Understanding all the brands and manufacturers

[sd455dan]

I have been reading a lot and trying to educate myself before buying.

All I wanted was a 28-38hp machine that would do some decent loader work, mow some, help me haul firewood. I only have about 5 acres of light woods, some hilly sections. I think, and please correct me if I'm wrong, I need something close to 3,000 pounds without any attachments. I wanted a pre-owned with no more than 500 hrs if possible with FEL. I'm fairly cheap so somewhere in the $12-16k range but don't want to buy anything that's gonna give me trouble.

Please help me understand the tractor world as it applies to my size of machine.

I agree that 3000 lbs. is a good starting weight Or even a little heavier for an undressed tractor (before adding a loader) It gives you more strength for the loader stresses and work, it also adds traction for pulling or pushing.

I do not regret getting tractors that were at least this heavy to start with and have had some occasions where even a little more weight wouldn't hurt...

The light machine will be better for mowing, but for loader work a heavier machine generally has a more capable and sometimes higher lifting FEL

Jobs where push comes to shove, give me the heavier machine every time. and no Turf tires R1s.. or at least R4s

A lot of people say that a tractor shrinks a whole size after a few weeks of use, It shrinks even more when it weighs a third less than another tractor in its HP class. JMO And i may be in the minority on this

Good luck on your search

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

The current open station models with 2 digits, the 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50, are made by LS. NH did not have LS build a cab model so they restarted their cab model line that are being made by Shibaura. They are the 4 digit Boomers 3000 Series with CVT, the 3040, 3045 and 3050. There was a thread showing the new for 2014 open station model Boomer 47 that is an LS Tier 4 with a Shibaura engine. Supposedly the Tier 4 models will not end with 0 or 5 but will be 47, 51, etc. Just what I have been able to piece together.

Good info. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[murphy1244]

Whats wrong with CVT?

 

[TSO]

Whats wrong with CVT?

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, I just don't like it.

CVT seems to me to be more like a shuttle shift with automatic instead of manual. probably puts more power to the ground than hydro, but still requires your hand to change direction.

I got away from Shuttle because of that.

 

[cobra grover]

I would love to look at an LS but the closest dealer to me is several hours away and when I called them they only had one in stock and it was a bigger tractor, somewhere in the 50hp range. Finding a used one near me is like pulling hens teeth, as my grandfather used to say.

 

[houstonscott]

I don't want make this complicated but within all those manufactures are some really good models and some not so desirable, just like cars. The advantage of say an LS is, it's new top quality at the top of your budget and a warranty. There are some older used models that are just plain bullet proof models, for instance Fredrick's has a remanufactured Yanmar 1610d right now with a new loader for under 10k. This is a really classic model, not usually available. If I had 5/6 acres I'd snap that up, it's like finding a 64 mustang in a garage. Guess my point is to research models within those lines, some are really good, some not so much.

HS

 

[oosik]

Corbra grover,
Having a dealer that you feel "good" about can not be over stressed. One of the loneliest feeling is needing an answer to a situation you are experiencing and having your dealer say - "I don't know - or giving you an answer that you know is not correct. The JD & NH dealers are closer than the Kubota dealer that I go to but I known him over thirty years and he treats me fairly. I'm certain the other two would also, its just that 32 years ago the JD & NH dealers were no where around. My original tractor was bought when he was a Ford dealer, 32 years ago. Buying your first tractor is tough. You only have an inkling of what you need and less than that for what any tractor is capable of doing. A good dealer is a great help in this area and should be able to give knowledgable advice. I was very fortunate to have hooked up with this dealer, he has never given bad advice and always tells it like it is.

 

[DK35vince]

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, I just don't like it.

CVT seems to me to be more like a shuttle shift with automatic instead of manual. probably puts more power to the ground than hydro, but still requires your hand to change direction.

I got away from Shuttle because of that.

Guess you wouldn't like a commercial grade backhoe or front end loader either.
Every one that I have ever run required forward/reversing a lever with your hand

 

[murphy1244]

Guess you wouldn't like a commercial grade backhoe or front end loader either.
Every one that I have ever run required forward/reversing a lever with your hand

That's why I asked. All the big stuff is CVT far as I know, which ain't much:laughing:

 

[DK35vince]

That's why I asked. All the big stuff is CVT far as I know, which ain't much:laughing:

Torque converter power shifts