Buying Advice lifting abilty in compacts- looking for a second smaller tractor

[4570Man]

I agree with the operate it for yourself for at least a few hours before coming to a conclusion.

 

[WVfarmin]

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies so far. I will try and take a few pictures, but my main concern is the size of the storage bays in the pole barn. So far three posts have been snapped or cracked, and the front center has been hit so many times he sistered it and took the thing out. If you don't go dead straight in and out you will hit a post with the rear wheels which he has moved out all the way out for more stability on our hills. So when a bale rolls off to the side , you have a **** of a time spearing it, and the bays are deep. Our barn is like 60 wide by 40 deep. This is what happens when a salesman offered a bigger tractor for just a few more dollars than the one he was supposed to get.and there was zero percent financing....ahem. I do need to play with the Mahindra more, I admit, it didn't help the seat is stuck in position for him, so like I'm 5"4 and he's 6ft so I was sitting on the edge to reach the clutch, etc. He takes the bales down a steep *** hill to feed on our bottom paddock, if I feed I'm only gonna feed up top where it is pretty flat cause that hill has gotten hairy for him in the big tractor in the winter. The dealer has a new 1526 with a loader on clearance for 18k, but that's still a chunk of change for sure. I've noticed larger 30-40hp hst tractors used just don't pop up for sale here near as often, just bx series kubotas and the equiv. John deeres. Prob because people around here find out they need bigger tractors, lol. I do like the idea of a skid steer to get it out of the barn, we have a concrete floor, but those used aren't real cheap either if in decent shape. Anyone have a smaller kioti? the one guy I knew who had one loved it to death over Kubota but he only used it to skid logs in his woodmill yard. Wonder if the dealers will be keen on me showing up with a round bale in the bed of our truck and ask to try and lift it out and move it with one of their smaller tractors....im guessing they wont be amused..lol

 

[LouNY]

Wonder if the dealers will be keen on me showing up with a round bale in the bed of our truck and ask to try and lift it out and move it with one of their smaller tractors....im guessing they wont be amused..lol

That is the best idea I have seen on this thread so far.
Any dealer that will not let their tractor be demo in working conditions, isn't worth using.

Other suggestions of good merit where to get a few bales ( a weeks worth, maybe) where you can get the larger tractor to them.
If you are getting deep frozen ruts causing problems with the larger tractor it will cause even more problems with a smaller tractor.
Are you using tire chains in the mud? They are very helpful.

Many people love skid steers, I'm not one of them. In soft muddy ground with a load when they get stuck they are heavy to drag out.
And they will get stuck in soft muddy feed lots.
A small forklift on the concrete floor could get your bales to the door where your tractor could then carry them.
Small forklifts are sometimes found reasonably, they are helpless of solid concrete or pavement.

Good Luck

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies so far. I will try and take a few pictures, but my main concern is the size of the storage bays in the pole barn. So far three posts have been snapped or cracked, and the front center has been hit so many times he sistered it and took the thing out. If you don't go dead straight in and out you will hit a post with the rear wheels which he has moved out all the way out for more stability on our hills. So when a bale rolls off to the side , you have a **** of a time spearing it, and the bays are deep. Our barn is like 60 wide by 40 deep. This is what happens when a salesman offered a bigger tractor for just a few more dollars than the one he was supposed to get.and there was zero percent financing....ahem. I do need to play with the Mahindra more, I admit, it didn't help the seat is stuck in position for him, so like I'm 5"4 and he's 6ft so I was sitting on the edge to reach the clutch, etc. He takes the bales down a steep *** hill to feed on our bottom paddock, if I feed I'm only gonna feed up top where it is pretty flat cause that hill has gotten hairy for him in the big tractor in the winter. The dealer has a new 1526 with a loader on clearance for 18k, but that's still a chunk of change for sure. I've noticed larger 30-40hp hst tractors used just don't pop up for sale here near as often, just bx series kubotas and the equiv. John deeres. Prob because people around here find out they need bigger tractors, lol. I do like the idea of a skid steer to get it out of the barn, we have a concrete floor, but those used aren't real cheap either if in decent shape. Anyone have a smaller kioti? the one guy I knew who had one loved it to death over Kubota but he only used it to skid logs in his woodmill yard. Wonder if the dealers will be keen on me showing up with a round bale in the bed of our truck and ask to try and lift it out and move it with one of their smaller tractors....im guessing they wont be amused..lol

Leave the spear in it on the truck. If the dealer won't let you connect to the spear and lift the bail, then you don't want to make a purchase from them anyway. Go try the 1526, you'll like it.

I have a Mahindra 7520 4x4 and a 3215 HST. Big is not always better. All depends on what you're doing and what the surroundings are.

 

[Garandman]

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l2501.pdf

For a Kubota L2501, lift capacity at pins 1,918 lbs. 24 beyond pins capacity is 1,389 lbs.

 

[Tractorable]

You might want to check out the new RK37 tractor from Rural King. Nice size, strong loader and affordable with a Japanese Yanmar engine with 8 year power train warranty. Check out the YouTube channel Outdoors with the Morgan’s. He’s been demo’ing them and making good videos.

Not sure where you are in WV but there are Rural King stores in Virginia, Ohio, and I believe WV as well.

 

[4570Man]

The local dealer lets people demo used equipment on their property. I can’t imagine any dealer not letting you lift a bale on the dealer lot.

 

[4570Man]

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l2501.pdf

For a Kubota L2501, lift capacity at pins 1,918 lbs. 24 beyond pins capacity is 1,389 lbs.

That’s the 3 point hitch. The loader is rated about 1100 to full height at the pins. It’s the same loader as my L3800 and I don’t think it’ll lift a 900 pound bale.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'd have the Mahindra dealer drop the 1526 off at your farm, WITH a ballast of some sort on the rear 3pt. Then put on your bail spear and try it out, in your own barn, and actually take one out and drop it in your feeder. Make sure the tractor can not only lift and carry the round bale on flat level concrete, but can actually traverse rough uneven ground with it safely, and then pick it up, angle it and drop it in your feeder.

Any other dealer should be willing to do the same, but you already have a relationship with the Mahindra dealer (you've already bought one from them, lol).

I too, personally despise skid steers. Destroy the ground (you're talking about rutting the ground with a utility tractor), crazy expensive, even used, unless they're totally wrecked, repairs are stupid expensive, and I'm not sure you're going to be able to reach the top row of bales with a small skid steer anyway, as the loaders always seem too short. Only thing skidders are fit for is new construction sites, where the ground hasn't been finish graded yet.

 

[majorwager]

I'd have the Mahindra dealer drop the 1526 off at your farm, WITH a ballast of some sort on the rear 3pt. Then put on your bail spear and try it out, in your own barn, and actually take one out and drop it in your feeder. Make sure the tractor can not only lift and carry the round bale on flat level concrete, but can actually traverse rough uneven ground with it safely, and then pick it up, angle it and drop it in your feeder.

Any other dealer should be willing to do the same, but you already have a relationship with the Mahindra dealer (you've already bought one from them, lol).

I too, personally despise skid steers. Destroy the ground (you're talking about rutting the ground with a utility tractor), crazy expensive, even used, unless they're totally wrecked, repairs are stupid expensive, and I'm not sure you're going to be able to reach the top row of bales with a small skid steer anyway, as the loaders always seem too short. Only thing skidders are fit for is new construction sites, where the ground hasn't been finish graded yet.

Wow, Title this annihilation of the skid steer loader, But from the ashes to slowpoke slim's complete suprise, emerges the Bobcat S 770 AWS loader. Able to scale large hay piles in a single bound, not faster than a speeding bullet, but it will outlift most any compact tractor and reach higher as well. The best part, it has 4 wheel steering, NO TURF DAMAGE, low center of gravity so great slope stability. I have operated this machine, it is on my "justify this purchase list". It is a 92 hp beast that can dance across a lawn w/ no trace. NO DPF either. Pilot joystick controls, machine operation really can't get any simpler. Oh and love this feature, has a remote control option. Just a FYI.

EDIT:
Bobcat Above rides better than any of my tractors since it was air seat equipped. Yes it is expensive, 90" finish mower and WOT, Productivity and investment are not strangers. The hay season Deere is a little smoother, suspended cab and the air seat.

Mountain view, if you haven't operated the machine above, how did you form your operating opinion?.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Yeah, ok.

I bet it's cheap too.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I'd have the Mahindra dealer drop the 1526 off at your farm, WITH a ballast of some sort on the rear 3pt. Then put on your bail spear and try it out, in your own barn, and actually take one out and drop it in your feeder. Make sure the tractor can not only lift and carry the round bale on flat level concrete, but can actually traverse rough uneven ground with it safely, and then pick it up, angle it and drop it in your feeder.

Any other dealer should be willing to do the same, but you already have a relationship with the Mahindra dealer (you've already bought one from them, lol).

I too, personally despise skid steers. Destroy the ground (you're talking about rutting the ground with a utility tractor), crazy expensive, even used, unless they're totally wrecked, repairs are stupid expensive, and I'm not sure you're going to be able to reach the top row of bales with a small skid steer anyway, as the loaders always seem too short. Only thing skidders are fit for is new construction sites, where the ground hasn't been finish graded yet.

Now back to reality.

This would be ideal if the dealer will do it. :thumbsup:

Another negative with the skid steer is mowing. While yes you can mow with them, BIG $$$$ for the mower and one rough ride. The OP wanted to also be able to mow with Hubby as well as other tasks I am sure.

 

[WVfarmin]

Well, yesterday I did take a look at the 1526 Mahindra and the RK 37, since we have both a Mahindra dealer and rural king about a hour away. I really liked the Mahindra as far as decent size and build. But it is so much smaller I question the stability of the thing once you pick up a bale to move. Sadly, the dealer had closed early for the holiday and I couldn't test drive it. I looked at the rural king 37 mainly as a lark, but I had to admit it was 11 hp more, a tad taller and beefier, and basically the same money. I have no doubt it would have no problem at all with round bales. If you wanted to add options like a backhoe or a cab, the cost savings blow the comparable hp sized Mahinda out of the water. In fact while we stood there sweating in 90 degree heat I saw him eyeballing that air conditioned cab a bit too much, ha! SO I found my tractor, right? Eh, not sure. These haven't been around long enough for me to find many reviews from people using them long term. I mean do they fall apart in 4 years? I know neither of us was impressed the hydraulic lines are on the outside of the loader where they run down and swing under right next to the cab by the step bar..um, how hard would it have been to put it on the inside of the frame to protect them? Or maybe a small shield if nothing else? And the back side where the rear pto is had turnbuckles, and I know they are a pain in the you know what when they get old and rusted or otherwise stuck. it just makes me wonder when they do something cheap or dumb that a noob like me can pick out what else might be a bad idea that I have no clue about. I did see that morgan guys video reviews and they are impressive, but I have yet to see either of these tractors take a hill carrying anything or take a hill period. Even if I only feed on the flat I would like to know before plunking down all that money what else it can do. These videos always seem to be on flat ground.. I'm gonna go back and drive the Mahindra for sure. And I do see now what you guys mean about whiney tractors. Hydro does sound weird.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Well, yesterday I did take a look at the 1526 Mahindra and the RK 37, since we have both a Mahindra dealer and rural king about a hour away. I really liked the Mahindra as far as decent size and build. But it is so much smaller I question the stability of the thing once you pick up a bale to move. Sadly, the dealer had closed early for the holiday and I couldn't test drive it. I looked at the rural king 37 mainly as a lark, but I had to admit it was 11 hp more, a tad taller and beefier, and basically the same money. I have no doubt it would have no problem at all with round bales. If you wanted to add options like a backhoe or a cab, the cost savings blow the comparable hp sized Mahinda out of the water. In fact while we stood there sweating in 90 degree heat I saw him eyeballing that air conditioned cab a bit too much, ha! SO I found my tractor, right? Eh, not sure. These haven't been around long enough for me to find many reviews from people using them long term. I mean do they fall apart in 4 years? I know neither of us was impressed the hydraulic lines are on the outside of the loader where they run down and swing under right next to the cab by the step bar..um, how hard would it have been to put it on the inside of the frame to protect them? Or maybe a small shield if nothing else? And the back side where the rear pto is had turnbuckles, and I know they are a pain in the you know what when they get old and rusted or otherwise stuck. it just makes me wonder when they do something cheap or dumb that a noob like me can pick out what else might be a bad idea that I have no clue about. I did see that morgan guys video reviews and they are impressive, but I have yet to see either of these tractors take a hill carrying anything or take a hill period. Even if I only feed on the flat I would like to know before plunking down all that money what else it can do. These videos always seem to be on flat ground.. I'm gonna go back and drive the Mahindra for sure. And I do see now what you guys mean about whiney tractors. Hydro does sound weird.

If you end up being comfortable with the 1526, then load the tires and if you still are not comfortable handling the bales, get a 3pt weight box so that you are still short and compact for grabbing the bales in the barn. The tractor will pick up that 900lb bale with ease.

 

[LouNY]

Id really like something smaller and easier to maneuver, as well as less compaction to the ground in the winter mud/freeze. the ruts that thing makes are enormous.

From your first post, I don't know how your winter weather is down there.
I do know that our winter feed lots get quite muddy, sloppy and low traction when they are not froze.
When froze they will have soft spots that will be fairly deep and the ruts can be quite deep.
The 1526 looks like it has the strength to lift a bale on the front and the rear so you could carry two bales at a time.
My concern would be the size of the front tires (small) falling into frozen ruts and the severe impact to the front axle components while doing so.
Drop that small tire in frozen rut that's a foot deep it will really bounce that tractor around and carrying a bale while doing so will stress that small tractor.
Good luck with your winter feeding, it is so much fun :confused2:

 

[WVfarmin]

Lol thanks. I'm glad no ones been ribbing me on wanting a smaller hst. I'm not some pampered chick who doesn't want to get dirty or work. My spouse has just always done the tractor work just like I've always castrated the pigs. Our division of labor has always worked, but his new job threw a wrench in it and when he will be gone there is literally no one around who could help if I got into trouble with the equipment. I've been practicing on the 6530 in first gear on the flattest spot we have. And first gear is prob. Where I'll stay. But maneuvering with the spear and a bale in the barn will take some skills. The ruts are a concern , you are right, they can get ankle snap deep. We've thought about a smaller tractor for some time just for maneuverability reasons. If we get one I'll be sure to let everyone know what we chose and how we like it after it has a few hours on it. This forum is really a wealth of knowledge

 

[4570Man]

What about a bigger barn?

 

[WVfarmin]

:laughing::laughing:the pole barn is big, the pole post width is not, and the tractor tires are moved ALL the way out so we don't roll off our hills here.

 

[AndyMA]

Hi,
Due to a change in my husbands work, this winter I will be tasked with putting out round bales for our cattle. Our rounds are prob 800-900 lbs dry. I have to confess I am terrified of his 6530 Mahindra. Its huge, has gears and levers sticking out everywhere, and as soon as you let off the clutch you are moving. Yes, I know, I'm a wimp. But the fact our barn has literally inches between the pole beams and the rear wheels requires one to be really good spearing and taking out bales. I have visions of me taking out the barn at 1mph....until he got used to the tractor, HE took out a few posts...ahem. needless to say, while that tractor is awesome for brushogging fields fast and heavy work, Id really like something smaller and easier to maneuver, as well as less compaction to the ground in the winter mud/freeze. the ruts that thing makes are enormous. There are a few 3010 kubotas in our area but I wonder if they can lift a larger round bale without falling over on their nose, esp since our are stacked. I also am considering a smaller Mahindra, like a 1526, but again, wonder if it is too small. I basically don't want to spend a ton on a second tractor, and we don't need another beast tractor, but just one big enough to put out hay and do the lighter easier work and be hydrostatic so I have less to freak out over when I am by myself.. I also would not mind helping hubby brushog, two tractors would make shorter work of it. We live in WV and NOTHING is flat. So it is a big learning and confidence curve for me ..oh and my day job is in a hospital where I see all the guys who flip their tractors...every year at least 2-3.......so I come by my wimpiness honest. Thanks!

Kubota MX series would do fine.

Andy

 

[Turbys_1700]

What is the spacing of your poles in the barn? I am assuming 8'? I apologize if this has been identified earlier?