Buying Advice Trying to decide if a cab is worth the extra $$

[3boys865]

Thanks all for the great feedback. Many good arguments for the benefits of the cab. I am not concerned too much about being out in the heat or cold, however the bees are definitely something to think about there. The dust and allergies also make a good argument for the cab. Most of my seat time will be mowing, with only occasional use in the woods and FEL work, so I don't think that will be a problem. I think the cab would make sense for my use, it will just depend on what kind of deal I can get and what I can afford. Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences...

 

[john10]

I think it might have more to do with your age. When your young and tough and do not have enough money. A open cab is fine. As you get older and weaker and have a little more money. Being out of the heat, dirt, bees, rain and snakes in the summer and the freezing cold in the winter become more important. If you are in your twenty or thirty get a open tractor and save the money. I you are in your fifty or sixty or more. Spend the money and get a cab.

 

[Davinator]

Just remember to watch out for those flying snakes!

 

[94BULLITT]

Have you narrowed it down to model yet?

 

[texasjohn]

I've learned a cab is a safety feature...following reasons

better hand holds getting on/off, reduced falling risk
keeps flying stuff from hitting you in face, scratching eye ball
less noise, protects hearing
warmer in winter, less exhaustion
cooler in summer, less exhaustion
filtered air, less allergy problems
out of wind
out of sun, no sunburn
out of rain/sleet/snow/hail, increases work window and comfort
stinging bees, wasps avoided, safety from pain, possible shock
rear view mirrors, better back up safety, less turning and looking back
mount places for extra lights, front/rear
protects seat, instruments from elements, reduces maintenance cost
lockable, protect contents

Before my cab, I considered it a luxury, now consider it an integral part of the tractor, a requirement.

 

[boggen]

some issues for me with cab. has been greasing the FEL, if you do not have a bulk storage tank for fuel that has a 12v pump or hand pump. trying to lift 5 gallon cans up to gas tank, and dealing with cab can be a pain.

i do not have a/c in the old TLB. so have to open windows during summer. and getting a bee or wasp inside the cab is bloody nightmare.

being in woods with cab. it is more about having limited abilty to open doors and then finding good foot step down. vs an open station that tends to have a little more area, of were i choose to get down from, even if it means i have to jump off.

it takes extra time to clean all the windows off both inside and outside. granted new tractor more like has window shield wippers on both front and back. but due to placement of windows, it normally results in a 5 gallon bucket, and a squigue on a long pole to get the windows clean.

cabbed tractors normally come with a larger size alternator. than a non cab version of same tractor. to help deal with the extra lights.

trying to get off the right side, can be more of a challenge when getting around the FEL joystick or levers in a cabbed tractor. been there a few times of wanting to easily get out the right side, and opted to get out the left side and walk clear around the tractor.

i am still trying to figure out a easy way to get all the mud that builds up in a cabbed vehicle. if i could figure out a quick way to hope up a wet/dry vac and garden hose to operate like a carpet cleaner but long enough hose to clean a cabbed tractor i will be golden!

with all above, still prefer a cab version. even without a/c and just opening up all the windows on the old ford 555c TLB during summer, still makes a huge difference of having shade vs being lobster red. and for winter plowing snow and using FEL to get through snow dirfts. that cab is *aaaaweeeee* no more worry of getting frostbite at -0F temps.

====================
i normally state, either go with a smaller tractor with all the bells and whistles or go with a larger machine with just the basics. for you, i would say go with a smaller size tractor with all the bells and whistles.

the times a larger machine will pay off, is if you really need the traction, power, weight, lift force to do something. with that said, most of your listed projects will be maintenance related. and few projects that would help by having a bigger tractor with no bells and whistles. you will just have to deal with by taking some extra time with smaller tractor.

 

[94BULLITT]

One thing I like about a cab is at night if you are fueling up you can crack the door open for the dome light to come on so you can see.

 

[crazyal]

One thing I like about a cab is at night if you are fueling up you can crack the door open for the dome light to come on so you can see.

I just turn the key on and let the alarm tell me when the tank is full.

 

[94BULLITT]

I just turn the key on and let the alarm tell me when the tank is full.

I mean so you can see where you are pouring. I heard a alarm go off I thought it was for full, I'm still on my second tank.

 

[3boys865]

Have you narrowed it down to model yet?

I am still trying to decide between a larger CUT or a Utility sized tractor. I have been looking at the JD 5055e and the Kubota M5140 for the Utility sized tractors and the JD 4320 and Kubota Grand L series for the CUT. Looking in the 50 hp / 45 PTO range.

I am thinking that I would need at least an 8 or 10ft cutter to mow 20 acres in a reasonable amount of time, but I am not sure, I may be ok with something smaller. I think the CUTs have the HP I would need, but am concerned they may be not be heavy enough. Any opinions on these models in general or what size cutter would be appropriate for 20 acres?