To get draft control option or not?

[canoetrpr]

In some of the tractors I am looking at it is an option and not there by default.

I don't really plow but I do have a cultivator that I have used a few times in the past. I don't plan on ground engaging work but guess it might make sense to just get it now?

What do you guys think?

 

[milkman636]

Since you're looking at larger tractors and talking about more land in the future, it seems to make sense to include draft control for whatever the future may hold.

Even though the 255 has draft control, the cab and 4wd will make the new tractor nicer for any field work you may do.

There's my .02

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If it's available, I would get it. If you ever have the need for it, it is well worth it to have it. I actually think that only JD, Kubota and Massey have it as options on some of their models. The other guys either have it or don't. I may be wrong, but that seems like that is how it was back when I was looking for tractors.

Keep in mind that DC can be used when grading also, especially when making heavier cuts. You don't have to be plowing to make good use of it.

Just my opinion.

 

[WilliamBos]

Will likely add it the 1635 in the future. Do miss having it.

 

[TripleR]

What size are you considering?

 

[IslandTractor]

Draft control is standard on the Kioti DK series. I have not had occasion to use it over the past four years however as I till rather than plow. I have no idea what Kubota and JD charge for DC but I'd put money into extra rear remotes and FEL aux hydraulics before DC unless you know you will plow a lot. Seems very few farmers even plow these days though.

 

[canoetrpr]

What size are you considering?

Likely a L4740

 

[Barry Bowen]

Not having the draft control makes the hitch a simpler system. If you plan on pulling a mounted plow, it is well worth having. Also consider what it will add or subtract from the tractor when you go to sell it some day.

Personally I would want it, but with what most people do with 3 points any more, it is not all that important.

 

[TripleR]

Likely a L4740

In that size, unless you are farming or looking to some added value on resale, I wouldn't spend the money. I haven't used draft control on any of our tractors since I quite farming years ago. We also had ongoing draft control issues with one of our tractors that never got fixed properly. If one of my tractors starts to bog down, I just use the 3PH control and reset.

I am sure others will disagree and have need for it, I just don't.

 

[RickB]

In that size, unless you are farming or looking to some added value on resale, I wouldn't spend the money. I haven't used draft control on any of our tractors since I quite farming years ago. We also had ongoing draft control issues with one of our tractors that never got fixed properly. If one of my tractors starts to bog down, I just use the 3PH control and reset.

I am sure others will disagree and have need for it, I just don't.

That would be my take as well. More buyers think draft control is something that it is not than those who actually get the benefits of draft control's intended use.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

That would be my take as well. More buyers think draft control is something that it is not than those who actually get the benefits of draft control's intended use.

While I believe that waaaaay back when DC was developed, yes the original intention of draft control was for plowing. But that does not mean that it cannot be used for other types of ground engaging work. I have found that it is very beneficial to use while doing heavy grading work. Not so much for normal grading or finish grading.

What I have found from talking with and reading what other people have to say about DC is that most people do not really know what it is, how it works or when and how to use it.

 

[TripleR]

While I believe that waaaaay back when DC was developed, yes the original intention of draft control was for plowing. But that does not mean that it cannot be used for other types of ground engaging work. I have found that it is very beneficial to use while doing heavy grading work. Not so much for normal grading or finish grading.

What I have found from talking with and reading what other people have to say about DC is that most people do not really know what it is, how it works or when and how to use it.

No disagreement there, but many if not most of us don't do heavy grading or other ground engagement work and/or a tractor that would get significant advantage from it.

I believe in matching the equipment to the tasks, so I don't need it while others will. Based on the OP and equipment he has and what he does, I see no real need for it, but opinions will vary. Heck, we haven't even used the 3PH once on our 8540 as we use pull type equipment with it.

 

[RickB]

What I have found from talking with and reading what other people have to say about DC is that most people do not really know what it is, how it works or when and how to use it.

Thanks for helping to make my point.

 

[DaveOmak]

I have an NAA with draft control... The best use I found for it is sub-soiling... After a few years of growing alfalfa the ground becomes compacted from the tractor, baler etc. I run my sub-soiler over the field to break open a trench deep into the root zone. Fertilize, spread manure and water.... The root zone gets nutrients and oxygen and a very improved crop.
Depth control allows me to drive at a constant speed while the sub-soiler moves up and down depending on soil compactness. If the implement hasn't gone deep enough on one pass, I run many passes over the same trench until optimal depth is achieved. No tire spinning etc. Someone out there invented a great add-on to a tractor when they invented DC.
If you can afford it...get it ....In my opinion
If you run horses, every few years, subsoil to improve the pasture.

 

[jenkinsph]

In that size, unless you are farming or looking to some added value on resale, I wouldn't spend the money. I haven't used draft control on any of our tractors since I quite farming years ago. We also had ongoing draft control issues with one of our tractors that never got fixed properly. If one of my tractors starts to bog down, I just use the 3PH control and reset.

I am sure others will disagree and have need for it, I just don't.

I have it on my 820 but not on the newer tractor and for my intents and purposes really don't need it anymore. I have had several tractors with load and depth control and always felt they were marginal benefits to them at best.