Tractor decision

[tradosaurus]

No, choose the best dealer. Being close is nice, but a bad dealer who is nearby is useless.

Even a good dealer can be held hostage by parts unavailibility.

 

[paulsharvey]

How much are people interacting with their dealer? Yeah, I agree the dealer is kinda an insurance policy, but is a last resort. Your gonna order parts/filters online, and do fluid changes, non engine internal repairs yourself. Catastrophic warranty stuff, 100%, but thats hopefully not even an annual thing.

It's not like you shoot your dealer a text on a Friday night, "man I need 5 grams of fluid, meet me at the corner, and I got the cash"

 

[jyoutz]

How much are people interacting with their dealer? Yeah, I agree the dealer is kinda an insurance policy, but is a last resort. Your gonna order parts/filters online, and do fluid changes, non engine internal repairs yourself. Catastrophic warranty stuff, 100%, but thats hopefully not even an annual thing.

It's not like you shoot your dealer a text on a Friday night, "man I need 5 grams of fluid, meet me at the corner, and I got the cash"

I buy filters and fluid at the dealer locally. Online costs more after shipping costs are included.

 

[paulsharvey]

I should note that when I'm talking about dealer network not being as critical as some point out; I'm talking hobby/life style/diy/homeowner machines. In the middle of a critical farm operation, or a paying job, where having the part this afternoon, or your loosing $2500/day (or more) is a totally different story.

Also, I'm Not saying it isn't a plus to have a dealer close; but I wonder what percentage of machines Need to go back to the dealer? I know it's apples vs oranges, but the Last place on earth you would typically take a vehicle is the dealer... (for personal vehicles, I've taken 1 to a dealer in the last 15 years, dodge brake control module, that is programmed by dealer; company vehicles I have taken 2 in for catastrophic engine failures)

As for the maintenance stuff; I think I would prefer to pay shipping then deal with a dealership over fluids, filters, pins, ect. That's not because they are difficult or bad dealers, but I prefer to have it shipped or get pins/fluids, ect from a RK/Autozone/whatever.

 

[GSVette]

Being the typical engineer I researched the heck out of darn near every tractor brand before I bought the XR4155HC. Each one had certain strengths and weaknesses. I graded out all of the models/ brands I researched and in the end LS had the most bang for the buck.

If I weren’t relatively mechanically inclined I likely would have ended up in a Kubota ( because of the service network) or Kioti ( great reputation dealer located in near proximity).

Love my cab (most of the time)- admittedly it can be a bit of a pain if I happen to be on/off repeatedly, in an area of trees that I’ve not limbed sufficiently or am loading pallets ( can be a bit tricky to clearly see the tips of my pallet forks). On balance I prefer my cab for comfort ( and particularly when I run over a nest of bald faced hornets- get a bit of perverse joy watching the mean little ba****** bounce of the glass trying to get at me).

It is nice having pallet forks when you need to load/unload stuff (has allowed me to avoid liftgate up charges on a number of LTL deliveries). I don’t use them as much as my FEL attachments (bucket, grapple) but they are a ‘nice to have’.

Definitely get bigger than what you initially think you’ll need- I was originally looking in the 25hp range and am glad I ended up in the size I did. I probably could have done much of what I have done with the smaller tractor but it would have taken much longer and been much harder on the machine.

My .02- ymmv.

 

[koshari]

Being the typical engineer I researched the heck out of darn near every tractor brand before I bought the XR4155HC. Each one had certain strengths and weaknesses. I graded out all of the models/ brands I researched and in the end LS had the most bang for the buck.

If I weren’t relatively mechanically inclined I likely would have ended up in a Kubota ( because of the service network) or Kioti ( great reputation dealer located in near proximity).

Love my cab (most of the time)- admittedly it can be a bit of a pain if I happen to be on/off repeatedly, in an area of trees that I’ve not limbed sufficiently or am loading pallets ( can be a bit tricky to clearly see the tips of my pallet forks). On balance I prefer my cab for comfort ( and particularly when I run over a nest of bald faced hornets- get a bit of perverse joy watching the mean little ba****** bounce of the glass trying to get at me).

It is nice having pallet forks when you need to load/unload stuff (has allowed me to avoid liftgate up charges on a number of LTL deliveries). I don’t use them as much as my FEL attachments (bucket, grapple) but they are a ‘nice to have’.

Definitely get bigger than what you initially think you’ll need- I was originally looking in the 25hp range and am glad I ended up in the size I did. I probably could have done much of what I have done with the smaller tractor but it would have taken much longer and been much harder on the machine.

My .02- ymmv.

Good post , you say get bigger and i agree but realistically i think like chainsaws you need 2 tractors , we actually have 3 now but probobly more for redundency, the wife wants me to now get rid of the 35hp kioti however as a small rops tractor its manuverable, fits under trees and with a 4 foot slasher and being able to turn on a dime can get between trees and clean up spots where the 75 and the 100 could only dream of getting. And having a loader bucket on all the time with a rated lifting lug its doubles as virtual powered wheelbarrow and hoist. And can jump on it, do what i want and put it away before i have even got in the cab and glowed the 100! Also does so on the smell of an oiley rag.

 

[airbiscuit]

Not to continue the cab vs open station debate but I will have a 1400 foot driveway, another 1200 foot gas line right of way, and will be cleaning up an old strip mine road to use as walking path. So I won’t be blazing trails thru the woods with a 50k tractor. I appreciate all the comments and and getting a lot of helpful info here! Happy New Year to you all!

Just about anyone I know who
1. owns woods
and
2. owns a tractor,
Ends up making trails.

It's like an irresistible force.

 

[Jrasband]

I do not reccomend a cab, that is what houses are for. You don't need to be in one when your on your tractor.

 

[airbiscuit]

... Driveway will be maintained only, plow for snow with 3rd function.
Implements: snow plow, grapple, brushhog, box blade, pallet forks, bucket.
Budget about 55k.
Terrain, slight rolling hills, north western Pa climate, occasional big snow accumulations.
Storage for now , garage until outbuilding can be built.
Plow for snow removal driveway(1400 feet).

35-45 hp tractor is probably the sweet spot. Frame size also matters. The best way to experience this is at the John Deere Dealer
3046R - Mid frame - 45.3 hp - 4,008 lbs (cab) - 11.2-24 R1 Rear Tires
4044R - Large Frame - 43.1 hp - 4,675lbs (cab) - 13.6-28 R1 Rear Tires

You are new to this, so test drive a lot of tractors. You will learn something new each time. Use the John Deere models above as a learning experience. How do you like the size and feel of each tractor and cab? The 3046R has more horsepower, but the 4044R will put a LOT more power to the ground because of its taller tires and extra weight. Either would work well for you (personally, I am a bigger is better guy)

Once you have decided on the frame size you prefer - go do lots more test drives, and you will keep getting a better idea what matters to you.

I prefer R1s (ag tires) for the traction,but R14s seem to be a good option. R4s (industrial tires) look sexy but turn into racing slicks in wet snow and mud.

Make sure you learn the difference between traditional (turnbuckle/fixed ends) 3 point hitches and premium 3 point hitches (telescoping links and extendable ends). They are waaaaay easier to hook up implements. I would never go back to the old way.

Finally, if there is a Kioti Dealer near you, I would give them a look.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I do not reccomend a cab, that is what houses are for. You don't need to be in one when your on your tractor.

This is what I tell myself when I'm clearing snow after dark with an open station tractor; it doesn't keep me warm, but it hides the truth- that'd I'd have to store the cabbed machine outside, and I can't bring myself to do that.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I do not reccomend a cab, that is what houses are for. You don't need to be in one when your on your tractor.

Boy, some of you guys are set in your ways aren’t you?

 

[Williy]

I really enjoy my cab especially like now temp is 18F and 20
plus gusts of wind nice and comfy with the heat and when
the temps in the summer are over 100+ F nice and cool with
the a/c running, no bugs, no dust etc
Y'all can keep saying you don't need a cab but I will enjoy
what I have

willy

 

[4570Man]

I do not reccomend a cab, that is what houses are for. You don't need to be in one when your on your tractor.

You can buy whatever you want but I’ll keep buying equipment with cabs. My second dozer without a cab is parked while the D3 is actually on a job at least it was until it rained 4 inches this week. I sold my skid steer without a cab and bought one with a cab. Cabs cost more upfront but you get the money back when you sell it. Possibly even more because the operator station stays in better shape.

 

[wolc123]

I think the whole cab thing comes down to whether or not you like the outdoors. Some folks are just more naturally suited for being inside. I don’t have a problem with that.

 

[rScotty]

I think the whole cab thing comes down to whether or not you like the outdoors. Some folks are just more naturally suited for being inside. I don’t have a problem with that.

Me too - although sometimes I like to be in the outdoors and other times look at it through a window.

This morning it is sixteen below zero F. with a brisk wind.

We have a choice of cab or open, but I think I'll do my tractoring online. There's no place we need to go anyway.

 

[koshari]

Me too - although sometimes I like to be in the outdoors and other times look at it through a window.

This morning it is sixteen below zero F. with a brisk wind.

We have a choice of cab or open, but I think I'll do my tractoring online. There's no place we need to go anyway.

meanwhile it was a great day to be out here,
little bit overcast to stop the sun heating up the cab, shorts and tshirt weather.

 

[rScotty]

I should note that when I'm talking about dealer network not being as critical as some point out; I'm talking hobby/life style/diy/homeowner machines. In the middle of a critical farm operation, or a paying job, where having the part this afternoon, or your loosing $2500/day (or more) is a totally different story.

Also, I'm Not saying it isn't a plus to have a dealer close; but I wonder what percentage of machines Need to go back to the dealer?

I've never seen a comparison of how many tractors need to go to the dealer. My suspicion is not many have to go there - although people with one that does tend to be vocal about it.

I suspect that it is more a case of the owners want the tractor dealer to do the routine maintenance rather than an actual "need" for a dealer. Still, for those owners that is a important.

The thing is, it is hard for old timers from an generation where every man was a handy with most tools to understand a new generation who want to spend their leisure time differently.
But it's real, and a close dealership is part of it.

I have a little workshop attached to the house where I love to make & fix things. Most of my middle-aged friends have no interest in it. Their eyes glaze over- many of them haven't even been in there. They like backyard, beer, sports, music, and barbecue.

But some of their kids know. The shop is where they hang out. And they never forget anything or where any tool is or how to use it. They just soak up everthing like a sponge. It is fascinating how quickly they learn.

rScotty

 

[wolc123]

Me too - although sometimes I like to be in the outdoors and other times look at it through a window.

This morning it is sixteen below zero F. with a brisk wind.

We have a choice of cab or open, but I think I'll do my tractoring online. There's no place we need to go anyway.

Sounds like my father in law. I gave him my old pickup truck, which is heated and has remote start, to use to snowplow up at his retirement home up in the mountains. He put a nice new Western snowplow on it and it works great.

After spending his whole career working indoors, he preferred being outside so much, that he went out and got a big hydraulic V-plow for his open-station Kubota tractor. He uses that more often now, when it snows up there.

I’m guessing he’s probably out there right now in his coveralls and arctic boots, fighting the big lake effect snow storm that is pelting us, and has delayed our playoff football game by a day.

I can’t wait to suit up and get out there myself, on my little glorified 10 hp snow shovel. Breathing in that cool crisp air is a big part of the fun of wintering up here near the Canadian border. I wouldn’t have any other way. If I get too cold and need to warm up, I’ll just come back in the house by the wood stove for a bit.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I think the whole cab thing comes down to whether or not you like the outdoors. Some folks are just more naturally suited for being inside. I don’t have a problem with that.

I think it actually comes down to where you are in the world.

Winter finally found us, yesterday, the high and the low were both -22 F, and we had a steady blowing wind. We're supposed to have high blowing winds until Monday. Even in full bibs, boots, heavy gloves and parka, not "fun" to be outside for long. Especially if it's just sitting on top of an open station piece of equipment.

I was practically raised outdoors, but I'll happily keep my heated (and air conditioned) cab, thank you.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, as I've said before; I tend to argue both sides of an argument. About 12-15 years ago, I was actively going to auctions, looking for a used tracked skid steer. At the time I was doing some weekend side work, doing driveways, minor grading/minor clearing, but renting machinery for the jobs, and not really making much true profit.

Anyways, at the start of the search, I wanted Nothing to do with glass cab on a machine, as I frankly prefer to not have it on construction equipment. Anyway, had someone tell me; for the few thousand dollars more for the cab; if you decide to not rain out even 3 or 4 days over the Life of the machine because of the cab, it's paid for itself. The world ended in 2007/2008, and I ended up not buying the skid steer; but I do keep that in mind.

I still prefer the situational awareness of an open machine, the easier communication (if you work around others), the better visibility, and the faster/easier dismount/remount, But cabs 100% have a place, and are the right answer for some people/situations.