Buying Advice Tractor buying Advice. 3,4,5 family tractors. Help deciding what I need.

[Turbys_1700]

Just my opinion and nothing more...
4 series with Cab...
Sweet spot between full blown utility tractor and smaller 3 series...

 

[TripleR]

No, you actually helped me a great deal. I am thinking a 3 series decked out to the T's for comfort might be our best bet. Our house is a rectangle and our fence is perfectly in line with that. We are also going to be doing the paver thing to make life much easier as well.

I do have a nice Cub Cadet ZTR and we are keeping that to use for any tough areas too. I will have to settle I believe in a 3 series of the 4 series prove to be too bad off.

It hurt to pay for the pavers, but well worth it, should have done it when the house was built.

I looked at the pre Tier IV 4 Series before buying my L5740 and really liked them, but I was trading in my L5030HSTC so Kubota was the way to go, I didn't really look at the 3 Series as it just doesn't fit any of the needs we have another one won't do, but I they look to be very capable.

You mentioned buying a new one then getting an older big tractor which should work well, we have them made in the 50s, 60s and one in the 80s and they are used frequently, so that may well work for you if you can find a good one.

Good luck.

 

[iKloke]

Just my opinion and nothing more...
4 series with Cab...
Sweet spot between full blown utility tractor and smaller 3 series...

I actually agree other than this is mostly what I find about them when researching.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Those pavers look great.

 

[iKloke]

It hurt to pay for the pavers, but well worth it, should have done it when the house was built.

I looked at the pre Tier IV 4 Series before buying my L5740 and really liked them, but I was trading in my L5030HSTC so Kubota was the way to go, I didn't really look at the 3 Series as it just doesn't fit any of the needs we have another one won't do, but I they look to be very capable.

You mentioned buying a new one then getting an older big tractor which should work well, we have them made in the 50s, 60s and one in the 80s and they are used frequently, so that may well work for you if you can find a good one.

Good luck.

Wow that is beautiful work. I hope we can do as well on it. At the moment we are buying a tractor, then building a workshop, then fencing the yard and lastly we will start on the house.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I actually agree other than this is mostly what I find about them when researching.

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That is 3 bad reviews. Folks tend to vent about bad things. How many 4 series are out there with satisfied customers? How many 4 series units has Deere sold? Just keep things in perspective and realize that all units can have their issues no matter the manufacturer. I would suggest to go an try one out and if you like the layout and controls go with it.

 

[iKloke]

That is 3 bad reviews. Folks tend to vent about bad things. How many 4 series are out there with satisfied customers? How many 4 series units has Deere sold? Just keep things in perspective and realize that all units can have their issues no matter the manufacturer. I would suggest to go an try one out and if you like the layout and controls go with it.

That is true and it is why I am asking others that might have 4 series what they think. Those were 3 of the 5 post on one forum.

I truly hope some 4 series owners step in as I keep thinking that will be the way to go and then I can rent if I need more for special projects.

 

[jenkinsph]

That was actually my first option but then the realization of all I can do with a tractor so it was off the table. Thank you though for the help.

I mentioned the mower with ac since you might be considering a smaller and larger tractor. Maybe an ac mower and a larger cab tractor would work and sell the ztr.

 

[TripleR]

Those pavers look great.

Thanks, I didn't take any pictures of the front, but basically the same, sure cut down on the mowing time.

Wow that is beautiful work. I hope we can do as well on it. At the moment we are buying a tractor, then building a workshop, then fencing the yard and lastly we will start on the house.

No way we could do something like that, we used Pavestone brand pavers and paid for a professional to put them in. He and my son worked together at the PD while he built up his business and my son helped him on several jobs and let him use our tractors, so we got a friends and family discount, but still expensive. Ground cover first then crushed stone first and compacted, then sand, leveled, spaced and polymeric sand to fill then masonry sealer along with metal edges.

It could be done by a home owner, but very labor intensive. OK, not THIS homeowner, but...

 

[iKloke]

I mentioned the mower with ac since you might be considering a smaller and larger tractor. Maybe an ac mower and a larger cab tractor would work and sell the ztr.

If money was no object that would be the way to go. I have a max budget of about 50k total, including implements and trailer.

Is great input though and I appreciate it.

 

[ArlyA]

Pasted below is some of the spec's of 40 and 30 series. I included the loaders lift capacities.

We found used JD tractors of the same size and HP of the previous model to these tier 4s. With 1000 hours or less, they were priced within 8-6K of the new 30 or 40 series. We couldn't constitute that price for used, with no warranty and gave up on that idea.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

compact Utility Tractor, 4044 series

Weight: 3,770 lbs (dry, no accessories)

Width 72" length 111"

Three point, Category 1, Lift capacity, 24-in. behind link arms, 2500 lb

Loaders lift capacity is 2481


Compact Utility Tractor. 3038 series

Weight: 2,175 lbs (dry, no accessories)

width 60" length 103"

Three point, Category 1 Lift capacity, 24-in. behind link arms, 1356 lb

Loaders lift capacity of 1360 lbs

 

[MF283]

Take a look at Demo tractors or lease returns with low hours, it's a way to save a lot of money. I bought my 07 5303 in 2011 & saved a ton, can actually sell it now for what i paid for it 5 years ago:thumbsup:

 

[iKloke]

Take a look at Demo tractors or lease returns with low hours, it's a way to save a lot of money. I bought my 07 5303 in 2011 & saved a ton, can actually sell it now for what i paid for it 5 years ago:thumbsup:

Now that I never thought of. Issue is how small the dealership is. Either way, I will ask if they have them.

 

[trook]

I've owned a 3,4 and 5 series tractor. The 5 is a cab and is my current tractor (5075). It all depends on the lift capacity you need. If you can get by with the 3 series, it will be best for cutting your yard since it is the lightest weight and will be easier on your yard. The 4 series has a substantial increase in weight and lift capacity, but you will need to keep it off your lawn unless its extremely dry. It's also a much better tractor for jobs that require a fel or 3ph.

The 5 series is a different animal. It will be too large and waaay to heavy for your yard, but it will have great lifting abilities, and it will be great for "real" tractor work. It also requires a very large gooseneck trailer and 3/4 ton diesel truck to safely transport it with attachments.

There are times I sometimes wish I had a cabbed 3 series for cutting grass and small work. However, I am not in a financial position to have 2 tractors!

Based on what you have described, it sounds like a 4 series will be your best bet for anything other than cutting your yard and other lightweight duties. Definitely go with a cab, and buy all the creature comforts you can afford. Ultimately, I agree that the cabbed mower and additional tractor would be great if you can afford that combination.

 

[iKloke]

I've owned a 3,4 and 5 series tractor. The 5 is a cab and is my current tractor (5075). It all depends on the lift capacity you need. If you can get by with the 3 series, it will be best for cutting your yard since it is the lightest weight and will be easier on your yard. The 4 series has a substantial increase in weight and lift capacity, but you will need to keep it off your lawn unless its extremely dry. It's also a much better tractor for jobs that require a fel or 3ph.

The 5 series is a different animal. It will be too large and waaay to heavy for your yard, but it will have great lifting abilities, and it will be great for "real" tractor work. It also requires a very large gooseneck trailer and 3/4 ton diesel truck to safely transport it with attachments.

There are times I sometimes wish I had a cabbed 3 series for cutting grass and small work. However, I am not in a financial position to have 2 tractors!

Based on what you have described, it sounds like a 4 series will be your best bet for anything other than cutting your yard and other lightweight duties. Definitely go with a cab, and buy all the creature comforts you can afford. Ultimately, I agree that the cabbed mower and additional tractor would be great if you can afford that combination.

Yeah, I think that is the general consensus. I am in the same position as you though. My total budget including attachments and trailer is around 50k. That then has to be paid off before I can build my workshop.

The biggest issue I have with the 4 is the weight for cutting grass. Living in Louisiana, a very dry yard is hard to come by.

I just feel like buying a 3 will be a waste of 40k to me. Will work for some light stuff and not well on others. Would be the best mower but somewhat crappy tractor.

Mind you, I don't need a lot of tractor work but if I do I will need some umph behind it. The 4 would cover everything but might make mowing a chore.

 

[MF283]

I've been on 100 HP+ tractors & at times wish they had a little more umph, we'll always push them to the max at times, thankfully for me, it dosen't happen that often.

Ronnie

 

[RedNeckRacin]

OP, Have you considered your tire choices yet? (sorry had to add a little fuel to the fire!) I have a 5 series Deere and i'll add to the pile that its way to big for any yard work. I do have an L3400 with r-4 and a loader and used to mow my parents yard with it easily with a 3pt rear finish mower. That is about as big of a tractor as I would want in a yard but I really think you need to separate the yard mowing from the other tasks. If you have the budget a lawnmower of your favorite variety is much better suited to mowing the yard that a CUT is. Limiting your tractor size for that one task seems like it would be frustrating on the bigger projects.

 

[iKloke]

OP, Have you considered your tire choices yet? (sorry had to add a little fuel to the fire!) I have a 5 series Deere and i'll add to the pile that its way to big for any yard work. I do have an L3400 with r-4 and a loader and used to mow my parents yard with it easily with a 3pt rear finish mower. That is about as big of a tractor as I would want in a yard but I really think you need to separate the yard mowing from the other tasks. If you have the budget a lawnmower of your favorite variety is much better suited to mowing the yard that a CUT is. Limiting your tractor size for that one task seems like it would be frustrating on the bigger projects.

I understand, the issue I have from the original post is that I have to mow in the AC. I have died 4 times to heat stroke.

Decided to stop that trend. I am torn between the 3 and the 4. The difference in price is doable but I am not sure a 4 will be good mowing. R4 is what I decided with.

 

[ArlyA]

Having one issue with a tractors size, is the same grief we're having. Sorta anyway. The power and lift capacity really go up with the 4 series. But they wiegth so much more, I worry about wet area's we need to work in and one bridge we'd like to cross. Everything in life is a compromise.........

We won't ever consider a cab since we rarly get warm here and our operators need to get on-n-off frequently.

OP, Have you considered your tire choices yet? (sorry had to add a little fuel to the fire!) I have a 5 series Deere and i'll add to the pile that its way to big for any yard work. I do have an L3400 with r-4 and a loader and used to mow my parents yard with it easily with a 3pt rear finish mower. That is about as big of a tractor as I would want in a yard but I really think you need to separate the yard mowing from the other tasks. If you have the budget a lawnmower of your favorite variety is much better suited to mowing the yard that a CUT is. Limiting your tractor size for that one task seems like it would be frustrating on the bigger projects.

 

[iKloke]

My issue is the same as most here. I know two tractors would be best but with a $500+ note on it. Renting something bigger when needed is just not something I will easily be able to swing.

My next issue is guessing weights. I see myself second guessing weights and using the Fel / loader a lot less for fear of hurting the tractor.

For instance if we are cutting trees into 6 foot chunks to bring to the road, would a 3 bucket lift those safely etc.