Advice for looking for older tractor.

[tshep]

Well, not too old.

I have a BX23, and keep looking at the B, L, and M's that are TLBs.
But, in reality, I can probably already dig any hole I'll ever want, and move any load I'll ever need already. If I leave the loaders and backhoes off the machines they price a lot better.

I believe the next machine needs to focus on ground engagement.

So, if I was looking for a used machine....

I like HST,
I like around 60hp or less,
I like option of auto level control,
I like no electronics,
I like no excessive pollution compromises.

I have tried going through tractordata a few times, but find no obvious linearity to models over time, thought I would ask.

How 'bout a couple of starting places?

 

[tlj87]

It might be hard to find "OLDER" AND "About 60 HP" AND "NO ELECTRONICS".
60 HP HST machines are only relatively recent and have many electronics.

You can find 40-50 HP 20 year old Kubota Grand L 10 and L 30 series from time to time that would have minimal electronics. Also look at the Deere 4500, 4600, 4700, available in HST or PowerReverser.

 

[tshep]

That was what I was looking for - I didn't know how to move through right 'series'.

 

[tlj87]

That was what I was looking for - I didn't know how to move through right 'series'.

This would be the bottom of the Grand L 10 series. You can click the right arrow to go up through the series, or click down to go to the newer Grand L 30 series.

TractorData.com Kubota L3010 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

I was looking for a similar tractor last year (although with a loader). All of my other stuff is Kubota, but I ended up settling for a 2000 JD 4700 with ~608 hrs. I had to drive about 8 hours one way to get it. It's been great so far, about 160 hours later. I've added a new Woods BH85 subframe backhoe since then.

 

[CobyRupert]

If the focus is on ground engagement and wanting about 60hp, why HST?

 

[tshep]

If the focus is on ground engagement and wanting about 60hp, why HST?

Wife ease.... better idea?

 

[tlj87]

Wife ease.... better idea?

Kubota Glide Shift or JD PowerReversr are easy to use non HSTs that would be good ground engagers.

 

[SDT]

It might be hard to find "OLDER" AND "About 60 HP" AND "NO ELECTRONICS".
60 HP HST machines are only relatively recent and have many electronics.

You can find 40-50 HP 20 year old Kubota Grand L 10 and L 30 series from time to time that would have minimal electronics. Also look at the Deere 4500, 4600, 4700, available in HST or PowerReverser.

Bingo. A 50+ PTO HP HST tractor is a BIG HST tractor.

Ignoring the commercially unsuccessful IH HST tractors of the late 60s/early 70s such HST tractors have only been available recently and will be electronics and emissions laden.

SDT

 

[SDT]

If the focus is on ground engagement and wanting about 60hp, why HST?

Agreed.

HST transmissions are not well suited for ground engaging tasks.

SDT

 

[tshep]

Guys:
It was 60 or less, so no more than 60, not 60 required.
I was also spec'ing engine, for instance.
I'm just guessing here, never done it before.
Advantage of Glide Shift to HST?
Will the models be IDed as GS?

 

[tlj87]

Guys:
It was 60 or less, so no more than 60, not 60 required.
I was also spec'ing engine, for instance.
I'm just guessing here, never done it before.
Advantage of Glide Shift to HST?
Will the models be IDed as GS?

 

[SDT]

Guys:
It was 60 or less, so no more than 60, not 60 required.
I was also spec'ing engine, for instance.
I'm just guessing here, never done it before.
Advantage of Glide Shift to HST?
Will the models be IDed as GS?

Kubota L6060 is 60 engine HP, 53 PTO HP. (MX 6000 is a larger frame size but uses the same engine.) JD 4066R is, perhaps, a couple HP more. Both are the largest HST tractors made by the respective manufacturers and are BIG HST tractors by todays standards.

Neighbor has a GST Kubota and has had expensive (out of warranty) transmission problems.

For ground engaging work, I would be investigating hydro shuttle machines. Considerably more efficient.

SDT

 

[nyone]

What type of ground engagement are you looking for if your BX alreaty digs any size hole you ever need?

 

[kthompson]

I see you use your wife as reason for the HST but has your wife ever tried a true manual tractor? Not a manual auto but a tractor. If not she might find the ranges solve the clutch issue of how to engage it slowly.
My wife use to drive a manual school bus so she is fine with manual pickup but really does great on manual tractor as the clutch is not as tricky engaging. My oldest daughter which never master manual vehicle handle my larger than you want JD rather well again due to the design of how the clutch engages and with more torque than with vehicle.
I have a Kubota B2710 and it has limited electronics and pollution control.

 

[BeezFun]

I see you use your wife as reason for the HST but has your wife ever tried a true manual tractor? Not a manual auto but a tractor. If not she might find the ranges solve the clutch issue of how to engage it slowly.
My wife use to drive a manual school bus so she is fine with manual pickup but really does great on manual tractor as the clutch is not as tricky engaging. My oldest daughter which never master manual vehicle handle my larger than you want JD rather well again due to the design of how the clutch engages and with more torque than with vehicle.
I have a Kubota B2710 and it has limited electronics and pollution control.

Big ditto on the manual transmission for what OP describes. Also cheaper than any of the other transmission types, especially HST. And if it ever needs work, chances are you can figure it out yourself. Other transmission types add considerable complexity when you're trying to debug problems. HST is really a PITA for constant ground engaging, unless you have a cruise control that really works and can be set where you want it. Even for constant bush hogging I find HST a pain because I can never get the cruise set exactly at the speed I want so I end up with my foot going numb because I have to hold the pedal for hours.