Why SSQA?

[kennyd]

Just a lazy uninformed salesperson, all colors seem to have them. I could find all that info in under 5 minutes using the free to anyone JDParts system.

And I don't and have never worked for John Deere!

 

[RickB]

Just a lazy uninformed salesperson, all colors seem to have them. I could find all that info in under 5 minutes using the free to anyone JDParts system.

Pretty much what I did. If I were writing the check it would not have been to him.

 

[Musdalen]

Kenny,

We may have to talk about a couple of those hooks. Look really interesting to me if they bucket on this thing is strong enough to take it. I'll find out more on the weekend when I have a sample to tryout.

The SSQA does sound promising. I can see advantages. I'll chew on it for a while longer yet, but I'm close to pulling the trigger and right how JDQA is winning, but not by a lot.

 

[Musdalen]

Man, that tractor has some cool features! How much is it?

Well, that sort of depends on how I fit it out. Maybe $36k when all said and done but I think a bit less. I've got a list of stuff and I'll have to consider the details a bit more. Base price for the tractor is something between $25 and $26K.

 

[sixdogs]

...
I don't see going further on the front end than the forks and the bucket. I've spend 16 yrs with an 8n and no FEL at all. I think I'm good with the fork and bucket arrangement. I'm going to gamble on it anyway.

Thanks.

Now to resolve loaded tires or chains, and the tire position questions. With those, I should have it all figured - I think.

Having been in your shoes years back, I'll bet this is a thought you'll come back to a few years from now as your needs evolve.

 

[Musdalen]

Maybe so. But probably not in the way you think. I may be wishing I had more horses and the ability to run a small square baler for a few hundred bales a year. I doubt the 39 horses in this thing will do that.

I'm somewhat of a rookie, but I've also spent the last 15+ years making do with an 8N so I know something about what has to happen.

 

[olPete]

Maybe so. But probably not in the way you think. I may be wishing I had more horses and the ability to run a small square baler for a few hundred bales a year. I doubt the 39 horses in this thing will do that.

I'm somewhat of a rookie, but I've also spent the last 15+ years making do with an 8N so I know something about what has to happen.

Those small balers don't really take a lot to drive. I'd jump at the chance to try your tractor on one, as long as it wasn't huge steep hills... if a 20hp Wisconsin will power one easily then you should have enough. You don't need to pull it fast.. Baling is a good sideline if you have summer to play with, a good earner if you have the gear.
Glad to hear that you've got your machine sorted out to your liking, too. Keep us posted

 

[Ford850]

Yes. H165 loader with bucket and forks like the one in the video in the first post on this thread. I think it will be the best match for what I want to do. Not sure how much weight it can lift, but the dealer is bringing one out on Saturday and I'll find out. I have some large ash logs to lift with the forks (or not).

That's good, because either QA is better than the pins.

 

[Texasmark]

The video shows a quick connect setup - that is Deere proprietary, not the more universal SSQA. Very similar in function, and speed, but you'll be a bit more limited in implement selection since you'll only be able to get Deere style implements. If you'll be purchasing brand new, and never sharing, it likely won't be an issue.

No quick connect at all would require removing 4 pins (two pivot pins, two cylinder pins), and reinstalling those 4 pins every time you change attachments. Very time consuming, and messy due to all the grease. That's not what is shown in the video.

On time consuming with out it, I had a JD 96 hp 4020 with an 8' loader bucket. Had 2 cylinders meaning 4 hookup points. I work alone. Bucket weighs several hundred pounds. 2 fixed lower points to line up and then the top two which have a little margin as the cylinders have a little flop. However, even after you get the bottom lined up and up and down on-off the tractor to get it all lined up, then comes the cylinders......usually one protrudes just enough more or less than the other to make hookup next to impossible without more up and down and up and down in and out of the seat, up and down.

My Branson 6530 has the Skid steer quick attach adapter (whatever you call it) and it takes all of 10 seconds to load an implement from the seat....course I have to get off and push the lock levers down but................My swaps are between bucket and hay forks.

 

[N2DFire]

embuggerance - I love it!

I don't see going further on the front end than the forks and the bucket. I've spend 16 yrs with an 8n and no FEL at all. I think I'm good with the fork and bucket arrangement. I'm going to gamble on it anyway.

Thanks.

Now to resolve loaded tires or chains, and the tire position questions. With those, I should have it all figured - I think.

Well the QA question has been asked and answered (several times) - Get which ever suits you best but definitely get a QA of some sort.

Now - to address the rest of your questions / comments. Our first tractor was also an 8N - still got it (just finished the hydraulic rebuild last Sat - fun stuff). My father bought it when I was in my Preteen years. I'll be 45 this year, so to say I have grown up on it would be fair.

We just upgraded to the Kioti in Late fall '15 and I can promise you, no matter how well you got by with the 8N, you'll marvel at all the "stuff" you can do now that you couldn't before. So don't discount those with the "plan ahead" advice. My father fell into that trap and will today admit (albeit very grudgingly) that we should have gone one step larger. That being said I still love the CK and it will do what ever I need, sometimes I just have to make more trips

Loaded tires vs Chains - Load the tires. You'll need counterweight for the FEL anyway, it's a relatively small cost in the big scheme (most dealers will include it in the price), and you can always add chains later if need be.

Tire position (I'm assuming you mean width) I have been to IA a few times and I know you're a teenie bit flatter than us hillbillys in SW VA, but unless you have some other reason / restriction for keeping them narrow, the extra bit of stability the wider stance gives you is worth it.

And lastly - let me second (third, fifth, whatever) the advice on a grapple. I wanted one before we ever started tractor shopping. It took me a year of having the Kioti before I could convince Dad it would be a good thing. Again today he admits I am right (very slowly and after much prodding). And as someone who also has pallet forks - unless you have a specific use that only forks will do (for us it's moving hay bales) then skip the forks and get the grapple.

Dad thought we could get by moving brush, downed trees/logs, etc. with just the forks (so we bought them first) and you can if you work at it but the grapple makes it so much easier.

I will add that putting a thumb on your bucket, forks, or having it movable between both is also a viable option that others here have done. I simply had a need for the root / rock gathering abilities of the grapple also.


Well - these are my thoughts and opinions - worth exactly what you paid to get them and double your money back if not satisfied.

Whatever you choose to do I know you're going to be thrilled with the upgrade and I wish you many happy years tractoring with it.