Two basic tractors vs. one deluxe tractor

Bob_Young · Dec 7, 2007

Just wondering what the thoughts are about making this choice. I've noticed the deluxe tractors with all the bells and whistles are usually rather pricey but still very popular. For the money, you could come close to buying a new basic tractor of the same HP plus a second, smaller, used basic/Ag tractor.

As you can see from the sig. block, I'm into multiple tractors and find it yields lots of flexibility. I drool over the loaded deluxe models, but would hate to give up the capability of being ready to immediately jump on 2 or more different tasks as the situation dictates. If another operator is available, working two rigs can get the work done fast. This helps a lot on field jobs or when haying. Also, with different size machines, it seems there's always something that's well matched to the task.

I'm wondering how many considered the multiple tractor approach and dismissed it in favor of going "deluxe". Also, what your rationale was and your experiences have been. Did you later see a need for another tractor or was the one all you'd ever want?

I'm aware that for some, going deluxe is a necessity. 100 degree heat, allergies or breathing problems can lock you into a cab. The deluxe rigs can also keep us tractoring when disabilities associated with age or injuries kick in. Also the Ag guys who spend 10 to 12 hours a day in the field, day after day, need the cabs and options for productivity. My question is addressed more toward occasional users where such constraints aren't a factor.

Hope this doesn't sound judgmental, not trying to start anything. Just trying to tap the brain trust for information and experience. Would like to/may have to go the deluxe tractor route meself

Bob

daTeacha · Dec 7, 2007

I have one tractor, which I never thought of as deluxe or basic. It's just the way it was sitting there, except for the grapple, which about doubles the usefulness of the whole rig.. The HST makes it better for certain chores, worse for others. I chose to go with it. The seat is very nice, but is part of the ergonomics that made me choose this machine over others. The cruise control came with it, but doesn't see any use. The lights are needed.

I guess I wonder what makes a tractor deluxe? I know the DX prefix on mine means something like deluxe, but I don't feel pampered on it. My first 8N seemed pretty fancy, too. It even had steering brakes. The next one had a Sherman and a loader so it seemed even fancier.

Sure, I would love to have more than one tractor, but I can only use one at a time and this one seems to be able to do anything I think I can handle without professional help. If it was bigger, I couldn't get as much use out of it nor park it inside. Ditto with having a cab. So, is it fancy?? I don't really know. I just like it and use it a lot to ease getting chores done. A stronger one might come in handy now and then, but so would my old B7100 when I want to get into small places. As a guy who can only have one, I guess the DX is just about right.

patrick_g · Dec 7, 2007

My story is really a lot like da Teacha. I have one tractor. I can only drive one tractor at a time and since this one does very nearly all I ever need done since house building (outdoor part) is done except for landscaping which is just right for this one tractor. I did put on Pat's Easy Change System and have quicktach for the FEL so changing implements is not much harder than changing tractors.

I can survive on an open tractor. I could walk to town in a blizzard too but it isn't my first choice. I have cab and air and think the expense is justified. Read the facts about cancer rates and such in farmers and decide how many acres you want to spray from an open tractor. If I knew I was never going to spray ag chemicals I wouldn't have to have the cab (wife insisted) but it would still be really nice.

I have cattle and they are dependent on me in winter for food and water as standing hay can be covered in ice and snow and the ponds can freeze over so I break the ice mostly with my FEL and I put out round bales. It is just a lot nicer to do this from a heated cab.

I can't remember ever wanting or needing a smaller tractor although since I can't fill my tires I use a box blade for ballast and that necessitates a certain degree of care in maneuvering in tight spaces. A smaller tractor could get in tight places easier but would it be able to take a bale down from the third row. It could get in there easier but my tractor is as small as I would want to handle a large round bale with. I stack my hay three bales high in the barn with my tractor. A smaller one couldn't do it and I'd lose approximately 1/3 of my storage utilization. It would take a really much larger tractor to stack bales 4 high and the super structure (pipe trusses forming the frame of the hay barn won't allow 4 rows.

I'm not so sure I am a special case but I have no need for a smaller tractor and most of the time no use for a larger one. Buying a larger tractor for the few times I might be better off is not attractive.

I'm sure there are others for whom multiple tractor=s is a terrific idea, just not in my situation.

Pat

chh · Dec 7, 2007

Allergies put me in a cab to hay this summer. Have always just suffered thru, until then. I went with more basic cab tractor because it was 10 grand less than one with all the bells and whistles. We are mutliple tractor household. The wife puts nearly as many hours a year on a tractor as I do. The biggest splurge I made on the cab rig was MFWD. It is a real lifesaver in the winter handling round bales with the FEL.

ToadHill · Dec 7, 2007

Most of my life I was a 1 tractor man, a 8N. Later I got a Massey 85 that was given to me by the farmer I rebuilt it for several years before.

I wanted to get some land leveled and when I got the price from the dozer guy, I bought an old Oliver cletrac with a dozer blade and did the job for less than it would have cost me to get it done.

Well I sold the Massey, it was really too big to work with in my woods and also the Oliver after I finished the work I wanted done.

I bought the Kioti because I figured it was time to own at least one new tractor in my life, and while I have an old Deerborn loader for the 8N I've never hooked it up. I still don't know how I lived without a FEL.

I wouldn't call any of my tractors deluxe.

yankeerider · Dec 7, 2007

I'm not sure if my experience fits your question or not. For years I had two tractors: a JD 112 garden tractor and a Ford 9N. The 112 handled lawn mowing, snow blowing, roto tilling. The 9N powered the cement mixer, plowed snow, hauled logs out of the wood, did multiple chores with the Carryall, etc.

There were some jobs for which the 9N was a bit large, but the JD112 too small. Both were old machines, and even though the 9N was almost as reliable as a brick, I still found I was performing maintenance and repairs on two machines. I don't like leaving a tractor outside, so both fit inside but it was crowded. And I didn't have FEL capability.

I bought the 755 which could do it all, sold the 112 and gave my father-in-law the 9N. I gained reliabilty and inside space for more working room. After 15 years, I'm still happy. I'd love to have both those machines back, but that's only because I love tractors! I don't really need them, and I have enough other vehicles, machinery and buildings to maintain anyway.

texasjohn · Dec 7, 2007

Patrick_G has already said exactly what I would have said... we must be two sides of the same coin... one in Texas, one in OK

AndyMA · Dec 7, 2007

I have 2 tractors and love it. I use the New Holland TN75D for backhoe work and heavy lifting and the Ford 2120 (TC55) for bucket work and 3 pt hitch attachments. Many times more efficient that 2 times one tractor due to lack of having to take backhoe on and off. In rocky New England I almost can't function with out backhow even to rake ground. Need it to pull rocks, roots and loosen hardpan besides obvious digging function. I actually have more than 2.

Andy

cp1969 · Dec 8, 2007

I vote for two.

One deluxe tractor cannot pull itself out of the mud.

billbill1 · Dec 8, 2007

Since I only have one basic tractor, even two basic tractors would be better. One being a deluxe would only add to the excitement.

lhfarm · Dec 8, 2007

As you can see from my signature, I have 2 1/2 tractors. The Cub was my father-in-law's mowing machine. I purchased a blade for it and it is my snow plow for light stuff. I do light hauling with it and mow my trails (have a z-turn mower for the yard). My jeep is the best second tractor. I don't use the 3 point that much, but it is great for towing and I've even pulled out the NH.
I know I'm lucky to have more than one tractor. I wouldn't want to give up the deluxe tractor now that I have it. But I don't think I'd be without two machines. I owned an 8N and a Ford 4000 before I got the NH. I won't be afraid to buy a good used tractor, as an accessory for that new deluxe tractor.

jmfox · Dec 8, 2007

I have the SR80 track machine and Ford 4000. The ASV does the bull work and I finish with the Ford. A combination of track and wheel machines covers a lot of ground. I also have a Polaris Ranger that I use for transportation and snow removal, but I may use the ASV on dirt drives. The ASV suspension is smooth, quiet and it is easy to get spoiled by the enclosed cab and heat during the winter months. Even for the trips to the back 40 to pick up small pines I prefer the SR80.

jmf

LBrown59 · Dec 8, 2007

cp1969 said:
1*I vote for two.

2*One deluxe tractor cannot pull itself out of the mud.

1*I went 1 better and have 3.

2*Good point.

flusher · Dec 8, 2007

Bob_Young said:
Just wondering what the thoughts are about making this choice. I've noticed the deluxe tractors with all the bells and whistles are usually rather pricey but still very popular. For the money, you could come close to buying a new basic tractor of the same HP plus a second, smaller, used basic/Ag tractor.

As you can see from the sig. block, I'm into multiple tractors and find it yields lots of flexibility. I drool over the loaded deluxe models, but would hate to give up the capability of being ready to immediately jump on 2 or more different tasks as the situation dictates. If another operator is available, working two rigs can get the work done fast. This helps a lot on field jobs or when haying. Also, with different size machines, it seems there's always something that's well matched to the task.

I'm wondering how many considered the multiple tractor approach and dismissed it in favor of going "deluxe". Also, what your rationale was and your experiences have been. Did you later see a need for another tractor or was the one all you'd ever want?

I'm aware that for some, going deluxe is a necessity. 100 degree heat, allergies or breathing problems can lock you into a cab. The deluxe rigs can also keep us tractoring when disabilities associated with age or injuries kick in. Also the Ag guys who spend 10 to 12 hours a day in the field, day after day, need the cabs and options for productivity. My question is addressed more toward occasional users where such constraints aren't a factor.

Hope this doesn't sound judgmental, not trying to start anything. Just trying to tap the brain trust for information and experience. Would like to/may have to go the deluxe tractor route meself
Bob

Three years ago I didn't know squat about tractors. I bought 10 acres of flat pasture land, had a house/shop/garage built and needed to get serious about maintaining the property.

After considering used tractors (Fords, Yanmars) I decided to buy a new Kubota B7510HST (21 hp engine, 17hp pto) with the LA302 FEL (4-ft wide bucket). Got it for $12600 plus tax (10% down, 0% for 36 months) with a 3-year warrenty to cover any early life problems. Figure buying new instead of used that I bought some peace of mind since at that time I knew nothing about tractor repair.

Don't know if you'd call the 7510 "deluxe" but it is to me.

Turns out that the 7510 has been a pretty good fit to my needs. It's powerful enough to use the FEL and implements like the middle buster plow, 4-ft brush hog and 4-ft box blade pretty efficiently while being small enough to work in tight spaces around the property and in the almond orchard.

In the 30 months I've owned the 7510 I figure it's come near to paying for itself doing jobs around the place like excavating for walkways and patios,

plowing and rototilling about 3/4 acre landscape area,

hauling material around the place, mowing the weeds with a brush hog.

After working with the 7510 for a year I got a good case of tractor fever and in July06 bought a 1964 MF-135 diesel (45 hp engine, 38hp pto, 33 hp on the drawbar). Cost: $3600. Had a lota fun getting the 135 cleaned up, installing new gauges/wiring, repainting, general servicing etc. A great way to learn tractors.

Now I have my "big" tractor for jobs like stump pulling

Present plans are to put a hay crop in next year on 7 acres using the 135 to do the tilling and heavy pulling chores. Having fun finding the pre-owned tractor implements I'll need for that venture, like a sicklebar mower ($150 for an Allis Chalmers 80T pull mower)

Next weekend I'll be heading for an auction to see if I can pickup a few more implements I'll need.

My neighbor recently bought a new Kubota L4630 (45 hp engine, 39 hp pto) with a 6-ft wide FEL and lotsa whistles and bells. Probably cost at least twice what my 7510 ran. Nice tractor, but too large and expensive for my needs.

Erik Graham · Dec 8, 2007

I'm in the 2 tractor camp myself. I have 18 acres of very mixed land (fields, wetland& forest). The first tractor I bought was a 1953 Ford Jubilee. Not a fancy tractor by any means but more than enough for a 5' brush mower and 5' rear blade. I converted it from a 6volt positive ground to 12 volt neg. This tractor, despite it's age, starts better than any modern fuel injected vehicle I've ever owned. The combination lack of power steering and bad shoulders led to the search for a smaller tractor. I ended up with a older B7100 HST with a FEL. Although it doesn't have the power steering, it is manageable for the moment. Both of these tractors are older (almost 60 & 25 years ) and are in the "not pleasant to look at, but strong as a bull" category. Maybe a little later in life when I don't have the time or inclination to the do the work that an older tractor demands, I might trade up to something a little fancier. For the moment though, working on them is all part of the experience that keeps me sane.

Cheers, Erik

P.S. The Wheelhorse has recently been sold, but like the others, was older (1973) and very solid.

davitk · Dec 8, 2007

Interesting thread. I thought I had all my tractor needs figured out, ordered a Kubota L3240 w/FEL one month ago, waited waited waited.... and it started to snow. Called the dealer three days ago, he sent out a used Kubota B7500 w/FEL to placate me, fired it up two days ago and am having a blast! the 48" width fits through my 100 year old barn (even makes a couple of turns and comes out the other side!), the ROPS hasn't hit anything yet

and the 5 gallon tank is still 3/4 full after nearly 4 hours of use. Wonder how pissed the dealer would be if I cancelled the Grand L, bought this and shopped for an old Ag tractor to pull me out of the muck.... Just thinkin'.

Bob_Young · Dec 8, 2007

LBrown, you did not disappoint. Knew I could count on you

I'm aware that everyone has different constraints....sometimes money, sometimes space, or sometimes the "rules of engagement". Still it's sad to see a reliable older or smaller tractor traded off for the latest and greatest, when you know the two could complement each other on the job.

Have been fixin' up the Ford 2000 with trade-in in mind; but then suddenly asked myself, Why? Now that its problems have been addressed, it's as reliable & useful as ever.

Don't the teenage kids want to operate these things anymore? Seems that while Dad operates the new one, son Joey or his sister Sue could cut his/her teeth on the 8N or whatever. Maybe I'm livin' in the past.
Bob

Botabill · Dec 9, 2007

It's simple... Get what you need, want and can afford.

patrick_g · Dec 9, 2007

Botabill said:
It's simple... Get what you need, want and can afford.

Are those attributes inclusive or potentially exclusive? I mean, do you have to need it and want it and afford it or will just one or two of the three be sufficient justification?

Lots of tractors are bought because of just two of them and strictly speaking some are bought on just one justification (want.)

Do you propose all three must be present simultaneously? Want and afford seem to rule the roost with need a distant third.

Pat