Would you buy a gas tractor

[the old grind]

By the time you beef up a gas engine to withstand the duty cycle of a tractor, would there be much economy in producing it to pass along to the consumer?

IMO, that somehow someone will save much on purchase or by burning gas vs diesel for fuel will never be vetted by mere discussion, and to me it makes as much sense as buying an AK because the ammo is cheaper, or buying and insuring a third car because it gets better mileage than the truck or the SUV now left parked.

This "it'll be cheaper to run" sounds to me like 'newb talk', not "Old" anybody who's really been around the block.

And since when does the 'new version' of anything cost less without weighing less.

 

[TomSeller]

In some tractors (chassis-less) the engine plays a part of the structure whereas in an automobile it does not. So gas auto engines available today would have to be redesigned to strengthen the block to be used in this type of tractor.

 

[BHD]

in the "good old days" the gas engines, were basically the same as diesel engines except for the comparison ratio and spark plugs, or one could say the diesel engines were nearly the same as gass engines, I have a old 1970 JD combine, and the gas engine is nearly the same as the diesel, and I have a old gas engine from a earlier 95 JD combine, and the 404 looks the same as in my 4020 tractors, of the same vintage, but the tractors are diesel and the combine is a gas,

as far as longevity is how is the engine made, like a disposable or a commercial / industrial unit,
as far as natural gas or propane engine, is basically a gasoline engine, some found on generators, and at one time LP was an option for tractors, (yes I know they argument of less BTUs per gallon), but when the LP is nearly 1/2 the price of gasoline it can be a viable option,

yes, I would buy a gas tractor depending on the engine (designed for long life), and the cost difference,
and how much I would be using it, as if I was only going to be using a few hours a week, vs, commercial or 30 to 40 hours a week, type use,

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Except for Whites, Case, and IH

Along with Steiger, Big Bud, Case construction like dozers, loaders ect... AND many more...including boats ect...

SR

 

[the old grind]

"Cost difference" between what IS now available and what ISN'T yet?

Which particular model are you leaning toward already?

What I mean is .. is everyone who likes the idea going to see the size, features, and options we expect?

There's a lot to hope for, but what might we give up if 'which' of those were compromised?

Isn't it tough enough to chose with so many details being so important.

Didn't Cabelas tractors make sense to everyone but the Company?

Some things don't happen.

 

[MHarryE]

Except for Whites, Case, and IH

And John Deere - even they used to put Cummins in their large 4wd.

I won't get into the gas vs diesel debate, but I do love my '64 MF35 Utility gasser. Four cylinder Continental Z-134 fires even in the coldest of weather and never a hiccup. Never been rebuilt, and is 53 years old and still runs like a top.

When I bought it, the rock shaft cylinder had been broken clean off the lift cover, machine had been parked for 7 years. The hydraulic systems (separate loader reservoir) were full of water. I drained and flushed, filed the contacts on the points, and did a quick rewire on the ignition system because it was missing, chewed up, or in rough shape. When I bumped the key it fired right up.

Each has their place. Mine works very well for me, but I also wouldn't mind a Perkins diesel.

Nice thing about my gasser, it's ridiculously easy to repair.

If available I would absolutely buy a Kubota gas tractor

Nore I, I also wouldn't keep 200 gallons of #2 there either my fuel tanks are 50 feet away, one with #2 and one with blended.
A gas more will start smoother and easier in sub-zero weather, that is a big advantage and the cost should be quite a bit less for the same quality.
But that said I personally prefer diesel.

I'll be long gone but you that are still here will most likely be arguing/discussing or discussing debating about hydrogen power tractors vs battery powered tractors, and our great great great grandkids 200 years from now will be arguing over dilithium warp power tractor engines vs atomic power tractors, and they'll look at back at my post saying yup that Oldpath was right, gas is best.............:stirthepot:

 

[oosik]

I have no opinion on gas vs diesel tractor. However, I have noticed one thing with all these posts. The TREMENDOUS variable in price of diesel vs gas fuel across the country. Here near Spokane, WA - diesel is around the same price as premium gas - - $3.10 Regular is $2.90.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

I have no opinion on gas vs diesel tractor. However, I have noticed one thing with all these posts. The TREMENDOUS variable in price of diesel vs gas fuel across the country. Here near Spokane, WA - diesel is around the same price as premium gas - - $3.10 Regular is $2.90.

Similar here on the west side but diesel and regular are about the same. A bit under $3/gallon.

(former Cheney boy)

Z.

 

[shaeff]

Something else I'd not considered is fuel storage. I certainly wouldn't want more than a few cans of gasoline hanging aground. I don't depend on my machine to make me money, so the gasser works fine. If I used it daily or to make money, I'd look for a diesel machine.

Definitely safer to store diesel.

This thread could go for years and never arrive at a conclusion. I'm sticking by my initial assessment: each has their place, it depends on your needs.

Ps- I have ethanol free fuel available a mile from my house, so no worries about longer term storage. the flammability is more a concern than fuel going bad.

 

[MossRoad]

Again, I'll say my gas machine has sat not running for 15.876 years of its 16 years of life with 10% ethanol in it with no ill effects. None.

I keep three 6 gallon cans of gas and use them as needed. When I empty the last can, I fill them again. I use about 1 gallon per hour, so about 50 gallons per year. I fill the three cans about 3-4 times per year, as I also fuel my chainsaw, push mower, weed eater and log splitter out of those cans. I've been using 10% ethanol in everything I own since the early 80's. I've had ONE 20 cent fuel line go gummy on a chainsaw in about 35+ years of ethanol usage.

My gas machines sit for weeks and months between usage and they start and run just fine. I just don't get it. What am I missing?