Comparison Baseline criterian

[ModMech]

My wife and I have been searching for a "new" tractor, one larger than our B2410, which is primarily a LARGE lawn tractor, but a CUT none-the-less.

We thought about adding a loader, but we still do not have the weight (traction), stability or PTO HP that we really need for a single tractor. A little too big for a lawn, a little too small for hay or serious field work.

Over the past 18 months we (well I mostly) have been reading reviews on TBN, checking at dealers, reading on-line brochures and generally educating myself on the subtleties of Utility Tractors.

I have come to a few conclusions, mostly driven by the marketing of tractors and how/why they are built and sold as they are. My criteria are that the tractor be a capable Ag tractor, not a lawn ornament or man-toy (although that would be ok as well).

Basic things that allow us to compare apples to apples, as the saying goes:

1) Base Operating weight > PTO HP x 100
- A 41 PTO HP tractor *should* have a Base Operating Weight of (41 x 100) = 4100# OR MORE.

2) Rear Lift Capacity (this is dicy, because not everyone rates them at pin + 24") > Base Operating Weight x 0.75 {at LEAST 75%}
- A tractor with a Base Operating Weight of 4000# should have a rear lift capacity of (4000 x 0.75) = 3,000# OR MORE.

3) FEL Capacity > Base Operating Weight (breakout @ pins)
- A tractor with a Base Operating Weight of 4000# should have a FEL capacity of (4000 x 1.0) = 4,000# @ pins OR MORE.

4) An "Ag" tractor *should have* a wet clutch and brakes.

5) Ag tires (R1s) should be standard and have enough load capacity for the Base Tractor + 100% of rear lift capacity + FEL breakout in weight.

6) Tractor should have a minimum of 8 Fwd and 2 Rear speeds.

 

[Wolfy]

Maybe for you....the R-1s do not work well in every situation, that is why there are multiple tire choices.

 

[ModMech]

I was specifically refering to Ag tractors, but yes if you have a golf course or turf farm, R1s would not be a very good option.

 

[Wolfy]

Not trying to steer away but.....Ive wanted to ask for some time...I noticed you have an ElecTrac, if they are worth buying.

 

[Verticaltrx]

In my mind, Ag tractors start at around the 40 PTO hp, utility class size. My criteria for that would be as follows:

-4000lbs or greater
-mostly cast iron housings
-adjustable tread settings front and rear
-most will have around a 13.6-28 size rear tire as minimum equipment
-capability for at least 2 rear remotes
-cat I-II or cat II 3pt hitch
-swinging drawbar
-multiple forward gears and at least 2 ranges forward 1 reverse (synchronized main transmission is nice for field work)
-ability to easily shuttle from forward to reverse, whether it's simply in-line L to R range shifts, syncro shuttle, or power reverser.
-wet brakes, preferably hydraulic actuated.
-hyd flow to remotes of around 10gpm
-ability to mount rear wheel weights and front suitcase weights.


That's about what I'd consider average minimum equipment on a 40hp utility tractor. While these days there are compact tractors that are getting quite large and powerful, they still aren't in the same class as a standard utility Ag tractor.

 

[ModMech]

Not trying to steer away but.....Ive wanted to ask for some time...I noticed you have an ElecTrac, if they are worth buying.

We LOVE ours

Not for everyone tho, I would say if you like tinkering with wires and do not mind the idea of charging it like you do a golf cart and have no more than 1Ac to mow, they are great.

DO NOT spend over $200 unless it is clean and runs well.

Elec-Trak.com

 

[Wolfy]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

My wife and I have been searching for a "new" tractor, one larger than our B2410, which is primarily a LARGE lawn tractor, but a CUT none-the-less.

We thought about adding a loader, but we still do not have the weight (traction), stability or PTO HP that we really need for a single tractor. A little too big for a lawn, a little too small for hay or serious field work.

Over the past 18 months we (well I mostly) have been reading reviews on TBN, checking at dealers, reading on-line brochures and generally educating myself on the subtleties of Utility Tractors.

I have come to a few conclusions, mostly driven by the marketing of tractors and how/why they are built and sold as they are. My criteria are that the tractor be a capable Ag tractor, not a lawn ornament or man-toy (although that would be ok as well).

Basic things that allow us to compare apples to apples, as the saying goes:

1) Base Operating weight > PTO HP x 100
- A 41 PTO HP tractor *should* have a Base Operating Weight of (41 x 100) = 4100# OR MORE.

2) Rear Lift Capacity (this is dicy, because not everyone rates them at pin + 24") > Base Operating Weight x 0.75 {at LEAST 75%}
- A tractor with a Base Operating Weight of 4000# should have a rear lift capacity of (4000 x 0.75) = 3,000# OR MORE.

3) FEL Capacity > Base Operating Weight (breakout @ pins)
- A tractor with a Base Operating Weight of 4000# should have a FEL capacity of (4000 x 1.0) = 4,000# @ pins OR MORE.

4) An "Ag" tractor *should have* a wet clutch and brakes.

5) Ag tires (R1s) should be standard and have enough load capacity for the Base Tractor + 100% of rear lift capacity + FEL breakout in weight.

6) Tractor should have a minimum of 8 Fwd and 2 Rear speeds.

Check out the specs on the Mahindra 30 series tractors, if you are looking for 4WD, and Mahindra 25 series if you are looking at 2 wheel drive tractors. I think you will find them surpassing your calculations.

 

[ModMech]

In my mind, Ag tractors start at around the 40 PTO hp, utility class size. My criteria for that would be as follows:

-4000lbs or greater
-mostly cast iron housings
-adjustable tread settings front and rear
-most will have around a 13.6-28 size rear tire as minimum equipment
-capability for at least 2 rear remotes
-cat I-II or cat II 3pt hitch
-swinging drawbar
-multiple forward gears and at least 2 ranges forward 1 reverse (synchronized main transmission is nice for field work)
-ability to easily shuttle from forward to reverse, whether it's simply in-line L to R range shifts, syncro shuttle, or power reverser.
-wet brakes, preferably hydraulic actuated.
-hyd flow to remotes of around 10gpm
-ability to mount rear wheel weights and front suitcase weights.

VERY good points as well, yes, yes and yes!

Check out the specs on the Mahindra 30 series tractors, if you are looking for 4WD, and Mahindra 25 series if you are looking at 2 wheel drive tractors. I think you will find them surpassing your calculations.

Thanks, Mahindra IS on the top of the list. It is too bad they have limited their model choices now, the 00s looked good to us, especially the 4500 and 5500.

 

[RPW]

I haven't looked at the latest Deere offerings but my 2008 5103 which is their base AG model meets all of your requirements except the FEL lifting of 2 tons. And quite honestly I don't know what anybody would need to lift that much weight. Even the heaviest round bales are usually less than 2000#. To lift that much looks like you're getting into a construction grade machine.

Just a few specs;
weight over 5000#
3pt lifts at least 3000#
Shuttle shift 9forward 3 reverse
FEL 2000#
45 HP
Standard R1's 13.8x28, 14.6x28, 16.9x28
Swinging drawbar.