Using a 4x20 Series JD for Mowing/Bailing Hay?

[Mickey_Fx]

Chet, see you said you used to lived in Oregon. So you do know what the grass is like here.

Yrs ago while visiting family in Tx a fellow ask me where we were from and I said Oregon and he asked, "what part of Tx is Oregon in?" Course I had to respond, "the better part". Ha!

Hope you enjoy that new tractor and can handle the Tx weather.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Chet,
On my 4310 I use the old "yellow umbrella" which does a so so job of keeping heat off of you. On the 5420 we have a hard canopy which has an insulator to keep the radiant heat off as well as shade. It works immensely better. The only reason I don't have a hard top on the 4310 is because I have to mow under trees and I have to put the roll bar (ROPS) down. I prefer to mow in the early AM and PM and I have been known to mow at night quite often (on familiar grounds) during the summer...Kyle

 

[chetlenox]

Kyle, I thought about a canopy, but I wanted to see how much clearance I had for my trees before I went ahead and added one on (that, and they aren't cheap!). I'll bet they would sure help out mid-summer though.

Mickey, yep, I know that lush green Oregon grass well... I'm expecting my Texas grass to be a little more sparse.

Chet.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Chet, just got a reply from someone on this forum that gave me the answer to the ? you asked about weight of my 165. Base weight was 5,000 and as I had fluid filled back tires, I bet the 6k# I rememberd was pretty close.

The bailer at full speed did cause some rocking back and forth of the tractor but was not excessive. The lighter weight of the JD will be impacted a little more.

 

[chetlenox]

Fair enough, thanks for following up Mickey.

Looks like when I get to the point that I'm baling, I'll be looking at adding some ballast to my 3700 pound base tractor.

By the way, I've owned the tractor about 4 days now and have gotten to do some playing. Moving some hay bales around, practicing with the FEL and implements. Man, what a fun machine.

Chet.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Chet, does that 3700# figure incllude the FEL? My Yanmar has a base weight of 2600# but with the FEL, fluid filled tires and me sitting on it it tips the scale at 4k#. Your tractor may weigh-in a little heavier than you think.

 

[chetlenox]

They 3700# number is base tractor, no implements or FEL. I couldn't really find specs on the 400x FEL, but I'd guess it's at least 500# or so. So you are probably right, I'm probably close to 4500# now with me sitting on it (I'm no lightweight ). I chatted with the salesman on the filled tires and ballast, and he recommended just keeping the tractor "stock" until I got to the point that some weight would help. Then just come in and have the tires filled, get some wheel weights, or whatever. I thought that was a good practical approach.

Chet.

 

[ddivinia]

You will wish for a cab when you are baling in NE Texas - for sure. I went wiht the 4720 open station and a while later (in the summer) bought a 5525 cab. I have the same plans as you.

My wife likes the 4720, but just doesn't understand how the 5525 works. She was out with the HX-15 on the back and it was interesting. I suspect she will insist on a 4720 cab if she is going to be doing too much work outside in the summer time.

What did you decide on the hay baling equipment?

I would seriously see if there are any custom balers in the area to knock it out for you. I was leaning towards doing it myself, but these guys usually know what they are doing and can help sell the hay, etc. You still get the tax write off, etc. I am going to work with them for a couple years and see how it goes. I might end up doing it myself, or then again...

D.

 

[chetlenox]

I haven't really decided on the mowing or baling equipment yet, to be honest with you. I'm going to start doing some research now and figure out which used units would be compatible with my tractor, and start watching the newspaper/craigslist/auctions for used equipment.

I'm definitely going to have somebody help me out in the spring, I just won't be ready equipment (or skill) wise. I've already got a few contacts for local guys that can do it for me. My hope is to watch and learn from those guys to help me guide my equipment purchase.

Yeah, it's going to be brutal in the summer, I don't doubt it. The cab still just seemed like overkill. Maybe I'll compromise and order up one of those sun shades or canopies...

Chet.

 

[ddivinia]

Cab won't seem like overkill on a August day in Texas.

Where in Texas are you baling?

I am sprigging 110 acres in coastal bermuda soon...

D.