The perfect tractor.

[flingwing1969]

From what we have learned so far... There are alternative ways to reach diesel emmisions standards. Most of the companies today have a much higher mark up than you think. Money is made on the front end of the msrp that is not easily seen without accounting spreadsheets from coorporate.

Our 100 year tractor, (the plan) should be affordable at similar cost to consumer... Due to longer 0 % interest financing. If the tractor is still in excellent running shape...there should be no reason that the tractor should not be able to be put on a 10 or 12 year loan. In 12 years it should still be valued close to the original cost.

The finest day is the day the tractor is paid off - hate going twelve years, even if all is going well with a great tractor. To me it is not the amount of the monthly payment - which is like renting the tractor - it is the total cost.

 

[Doofy]

Sounds like you need to build a 1951 John Deere 40C (Crawler). Perfect size, weight and capabilities. Darn, I miss that little dozer!

 

[claywesttech]

I don't have enough experience (especially in the size/weight) range you are proposing... to properly respond to each of your questions in detail but a few of my thoughts...

1. Extra emphasis on keeping the CG low as possible
2. I am a fan of Japanese small engines, both gas and diesel
3. Toughened (fiber reinforced) thermoplastic parts instead of the neat plastics used now that easily shatter
4. Use of lower ferrous (stainless) steels to minimize rust
5. Like the idea of some kind of a hybrid as 4570Man suggested

Good luck! Personally I think I would explore something where you are not competing with the big boys, Deere, Kubota, New Holland, etc. Need to find your niche!

We are looking at ways to take a small relaible japanese gas or propane engine and couple it to hydraulic drive train or a special torque converter. The problem with gas engines is that they do not produce as much torque at low rpm. Hydraulic drive has potential to solve this. Many toyota forklifts run on propane and have proven to be as tough and reliable as any bobcat skidsteer

 

[MossRoad]

My vote is is a hybrid between a tehelandler, skid steer, and a regular tractor. The enclosed operator platforms on a skid steer and the tehelandler are safer, but I like the visibility offered on a tractor. So my imaginary tractor would have big wheels ( yes I know they're no good for maximum stability or loader geometry) a super tough loader that can take maximum abuse, good belly pan armor, good lights, good hydraulic flow and either articulated or steered because skid steers tear up too much for my liking. And design the thing right for loader work. Despite the fact that they suck I wouldn't be quick to abandon the 3 point hitch because of the amount of implements for them.

You just described my Power Trac sans 3pt hitch.

Find a way to gear down my Power Trac for pulling, yet gear it up for mowing, slap on a 3pt hitch and you got something.

 

[claywesttech]

The finest day is the day the tractor is paid off - hate going twelve years, even if all is going well with a great tractor. To me it is not the amount of the monthly payment - which is like renting the tractor - it is the total cost.

We are still in the input stages of understanding needs. We are fascinated by how many old 4 cylinder gas tractors are still in strong use today 70 years later. I bushhog, plow and skid timber with a 35 hp massey ferguson that has never been overhauled. Our goal is to be affordable to the average joe, and for him to be satisfied with his purchase for decades after its paid off. Even if we have to stretch the payment to $50 a month, like a cell phone bill. Simple reliable affordable

 

[4570Man]

We are still in the input stages of understanding needs. We are fascinated by how many old 4 cylinder gas tractors are still in strong use today 70 years later. I bushhog, plow and skid timber with a 35 hp massey ferguson that has never been overhauled. Our goal is to be affordable to the average joe, and for him to be satisfied with his purchase for decades after its paid off. Even if we have to stretch the payment to $50 a month, like a cell phone bill. Simple reliable affordable

How are you controlling the payment unless you have tons of money and are owner financing it? I would think such a deal would be payment in full upon pick up and any financing would be between them and the bank.

 

[4570Man]

You just described my Power Trac sans 3pt hitch.

Find a way to gear down my Power Trac for pulling, yet gear it up for mowing, slap on a 3pt hitch and you got something.

The gear change isn't drastic enough because the top speed is like 7mph and I have no idea how cost effective it is but my Kubota CTL has duel speed drive. I also wouldn't recommend tracks unless absolutely necessary for the application. The CTL is pretty much is forced to stay parked if you wouldn't run a tiller across the surface.

 

[MossRoad]

I have no tracks. It's a wheeled machine. My top speed is 8, which is great for getting around the place fast when transporting heaping buckets of material, or dragging logs, plowing snow, mowing, etc... but with 4 hydraulic wheel motors driven by one variable volume pump, you have to pick a speed based on the displacement of the wheel motors. Large wheel motors give low speed/high torque, while smaller displacement wheel motors give higher tram speed at the expense of low-end torque.

There's not an economically feasible way to get high/lo range in my type of machine.

 

[MossRoad]

.... and I don't understand your tiller comments. Please clarify.

 

[4570Man]

.... and I don't understand your tiller comments. Please clarify.

The ground looks like you ran a tiller across unless you just drove across it in a straight line. And on asphalt I can just see dollar signs wearing off the tracks.