Hard time with new tractor

[Carl_NH]

Arrow

Thanks for the felled tree explanation - makes sense and I understand.

On the hydro peddle placement my b21 has the same setup - it works really well - you can't hit the forward and reverse at the same time - it becomes very natural once you spend 3-4 hours operating it.

Like anything change is not bad and you really can't adjust in a 10 minute dealer lot run thru, it takes several hours to get used to new controls

I like koua have no benefit from recommending a hydro, but going from a 8 speed to a hydro was incredibly productive and I will never return.

Having gear on the farm was one thing for plowing making hay etc. but for your uses I would not think twice

Cheers and happy 5th July - its a hot one too!

Carl

 

[Don87]

I like hydro much better than gear, but I also like the brake on the opposite side(I have a left foot brake, go pedals on the right.). I find that much better in 'tricky' areas...........and you definitely have some. Just as I do.

 

[k0ua]

I have the 2 pedal side by side hydro pedals, and brakes on the left.. No clutch. Big flat open floor. Nothing to hang up your feet.

 

[Don87]

I have the 2 pedal side by side hydro pedals, and brakes on the left.. No clutch. Big flat open floor. Nothing to hang up your feet.

That's how mine is, and it was one of the deciding factors. I was willing to let the 'quarter inching' or 'position control' go, to have the left foot brake.

 

[Coyote machine]

Here's what I think: you are used to shuttle shift and going to an opposite hand is going to be awkward at best. BUT, going to a no obstruction floor with nothing to possibly put your new tractor into nap mode is essentially getting rid of something that is just not necessary. Ask yourself why you NEED shuttle shift over two pedal hydro, and I bet you don't have any good answers except familiarity.
Giving up something for a different and simpler and IMHO better design is going to be good for you going forward.
Try a Kioti with twin pedal hydro and right hand joystick and you won't be buying that Mahindra; which from the picture seems to me would be awkward at best to operate based on what you already stated about it not feeling right for you.

I too do tons of logging; former tree expert when I was younger, and have a log grapple, 4000 series PTO winch and a whole bunch of other cool tools for my tractor. I can tell you right now I can maneuver that tractor in the woods on a dime, and having hydro is an excellent way to simplify my life and frees up my left hand for the wheel, and my right hand on the joystick/FEL control. In fact I have a diverter valve installed and two pairs of rear remotes, so like you I can use a plow on the front and with a momentary pushbutton switch I can use the Top-N-Tilt to control the winch or box blade or brush-hog on the rear.
As another example, I went from all shift cars and trucks to automatic, selectamatic, transmissions on my vehicles because it was so much easier. I do not miss a shift vehicle at all, but on occasion I was known to put my left foot down looking for a pedal.:confused3:
I'm 61 now and a shuttle shift would be more and more difficult, for me, to use. I think you really might appreciate the added benefit of not having to go through the gyrations you've become accustomed to. Simplifying things is just good common sense, and IMHO, that is why you don't like the Mahindra setup. No fault to their brand, just saying it's not right for you and your brain is registering that complaint.

Let us know what you decide, HINT: Kioti hydro!:thumbsup:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Kioti's 30hp tractor is not a side by side treadle design that I know of. :confused3: You have to go to the 40+ hp models to get that and the same holds true for Mahindra.

Why is the gas pedal a problem? I understand that it is in an awkward place, buy does one use it on a regular basis? I set the rpms with the throttle lever and go to work never touching the gas pedal. I guess maybe that is just me though. :confused3:

 

[Coyote machine]

Kioti has some newer models out- I don't know for sure where the two pedal hydro kicks in on those models, it might still be at 40 HP....

 

[DK35vince]

Why is the gas pedal a problem? I understand that it is in an awkward place, buy does one use it on a regular basis? I set the rpms with the throttle lever and go to work never touching the gas pedal. I guess maybe that is just me though. :confused3:

I use my foot throttle often.
But getting used to a foot throttle in a slightly different location on the right floorboard would be a non-issue

 

[arrow]

I am not sure what is "getting used to" as opposed to "I like this better" takes precedent. There are so many choices. Comes in any color as long as its black ala model T Fords would take away much of the dilemma. I know part of my problem deals with sentimentality and memory associations to the trusty JD. Head over heart is something i've always had problems with. In this case my head is saying "now is the time" How much longer am i going to be able to do parallel bar dismounts from the JD. How much longer are you going to be able to get a serious part for the 750 unless its cannibalized from some other 750 and good luck finding that. I drove this JD around for 28 years for a grand total of $2350 compared to what I paid and what the trade in is. I certainly could use a stronger tractor which the Mahindra is. The dealer is 10 minutes from my house with a good reputation. There is an internal struggle which is making things loom larger than they actually are. None of my children rode on the new tractor. The new tractor didn't build the riding field the kids used. My deceased parents lent me half the price of the JD so they're in there somehow and I'm not good with "good byes". All I needed is the slightest excuse not to like the new tractor. In reality, do I really gives a rats butt where anything is on this new machine? I'll get used to anything. So where has this gone? The reason I put this to the forum was to have happened just what happened: a slap to the noggin...some clear headedness…advice unattached with sentiment. As someone said "life is about change" and not "things should be forever" I would have made a lousy vampire.

 

[big bubba]

do you think you should seek some help somewhere? surely there are shrinks for tractor neurosis out there ...could have used a few myself over time & saved a lot of money...but finally arrived at a model that gives peace of mind...(that is till i see a new model....NEVER!)

 

[the old grind]

My sentimentality went as far as keeping a 'treadle', which my older (1st) tractor had in common with the Terramite. It was one thing that steered me away from LS with sxs pedals. The other thing was LS having controls, esp loader stick, on the fenders. :yuck: I'm 63 and my parallel bar dismounts often include sliding over the fenders on either side. (diff'rent strokes ) Due to my height, I'd likely still prefer that even if my back had all the discs I was born with and there was an iota of cartilage left in my rt knee.

Arrow, IMO what's important is that you're reflecting on all the details, and that you appreciate having a good dealer close by. btw: I hesitate to go by my dealer just yet, and tho' the new machine is barely different than my trade-in (ergonomically identical) I don't want my heartstrings tugged at to see her there on the lot.

 

[arrow]

do you think you should seek some help somewhere? surely there are shrinks for tractor neurosis out there )

Cheez Bubba, everything one needs ( and sometimes that which is not needed) is right here in this forum. The place is a cure-all I tell ya.

 

[Xfaxman]

arrow, And a new hydro tractor! :laughing:

 

[Don87]

I am not sure what is "getting used to" as opposed to "I like this better" takes precedent. There are so many choices. Comes in any color as long as its black ala model T Fords would take away much of the dilemma. I know part of my problem deals with sentimentality and memory associations to the trusty JD. Head over heart is something i've always had problems with. In this case my head is saying "now is the time" How much longer am i going to be able to do parallel bar dismounts from the JD. How much longer are you going to be able to get a serious part for the 750 unless its cannibalized from some other 750 and good luck finding that. I drove this JD around for 28 years for a grand total of $2350 compared to what I paid and what the trade in is. I certainly could use a stronger tractor which the Mahindra is. The dealer is 10 minutes from my house with a good reputation. There is an internal struggle which is making things loom larger than they actually are. None of my children rode on the new tractor. The new tractor didn't build the riding field the kids used. My deceased parents lent me half the price of the JD so they're in there somehow and I'm not good with "good byes". All I needed is the slightest excuse not to like the new tractor. In reality, do I really gives a rats butt where anything is on this new machine? I'll get used to anything. So where has this gone? The reason I put this to the forum was to have happened just what happened: a slap to the noggin...some clear headedness?dvice unattached with sentiment. As someone said "life is about change" and not "things should be forever" I would have made a lousy vampire.

I'm going to disagree with this statement.

I think near 100% of your problem is with the sentimental value. I can appreciate that.

But you can appreciate the fact that you aren't getting any younger, and the 'gymnastics' you are currently employing with the JD, will come to an end.

Say farewell to your old friend, who has served you well, and welcome a new one. That way you still have lots of time to build 'new' memories.

 

[Coyote machine]

arrow, View attachment 326111 And a new hydro tractor! :laughing:

Yes, this is the answer Arrow, so 'bow up' and go get one.
In 2009 I had run a couple of ancient Kubotas and a New Holland while doing various work for others.
I went to look at what I thought was my local Kubota dealer's inventory and bought the first Kioti I ever drove - a DK-35se/hst with a backhoe and box blade. I bought it the same day after liking the features, especially the hydro, and running it around the lot a few times. I didn't even bother looking at any other dealers of any tractor brands and had it home the next day with filled tires.
Jumped up to the DK-40 a year later, cause I wasn't then experienced enough to know exactly what power and needs I had until using the tractor for about a year. You don't have that issue since you have lots of experience on tractors.
Go get a hydro and thank us afterward for steering you in the right direction.:drink:

 

[arrow]

I'm going to disagree with this statement.

I think near 100% of your problem is with the sentimental value. I

You'd lose that bet there Don. I said "part" because the other parts are about being one with the JD operational wise. Also, i've got all my other equipment rigged for the JD. The new tractor is like moving into a new marriage where the old one wasn't that bad but may be moving that way. Now I start it all over again. I'll give you an example: I've just backed into a stem I'm ready to hitch up. Jump off the JD, hitch up the log and from the ground, able to reach over and put tension on the chain by lifting up on the 3 pt lever. This is not happening with the new tractor unless I was Island Tractor at 6'5 and then it would be questionable. It simply out of reach. The JD has a 4' tire spread. I can get into almost a gopher hole with it (Although Coyote was a bit comforting that he brings yet an even larger tractor into the woods but I do not know if his woods are like mine pictured below). Not so with the new tractor. A winch would come in right handy but I'm not buying one with maybe 5 years of logging left. This sort of thing is about relearning new techniques. I'm sure of the one's I have now to get the job done and not so sure about how'll they'll work with the new one. Throw the sentimentality part on top of all this and you have a brain omelet.

 

[Don87]

You'd lose that bet there Don. I said "part" because the other parts are about being one with the JD operational wise. Also, i've got all my other equipment rigged for the JD. The new tractor is like moving into a new marriage where the old one wasn't that bad but may be moving that way. Now I start it all over again. I'll give you an example: I've just backed into a stem I'm ready to hitch up. Jump off the JD, hitch up the log and from the ground, able to reach over and put tension on the chain by lifting up on the 3 pt lever. This is not happening with the new tractor unless I was Island Tractor at 6'5 and then it would be questionable. It simply out of reach. The JD has a 4' tire spread. I can get into almost a gopher hole with it (Although Coyote was a bit comforting that he brings yet an even larger tractor into the woods but I do not know if his woods are like mine pictured below). Not so with the new tractor. A winch would come in right handy but I'm not buying one with maybe 5 years of logging left. This sort of thing is about relearning new techniques. I'm sure of the one's I have now to get the job done and not so sure about how'll they'll work with the new one. Throw the sentimentality part on top of all this and you have a brain omelet.

Depending on the tractor, sometimes all ya need to fix that is a rod, hanger, and a couple U-bolts. 20 minutes and the 3pt. can be customized on most any tractor.


What I'm sayin, is what you already said. But you keep trying to talk yourself out of it for some reason. The only thing that makes sense is the sentimental aspect.

They are just machines, and usually very customizable if a little thought is given to the situations they will be used for.

4Shorts can tell you all about that.

Good luck with your new tractor my friend, whichever brand it may be.

 

[k0ua]

I am sure you guys are tired of hearing me yap about the nice features of the Kioti, but mine has that nice little lever on the back to raise or lower the 3pt while you are hooking up. Bobcats do too. (basically same tractor).

 

[Don87]

I am sure you guys are tired of hearing me yap about the nice features of the Kioti, but mine has that nice little lever on the back to raise or lower the 3pt while you are hooking up. Bobcats do too. (basically same tractor).

I wanted so badly to mention that, but I appear to have ruffled to arrow's feathers(pun unintended) enough. As I said though.......with a rod, or piece of flat steel, a few bolts and some hangers.........the 3pt can be operated from the next county if necessary.

 

[k0ua]

I wanted so badly to mention that, but I appear to have ruffled to arrow's feathers(pun unintended) enough. As I said though.......with a rod, or piece of flat steel, a few bolts and some hangers.........the 3pt can be operated from the next county if necessary.

yes I have seen several designs by ingenious fellas to accomplish that goal in the last few years.