Implement questions

[HCJtractor]

I would also suggest that you take your dealer suggestions with a "grain of salt", especially if you buy a bigger tractor and your dealer is like mine. When I bought my 70 horse Kubota, he sold me a package with a harrow and Woods Rotary cutter, basically what he had in stock. From what I have seen, most dealers stock entry level or light duty implements and don't stock the heavier duty stuff, as they sell fewer and cost more. Light duty is fine if you have a smaller tractor, and even the Tractor Supply brands are ok for smaller tractors. But the bigger the tractor and the harder you use it, the more care you need to take to select better, stouter implements. I trashed my standard duty Woods cutter after a few seasons of use (and yes, I was abusing it) and have since bought a heavier duty Woods that I like better. The John Deere stuff I have seen stocked at my local dealer seems fairly light duty, at least for my needs.

When I buy an implement now, I first see what brands local dealers carry and what they stock. I then look at the manufacturer's web site and look at the levels they make in that particular implement, and try to select one compatible with my tractors power and weight. If the cost jump is just too excessive, I have compromised and bought a lesser level, and accept the fact that it may not hold up as well. Some of it also depends on how much you use it. I use my rotary cutter a lot, and use it at its upper limit, so I want the heaviest duty one I can afford. Same for a disc, as a light weight disc is fairly worthless. However I bought a standard duty box blade, and it has held up pretty well. I would rather wait until I can afford the right implement rather than save money and buy something I will be unhappy with or worse, break.

My advise is to pick out what size tractor you need, then what implements you will use most, then ask on this thread which ones specifically people like, rather than the ones your dealer wants to sell you.

 

[johnrex62]

Just because the new equipment is at a John Deere dealership, does not necessarily mean it is quality equipment. We have 2 local JD stores that I have confirmed have JD colored green implements that are a box store Brand and low ball priced. If you don't buy John Deere fall back to the Frontier line, not the one that starts with the Letter A. Ken Sweet

Sorry to be obtuse Ken, but I haven't shopped implements at a Deere dealership and do not know what brands are commonly found at them. I have figured out that Frontier is their house brand, but what brands start with the letter A?

Do I own one of them?

 

[sweettractors]

Sorry to be obtuse Ken, but I haven't shopped implements at a Deere dealership and do not know what brands are commonly found at them. I have figured out that Frontier is their house brand, but what brands start with the letter A?

Do I own one of them?

You may own some of it. It is Agrevere. Here is a link to the website. Same as Howse, just higher with the green paint on it. Ken Sweet

AGREVERE, Your source for tractor and farm equipment parts and supplies

 

[sweettractors]

Here is a link to the Howse website: Compare the 2 and tell me what you think. Ken Sweet

Howse Implement Company, Your source for tractor and farm equipment parts and supplies

 

[MarkV]

Someone already mentioned the importance of mating the implement to the tractor size. I think this is often over looked in these general implement discussions. In my opinion some under buy and some over buy. If your needs are met with a smaller 20 something horse power tractor then lighter duty implements will most likely met your needs fine. If you are looking at 40+ hp then I would answer the question a different way.

MarkV

 

[jdboy4410]

first thing you need to consider is how big a tractor you need.you don't want to fall short,or go overboard.the second thing you need to consider is dealer support,look at the reputations of your local dealers,ask around.does'nt hurt.as far as implements.you will pay more for a quality piece,the cheap stuff is just that,don't expect a long service life with it.for a mower,i like the bush hog brand,been around forever and they have a good rep for quality stuff.the frontier line is also good stuff.just depends on what kind of job you are looking to do.i would say kubota is about JD's only competitor out there right now,but they all are getting better.the TYN tractors seem to be decent,and they have an excellent warranty,and i hear their dealer support is great.i prefer the green machines,been running them forever and they have always given me good service without alot of problems.nothing is bullet proof,they are machines,they will wear,some just wear out faster.i guess it boils down to your budget,and what you want to do with it.if you are in question,just ask on the forum,lots of good advise to be had on here.good luck with your decision.

 

[johnrex62]

Thanks for clearing that up for me Ken. I noticed the Howse copyrights on the Agrevere web page.

When I bought my equipment, most of the dealers in my area were promoting packages with the Howse boxblade and mowers. Not just the Kubota guys, but the Mahindra, Ford, Bobcat and IH guys too.

When I shared the advertised package deals with my Kubota dealer during my price negotiation he kinda chortled and indicated the Mohawk cutter was a much better product and that the Howse boxblade in the packages was also kinda flimsy compared to the line he carried (Armstrong AG). I did not know he might have meant the entire product line, I only thought he was comparing the specific models.

I have a lighter tractor and my usage demands are fairly light compared to commercial users, so while standard duty equipment will probably be durable enough for me in most cases it is nice to know when to look more closely at a product to ensure it compares well to other standard duty lines.

 

[jbooth]

There are only so many manufactures. I think land pride is a Woods implement, not sure though. ANd i know that there is not a Frontier plant making bushogs, BB's, hay cutters etc. They are made at some other company painted green and decaled up.

Landpride headquarters is in Salina KS. Woods headquarters is Oregon IL. Unless there has been a take over/buy out, they are 2 distinct companies. I have used and liked Landpride and heard good things about Woods.

I believe dealers will push what is on their lot. I know I would in there position. Sometimes it is up to the buyer to do research and not be so dependent on "expert" dealer advice.

I expect buying implements is a bit like buying oats. If you are satisfied with oats that has already been through the horse, it should be cheaper.

 

[Covfam]

I would also suggest that you take your dealer suggestions with a "grain of salt", especially if you buy a bigger tractor and your dealer is like mine. When I bought my 70 horse Kubota, he sold me a package with a harrow and Woods Rotary cutter, basically what he had in stock. From what I have seen, most dealers stock entry level or light duty implements and don't stock the heavier duty stuff, as they sell fewer and cost more. Light duty is fine if you have a smaller tractor, and even the Tractor Supply brands are ok for smaller tractors. But the bigger the tractor and the harder you use it, the more care you need to take to select better, stouter implements. I trashed my standard duty Woods cutter after a few seasons of use (and yes, I was abusing it) and have since bought a heavier duty Woods that I like better. The John Deere stuff I have seen stocked at my local dealer seems fairly light duty, at least for my needs.

When I buy an implement now, I first see what brands local dealers carry and what they stock. I then look at the manufacturer's web site and look at the levels they make in that particular implement, and try to select one compatible with my tractors power and weight. If the cost jump is just too excessive, I have compromised and bought a lesser level, and accept the fact that it may not hold up as well. Some of it also depends on how much you use it. I use my rotary cutter a lot, and use it at its upper limit, so I want the heaviest duty one I can afford. Same for a disc, as a light weight disc is fairly worthless. However I bought a standard duty box blade, and it has held up pretty well. I would rather wait until I can afford the right implement rather than save money and buy something I will be unhappy with or worse, break.

My advise is to pick out what size tractor you need, then what implements you will use most, then ask on this thread which ones specifically people like, rather than the ones your dealer wants to sell you.

thanks for the advice, like i posted in other posts im looking at the smaller compacts, under 30-35hp,
Im not going to be doing heavy duty rock/tree lifting/plowing, ill be snow blowing my drive, box grading my drive, fence post digging, rough cut mowing along the fenceline, and then twice a year cutting & baling 2-3 acres of hay with a mini round hay baler, possibly pulling a cart with several said 30 lb bales.
Other than the snow blower im not sure if i need heavy duty. Ive narrowed my tractors down to a 2,000 series john deere or a B series Kubota it will be one with at least a 20hp PTO so that i can get some of the bigger subcompact/compact tractor implements, ive been on the mahindra,cub cadet,new holland and theieor smaller tractors just dont fit me as well, the john deere and the kubota feel more organized/roomy to me. both dealers have been pretty good with me, (i had trouble with a previous JD dealer trying to sell me 30 grand in implements and tried to convince me that i needed a 55hp tractor to mow my fenceline)
Honestly where im having trouble is wich one i like better as for right now both tractors feel good to me, over the next month they will both be bringing out to me a demo unit and tach me how to safely use the tractor... some of the other dealers like the (nh dealer) didnt have time to help educate me he just wanted me to buy a boomer, because apparantly me looking at NH's economy tractors just wouldnt work <shrugs>.

Since its my first tractor i have a hard time guaging between what i want and what i need

 

[buck12]

When buying implements look at the construction to include material thickness and quality of welds. Paint color on an implement makes little difference to me as long as it functions and holds up under normal use.