Will a 4233 & 15' batwing mate well?

Richard · Aug 2, 2006

Couple questions...

1. As title says, will a 4233 (65 PTO) be enough to pull a 15' batwing on slopes?
2. Will it do above and still manage to cut down junk that's 5' tall since it's not been cut in 3 years? (without bogging down)

3. There is one near me, has 242 hours on it (2000 model), looks clean per pics (ebay)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&item=160013656436&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

His minimum is 20 and bin 30K, any idea what is fair price?
I KNOW that even if I were to bid 20K, he'd probably kill the listing if he wanted to try for better price. I'm thinking on driving up there Saturday.

I don't know the model number yet, but there is yet another tractor near me (not on ebay) that supposedly has something like 140 hp, 2,500 hours and according to my brother in law who's familar with the seller, comes from an honest person. This machine evidently also has cab & heat/air. Cost something like 60/70K several years ago and he's asking 20K.

So, I seem to have two extremes here, both around 20K (although I suspect the ebay guy won't sell for that?)

One is newer/fewer hours, but less capable than the larger machine. The larger machine is more capable but has more hours for similar price.

I hope to get the model number of this larger machine later today but given above, any gut reaction thoughts?

spb1971 · Aug 2, 2006

The 4233 is plenty of tractor for a 15' batwing. You will see that tractor or equivalent mowing highways in several states. The other tractor you mentioned would be overkill to do what you are wanting.

Richard · Aug 2, 2006

He's just emailed me back, his reserve is $29,000.

Hmm... so I can spend 29K for "sufficient" I guess, or 20K for over kill.

I guess I'll find out what model number the larger tractor is as I'd rather have a larger machine than needed for the extra (perceived) headroom of protection. (better pulling up hills or better braking down hills, all the while cutting some LONG stuff)

Richard · Aug 2, 2006

Just spoke to the "other" guy and his tractor is a MF 3660 (turbo), new tires, 4wd working a/c. Seems it has a 540/1000 pto??

He said he's got some steep hills also (east TN) and this will stop HIS batwing on those hills with nary a hiccup.

Now I'm off trying to find out more about this. He's leaving town for while and we won't be able to cross paths for a week or so.

EquipmentUser · Aug 2, 2006

The 4233 would do just fine in with the 15' batwing in your conditions but for $9000 less money your getting A LOT more tractor with the 3660. They are Huge tractors and the added power and weight would be a big benefit to you on your hills plus it more than likely has the 32 speed dynashift transmission which is a lot nicer than the 12 speed on the 4233. I would get the 3660 if its in good shape.

Richard · Aug 2, 2006

Thank you for your input. It's that kind of stuff that I'm looking for since I don't know anything about either of these.

EquipmentUser · Aug 3, 2006

I forgot to add that even though 2500 hours sounds like a lot compared to the 200 and something on the 4233 the 3660 is just getting broken in good. The 3660 would easily run 7-8000 hours with regular maintenance. $20,000 for the 3660 with those few hours sounds like a great deal to me. Also just curious but what kind of batwing do you have?

Richard · Aug 3, 2006

Don't have any batwing yet, with 125/150 acres to cut (currently with a 5' cutter on an IH 444) a batwing is the FIRST thing I want, and then figure out what to pull it with. I'm "OVER" using that 5 footer.

Gatorboy · Aug 3, 2006

Richard said:
1. As title says, will a 4233 (65 PTO) be enough to pull a 15' batwing on slopes?

2. Will it do above and still manage to cut down junk that's 5' tall since it's not been cut in 3 years? (without bogging down)

It will pull it, but you will definitely bog down with 5' tall stuff to cut. I have an 85 PTO tractor and a 15' Rhino Super Heavy Duty Flexwing mower, and when I hit some real heavy stuff, the turbo kicks in and I have to shift down to 2nd gear instead of 4th gear for normal conditions.