Tractor 101

txhawg · Feb 1, 2005

Hi all,

I have made up my mind, I'm going green with a 4310 w/ePowerReverser. FEL will be either a 430 or a 300CX (if I don't have to wait TOO long). Anyway, I have some questions on how this thing should be set up.

I know, you all are going to ask what the intended use for my tractor will be. Well, I have 12 acres of wooded land that a cabin now occupies. I will be doing landscaping, maintenance (300' driveway and fencelines), and clearing dead, fallen and undesirable trees. I have two ponds, and intend to terrace the ground down to the one that has a dock. The way down to the dock is a slope of gradually increasing slope. So, now my questions: (keep in mind I know nothing about anything larger than a riding mower)

Tires: R1 or R4: I have heard good and bad about each. I will never have a huge golf course quality lawn there, and even if I did I have an 18 HP rider to take care of that. I have heard that the width of R4's adds some stability, but sacrifices some traction. I also heard that you can widen the wheel stance (8 pos) with the R1's, but being thinner, they may collapse under a heavy bucket load. So, which is preferred? Soil is somwhat sandy, until yu dig, then it is rocky clay.

Hydraulics: The tractor will have a loader and a dual SCV. Are both of these taken by the FEL? What is the difference between a rear SCV and the power beyond kit? A backhoe may be in my future, but a log splitter from Tractor supply is in the nearer future. Sould I get one, the other, or both?

Will the standard bucket be OK, or do I need to upgrade to the HD bucket?

Thank you all in advance.

rockyridgefarm · Feb 1, 2005

Good choice!

I have R1s and they have done well. I would prefer the wider R1Ws but haven't needed them

the Fronts have always been 6 ply in the Ags, and mine have help up well to the loader. The new machines will have 6 plys in the rear as well, they might have already switched...

The std. R4s are 4 ply. I don't know how much better they would be to the 6 ply R1s

Dual scv is all taken up the bucket.

Power beyond is diiferent than rear remote. The rear remote would be used for a top cylinder or e 4in1 bucket or angling blade, or to raise and lower the mid mower deck.... You will need power beyond for a hoe, or splitter, although, you should consider a self powered splitter. (its up to you) but the self powered one can keep going while the tractor hauls logs, otherwise it sits there.

txhawg · Feb 1, 2005

Thanks, Rocky.

Hey, any idea how big a trailer I'll need to pull this thing around on? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

cowboydoc · Feb 2, 2005

If you have no issues where the tracks are a problem I would go R1's. Better traction by far. Yes you can widen the tires out with no problems at all. Your loader will give out with the release valve before your tires give out.

Ditto what Rocky said on the valves.

I would go with a HD bucket no doubt. You're only going to know that you needed one when it is too late and you bent your bucket. Go with the HD one and never worry about it.

dmp437 · Feb 2, 2005

My opinions /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If you're not worried about the yard get R1's and get them loaded from the get go. Preferred is RimGuard because of density and it's non-toxic.
Get the HD bucket, I believe it's only another $100 and well worth it.
Hydraulics- If the dealer is doing free install get the mid SCV and PowerBeyond. You can DIY but the PowerBeyond involves removing the seat assembly and you've got better stuff to do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I've got the TSC 3 point splitter and am very happy with it. It had been sitting outside and was slightly weathered so the manager knocked 10% off it. It doesn't come with hoses so get those from the Deere dealer also. You'll need a 5' and a 4' (about $12 each at Deere) to plumb into the PowerBeyond ports. This will allow you to use the splitter either vertically or horizontally.

Havoctec · Feb 4, 2005

What is your reason for going with the power reverser? I would recomend that you seriously look at the ehydro. It does use more horsepower than the the reverser but it gives you infinite speed control. That is very conveniant when doing loader work and manuvering in the woods.

I have the r4s because the ags will do to much damage to the lawn when I mow. So far they have worked well for me. It souds like your soil type is similar so you probably will not have a juge tractions issue with them. But it sounds like you are not going to mow so the added traction with the ags is probably better. Pulling logs the traction would be nice.

txhawg · Feb 5, 2005

Havoctec, thanks for your input. I am kind of confused myself about the tranny. The power reverser is part of the package for the tractor, and 430 FEL for $17,269.00. Seems like a pretty good price from what I have heard and seen. I know the Hydro is more, and then you have all the other stuff to add on top of it, speed match, cruise control, etc I am not sure I want to go down that road. How much more should I expect to pay for just the Ehydro?

Dave4410 · Feb 6, 2005

Don't shy away from the ehydro because you think it's a hassle to add the auto cruise control and speedmatch. Those are just switches that plug in to the existing wiring in the control panel on the right fender.

dmp437 · Feb 6, 2005

The eHydro comes with cruise control. The optional cruise control is the "automotive style" upgrade, about $65. That option (it should come standard) is strictly plug-in and can be added anytime, if ever. The cruise control that comes with the tractor works fine but doesn't have as many features. I don't have SpeedMatch and don't see a reason for it.
As far as eHydro costing more, it does. BUT that extra money will be recovered at time of sale, not something that will necessarily happen with an ePowrReverser. eHydro also increases the desirability of the tractor should you decide to sell it making it more of a "liquid" asset. Cruising want ads in regular newspapers and farm papers (around me anyway) you almost never see eHydro's and when you do they're listed for so much you may as well buy new when the cost of financing is figured in.

Havoctec · Feb 6, 2005

That does sound like a good price but I really don't know because of not pricing anything but a hydro. My 4310 was $17000 alone and 21000 with a 430 FEL and 72" MMM so I think you will be looking at 19500 for the the hydro with the fel. In my opinion you will not regret the extra $ for the hydro. i would also say not to worry to much about the electronic cruise, load match and speed match (all Standard on hydro). They are very simple to use and todays electronics have gotten very reliable. Some people woild argue that electronic controls are even more reliable that mechanical. Not sure if thats true but I do think they are about equal.

I have used clutch tractors all my life on ag equipment and they do work well. However, for the small utility tractors, the hydro is just way superior to a cluch. It gives you infinate speed control, very fast forward to reverse and then the same speeds in revers. With a clutch, you will find times that one gear is to slow and the next gear is to fast. The power reverser does help with loader work but you will still be stuck in that one gear.

My opinion. I think you will be happy with the power reverser but I also think you will be happier with the hydro.

Either way you have a new tractor /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif