My Thoughts On Modern Day Tractors

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Ford Tractor company came out with the 1000 series tractors in 1967. The 3000 was the compact tractor of that time and went on to become one of the greatest tractors that has ever been built. They are still fetching fairly high prices fifty years later due to their bullet proof design, battle tested reliability and incredible strength and power. Coming from being an owner of one of those tractors I have been surprised and disappointed at the lack of equal offerings in today's tractors.

Where can I buy a NEW Ford tractor today?

I recommend Ventrac or a Kubota 'MX' to you.

Hey Jeff, thanks for the video and I agree that the Kubota MX is the modern day Ford 3000.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

What modern day tractor lacks the ability to run the pto with the tractor being stationary? I’m guessing none.

If there was ever a 3 legged Deere the 3043D is it.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Your posat

Question for the OP is the REAL QUESTION about money or availability ? You have been provided with a few options..

Coobie thanks for your recommendations. I am actually considering the Toro option that you suggested. I actually was not aware of that option until you pointed it out. I also learned last night when I was doing research on it that they offer a flail mower attachment for it which is what I want and need.

To answer your question, it's about both. Like I said in my introductory post, Deere has the 3046R but it's just stupid expensive. When you compare it up to other tractors like the Kubota MX5400 it just seems like a bad value and buy. I can speak for a lot of people who come on this site every day and ask for advice and help about purchasing tractors, it is the hardest thing in the world you will ever buy. The manufactures have so many choices and offerings and when you start comparing you go down a rabbit hole that you can almost never get out of. I finally had to just set a budget and then find the specs that got closest to what I want and need. However, you guys are shooting holes in my complaints which is good and I welcome. It challenges me to stretch my thinking.

 

[TMGT]

What exactly are you looking for criteria wise? Its not clear from your first post, you say medium size compact but then go on to discuss the Ford 3000 which has quite a few equivalents in size and power from most manufacturers (Kubota MX series to name one).

If you are looking for something smaller in the standard L or LX series then no, there's really no need for more HP as the size and capabilites of the machine really can't justify 50hp.

If the biggest need is a heavy duty front mounted mower then Powertrac is one good place to look, but it doesn't have dealers which seems to be one of your necessities.

(Looks like there were a few replies that answered some things while I was writing my response, guess that's what I get for taking a break half way through )

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

What exactly are you looking for criteria wise? Its not clear from your first post, you say medium size compact but then go on to discuss the Ford 3000 which has quite a few equivalents in size and power from most manufacturers (Kubota MX series to name one).

If you are looking for something smaller in the standard L or LX series then no, there's really no need for more HP as the size and capabilites of the machine really can't justify 50hp.

If the biggest need is a heavy duty front mounted mower then Powertrac is one good place to look, but it doesn't have dealers which seems to be one of your necessities.

(Looks like there were a few replies that answered some things while I was writing my response, guess that's what I get for taking a break half way through )

Yeah I can see where me mentioning the Ford 3000 could be a little confusing. My point with that was they were not exactly a full size compact tractor and they offered a lot of PTO horsepower in comparison to what they are offering today. However, they are also not as small as the Deere 3 series either. Far as tractor size goes the Kubota LX or Deere 3 series is the right size but is lacking some on PTO hp. The truth is those are my only two options far as tractors go that fit all my criteria.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

What about a Toro grounds keeper ?Toro auto cross 9060? Ventrac makes good machines.

Coobie, do you have any personal experience with Toro products? I took a look at the Toro Grounds Master front mount mowers last night but I am wondering if that would be rugged enough to stand up on rougher terrain. My property is not a golf course.

 

[CADplans]

What modern day tractor lacks the ability to run the pto with the tractor being stationary? I’m guessing none.

If there was ever a 3 legged Deere the 3043D is it.

I admit, I have not been on a JD 3043D,, but,,
the concept of "transmission PTO" may be being misinterpreted,,

There are at least two types of transmission PTO's,,
the simple one like my JD 650 has,, the 650 has a single stage clutch.
With single stage, when the wheel drive stops, the PTO stops.

Then, there is the two stage clutch PTO.

The two stage PTO equipped tractor can be operated exactly like a hydraulic PTO.
The tractor PTO does not disengage until the clutch pedal is FULLY depressed.
Partially depress the clutch pedal, the transmission only disengages.

This is a very common clutch system.

I have driven two stage equipped tractors, but, to the best of my memory,
I never operated a PTO attachment with that type tractor.

Yes, my JD 4105 has the best type PTO,, pull a button on the dash, the PTO softly engages.
Push in that switch, the PTO disengages.

 

[Williy]

My tractor has a button push down and turn
pto is on tap button its off. Yanmar YT235C

willy

 

[CADplans]

My tractor has a button push down and turn
pto is on tap button its off. Yanmar YT235C

willy

I thought the manufacturers had to go to this to comply with safety requirements.
With a switch, the tractor can be wired so that a seat safety interlock can be added,,

I do not know if a transmission PTO can have a safety interlock?

Sure, they can shut off the fuel,, but, the engine will continue to spin for 90 seconds, or more,,

The transmission PTO is kinda old fashioned,, but,,
My JD 650 has one, my Gravely 24G has a mechanical PTO disengage,,
and, my IH 584 has a one foot long lever that is moved to engage the independent PTO,,
I have no idea how the IH PTO operates, I just know it sure is smooth,,,

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I admit, I have not been on a JD 3043D,, but,,
the concept of "transmission PTO" may be being misinterpreted,,

There are at least two types of transmission PTO's,,
the simple one like my JD 650 has,, the 650 has a single stage clutch.
With single stage, when the wheel drive stops, the PTO stops.

Then, there is the two stage clutch PTO.

The two stage PTO equipped tractor can be operated exactly like a hydraulic PTO.
The tractor PTO does not disengage until the clutch pedal is FULLY depressed.
Partially depress the clutch pedal, the transmission only disengages.

This is a very common clutch system.

I have driven two stage equipped tractors, but, to the best of my memory,
I never operated a PTO attachment with that type tractor.

Yes, my JD 4105 has the best type PTO,, pull a button on the dash, the PTO softly engages.
Push in that switch, the PTO disengages.

CADplans it's a one stage clutch meaning when you press the clutch in to change gears the PTO stops. Deere ruined that tractor.