Bigger is Not Better

[MikeTipton]

Hi All,

I think that the BX24 was designed for exactly our situation. 7.5 acres that my wife is slowly converting into garden and lawn. It had no problem brush hogging the 2 acres that needed it. And is fully capable of maintaining our gravel driveway. As many have said, our only regret is not buying it sooner.

Mike T.

 

[AndyMA]

I went from a Ford 8N to a JD 750, then a Ford 1710, next a Ford 2120 (same size as a TC55) which I still have, and added a New Holland TN75D. Even thought I can do a lot with the 43 HP 2120, there are many tasks, like moving large trees & rocks that the 2120 just isn't enough tractor for. I'm definately of the school that bigger is usually better. If I had 500 acres I would definately not settle for anything less than a TN class machine.

Andy

 

[MossRoad]

My rule of thumb is to find the size frame machine that you need, then get that size frame with the biggest engine available. You will never regret having that HP as long as the machine fits where you need it to go.

 

[jcmseven]

I could not agree more with the statements made. I had a 595 X series JD garden tractor which was a great little machine for my six acres. My only complaint: it did not have separate hydraulic pumps for the operation of two hydraulic implements at once. So, off I went to the dealer intending on trading for a 4115 JD (24 hp) which I thought perfect. I ended up buying a 4310 because I wanted "more tractor for the money." Never mind the fact that the 4310 could not access over 20% of my property due to its size. What did I do??? Traded it on an EVEN bigger machine, a 4520. I loved the 4520. It was a great machine but much too big. I now have a 3720, which I love, but it is really still too big for me. Interestingly, I have thought again about trading down to a 2520, which is ironically the new version of the 4115 I originally wanted. My dealer is a great guy and a nice person, but I really wish he would have stopped me when I started looking for machines that clearly were more than I needed. Now, three machines and some money later, I am looking at the machine I originally wanted. Se la vi.

John M

 

[Kendall69]

The reason is tehy don't make a perfect anything, if they did people would just buy that "thing"/ tractor.

I was thinking also today, that with some, maybe most people it takes a two tractor purchase. No matter how much or how long you contemplate a tractor, you don't really, really know till you get seat time in a unit.

Someone can advise you to get this or get that, but only you can decide.

In my case I couldn't be happier with the size, BUT, as long as I am going to upgrade, then the " if I'm going to spend ( this much ) - for a little more I can get this , or that, and then THAT will be my last tractor.

That's where I'm at now, I NEED a cab with air because of the heat ( 120 plus), and the blow sand ( murder on the eye's). I can't see going smaller, as you can do more by going bigger, lift more, more in the bucket, drag more, etc.

 

[john_bud]

In hindsight I could have done what I really need with a 30-40hp tractor, and saved some $$. Only drawback is that I couldn't really bale hay or move large round bales with one - but so far I'm not doing either, and after looking at some used hay balers I doubt I'll ever be buying one.

Sorry, but the way you put that made me chuckle! Too bad you didn't look at the used balers BEFORE you bought Oh well, you have a nice tractor.

jb

 

[BarryinMN]

We had a venerable JD140 precursor to the subcuts with bunches of attachments including a FEL for decades.

Still use a now diesel powered lawnmower and cat 0 3pt attachments for road repair.

Rarely take the lawnmower out in the field or the field tractors on the lawn.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Sorry, but the way you put that made me chuckle! Too bad you didn't look at the used balers BEFORE you bought Oh well, you have a nice tractor.

jb

Hard to get anything perfect the first time. We are now talking seriously about getting our hayfield baled in rounds instead of squares, and if we do that then the 5105 will pretty much justify itself for moving the bales...

The weather here has barely reached 70 and I'm already seeing the benefits that a cab would offer. Funny how after all my time spent on motorcycles (which throw lots of heat on the rider) I didn't think to realize that a tractor would be throwing lots of heat back on the driver.

 

[HighLoader]

I recently moved up from a New Holland TC24da to a TC40da. As much as I liked the size of the 24 I can do so much more and do it two to three times faster with the 40. The thing is, life and projects can change and with it a larger or smaller tractor may or may not be better. With the bigger tractor I have been able to clear and level and area for the horses and a new horse barn. I could have done it with the smaller tractor but it would have taken a long time. Also I can lift, drag, and push everything from sheds, tanks, materials, and equipment much easier and safer. I can see how when all the big projects are done the smaller tractor may be more practical.

 

[CDsdad]

Been where ya'll are talking about. Was convinced I needed a Kubota 4330 or even a MX 5000. Then I saw a guy trying to bushhog in planted pine trees with a Kubota 4310 and if he didn't mow them or at least skin them, he sure scared them. I have planted pines, and wanted to be able to mow 3 acres of yard with a RFM. The Massey 1533 was just right.

A distant neighbor has a Kubota 4330 and I sometimes get "loader envy" when I see him woking with it. But for my place, I got just right. Only thing I found I needed to and couldn't lift and keep rear tires on the ground was a huge pecan stump from dear Katrina. I could sure roll it though.

I agree. Bigger ain't always better.