100ish HP, powershift or CVT used recs

[jawzx]

I am beginning to run into the limits of both my tractor and my aging knees as my hay operation has picked up a number of really good deals on larger used implements. I make hay primarily for my sheep operation, but also to sell on +/— 90 acres. I have kicked arround the idea of getting into custom work, or at least offering my services to see if anyone bites.

I currently have a 2017 Zetor Major 80, which is a solid mid-size utility, but it's near it's limit with my Claas Disco 3000tc, Claas volto 770 and Claas Liner 1550 twin. The JD 448 baler is honestly, the easiest load. (also have an NH 326)...

I'm basically looking for "my last tractor" not too big, but with more grunt and capacity than the Major, and without a high cost of ownership. I would probably sell the Major and have this as my main "big" machine, this means it gets to do snow removal, heavy barn Cleanout and heavier loader duty as well. Cab with heat and A/c is key, 3ph lift capacity over 3 tons, 100ish HP and good community support for repairs and parts availability are key, dealer support is not so important. As my knees get older, running a round baler with a manual transmission is starting to get rougher every year, and a powershift/powershuttle, semi-powershift, or CVT is highly appealing. The ability to stop for tie and unload without having to leg press a tractor clutch multiple times is the idea here.

Budget is "as little as possible" with a realistic upper limit of $65k USD. I certainly don't expect to find anything new for that price. I've seen some newer Zetor Proxima Power 100s in that range, and I do like Zetor's ethic and continued attempts to avoid computerization as much as possible, but I am, at heart brand agnostic as long as it's not John Deere.

What says the internet hive mind?

 

[oldnslo]

Every power shift that I have driven requires pushing in clutch to stop and start. Clutch is possibly lighter than conventional gear but still requires pushing it.

 

[jawzx]

Lighter press would be an improvement, I have definitely seen machines that have push-button clutch on the shift lever, maybe higher end/newer, maybe those are not a "traditional" powershift, but more of a semi-automated manual?

 

[oldnslo]

The newer machines with power shift do have either pushbutton or toggle for charging gears but you still use the clutch to stop and start.

Only spent a couple hours on a IVT tractor last fall and I think you could just pull back on the speed control to stop then push forward to take off with no clutch required but do not quote me on that. I believe there was some throttle interlock when using PTO so not sure how that whole system works.

 

[Hay Dude]

I am beginning to run into the limits of both my tractor and my aging knees as my hay operation has picked up a number of really good deals on larger used implements. I make hay primarily for my sheep operation, but also to sell on +/— 90 acres. I have kicked arround the idea of getting into custom work, or at least offering my services to see if anyone bites.

I currently have a 2017 Zetor Major 80, which is a solid mid-size utility, but it's near it's limit with my Claas Disco 3000tc, Claas volto 770 and Claas Liner 1550 twin. The JD 448 baler is honestly, the easiest load. (also have an NH 326)...

I'm basically looking for "my last tractor" not too big, but with more grunt and capacity than the Major, and without a high cost of ownership. I would probably sell the Major and have this as my main "big" machine, this means it gets to do snow removal, heavy barn Cleanout and heavier loader duty as well. Cab with heat and A/c is key, 3ph lift capacity over 3 tons, 100ish HP and good community support for repairs and parts availability are key, dealer support is not so important. As my knees get older, running a round baler with a manual transmission is starting to get rougher every year, and a powershift/powershuttle, semi-powershift, or CVT is highly appealing. The ability to stop for tie and unload without having to leg press a tractor clutch multiple times is the idea here.

Budget is "as little as possible" with a realistic upper limit of $65k USD. I certainly don't expect to find anything new for that price. I've seen some newer Zetor Proxima Power 100s in that range, and I do like Zetor's ethic and continued attempts to avoid computerization as much as possible, but I am, at heart brand agnostic as long as it's not John Deere.

What says the internet hive mind?

I’ll tell you who’s making Ag tractors at very aggressive pricing is Duetz.
We have a few dealers that popped-up in my area and they are selling pretty well.

They offer CVT & Powershift. There are used units in my area.

I’ll leave you with this piece of advice: Once you own a CVT, you’ll literally never go back to a power shift. The CVT can feather the speed perfectly for baling.

I have 3 CVT’s and I’m going to probably buy a 4th.

 

[Saucymynx]

Take a look at the LS MT7 101. I love mine. Very nice hay tractor

 

[LouNY]

I have not run a CVT much but I was impressed with them. That said if buying another used tractor a CVT would be my first choice followed by a full power shift with a shuttle/reverser.
No clutch required as the shuttle/reverser acts as your clutch.

 

[LouNY]

A search for 95- 150 hp, CVT under $65,000 with loader has 8 items if you add in IVT which is green it adds 7 more.
Pardon Our Interruption
And here are about 150 with powershifts and many will have a lefthand shuttle with the power shift
Pardon Our Interruption

 

[redman135]

Some things to consider.

Haydude is right about CVT, and is a better option for your knees.

CVT or full power shuttle( no clutch).
CVT : find out which have EXTERNAL solinoids. EG JD 20 series IVT has INternal solinoids. 10 years ago it was $6500 to change a $250.00 part.(you had to lift the cab and dissassemble the gearbox.)
Duetz tractors are solid well built tractors and have impressively FEW rattles in their cabs are 15 years.
The electronic ones will take time to get familier with, 8 scv's 2 on 2 x 4 way sticks and 4 more on the command arm buttons and you can shift which hydraulic ram is on which button pair.
Former boss used a 200hp duetz with cvt on a new holland standard square baler (approx size JD346) because he could adjust the speed to EXACTLY what was required.
Massey Ferguson. The power shuttle has a QWERK that drives me nuts. In forward gear you tap the shuttle UP to go up the gears and Down to go down the gears BUT in reverse you tap the shuttle DOWN to go UP the gears and UP to go DOWN the gears(you Reverse the gearshift Pattern in reverse Gear!!!!!)
MF The A/C is in the roof and if you are tall, on big bumps you hit the roof(major pain in the neck).
MF Back window wiper parks directly in line of sight when looking out the back window.
You have a roof window for high level bale stacking .
You NEED a curtain from the 3/4windows around the back to stop the reflection on the windscreen acting like a mirror and blocking you from seeing what is in front when in sheds(JD MF and Deutz).

MF base spec models have a low volume hydraulic pump and use a BLUE SWITCH to put all output to the loader. AVOID for commercial work. The low volume pump puts a serious crimp in your style.(tractor down in silage season,all that could be got)

 

[Hay Dude]

All AGCO CVT tractors have external, fairly easy to replace speed sensors. You just need to keep a pair around in case one or both fail.
I am very impressed with the 3 tractors I have and their hydraulics (so far). Loader is super strong.
Transmissions, rear axles and braking system are all Fendt designs.
Can’t wait until I can afford a 4th…..someday.