Buying Advice Texas cab or no cab? (towing limit)

[jrbarnard]

Well, it has been a while since I joined and I have stayed away because... well, I am easy to influence when I need a new toy (yes, a tractor is more than a toy heh).

So, wanted to chat and read input from you all to get my head wrapped around choices I need to make.

I used to have a Ford F-150, but traded it in for a 2018 Doge. It is not the Hemi, sorry.. family and what I do, simply could not justify spending the extra cost per month. Wish I had, but... let's face it.. did not need it and wanted to make the wife happy.

So, while it is a good truck, it is still a 6cylinder gas engine. The towing capacity STATES it is better than the new Fords in comparison, but, those are really just numbers in some aspects.

Now, I have 2 acres here at the house, and 330 acres at a ranch. I figure that if I need to get it to the ranch, I can generally invite any host of friends that want to hunt to haul it with their bigger trucks, and they have a lot bigger tractors so, not a huge issue, but...still, have to TRY to see if there is an alternative open to being self-sufficient, right?

So, back when I was "looking", I really wanted a cab with A/C. It appears to be like a $4k upgrade, not including the larger HP just to get TO that upgrade. Part of me is like, "to heck with it.. my friends have 55-60hp tractors.. if i need bigger, ask them".. and just get myself a 2400-ish tractor and call it done, forget the cab.. just something that lets me cut my grass at the house, move dirt, and I can haul it to the ranch myself.

But.. this is Texas.. a cab.. lol

So, that is where I am at.

I would have to build a lean-to to store the cab tractor under, doubt it would fit in a 8ft tall door, but a smaller one would.

I really want/need just a post hole digger, and as large of a grass/brush hog as I can get to make mowing 1-2 acres easier, plus the front end loader.

All of this stems around looking at that cab and thinking, "oh yea... 100 degrees outside.. I could use that..." heh

What would you all do?

Russ

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't have a cab. I'm in East Texas near Tyler and right now, the heat and humidity is extreme and it's only going to get worse in the next two months. You just hit a point when you cannot take it anymore and you are done. If you can get everything you want done in the morning, or you are willing to work later in the evening, after dark, then you can survive without a cab. I bush hog at night and I've been out past midnight fairly often.

My next tractor WILL have a cab!!!!

 

[jrbarnard]

I don't have a cab. I'm in East Texas near Tyler and right now, the heat and humidity is extreme and it's only going to get worse in the next two months. You just hit a point when you cannot take it anymore and you are done. If you can get everything you want done in the morning, or you are willing to work later in the evening, after dark, then you can survive without a cab. I bush hog at night and I've been out past midnight fairly often.

My next tractor WILL have a cab!!!!

That was exactly what I was thinking.

Mowing after dark is going to be tough since I have a HoA.. yea, I know.. different topic altogether, heh.. but, the heat was what was "selling me" on the concept.

Would have liked to have it inside my workshop, but the 8ft height of the door also presents an issue.

LS has a 3037 with a cab. I think that vs the Kubota may be the two choices I have available. All the rest would just jack it up past my price range and "real" need, I assume.

Thanks for the input.

Russ

 

[Snowman87]

I've got a cab on and would highly recommend it. Specific to the LS models it's not an overly big jump in price (dealer dependent maybe), and I feel I was able to get a larger cab machine in my price range vs. some of the other competitive models.

If you're going to spend enough hours on the machine it's well worth it in my opinion unless you're dealing specifically with working indoors or low ceilings. I live in Wisconsin so the A/C gets used nearly all summer long and the heat gets used all winter long. Here's just a quick list of cab bonuses:

Winter

- Able to dress in a sweatshirt and pants vs. full jacket/bibs
- No frost bite
- No snow dust in the face

Summer

- Able to work all day long in the comfort of A/C
- Keeps the dust/debris away when working with dirt or mowing
- Keeps the stinging bugs away
- Keeps you relatively out of the sun

General

- Can work in wet/rainy conditions without getting soaked
- No need to wear muffs to listen to the radio

In terms of machine size/capability it's definitely application specific, for what I do I'm very happy with my LS XR4155. I originally started shopping older loader tractors but I didn't want to be fixing it all the time, preferred to go HST with what I do, and the loader hydraulics are not nearly as user friendly as the new tractors. I upped my price but was finding that my new budget left me with limited capability or an open platform. That's when I started researching the LS brand. No tractor is truly perfect but I still feel it was the right buy for me when balancing out all my wants vs. needs.

- Decent amount of ground clearance for rocks/woods use
- Decent loader and 3 pt. capacity 2,700 lbs at the pins so probably close to 2,000 lbs real world lifting (dirt and rocks are heavier than you'd think)
- Still light enough to be used as a yard mowing machine as long as you're reasonably dry
- Large enough to move round bales
- Standard rear remotes and rear located raise/lower
- Cab with A/C, radio, etc.

 

[jrbarnard]

I've got a cab on and would highly recommend it. Specific to the LS models it's not an overly big jump in price (dealer dependent maybe), and I feel I was able to get a larger cab machine in my price range vs. some of the other competitive models.

If you're going to spend enough hours on the machine it's well worth it in my opinion unless you're dealing specifically with working indoors or low ceilings. I live in Wisconsin so the A/C gets used nearly all summer long and the heat gets used all winter long. Here's just a quick list of cab bonuses:

Winter

- Able to dress in a sweatshirt and pants vs. full jacket/bibs
- No frost bite
- No snow dust in the face

Summer

- Able to work all day long in the comfort of A/C
- Keeps the dust/debris away when working with dirt or mowing
- Keeps the stinging bugs away
- Keeps you relatively out of the sun

General

- Can work in wet/rainy conditions without getting soaked
- No need to wear muffs to listen to the radio

In terms of machine size/capability it's definitely application specific, for what I do I'm very happy with my LS XR4155. I originally started shopping older loader tractors but I didn't want to be fixing it all the time, preferred to go HST with what I do, and the loader hydraulics are not nearly as user friendly as the new tractors. I upped my price but was finding that my new budget left me with limited capability or an open platform. That's when I started researching the LS brand. No tractor is truly perfect but I still feel it was the right buy for me when balancing out all my wants vs. needs.

- Decent amount of ground clearance for rocks/woods use
- Decent loader and 3 pt. capacity 2,700 lbs at the pins so probably close to 2,000 lbs real world lifting (dirt and rocks are heavier than you'd think)
- Still light enough to be used as a yard mowing machine as long as you're reasonably dry
- Large enough to move round bales
- Standard rear remotes and rear located raise/lower
- Cab with A/C, radio, etc.

Thanks a ton. That helps a lot.

I do not mind getting a small tractor. I really would use the heck out of it, especially if I could haul it with my current truck. See, that is my biggest concern, if I go to big, I cannot haul it or cannot haul it easily or safely.

So, I am limited by a "window" of availability, more than anything. Too small, you get a cab but no A/C. Too big, you get it all but need a bigger trailer and thus bigger truck to haul it.

So, trying to find that right "sweet spot" and not get rooked on my first tractor.

So many choices

Thanks guys

Russ

 

[mljenkins]

Purchased a Kubota L6060HSTC this past December. Decided to go cab from all the positive forum posts on them and was able to pull off the finances to do it.

It’s 95+ with heat indexes some days over 100F here in humid WV. I can’t imagine what Texas is like now. The cab allows me to work longer because when you do get out and back in you are refreshed from the cool air. I am so thankful I was able to get one. I can work it all day until I run out of fuel or time and not even care.

It literally has allowed me to probably be over twice as productive in the summer and winter because I spent more time cutting things and moving brush I just didn’t fool with before.

I see your predicament with the size. Fortunately I don’t have to move mine, but have to rely on the dealer for moving it for service. Mine lives under my lean to on the side of my barn.

 

[MickeyDBC]

I have a Kioti with a cab and a Kubota mini excavator with an open station and I do everything that I can with the cabbed tractor (very cold ac) vs. the hot,hot, hot excavator. I have also noticed that my wife often goes and just sits in the tractor with the ac on because it is just so much more pleasant. Get the cab and ac and you will thank yourself many times over.

 

[TripleR]

My L5740HSTC fits through my 8' garage door where I service it. I don't know about the towing. I move mie so seldom, it was cheaper to pay to haul it than buy a bigger truck.

 

[kthompson]

I bought cab tractor three years ago and used it and open tractor in same field within about three days running a field cultivator. With cab tractor had my two youngest grandsons, one 4 and one 8 in there taking turns steering the tractor for part of the time. When I got back home got out of the cab clean as I could be. When I used the open station tractor I looked like had been in dust storm for a week and was surprised at how dirty I got in two hours. Of course no suitable for grandchild to ride on. I am big fan much of the weather of the cab. Now when not dusty and temp is say 70 degrees I dislike the cab greatly.
But to your decision: have you really check the weight of the larger tractor and see if it is tow-able with your pickup? Would not surprise me if it were. You did not mention trees and I would not be comfortable with a cab with tree or limbs to work around them, especially with an open door or window. Also if you get a cab be sure you secure the windows and doors for hauling. They can and do come open have read here of them be torn off in hauling.
I agree with all that was posted about benefits of cab.

 

[mljenkins]

You did not mention trees and I would not be comfortable with a cab with tree or limbs to work around them, especially with an open door or window. Also if you get a cab be sure you secure the windows and doors for hauling. They can and do come open have read here of them be torn off in hauling.
I agree with all that was posted about benefits of cab.

I actually get closer to trees now because I hated being whacked with bug ridden trees before. Only problem I have seen is very large limbs but I would not have gone under those with my ROPS. It does take a bit more concentration in between the actual trunks though on the hillside a slight tilt can cause a rub. I guess maybe it depends on your environment.

Good point about the doors and windows. My dealer never mentioned that. I can definitely see someone not getting them latched all the way. I’ve heard the same about some canopies although I never had an issue with my last one.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I just purchased a 2012 t4.75 New Holland with 1K hours just to get a cab. If I have to downsize I will still have a cab. Too many positives and too few negatives. I wanted enough tractor to pull a 10 or 12 foot cutter. Reducing my brush hogging time by 50% plus the added comfort and safety of a cab is a no brainier IMHO.

 

[TripleR]

I added limb risers and pipe around the top of mine and it works great.

 

[LouNY]

I believe the Branson 3725 is available with a cab and AC that's only a 32 hp unit and around 4000 lbs.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I believe the Branson 3725 is available with a cab and AC that's only a 32 hp unit and around 4000 lbs.

Yes. Cab and AC. 37 hp Cummins, 32 hp at pto. Cabbed model is only available in HST.

 

[jrbarnard]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I am waiting on a quote from BigReds in Gainseville for a Branson 3725ch. Not sure how Branson compares to the Kubota or LS or others for price and quality. Will look around and see what is out there. Then.. financing.. I hate financing .. lol

R

 

[MickeyDBC]

You should go and check out the Kiotis and Yanmars over at Paige Tractor (about 25 miles from you - take 21 to 290 and go about five miles). I have bought two machines from them (Kioti tractor and a Kubota excavator) and have been very happy with them. They were the cheapest by $500 on the tractor and their implement prices are as low as I have seen anywhere. Been very happy dealing with them.

 

[AWSubie]

Get the cab! For all the reasons previously mentioned.

 

[jrbarnard]

Lol! You guys are awesome. Thanks so much for the input. I am a noob, and it is good to see "real people" that offer advice and help to us people that do not know jack.

In the Navy, I did it all.. people would laugh because I would be like, "yea.. go have some coffee....I'll do that, you can sit and watch" heh. Now, I have a lot of friends with tractors and, sure... they bring them out to the ranch, I can always borrow them, but they tend to bring the tractor and start doing it themselves. I get it... these are expensive and they can do it faster, but I just want to wake up in the morning, hop on my own tractor, and just..."go"...

Do I need a cab? nah....like I mentioned, I can get by with the smallest tractor they make and even get a backhoe and all the "trimmings" for less, but, in 102 degree temps....I can go all day long and not think about it, with an a/c.

I figure all the implements in the world won't do me any good if I do not want to get out in 102 degree temps for 3 hours, right?

I also would very much like to safely haul it to my own ranch, albeit I may be selling that ranch...but, I may very well buy another closer and with less dense tree coverage heh....and a pond

Either way, if I keep the ranch....this will get used a lot...

If I sell it, this will get paid for and still used, just not as much.. but.. I like to be neighborly so.. heh...

Anyway, rambling.. I just want to be self-sufficient, and this 42" riding mower cannot keep up AND cannot move dirt, dig holes, etc.. like a tractor so.. may as well get what I want vs what is cheapest... BUT.. gotta stay in budget ...or momma will kill me and bury me with the tractor.... you know, after the insurance pays it off.. lol

R

 

[jrbarnard]

You should go and check out the Kiotis and Yanmars over at Paige Tractor (about 25 miles from you - take 21 to 290 and go about five miles). I have bought two machines from them (Kioti tractor and a Kubota excavator) and have been very happy with them. They were the cheapest by $500 on the tractor and their implement prices are as low as I have seen anywhere. Been very happy dealing with them.

Thanks Mickey, I will check out their tractors. Not sure what the smallest cab with a/c is of those two brands. I am looking at comparing all the brands with... I think.. the LS XR3135CH, I suppose.. for size, price, weight. I think Mahindra makes a great tractor, but way heavier, if I remember correctly....and a lot more expensive (but I am told well worth the cost).

 

[MickeyDBC]

Having a good dealer nearby is worth a lot. Being able to drop by and pickup filters, shredder blades, and the rest of the consumables often is the difference between getting something done this weekend vs. sometime after the parts come in the mail.

You are pretty close to me and the dealers that I was impressed with when I started my hunt were Kubota (great tractors but a little pricey on the one that I was looking at), Kioti (Paige Tractor and the dealer in Bryan), and the LS dealer in south Austin (did not have what I was looking for in stock and I was up against an end of the year deadline). I also would not rule out New Holland - they sell their version of the LS as a Boomer and I have seen a lot of them out pulling mowers. TYM (looked at them and was not impressed by the local dealer network and parts availability - they had to order in pretty much everything) recently bought Branson and it is not often that consumers win after a big M&A deal. I have heard good and bad about the local Mahindra dealers, some of the smaller Mitsubishi made machines look nice, but the two local dealerships that I have been in did not feel like a real tractor dealer with shelves and shelves of spare parts, more like overgrown mower dealers. Good luck in your hunt.