Buying Advice Best Compact Tractor for my size?

mstrucker2003 · Oct 21, 2015

I have done some research and looked at a few compact tractors (Mahindra, New Holland, and Kubota) and have not found one so far to fit my 6'5" 400lb frame comfortably. Despite the obvious answer of losing weight I am seeking advice on what brand of tractors offer more room in the compact range or should I just move up to a bigger size tractor?

TripleR · Oct 21, 2015

Just climb on and off different models. Even within the same brand, one model will offer more room than another. In Kubota look at the Grand L or MX. I'm not all that familiar with current models in other brands.

KennyG · Oct 21, 2015

Before making a decision, make sure you look at the adjustments. I think most of the CUTs can move the seat back although the adjustment may not be obvious. I'm not sure what specific size issues you find a problem, but at 6-1 I don't have my John Deere seat all the way back.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 21, 2015

Something else that I found was just because the tractor was bigger was not an indication that the operators area was bigger and more comfortable. Unfortunately, I think that you will simply have to actually put you butt in the seat to actually know. Any farm shows in your area of a comfortable drive distance? Typically find many more models to check out at these types of gatherings.

And as TripleR mentioned, just because one model of a particular make does or does not fit you has nothing to do with other models of the same make.

Good luck in your search.

varmint · Oct 21, 2015

Butt in seats! No other way of finding out what will work for you. Keep in mind that the raised center area of many tractors, vs. the "flat" floor of others will make a difference in getting on and off repeatedly. A big guy like the OP probably has big feet, too, and some decks, like the L3400 I have, isn't ideal for big boots. It's fine once you are in the seat, but if you mount and dismount a lot, the lack of foot space becomes a nuisance.

gladehound · Oct 21, 2015

I'm not as big as you, but I'm big enough to realize most stuff is made for average size people. I'm 6'3" and ~240 pounds. When I bought my tractor the seating was cramped but I noticed a lot of room behind the seat so I made new brackets to move the seat track up 2" and back 2.5". Now it's perfect when adjusted all the way back.

So if there is room to move the seat back, that might open up some additional options for you.

Fire Quacker · Oct 22, 2015

I've crawled on and off quite a few new units. IMO, 27 to 35 hp, the JD followed by Mahindra and then Kubota had the most belly and leg room; especially with hydro transmissions where leg room for clutching isn't required.

Many can have the seat raised up for longer legs and also allow the seat to be set back farther for more gut room with the simple addition of a fabricated seat bracket. Mainly the only ones I saw where it would be a major ordeal to extend the seat back and/or up were the brands with the fuel tank mounted behind the seat.

chim · Oct 22, 2015

As mentioned, getting on and off is the only sure way to determine fit. I sometimes get on a tractor at work. It LOOKS like it is at least as large as mine but the operator's area is very cramped in the leg area. Even with the tilt steering wheel, I have a difficult time getting on and off. Once seated, the leg room isn't too bad. I'm 6-4 and 260#, but even if I lost 50# there still wouldn't be enough leg room for getting on and off.

k0ua · Oct 22, 2015

My Kioti is pretty roomy. With flat floor, lots of leg/foot room.

Maxify55 · Oct 22, 2015

I found the asking prices for the Big 3 machine producers to be $10K - $20K greater than that of the LS brand.
I'm 6'4" 300# ex Woody Hayes Buckeye and have room in my XR3037.

I do, however, wish that I'd opted for the 4K series at times.
That's just it goes, I find.
No matter what size tractor you buy....
You'll always ask yourself:
"Why didn't I buy the one with more horsepower or longer wheel base?"

I know! I know!
It's the Olde Grass is Greener mentality.

LS is the new kid on the block and making quite a stir with an awesome machine.
Given that you have a dealer close enough for support;
You might consider New Holland's twin Brother.

Hope I didn't ruffle any "Big Blue" Owner feathers.