 and built/bought a transmission that would have handled the horsepower they put out in the bigger IH Trucks. The last one I checked, a brand new VA Power Pole Drilling and Setting Truck(a cadillac), was using the "old" 7.3 but at 365 HP. Ford just did not have a transmission that would hold up to it. The transmission made for the 6.0 Liter, as I cross my fingers, is really a winner. It handles 325 HP and 570 foot pounds of torque beautifully. Making a scaled up version could not be that hard... I love mine. Works normally until tow/haul is kicked in and then you have a Trash Truck Special/Allison(Dad loved it when I called it the "Trash Truck Shuffle;-). I drove through unreal grades in CO, WY, MT, and UT without ever using the brake pedal. Even descended OH MY GAWD ROAD in Idaho Springs(long haul up 70 past Denver and the turnoff to the casinos) without very much braking. Climbing that hill was funny as my father rode with me and seemed to bite a hunk of leather out of my seat every time the fronts or rear lockers broke loose on the gravel. He did not know I had put ARBs on my truck and I aired them up 200 feet from the gravel while he was paying for the Diesel. Only after he was white knuckling the arm rest did I tell him all wheels were pulling. Also made mention of the gummy AT Nittos on the truck over the over hard Continentals that came as OEM... It proves a funny story and dear memory.

He was a Duramax/Allison/4x4 Crew Cab guy and always insisted on lockers in the rear. The ARBs were a new trick...

That said I still wish I had a 7.3...

Regards, Matt.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

Kyle,
Greatly appreciated and well thought out...

The ONLY problem I have is that when I option out a KUBOTA M6040 with Cab & FEL it becomes painfully aware that I am 2/3 the way the 6330 Premium. I can live with ruts if travel is necessary and disc them out when it dries up. That is another reason that 6330 whispers her siren song. I can make my disc throw rooster tails from the outside blades without taxing the tractor due the MFD. That said I'll probabely just have one of the "REAL" Farmers, that does suck and blow, disc the farm. The bigger the implement, within reason, the flatter and better the field lays after tillage.

Regards, Matt.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Matt, any tractor that you will reasonably buy will be 2/3 the cost of something larger somewhere. You have a lot of experience, and understand your needs, and more importantly you understand the way you like to do things. Buy the one that speaks to you. I have an engineer friend that has just a little more land than I do. He thinks his full sized backhoe is about right, though he would like a MFWD of the same size / weight / hp. I have a 1600 Lb. 26 hp Kubota, and we both think we have the right tractor for our needs, and so we do.

 

[TripleR]

Matt,

This is an interesting thread which I have enjoyed, but I think you have made your mind up as you keep circling back to the John Deere.

 

[jenkinsph]

Matt,
Sounds like you want the 6330, will this tractor handle the full range of jobs that you intend to do? So far you haven't said much about close quarters work, and frankly I doubt there would be much difference between any of the two or three tractors you are looking at.

If you are going to loose the 4020 I would fix it up and sell it outright, this could help defray the cost of the 6330. Without the 4020 to use I would be inclined to choose the 6330 in your scenario, if you were to keep the 4020 I would go for a 4520 or 4720 compact. Look at tractorhouse.com and machinefinder.com to see what the 4020's are selling for.

You probably have as much experience using tractors as the rest of us, only you are the one who is going to pay for this one.:laughing: Good luck with the search.:thumbsup:

 

[silverbeast]

Matt i don't know if you have considered any other tractors but take a look at this page. I just bought a NH T4030 4x4 w/ FEL w/ the cab. My tractor weighs in at 6768lbs. The one without the cab weighs 6327lbs. That's a lot more than the Kubota and it has a stronger 3 point hitch, twice the hydraulic pressure and 5 mph faster travel speed just to name a few. I think this tractor would fit in your budget a lot better than the JD and easily out work the Kubota. Oh and NH has 0% financing for 60 months,

4WD Tractor

 

[MarkV]

Travel distance between properties is still unstated. Can you drive the tractor between properties or do you plan to trailer a 10k tractor on a regular basis?

MarkV

 

[Matt in Virginia]

Gents,
I truly have yet to decide... Trailering a 10K Tractor is no bigger a deal than a 4-5K Tractor. A non issue....

What IS an issue is I recognize a failure in my logic. The "big farm" deal works on me as I go through my day just about every day. My uncle brought over a new Andy Rooney Metal/Porcelain Sign the other day with a JD 4640 on it and THE NEW IRON HORSE. MORE HORSE, MORE IRON. Granted my main squeeze had 20 more HP, larger front tires, a short stack, and a full weight rack. That said it brings up a ball in my throat every time I look at it. It was a nice gesture but he NEVER does a nice gesture. Generally when he opens his mouth it is negative. Whether I buy the Kubota or the Deere I'll of made the wrong choice. The Kubota is a "light weight tinker toy" and "the Deere would make sense if you were farming". Either way I go he'll say I made a mistake.

I have another ISSUE that I should address. I sell German Rifle Scopes from Schmidt Bender and Accuracy International AW Rifles as a day job. I have very much come to admire most anything from Germany. Hence the 6330.

I admire two things from Japan. My OLD Echo weed eater and their traditional sword making technology. I've just never come across anything they make that blew up my skirt. I like the ROPS 6040, however, I can't say I am in love. I LOVE the 6330. I felt at home after ten minutes of operation(a farmer friend owns one).

THAT SAID. I really like the Kubota M6040 Transmission and Shuttle Shift. Just can't see putting a forture in what is a glorified landscape tractor. Rational? Likely not...

Regards, Matt.

 

[tsteahr]

My uncle ... Either way I go he'll say I made a mistake.

It's your tractor, not your Uncle's. Does it really matter what he (or anyone else) says?

I LOVE the 6330.

Need you say more? The JD will always be in your mind if you get somthing else. Money should be used for not just practical reasons alone but for enjoyment as well. You will get both with the JD. It really seems like that is the machine you want and have good use for, even if it may be a little over sized (but not a lot) for your need at the moment.

 

[TripleR]

Good points by tsteahr. I believe, you have your mind made up, you just don't know it yet

 

[dcyrilc]

Good points by tsteahr. I believe, you have your mind made up, you just don't know it yet

x2. I have to second this thought.

 

[dave1949]

Good points by tsteahr. I believe, you have your mind made up, you just don't know it yet

It works that way for lots of things. When a person goes to buy something seriously, not just tire kicking, often the 'sale' is already made. It's like being called back for a second job interview, don't give the interviewers a reason to change their minds, they have already decided they 'like' you.
Dave.

 

[FxdGrMind]

Matt,
I'm not anyware near your situation or have the experience running that kind of equipment for that kind of acreage.
However that said, My relatives owned 160K acres in Iowa (given to the local college.. who sold it in the 80's for 6 mil to a conglomerate....GRRR) Thier equipment choices were always... the right tool for the job is the bigger tool as time was money and broken equipement cost both time and $$$$.

I think you have your mind made up, but one thing keeps coming to mind. That is the old farmer that is manintaining some of the acreage. Maybe it would help you make up your mind as to what you "NEED", by "renting" some of his equipemnt that you know can get the job done and see how it goes? He would get some income without having to work for it, as it sounds like he isn't in great shape to work anymore, and you would not have to lay out vast sums of hard earned cash or take on loans for equipment that may or may not be the right tool you need. Renting is a great way to decide what you need to get.

BTW.. never sign over your land as colaterol. As you learned by your cousins mistake, LAND is worth a lot more than one might think over time. They just don't make more of it these day's... ok well maybe in the Middle east they do by pumping sand all over the place.

 

[Duffster]

, My relatives owned 160K acres in Iowa (given to the local college.. who sold it in the 80's for 6 mil .

Where in Iowa was land selling for $37.5k/acre in 160 acre chunks in the 80's?

 

[Matt in Virginia]

Gentlemen,
Just an update. I've found one of most reasonable Deere Dealers I have ever dealt with and his prices have made many things that were not "doable" doable... To boot he is like talking with the friendly cousin I never had. He makes you feel like your business is why he is there. What a concept... Tis a shame is well further down South.

I went to James River Tractor in Wakefield, Virginia to kick the tires so to speak. My contact was not there, however, there was an arrogant, ignorant, jackass there that sold larger row crop tractors available. His attitude, did I mention arrogant(?), and lack of knowledge was legion. It almost ruined the fine breakfast from The Virginia Diner I had enjoyed 30 minutes earlier...

I came to realize the following:

1. I really liked the 4320 and 4520 on the lot WITHOUT the cab. Plenty of room and workable transmission with power reverser. They proved MUCH physically bigger than I had pictured them from Deere's Videos etc... I was disappointed to find out the 4720 with the cab, that we discussed, was still at the "tractor pull" and would not be back until after 1 PM. The dealer did, however, carry me around back to a heavily used 3520(?) with a cab that had come from the king, sultan, despot, whatever of QATAR. Rather than explaining anything he tried to impress me with the fact they were supplying a chief raghead with tractors. He evidently used it with a rotating brush to clear the race track of trash before he drove his race car(s). The glazed over look did nothing to slow the details. I did note that he was replacing the 3520 w/cab with a 4520 without a cab. Something tells me he is not driving the tractor. Call that a wild guess...

I told him the MOST IMPORTANT thing was the performance of the AC in the cab and SPACE. I turned down the AC and got little back but cool air. Of course this likely had a lot to do with the jackass holding the door open. Mentioning that made little impact...

2. IF the cab on the 4520/4720 is the same size as the one on the 3520 it is too small for me. I'm a big boy and I like space. I could not turn around, as if checking an implement, without feeling very cramped. Probably time to go back on my diet...

I REALLY WISH they could have fit the standard transmission in the cab or made the cab fit the Open Operators Station. Granted this a carryover from using the same cab on the 3000 twenties as the 4000 twenties. I still hate Hydrostatic Transmissions. Only place I have seen them actually work on large equipment were our combines... Apples and Oranges.

3. I did not even get in the 5000 series. They had 5075 D and a 5075 M. I knew the D was made in India and the front axle had the "Made in China" Stamping that turned me cold when I first saw it about a year ago. I went to the 5085 M, which is assembled in Augusta, Geogia, however it to had the "Made in China" MFD Axle. I'm not paying good money for an Indian made tractor with Chinese Parts. If I do that I'll buy a Mahindra. Looks to be a sturdier tractor anyway...

4. Setting in the "small tractor" lot along with the 4000s(and 2 Woods Power Rakes;-), was a new 6430 Premium. I did a slow walk around, noted fit and finish(excellent), and the "Made in Germany" Tag. The salesman actually said "That is the best tractor WE make." Knowing what the 8000 Series are, and there were three new 8330s in front of me, I doubted that but I do have faith in the Germans. I asked him for the key, climbed in the cab, and spent a little "quality time" WITHOUT the saleman.

He returned, I took the key, and started the tractor. As Gentlemanly inferences did not work, I said "excuse me for a moment" and shut the door. The AC was excellent even though it was 94 and humidity could be sliced with a knife. It was 102F in Williamsburg when I crossed the ferry from Surry to Jamestown on long scenic way home a few hours later.

All in all the 6440 was the closest thing to my budget, wants, needs and future expansion. Granted I'll likely go with a 6330 or 6230. Further it will not be a Premium.

In short, many of you were right, I had made up my mind before I left home. Kicking the tires only confirmed it. I like the open station 4520 quite a bit. That said my allergies would likely make my time on it a bad experience. It is a FAR more appropriate lawn, small bush hog, and farm maintenance machine.

The 6030 is a perfect HAY machine especially with a 673 loader and spike. It is a FAR BETTER platform for the tractor mount HX-10 and the loaders capabilities are not even similar. The CAB and transmission are what draw me greatly. Aside from excellent quality, fit, and finish....

Regards, Matt.

As a postscript the Salesman and I did not hit off at all. I made a comment about the 5000 D & E being made in India with a Chinese Front Axle(As is the M for that matter). I told him I did not know were Deere was going as a company, however, it was anything but positive. He went on to tell me that the 5000 was made in India with many Chinese Parts to "John Deere Specs" and that "Where it is made really does not matter anymore."

I stopped, looked him in the eye, and asked him pointedly "Do you REALLY believe that. I know that is what they tell you to say, however, I've seen John Deere AG Parts Quality Control go to ****". He got ready to speak and I stopped him. I said "If everything is equal as you say answer a question for me. If you could have one tractor would it be a John Deere Made in China to "John Deere" Specs OR a John Deere Made in Germany to "John Deere" Specs? He stopped, smiled, kicked at the rocks and said "Germany of course"...

Personally I'd would have rather had one of the 8330s "Made in The United States of America", however, that was not the question. At any rate this is off topic. In short many of you were right about me have already made a decision whether I knew it or not...(grin)

Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia
757-581-6270

I am going to relate some serious John Deere Quality Control Issues on current replacement AG parts that I learned from a close friend who owns the Eyre Vale Plantation(1500 plus acres) on the Eastern Shore. I will place that story, which you can verify, on the John Deere part of this site. In the end SHOUP saved the day. Not John Deere. I am not a happy man about what is happening to this company(or this country for that matter). We are in the hands of Marketers and the future, unchanged, is bleak...