Big tractor syndrome

[ovrszd]

I should have added that in perfect world, I'd also have something like a BX to go along with my current tractors, and the one that's twice as big (honestly, I think a full size backhoe would be good). :drink:

Between my Brother and I we have a little JD176 (I think) lawn mower, JD2210, Kubota L3240, Bobcat T300 , Kubota M9540 and a NH TB115 (I think) full size 4x4 extendahoe. We use every one of them.

 

[GManBart]

Between my Brother and I we have a little JD176 (I think) lawn mower, JD2210, Kubota L3240, Bobcat T300 , Kubota M9540 and a NH TB115 (I think) full size 4x4 extendahoe. We use every one of them.

Don't go making me jealous now! I'm really lucky that my neighbor across the street has a full size backhoe, excavator, T200 Bobcat, a Case 450 dozer, a tandem dump truck, and a lowboy trailer

 

[TripleR]

I know I said I was through, but man, just can't resist. You have and continue to set fire to some bridges here, I've been operating tractors for over 60 years and at present count have nine from 22 to 85HP yet manage to learn something from other members on a weekly if not daily basis. I did not and do not get this help with a crappy attitude.

You speak of "facts", yet there are facts and there are facts and you have narrowed in on to too small a set of facts. My recommendation as I am sure others were based on a variety of facts/considerations including size of property, tasks, operator and machine. You mentioned being older and having some physical problems, so what might be ideal for a healthy young man may not be for someone with a few miles on him/her.

Time in the seat used to mean nothing to me as I grew up spending 12+ hours on a tractor every day; now time, while I have more of it free sure wears me out if I am bouncing around on a rough riding machine. As mentioned, there are older threads by me extolling the virtues of the BX and I've even built roads with it when a bigger tractor was available. Now while we have two of them, not much beyond mowing is done with them unless one of my sons is operating it.

Anyone will tell you, I value civility and try my best not to get annoyed, but as others have mentioned, I too fear you just don't get it. I have offered all the advice I intend; maybe not all the comments, but all the advice.

 

[llaass]

First off, I must admit that I like Deere better. I have a JD 2305 and a Kobota RT900. I think the JD is better made and easier to service. Now that you know my bias, I'll answer your question as best I can.

Is your land flat? Are there rocks? Do you pull trees? Do you garden/plow? I love my JD. However, when I have the money, I'll swap for a taller tractor. I have a friend whose BX is even lower to the ground than my JD. I'm a 100% disabled vet and my tractor in my back, carry all, my physical being. I find I have enough power with my 2305, but I wish I had more clearance.

 

[TripleR]

First off, I must admit that I like Deere better. I have a JD 2305 and a Kobota RT900. I think the JD is better made and easier to service. Now that you know my bias, I'll answer your question as best I can.

Is your land flat? Are there rocks? Do you pull trees? Do you garden/plow? I love my JD. However, when I have the money, I'll swap for a taller tractor. I have a friend whose BX is even lower to the ground than my JD. I'm a 100% disabled vet and my tractor in my back, carry all, my physical being. I find I have enough power with my 2305, but I wish I had more clearance.

I have no desire to be argumentative, but we happen to own a BX2660 as well as a John Deere 2305 and according to our personal observations the BX has an inch more ground clearance, admittedly not often a big deal, but since you brought it up.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

 

[Tractor2011]

Let your planned attachments be your guide for your needed horsepower. When I first started shopping for a new tractor I considered a Kubota L 3240. Then I started looking at the horse power requirements for the size attachments I planned purchasing and came to the conclusion the L3240 didn't have the PTO HP I needed, so I selected a L3940. My only regret is I didn't buy the largest Front Loader for my L3940 because there have been fork lift loads I haven't quite been able to lift.

 

[njjeter]

I also have a mixed area to deal with including some fairly steep terrain. I had used an old JD318 with an after market 3 PT hitch to attach a small box blade. I just did not have enough butt to do what I needed. I finally desided to bite the bullet and upgrade. I needed something with 4 wd due to the steep terrain and a FEL. I would loved to have gotten a backhoe, but I needed to transport this rig between my home and a lake home and some rental property, and therefore I needed to limit the weight. I also had to empty the fluid from my rear tires for the same reason. I looked at both JD annd Kubota, but in the end I felt I got more bang for my buck with a Mahindra 3016 with a FEL. I have a 5 ft blabe and a 5 ft King Kutter finish mower. I have been very please with the performance of this set up. If I ever get to the point of not hauling the tractor, I will first fill the back tires for more traction. On several occasions I have had to use the FEL to push myself out of holes even the 4 wd cannot get out. If you have a dealer nearby, don't overlook the Mahindra.

 

[GManBart]

I also have a mixed area to deal with including some fairly steep terrain. I had used an old JD318 with an after market 3 PT hitch to attach a small box blade. I just did not have enough butt to do what I needed. I finally desided to bite the bullet and upgrade. I needed something with 4 wd due to the steep terrain and a FEL. I would loved to have gotten a backhoe, but I needed to transport this rig between my home and a lake home and some rental property, and therefore I needed to limit the weight. I also had to empty the fluid from my rear tires for the same reason. I looked at both JD annd Kubota, but in the end I felt I got more bang for my buck with a Mahindra 3016 with a FEL. I have a 5 ft blabe and a 5 ft King Kutter finish mower. I have been very please with the performance of this set up. If I ever get to the point of not hauling the tractor, I will first fill the back tires for more traction. On several occasions I have had to use the FEL to push myself out of holes even the 4 wd cannot get out. If you have a dealer nearby, don't overlook the Mahindra.

Wow, 1.5 years for your first post....cool!

Something I have forgotten to do when trying to claw out of a hole is to use the differential lock....makes a big difference.

 

[njjeter]

Ususlly don't want to overwhelm every one with my one bit of knowlwedge. Even with the differential lock engaged I some times need to push or pull with the FEL due to the steepness of the hillside and especially if it is the least bit wet.

 

[GManBart]

Ususlly don't want to overwhelm every one with my one bit of knowlwedge. Even with the differential lock engaged I some times need to push or pull with the FEL due to the steepness of the hillside and especially if it is the least bit wet.

Yep, been there many times myself! You're right, once it's wet, all gets are off. Part of the reason I wanted R1s on the Massey was to be able to get through wet spots, and pull the LS (R4s) out if I get it really stuck. Haven't needed to do that yet, but it's been close a few times!