Alternative "sub-compact" tractor solutions
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MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
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- 58,044
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- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Regarding Hydro-Gear 5400...
How are you going to make it 4wd? Because if you're talking 40 degree slope, 2wd isn't going to work very well.
And if you make it 4wd with two Hydro-Gear 5400's, that means one in front and one in back. How will you sync them? As I understand ZTR, they are two wheel drive with one Hydro-Gear 5400 on each side. They're synced with your speed control joysticks/handlebars. How would you sync them with fore and aft mounting instead of port and starboard?
Also something to consider with a slope mower... some engines can't operate or lubricate properly at those angles, so be sure to investigate that.
Anyhow, I don't expect answers to these questions. I'm just throwing them out there for you to ponder.
Again, good luck with the project. :thumbsup:
How are you going to make it 4wd? Because if you're talking 40 degree slope, 2wd isn't going to work very well.
And if you make it 4wd with two Hydro-Gear 5400's, that means one in front and one in back. How will you sync them? As I understand ZTR, they are two wheel drive with one Hydro-Gear 5400 on each side. They're synced with your speed control joysticks/handlebars. How would you sync them with fore and aft mounting instead of port and starboard?
Also something to consider with a slope mower... some engines can't operate or lubricate properly at those angles, so be sure to investigate that.
Anyhow, I don't expect answers to these questions. I'm just throwing them out there for you to ponder.
Again, good luck with the project. :thumbsup:
postalnut25
Member
I would have loved to look at alternative solutions. For my needs, though, a BX Kubota filled the most at the cheapest price.
I really like the Power Trac design, but buying and storing dedicated implements is too much. A Skid Steer would be best for some projects, but that is a large cost for a dedicated item that I would need to store and sell once the project is done. When I'm done with my big projects, a rear sterr/front implement mower like the F-series Kubota or a Grasshopper would be great. However, they are very pricey.
So I got a machine that can slowly and affordably accomplish my required tasks, weather it is the right machine or not.
I really like the Power Trac design, but buying and storing dedicated implements is too much. A Skid Steer would be best for some projects, but that is a large cost for a dedicated item that I would need to store and sell once the project is done. When I'm done with my big projects, a rear sterr/front implement mower like the F-series Kubota or a Grasshopper would be great. However, they are very pricey.
So I got a machine that can slowly and affordably accomplish my required tasks, weather it is the right machine or not.
Just got off the phone with the closest Antonio Carrraro dealer...
Will update with prices as soon as he gets back to me with my quote.
Listed specs for the quote were:
-compact
-4wd
-reversible
-turf tires
-3 point
Also looking into SSA adapter, and will keep posted on that as well.
Will update with prices as soon as he gets back to me with my quote.
Listed specs for the quote were:
-compact
-4wd
-reversible
-turf tires
-3 point
Also looking into SSA adapter, and will keep posted on that as well.
Here's the quote for the Antonio Carraro:
$28,000 for the TTR-4400 HST II (2)...
For this, I get:
-38hp
-4wd
-equal size tires
-reversible operator's position
-2 speed final HST trans
-remote hydraulics (expandable up to 8-line control via the joystick)
-turf tires
By comparison, the alternative would be a Kubota L3901 4wd HST. I had this unit quoted in as near equally equipped configuration as possible. Please note, pricing for auxiliary hydraulics and joystick control were unavailable... but judging by typical sales, was estimated to run $2,500 more.
Comparitavely, this is what I would get for $19,000:
-3 speed final HST
- the other $9,000 to spend on projects/implements/attachments
This is what I DON'T get and CAN'T get:
-reversible operator's station
-equal size tires (not available in this class [39hp])
With a bad back and neck, I have ZERO desire to be looking over my shoulder ever time I work in other than wide open areas. Additionally, the added traction of the equal size tires allows me to convert to turf tread... eliminating the need for a commercial grade mower (another $10k). This also opens up more options in the way of contract work.
All said and done, the AC isn't nearly as expensive as it seems. The best way for me to look at it is this: the two way operation is basically getting two tractors for the price of one and a half.
I think I just might pull the trigger.
$28,000 for the TTR-4400 HST II (2)...
For this, I get:
-38hp
-4wd
-equal size tires
-reversible operator's position
-2 speed final HST trans
-remote hydraulics (expandable up to 8-line control via the joystick)
-turf tires
By comparison, the alternative would be a Kubota L3901 4wd HST. I had this unit quoted in as near equally equipped configuration as possible. Please note, pricing for auxiliary hydraulics and joystick control were unavailable... but judging by typical sales, was estimated to run $2,500 more.
Comparitavely, this is what I would get for $19,000:
-3 speed final HST
- the other $9,000 to spend on projects/implements/attachments
This is what I DON'T get and CAN'T get:
-reversible operator's station
-equal size tires (not available in this class [39hp])
With a bad back and neck, I have ZERO desire to be looking over my shoulder ever time I work in other than wide open areas. Additionally, the added traction of the equal size tires allows me to convert to turf tread... eliminating the need for a commercial grade mower (another $10k). This also opens up more options in the way of contract work.
All said and done, the AC isn't nearly as expensive as it seems. The best way for me to look at it is this: the two way operation is basically getting two tractors for the price of one and a half.
I think I just might pull the trigger.
Xfaxman
Super Star Member
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- 12,889
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- Guthrie, OK
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What about the cab on the AC? Did you price it?
That's why I went with the HST II (2)... so I could add the cab later (after I clearance all the arbors).
For those who don't want/need a cab, or aren't particular about the difference between an OEM and aftermarket cab... the standard TTR-4400 HST (not HST II [2]) is available for about $2,000 less.
I have always preferred OEM cabs. You pay more for them, but they're usually worth it. Not only is the fit/finish better... but the resale value is better. Also, OEM cabs are usually field tested in conjunction with R&D of the particular model they were designed for (except Kubota).
That's another thing I didn't care for when comparing the Kubota range. Because most of my work is front-facing, I also looked into an F-series... but given the cab interferes with the pedals on those, and you can't get the individual left/right brake pedal assembly with a cab on the F-series.... an absolute MUST HAVE for those units on hilly terrain with turf tires.
For those who don't want/need a cab, or aren't particular about the difference between an OEM and aftermarket cab... the standard TTR-4400 HST (not HST II [2]) is available for about $2,000 less.
I have always preferred OEM cabs. You pay more for them, but they're usually worth it. Not only is the fit/finish better... but the resale value is better. Also, OEM cabs are usually field tested in conjunction with R&D of the particular model they were designed for (except Kubota).
That's another thing I didn't care for when comparing the Kubota range. Because most of my work is front-facing, I also looked into an F-series... but given the cab interferes with the pedals on those, and you can't get the individual left/right brake pedal assembly with a cab on the F-series.... an absolute MUST HAVE for those units on hilly terrain with turf tires.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Not sure why I am posting here again....but....
Your tire logic is flawed. You will have worse tractor with the AC than with the L3901.
I can respect all the other reasons you say....bad back, turning around etc. But you are basically trading the large back tires of the L3901 in for a pair of smaller tires the same size as the fronts on the L3901.
Two big tires + two small tires is gonna offer better traction than 4 small tires.
woodlandfarms
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2006
- Messages
- 6,137
- Location
- Los Angeles / SW Washington
- Tractor
- PowerTrac 1850, Kubota RTV x900
LD1, new to this conversation so if there is history, I do not know. Can you point ot any evidence on your tire statement? See, I understand the reason tractors tend to have smaller tires on the front is not because of any traction benefit (there would not be any in my estimation) but because of steering. Hard to turn big tires. But I am up for learning something new so if you can provide evidence I am all over it.
One other thing that throws me on your statement, the large (I mean huge) farm tractors are articulated in the center and all tires are the same size. If there was value in smaller front tires I am sure we would see it in this type of application where such heavy mass and drage are being pulled.
One other thing that throws me on your statement, the large (I mean huge) farm tractors are articulated in the center and all tires are the same size. If there was value in smaller front tires I am sure we would see it in this type of application where such heavy mass and drage are being pulled.