Tractors with no FEL

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Well GeneD14 -- that is a clever piece of original thinking, one that would be most useful when going through a field like mine which hasn't been mowed for a few years. Sounds like a real blade saver. )</font>

Thanks, it is clever but not original. I wish that it was my idea. I learned that trick from reading forums like this one. It has saved me many times. You really can get some great advice and ideas here. Good luck!

 

[RedRocker]

It has most definately saved me too.

 

[JSUnlimited]

To me a tractor without a FEL is like a pickup truck without 4-wheel drive....almost able to do everything you want, but not always!

 

[DrRod]

OK -- now remain calm. I drove a 4110 with a FEL on Saturday and it convinced me -- I don't want a FEL.

Its like driving around with a picnic table strapped to the front of the tractor. I couldn't see the grass and it would definitely block my view of little pine trees and it added too much to the turning radius. And for added effect, I almost cut the rear tire of the tractor next to me as I backed it out on the lot -- I thought the salesman was going to have a stroke.

But I'll get the hydraulics et al so that I can add it in the future. From what I here, they are pretty simple to put on and take off.

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Its like driving around with a picnic table strapped to the front of the tractor. I couldn't see the grass and it would definitely block my view of little pine trees and it added too much to the turning radius. )</font>

It would be a pain to maneuver around lots of trees if I had to leave it on to mow. I'm not sure what kind of tractor you drove but when I use my tractor to mow around lots of trees I can take the loader off. It is quick -attach so it is a 5 minute job to take off.

 

[Wesdor]

<<OK -- now remain calm. I drove a 4110 with a FEL on Saturday and it convinced me -- I don't want a FEL. >>

Everone is different. Some of us feel a FEL is of great value. Others don't have a use for it. In your case, you tried it and find it not helpful. At least you gave it a shot. I imagine that whatever tractor you buy it will be without FEL AND you will be very happy with your choice.

I didn't go back through the entire thread, but it seems to me that everyone was just saying, give it a try. You tried it and didn't come to the same opinion as me. That shouldn't be a major problem. Good luck.

 

[Syncro]

DrRod- Solution: buy a good used 2WD tractor, there are lots of em out there at a fraction of the price of a new anything. Those older tractors often can be had for <$5k are powerful and will do everything you ask. Down the road you can always get a newer tractor w or w/o a FEL. Some good choices would be a MF 135, any of the older Fords, 8n, 600's, etc. You'll always get your money back, or more likely you'll keep it even it you eventually do get a new machine.

 

[KubotaSteve]

The FEL takes a little getting used to with the extra length, but at least your leaving your options open for the future. I normally take my FEL off when I'm mowing as it does get in the way and is something else to watch. But when it comes time to move dirt or stone, I'm glad I can put the FEL on. I only take the FEL off to mow and then it goes back on. It can be removed in about 5 minutes and put back on in the same. My dad tells me its a pretty expensive wheel barrow, but I gotta make sure I get my use out of it. If you can afford it go for it and hook it up when you need it. I found that it costs less if you are buying new and buy it as a package deal.
Good luck

 

[gizmo]

I had a 2WD JD850, no FEL for a number of years and got along just fine. Then one day I stopped by the JD dealer to get an oil filter and saw a 990 4WD FEL sitting in the lot. Two days later I had a new tractor with a FEL that I thought was cool, but at the time marginally useful. Almost two years have passed and I don't know how I ever got along without the loader. I won't list all the things I have done with it as most have already been enumerated here, but at least get the tractor set up for a loader.

I maintain ten acres and mow about 3 acres of grass around a number of trees, and I agree that the loader gets in the way. I used to take off the loader which is really easy, but even easier and almost as effective, is just taking off the bucket.

 

[Theowegian]

You mentioned you were buying your FIRST tractor. Well, for several of us on this board, it's been a while since we purchased OUR first tractor....hence the convictions about the FEL purchase.

Anyway, my first tractor didnt have a FEL and I can understand why you dont think you need one. I might suggest that you consider the older tractors and save yourself some money, if you're buying a 2 wd model. THere are so many excellent tractors out there for a LOT less money than a new 4 wd model.

It seems to me that most of us who own newer tractors have a quick attach FEL and 4 wd. Some even insist on hydrostat, but the newer shuttle shift are really cool too.

So, go head a get a 2 wd tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Enjoy it and let us know how it works out for you.

Glad to have you on the board.

dwight