Buying Advice Best Compact Tractor for my size?

[phiferpharm]

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

It wouldn't hurt to try one out if there's a dealer around your area. My 6'8" 360 lbs son does okay on my Kioti DK45, with the seat all the way back and the wheel tilted up. Heck, we even had to move his seat track back in his Freightliner to get him comfortable, so I kinda understand what your going through.

 

[Citydude]

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.

Off topic, but what an opportunity to play for Woody!

 

[merlynr]

Probably take a hit too when not looking : )

 

[smstonypoint]

I'm 6'4" 300# ex Woody Hayes Buckeye and have room in my XR3037.

Did you play in the 1978 Gator Bowl?

Steve

 

[paulfun9]

Comfort was a important factor for me when I was shopping last. Started looking at the 30 to 35 HP range and found myself most comfortable with the offerings from JD, TYM and Kioti in that size range. In the end I stepped up and started looking at the 40 to 50 HP machines and found myself most comfortable in the TYM and Kioti models.

Stepping up to the next frame size mad a huge difference with some brands and for others it really didn't seem to make a difference almost as if they designed it to fit someone who is 5'2" and never took into consideration how many people we have over 6' here in the states. Like others have stated just keep going and sitting on them you will find the one with the right set up sooner or later.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I'm 6'3" and 225. I found my Mahindra to fit very well, especially with the tilt steering wheel.

 

[bfbill650i]

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.

I am looking at small tractors too. I have been told LS corp. builds most tractors for N-H as they come off the line 1 goes right and 1 goes left to get stickers 1 saying LS and the other New Holland ............... it LOOKS true, is it??

 

[Steppenwolfe]

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?

Well, at 6'3" and 350, I feel your pain. My Kubota MX 5100 is a real nice fit. My Kubota L 3301, not so much. I will be making some adjustments to that seat real soon. Even on my Kubota 1140 rtv I drive from the passenger seat, because I don't fit behind the wheel.

 

[AxleHub]

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?

Seat/cockpit setup was a big issue for me.

If you are looking for width and length I'd consider the following:


A1. the Massey GC1715 is a subcompact with the seating cockpit of a large tractor . . . they offered better width and seat support in the GC1715 seat . . and with no fabrication needs you can unbolt and flip the stop bracket around and bolt the stop down on the seat again to gain 2 additional inches for excellent leg room and off/on spacing on a flat floor. And separated pedals for foot and knee comfort. You don't need a big expensive tractor to have big seating comfort in a subcompact sizing. You said compact but I mention this because maybe your looking at compacts for your body size instead of your need size.

A2. Massey's 1700 series is compact sized with similar seat situations (several frame sizes). Note: GC1700s are sub compact. 1700s are compact.

B. The Yanmar 324 and 424 are small compacts with easy on/off and flat floors and more seat width. Very affordable with great design and spacing.

C. If you consider TYM . . maybe you'll have a Cabela's in your area. They carry 6 or 7 model sizes of TYM tractors customized to Cabela's specifications AND they have their own full complete dedicated service centers wherever they sell the products. Seating was good . . Floor could have been a little more obstruction free.

My point is . . IMO . . . don't let your body size dictate your tractor size. And recognize your weight can be a big traction advantage over those that are 175.

 

[GManBart]

I am looking at small tractors too. I have been told LS corp. builds most tractors for N-H as they come off the line 1 goes right and 1 goes left to get stickers 1 saying LS and the other New Holland ............... it LOOKS true, is it??

Yes, that's true when you're talking about Compact tractors (not Utility machines). The NH models usually have a slightly different grille and headlights along with the different stickers. The other difference is that LS uses their own FEL, while NH sources theirs from another company. So, the tractors are the same, but the loaders are different.