Tractor Fever

Anonymous Poster · Jan 2, 2002

Thanks to all for the good information I've been reading here in the last few weeks. This is a great forum ! I've learned alot. I have a huge itch to replace my old Ford 2000 with a new tractor and have decided that a Kubota is the ticket. I can get a new 2002 model dt3000 4WD, no FEL, no other options, delivered for $11.100 for a local dealer here in Central VA. Do you all think this is a good price ? I know the loader is a great addition but can't make the $$ work at this time. Guess I'm looking for encouragement to justify the 5 years of monthly payments over the regular repair costs on my 25 year old Ford. All advise considered and appreciated.

HR_Mutt · Jan 2, 2002

Jimbo1
Someone in here said they bought a FEL and the tractor was a necessary attachment/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif. It's a good way to look at it. Don't know how I got by without one. I'm not sure about $$ but I would recommend that you try a HST equipped tractor before you purchase. You might want to register(no cost) and add some basic profile info. What type of tractor work are you going to do with it? Just make sure you get the right one as it'll be providing faithful service long after it's paid for. Have fun/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
regards
Mutt

Anonymous Poster · Jan 2, 2002

I was wondering why you want to buy a new tractor and go backwards in torque and hp...? The only major gain would be MWFD... {& of course new /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif}

What do you currently use your Ford 2000 for? Is this the 3 cylinder unit? Gas or Diesel?

JATO_RaT · Jan 2, 2002

"The only major gain would be MWFD... "

Oh and what a gain that would be. My International and my L48 will have to do a tug of war both in and out of 4WD. I already know the 4WD will win that contest but in 2WD, I'll have to see.

International - diesel, 179 cu inch displacement, about 5500lbs, R2's on back 14.5 24's filled, 8 forward speeds

L48 diesel, 148 cu inch displacement, about 5500lbs, R4's 17.5 24's filled, HST

Anonymous Poster · Jan 3, 2002

<font color=blue>...MWFD...</font color=blue>

and a lesson to type slower...MFWD... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MChalkley · Jan 3, 2002

Rat - Prediction: the International doesn't stand a chance either way. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

rbargeron · Jan 3, 2002

Jimbo1 - Having used your Ford for years, you know a lot about exactly which features would consititue an improvement for your operations, and have likely focused on the Kubota DT3000 for a lot of good reasons. You are at a big advantage over a "first tractor" customer because you know what works in your situation, and what you want next.

One thing I'd mention is that Kubota's don't need much fixing, even with a couple of thousand hours on them. Sometimes you can get a "pre-scratched" one with more power and features for shorter money. Of course there's nothing quite as nice as a brand new tractor. Have fun - and remember never get it dirty. (Dirty is when you can't see enough of it to figure out where to get on)

Oscar · Jan 3, 2002

I had a Massey Ferguson 65 gas Tractor and went to a Kubota L3710. About 10 less HP, but you would never know it. The Kubota is great!! I spend a lot of time mowing and bush hogging so it was an easy decision for me to make.

P.S. Get a FEL, you won't regret it.

Craig

jimbo1 · Jan 3, 2002

Thanks all. To give you an idea of my situation: I maintain a mile of gravel road, grading, ditching and occasionally pushing snow using chains, mow 5 acres, occasionally drag logs for firewood, run a 4 foot home built spring tooth harrow on my vegetable garden, use a boom pole to lift and move logs, poles, etc.. Use a light duty JD 5 ft bush hog and a heavy duty Woods 6 ft rear blade that I can swing out and tilt for ditching. My current tractor is a 1974 Ford 2000 3cyl. gasser rated 30hp. at the pto, weighs 3600 lbs dry and burns at least a gallon an hour when I run it. It's got 2100 hrs on it and to it's credit it does not leak at all. Got fluid in the back tires and the wheels spread out as far as they will go. I live in very hilly terrain and almost killed myself more than once with the Farmall 140 row crop unit that I sold 10 years ago. I am very used to a geared transmission and don't think I'd need GST unless I get an FEL and use it all the time. I will consider holding out for a unit w/ an FEL as that is strongy advised in this forum. If I do I'll have to go with something used. I'm still curious if the $11K price is good for a new 3000dt. Thanks again for including me in your discussions. I did just register and hope that I may be able to contribute to this board in the future.