Hard time with new tractor

[94BULLITT]

I think that he has a QH, so probably would not need it all that much. :confused3:

Yes he has a QH.

 

[94BULLITT]

Getting back on topic. Mr. Arrow are you going with the 3016 gear then?

 

[arrow]

Getting back on topic. Mr. Arrow are you going with the 3016 gear then?

It appears I have narrow choices. I went over yesterday and concur with the assessment of hydro for this tractor (3016). Much easier ergonomics. Today i went over to the JohnDeere dealership and looked and sat on a 3320 gear. Much better layout on the JD. The 3320 was 23,9K. They were giving me 2K for mine and only that it is in such great shape otherwise only 1.5K. If the Mahindra was laid out as simply and efficiently as the geared Deere, this discussion wouldn't even be taking place. So out of pocket was 20K for the Deere and 10K for the 3016 so that was a no brainer. Cannot get the Deere. If the Mahindra dealership can somehow get the price down to even $1200 difference for the hydro, I would consider that but I have two things working against me. 1. He is chomping at the bit to get rid of this Mahindra gear as its been sitting on his lot for 16 months. It seems no one wants gear anymore around here and why the great deal. 2. old pricing vs new pricing creates smaller wiggle room for the dealership which creates a bigger spread from the hydro to old stock gear. Driving the Mahindra is like shooting a bolt action rifle as opposed to a semi automatic: It can be done and can be gotten used to and there are compensations to be made in order to acquire some great pricing. I don't like it as much but I'll learn to live with it.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Arrow, I hate to say this, but IF YOU CAN afford the HST, spend the extra $$$$ and get what is more comfortable for you. If you get the gear, while you will get use to it, you will always be thinking that you should have just gotten the HST.

Just my :2cents:, based on what has happened to me in the past when I made the mistake and thought that I was going to save a few $$$.

 

[Carl_NH]

Arrow,

Your statement "I don't like it as much but I'll learn to live with it" sounds like you are resigned to take the 3016 Gear, when you want the 3016 Hydro.

They really want to move the 3016 gear, so yes they probably won't make as good a deal on the hydro plain and simple. And the trade in value is excellent vs what JD was giving you.

Will they take $11.7-12K difference for the 3016 hydro?

 

[k0ua]

Arrow, I hate to say this, but IF YOU CAN afford the HST, spend the extra $$$$ and get what is more comfortable for you. If you get the gear, while you will get use to it, you will always be thinking that you should have just gotten the HST.

Just my :2cents:, based on what has happened to me in the past when I made the mistake and thought that I was going to save a few $$$.

Same here, when I bought a B7500 DT.. gear.. every day I wished it was a hydro.. I kept it 8 years.. and don't get me wrong, it was a great tractor, and the Gear changing was slick and smooth and it was ergonomically laid out.. But every day I wished it was a hydro. I bought it to save money. It was like $1000. Some savings..

 

[Coyote machine]

Go for the hydro! The gear may be priced right because, you said it- NOone wants one. So is it that much better to take something you don't even like just for the additional 'fire sale' price -NO!
Get what you want and deserve, it's going to be your next tractor, get what you need and will enjoy not something they can't even sell to anyone and which you may regret for as long as you own it. DON'T SETTLE!!!

 

[the old grind]

A wise friend once told me, "If you're gonna spend the money, you might as well get what you want." Doesn't help much if you're not sure just what that is.

I'm not sure if the OP has too many choices, or if not enough options are being considered. That said, there's nothing wrong with helping a dealer unload something that no one wants, esp if the $$ side has been underplayed here. If I wanted high loader capacity, telescoping lift arms, rear remotes, and dual-pedal HST, LS would be a no-brainer despite the cost & color.

It's nice to have a reliable dealer close by, even nicer if they stay in biz as long as one is still driving their brand. Not sure what'd happen after that. Can't plan for everything, but it's good to know that Arrow appreciates ergonomics. We're not getting any younger.

 

[94BULLITT]

It appears I have narrow choices. I went over yesterday and concur with the assessment of hydro for this tractor (3016). Much easier ergonomics. Today i went over to the JohnDeere dealership and looked and sat on a 3320 gear. Much better layout on the JD. The 3320 was 23,9K. They were giving me 2K for mine and only that it is in such great shape otherwise only 1.5K. If the Mahindra was laid out as simply and efficiently as the geared Deere, this discussion wouldn't even be taking place. So out of pocket was 20K for the Deere and 10K for the 3016 so that was a no brainer. Cannot get the Deere. If the Mahindra dealership can somehow get the price down to even $1200 difference for the hydro, I would consider that but I have two things working against me. 1. He is chomping at the bit to get rid of this Mahindra gear as its been sitting on his lot for 16 months. It seems no one wants gear anymore around here and why the great deal. 2. old pricing vs new pricing creates smaller wiggle room for the dealership which creates a bigger spread from the hydro to old stock gear. Driving the Mahindra is like shooting a bolt action rifle as opposed to a semi automatic: It can be done and can be gotten used to and there are compensations to be made in order to acquire some great pricing. I don't like it as much but I'll learn to live with it.

The 3320 is a step up above a 3016. The JD 3032 would be a closer match but thr hydro model is only a 2 range. Can you sell your tractor straight out or on consignment? You have your current tractor a lot of years. I imagine you will keep this one a long time. You should get what you want so you are happy.

 

[arrow]

Their are some rabid hydro fans here and it cannot be just because going from back to forward is so easy. I've heard of a "finesse" factor say when inching into things such as trying to spear a fork into a pallet but what is so different from what I can do now with my JD 750? It is a pretty finessful tractor. I will grant that I have not achieved a "finesse " factor with the geared Mahindra but I cannot put my finger on why I can finesse the JD gear but not the Mahindra. This part has got me a bit concerned. I don't know if it was the additional size of the Mahindra (but actually not that much larger) or the visual from the tractor or the joystick but this thing seems like I'm trying to coax and elephant to light a cigarette. It cannot be because its a gear or can it?

 

[arrow]

The 3320 is a step up above a 3016. The JD 3032 would be a closer match but thr hydro model is only a 2 range. Can you sell your tractor straight out or on consignment? You have your current tractor a lot of years. I imagine you will keep this one a long time. You should get what you want so you are happy.

Everything is plastic on the 3032 including the floor. I could be wrong but I think a 3032E would get destroyed in the forest. Plus its close to 500lbs lighter than the 3016 (which for me is a step up from the 750) I swear if JD could figure out how to get an engine in plastic and not melt, they'd do it.

 

[Coyote machine]

Their are some rabid hydro fans here and it cannot be just because going from back to forward is so easy. I've heard of a "finesse" factor say when inching into things such as trying to spear a fork into a pallet but what is so different from what I can do now with my JD 750? It is a pretty finessful tractor. I will grant that I have not achieved a "finesse " factor with the geared Mahindra but I cannot put my finger on why I can finesse the JD gear but not the Mahindra. This part has got me a bit concerned. I don't know if it was the additional size of the Mahindra (but actually not that much larger) or the visual from the tractor or the joystick but this thing seems like I'm trying to coax and elephant to light a cigarette. It cannot be because its a gear or can it?

I have to admit your driving me crazy with all the second guessing of your already second guessing. You know in the back of your mind the gear is NOT the right tractor for you but the money you spend for the hydro is keeping you from going and getting the tractor which would best fit your current and future needs. Forget about the money for one minute and decide once and for all what is going to best fit your needs and it is a hydro. Why? Because everyone who tries one wants one and once you go to it you won't look back. It's not because the hydro crowd is rabid for hydro- it's because it makes sense. Try buying a gear shift car- good luck finding one.
And to answer your question- YES, it can be the Mahindra elephant gear lighter.
Ask yourself this- if it weren't the gear, then why are they sitting on the lot with no takers even discounted down to nothing?!
Buy the hydro and get on with the rest of your life.:thumbsup:

 

[arrow]

I have to admit your driving me crazy with all the second guessing of your already second guessing.

Im driving you crazy? It could be worse…you could be me. But there's a big part of me like you that can only take me just so far. This thread has gotten to be 12 pages long. Enough is enough. Thanks to all from the bottom of my bottom for all the input.

 

[the old grind]

Not to try to compare a working tractor to a HD mower, but zero-turn isn't about maneuverability alone, nor about ease of backing up. When we switch from a tractor-type mower most of us are lost in those advantages without mentioning that we don't miss having as clutch.

HST does allow an engine to run at the the best rpm without shifting, with forward motion fed in by a foot pedal and the range selector set for power or speed. Operation is somewhat car-like when one is behind the wheel, and when I'm turned 1/2-way around in the seat working backwards I wouldn't want my left foot having to reach out to a clutch. (Brakes are the only control I use less on a HST, but all flat ground here..) In the old days, we called whatever finesse was accomplished with a gear trans 'riding the clutch'.

I tolerated the 'gears' of my old JD because it had telescoping lift arms. How often attachments are switched around can have a big effect on the 'getting used to' part. It just doesn't sound like the easiest to me when using pallet forks and moving heavy stuff. (herky jerky?) btw: I wouldn't have tried this move with gears & a clutch. ('Finessed' it thru the door without making the opening any larger ...)


Arrow, you won't please us all. Just make yourself happy!! The rest of us will still have each other to pick on.

 

[Coyote machine]

Im driving you crazy? It could be worse…you could be me. But there's a big part of me like you that can only take me just so far. This thread has gotten to be 12 pages long. Enough is enough. Thanks to all from the bottom of my bottom for all the input.

Just telling it like it is- it's not meant to be an offense to you- I'm what one might call pure O. That's from obsessive /compulsive, where some are more one than the other. So I obsess over everything- just like you seem to. Just ask my family:laughing: So I know how it goes; I've been trying to bump you into a decision. And no decision is unfortunately a decision too, nonetheless. Unfortunately twelve pages doesn't seem to be narrowing it down for you enough, but we could go on for another 12 or more if needed. So go get something, and let us know what it is-OK?
BTW, how much down on deposit- if you don't mind my asking?
Bottom of your bottom? Is that supposed to be subtle innuendo for kissing your butt? If so, move one step back and let me see if my boot will fit!:laughing:

 

[big bubba]

at least be glad you don't make a living from the tractor...otherwise you wouldn't have the luxury of time to whine. at the end of the day we hope you find peace of mind in the same way that you have chosen your significant other. and if this forum serves as a channel for you to work through your neurosis, we are with you man! believe me, you deserve a good night's rest. peace brother! :drink:

 

[Carl_NH]

Arrow,

When you need to make a decision, one second later on a hydro it's done and at the speed you determine for the situation. With the shuttle shift on the 3016, its a few more movements of hand and or peddle to shift and then are you in the right gear?

We are not rabid, but trying to help you with our practiced and practical experience, but whatever decision, you need to be happy, mentally, physically and live with the selection.

A line from Thomas Jefferson "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" so, pursue and be happy!

Carl

 

[scoutcub]

:laughing:Arrow -

Interesting reading thru the thread and how it migrated from the old to the new - hydro vs gear...:laughing: I realize you're about at wit's end with advice and I really debated about replying at all....but I'll just give you my (vaguely similar) experience.
Recently I convinced myself I needed a bigger machine for dirt/woods work, and looking at 45-50 hp tractors. I have 2 smaller machines that didnt have QA, front/rear hydraulics, etc. At the time, "my" brand only had the Shuttle shift available.....I hemmed and hawed at the shuttle shift....other 2 machines were hydro....but I thought I'd give it a try. Didn't like it. Too ackward in the woods doing loader work. Traded it back to the dealer for the hydro version which just came out, what an improvement! I probably "could have lived with it".....and lost several $$$ by trading it back in with 25 hours.....but much happier with my decision.
Seems like you have a good dealer that is willing to work with you, although they want to get rid of the gear 3016 pretty bad.....I wouldn't get a machine to help out the dealer, it will sell eventually. Get what is right/better for you....the first time. Spend some seat time on both of them, till the dealer kicks you outta there.....:laughing: ......just to be sure.

BTW, my 3 hydros have 3 different pedal setups......treadle.....pedal up front and small in rear.....and side by side.....:confused2: Somehow, someway.....I'm used to all of em.....:confused3:

Good luck, take the full 3 weeks, and get what you want!

 

[Coyote machine]

No wait!:thumbsup: I've changed my thinking on this. Arrow should get what he wants and NOT a hydro. This way when he ends up disliking his choice we can all tell him: I told you to get the hydro!?
I think he's the kind of guy that goes contrary to advice given! Why take it from us? We're just rabid net nuts trying to get him to do what we want; so the new strategy is to tell him the opposite of what we want him to do so he'll be happy, Don't let him catch on though.... Shooosh

 

[coldstream]

Hey Arrow of all of the excellent posts in this thread, most of which address the technical merits of various tractors and designs, the one post that stands out to me and was mostly overlooked was your post of 7/16/2013 @ 10:49AM. I, like you, am a very sentimental person and I disagree with those who say it's just a machine, it's done it's work, move on. Our machines become tied to our lives, the people in our lives and the richness of our lives. I wanted you to know that I completely understand your sentimental struggle with this decision. The year that my dad passed I acquired his old 1968 Simplicity Broadmoor lawn tractor. That tractor had been purchased new by my grandfather and it is just a machine but it represents so much more than that to me. My son and I took it down to it's last bolt and rebuilt it as new. It brings me joy each time I get it out and remember those loved ones and all that they were to me! I know money is always an issue with big purchases like that but if you could keep that old tractor and buy the new one too you may continue to enjoy it being on your place. Of course money considerations will probably keep you from doing that but, bottom line, I just wanted to let you know that I'm a kindred spirit with regard to your sentimentality and the richness it brings to our lives. Good Luck! Coldstream