Buying Advice Bigger tractor vs Cab

[jonc123]

Hello,

I'm looking at purchasing a tractor in the next week or so and am torn between bigger tractor vs cabbed tractor. I've never owned a tractor and am not sure if the HP will limit my usage (I've often bought smaller than I should have...I get the job done, but it takes me longer). We have 159 acres split into 9ac of hay fields and lawn, 100ac semi managed woods and pasture and 50 acres crop. The crop land is leased and that will continue. While the kids are in school, we use the property for the family on the weekends (2-4 days per week) and will, in 5-10 years, start a business on the property. The work I have on the property is partially for pleasure, and partially to get it ready for the long term plan.

1. Cutting hay fields, up to 6 acres after the initial cut that will be done by the farmer for hay. I'll cut them every few weeks to keep them down.
2. The existing wooded area has some old horse trails that have not been properly maintained in a few years. They are relatively flat, even though they vary in elevation, and can be easily walked by kids, grandparents and our neighbors horses. I have an ATV that I've been running slowly on the trails to push down some of the overgrown and keep them nicely matted and have restored some to approximately 8-10ft wide. The trails run through some patches of hardwood but mostly open areas. The hardwood canopy is generally high (8-10 ft) and pushed back from the main trail, and the trees will be well spaced again when I'm done. The property is fenced, but the fence line trails have overgrown and I would like to restore them around the entire property. Once that is done, I will have 3+ miles of 10ft wide walkable trails that I want to mow a few times/year.
3. Cutting about 2 acres of "grass" with few obstacles that is close to the house.
4. Clearing snow in winter. We will also show up after what may be a couple of days of snow and have to clear out a pile where we are. I have covered storage in front of the drive where the tractor will be kept, facing out, ready to go, but will also be keeping the 500ft cleared to the entrance of the forest. Plan on using the loader for this.
5. Till up a small plot behind the house for a garden. I'm sure this will grow every year.
6. Spread and grade about 500ft of gravel and keep it maintained.
7. Building a couple of large patios and a firepit.
8. Landscaping yearly...which will get bigger over the years.
9. General maintenance around the property (moving trees when they fall, burn piles, tearing out some old fencing etc).

I will be getting either a lawn tractor or ZT to cut the 2 acres near the house, so I'm not looking for a MMM.

Being in Ontario, winter can last a long time here, and bug season is from May/June until August. Heat is not fun in July/August, but I'd be ok with a canopy most of the time.

I'm looking at the B2650 cabbed, or a JD 2 (possibly a 3) series both with either a rotary cutter or flail mower, rototiller, scraper etc Most of the fields are clear, but I may have to move some stones, or work around them.

I won't go into CAD prices, but depending on exact options, the JD 2038r is 5-6K cheaper, the 2032r is about 7-8K cheaper (maybe add a backhoe ) or the 3039r is 2-3K more than the B2650 with cab. I even priced out the 2025r with everything including a MMM, but I think that's going to be to small for what I'm looking to do. I could put an aftermarket cab on the JD for not much more (or maybe even less) than the B2650 but I wouldn't have AC in the summer.

Both dealers are close, and both have stock, and both dealers are fairly good. It seems that there are about 3 JD dealers for every 1 Kubota dealer in the area, but I'm not sure if that matters.

I'm leaning to the JD in either the 2038r or even 3033/9r (I know, much different tractor but...) with after market cab and figuring something out for summer, but thought I'd get other opinions.

Thanks

 

[Industrial Toys]

That's what you call a no-win situation. Get the JD and make the cab happen too. Bigger is ALWAYS better.

 

[K5lwq]

I agree bigger is better and a cab for the conditions you laid out would be high on my priority list.

Welcome to TBN and please let us know what you decide!

 

[shooterdon]

Some cabs do not have A/C. You want it or you will regret it.

HP is not as important as weight. HP is needed for blowing snow, rototilling, bush hogging/flail mowing

Look at other manufacturers. You are paying for Green and Orange and it is doubtful you gain anything In longevity or features.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Working long hours in a cab makes AC necessry. Getting in and out of an AC cab in hot weather is NOT healthy. Sweating is actually very healthy. And NOT that bad when you aren't doing physical work, are out of the sun, are lightly dressed and maybe have a fan. Not hard to take, even for me, that can't stand heat.

 

[mikester]

Hello,

I'm looking at purchasing a tractor in the next week or so and am torn between bigger tractor vs cabbed tractor. I've never owned a tractor and am not sure if the HP will limit my usage (I've often bought smaller than I should have...I get the job done, but it takes me longer). We have 159 acres split into 9ac of hay fields and lawn, 100ac semi managed woods and pasture and 50 acres crop. The crop land is leased and that will continue. While the kids are in school, we use the property for the family on the weekends (2-4 days per week) and will, in 5-10 years, start a business on the property. The work I have on the property is partially for pleasure, and partially to get it ready for the long term plan.

1. Cutting hay fields, up to 6 acres after the initial cut that will be done by the farmer for hay. I'll cut them every few weeks to keep them down.
2. The existing wooded area has some old horse trails that have not been properly maintained in a few years. They are relatively flat, even though they vary in elevation, and can be easily walked by kids, grandparents and our neighbors horses. I have an ATV that I've been running slowly on the trails to push down some of the overgrown and keep them nicely matted and have restored some to approximately 8-10ft wide. The trails run through some patches of hardwood but mostly open areas. The hardwood canopy is generally high (8-10 ft) and pushed back from the main trail, and the trees will be well spaced again when I'm done. The property is fenced, but the fence line trails have overgrown and I would like to restore them around the entire property. Once that is done, I will have 3+ miles of 10ft wide walkable trails that I want to mow a few times/year.
3. Cutting about 2 acres of "grass" with few obstacles that is close to the house.
4. Clearing snow in winter. We will also show up after what may be a couple of days of snow and have to clear out a pile where we are. I have covered storage in front of the drive where the tractor will be kept, facing out, ready to go, but will also be keeping the 500ft cleared to the entrance of the forest. Plan on using the loader for this.
5. Till up a small plot behind the house for a garden. I'm sure this will grow every year.
6. Spread and grade about 500ft of gravel and keep it maintained.
7. Building a couple of large patios and a firepit.
8. Landscaping yearly...which will get bigger over the years.
9. General maintenance around the property (moving trees when they fall, burn piles, tearing out some old fencing etc).

I will be getting either a lawn tractor or ZT to cut the 2 acres near the house, so I'm not looking for a MMM.

Being in Ontario, winter can last a long time here, and bug season is from May/June until August. Heat is not fun in July/August, but I'd be ok with a canopy most of the time.

I'm looking at the B2650 cabbed, or a JD 2 (possibly a 3) series both with either a rotary cutter or flail mower, rototiller, scraper etc Most of the fields are clear, but I may have to move some stones, or work around them.

I won't go into CAD prices, but depending on exact options, the JD 2038r is 5-6K cheaper, the 2032r is about 7-8K cheaper (maybe add a backhoe ) or the 3039r is 2-3K more than the B2650 with cab. I even priced out the 2025r with everything including a MMM, but I think that's going to be to small for what I'm looking to do. I could put an aftermarket cab on the JD for not much more (or maybe even less) than the B2650 but I wouldn't have AC in the summer.

Both dealers are close, and both have stock, and both dealers are fairly good. It seems that there are about 3 JD dealers for every 1 Kubota dealer in the area, but I'm not sure if that matters.

I'm leaning to the JD in either the 2038r or even 3033/9r (I know, much different tractor but...) with after market cab and figuring something out for summer, but thought I'd get other opinions.

Thanks

You probably want a 60-80 PTO HP CUT with cab, front and rear remotes. If you clear snow in winter open station sucks real fast. For your acreage a SCUT will just leave you wanting more.

I have a cab but no A/C. Generally speaking I only need A/C for about one to two months a year. No heat is a deal breaker for me.

 

[MechE1]

In your location, if at all possible get the cab. There are more than a few threads regarding owning vs. renting a backhoe. Have a look at those. They are cost prohibitive for CUT's unless you use all the time. Strangely, I've seen 2 Deere backhoe attachments around here for sale. Seems like the owners bought with good intentions, used for what they needed and have been sitting since. Continual price drops and still listed. I'm not sure about other brands besides Deere as it's been a while since researched. With what you are explaining size wise, if you go with Deere 3046R is the smallest I would go. I realize it's the same platform as the 39 but you get more HP. I agree with Mikester on more HP for your size acreage, but cost goes up with the HP and if you can't go there...well....there's always "the next time". Also, more HP means bigger, so it becomes more difficult to maneuver. I do basically what you are describing in your point by point and my 3046R is nearly perfect. Sometimes too big to maneuver . Sometimes too small to lift/pull what I need.

 

[johncanfield]

I would never own any piece of equipment again without a cab and AC. Mowing with my old open station Kubota was never pleasant, I usually only mowed upwind which doubled my mowing time. It's great not having to blow the dust off my clothes before going in the house.

 

[jonc123]

I'd like to thank everyone for their input and convincing me I need to spend more money

I'm now looking at the JD 3 series (3033/9r), Kubota MX5400 and the L3560, all cabbed. I've been in all 3, and thought the JD layout and cab was particularly nice, but was concerned with the clearance since it will be spending time in the woods. The MX5400, as expected, was a little more basic, and I thought the cab was a little louder, but it was still quite nice. I liked the larger front tires as well and thought it might do better in the forest. I'm also wondering if less electronics means less issues in the long run. The L3560 was also nice, but felt more cramped than the MX5400. Right now, I'm strongly considering either the 3033 or the MX5400, though I'm waiting for a price on the Kubota tractors just in case they're way above the deere price. I've been around to look at Mahindra, New Holland and the rest, and am going to choose between orange or green. The dealer network is much better where I am for those brands. Does anyone have a strong opinion for/against any of those 3, or think I should look at something different?

Thanks

 

[K5lwq]

I think either will be a very nice tractor but based on your post it sounds like the Kubota is the better fit. Good luck!

 

[oosik]

I would recommend a 40-50 hp tractor with 4WD. And since you will be mowing - a cab with AC. I have 80 acres but do not mow with my tractor. Open station with canopy.

In the winter it's just me, Eddie Bauer down( from ankle to top of my head). I'm warm and enjoy being out in the open. In the summer - lots of water - the canopy - I'm doing fine.

 

[chim]

When I was younger, an open station tractor was perfectly OK. I'm 71 now and in recent years a cab that had heat for Winter was very much appreciated. At the end of 2018, going larger and having A/C in addition to the heat was even better.

 

[Mat4644]

Couple of things about cabs. They're not good in wooded settings and if doing maintenance tasks requiring getting on and off often (like 99% are) the cab is a triple PIA.

 

[K5lwq]

Couple of things about cabs. They're not good in wooded settings and if doing maintenance tasks requiring getting on and off often (like 99% are) the cab is a triple PIA.

I have read this several times before from different posters. I have an open station and a cabbed tractor and I don't find it any more difficult getting in and out of the cab. The only thing additional is opening and closing the door. The cab is a little easier because there are more grab handles to help get inside.
Just my experience.

 

[MechE1]

I was quite specific on what I wanted. Full hydro package (3rd function, power beyond, and diverter). IIRC orange was more money than the green with those options. I found the Deere cab to be nicer. I leaned green b/c I had the snow blower already and did not want to change it. However, with the deere you cannot have the front 3pnt hitch on with the loader. Switching to that is a real pain. Is it nice? **** yeah. But a few hour job every spring/fall AND you cannot just go grab the loader if needed. Likely same with any brand. I think a loader mounted snow blower would be my preferred choice due to simplicity. Unsure how they work relative to the PTO. Given the cost of the hitch, I should have sold the PTO blower and got the loader one.

 

[rScotty]

I'd like to thank everyone for their input and convincing me I need to spend more money

I'm now looking at the JD 3 series (3033/9r), Kubota MX5400 and the L3560, all cabbed. I've been in all 3, and thought the JD layout and cab was particularly nice, but was concerned with the clearance since it will be spending time in the woods. The MX5400, as expected, was a little more basic, and I thought the cab was a little louder, but it was still quite nice. I liked the larger front tires as well and thought it might do better in the forest. I'm also wondering if less electronics means less issues in the long run. The L3560 was also nice, but felt more cramped than the MX5400. Right now, I'm strongly considering either the 3033 or the MX5400, though I'm waiting for a price on the Kubota tractors just in case they're way above the deere price. I've been around to look at Mahindra, New Holland and the rest, and am going to choose between orange or green. The dealer network is much better where I am for those brands. Does anyone have a strong opinion for/against any of those 3, or think I should look at something different?

Couple of things about cabs. They're not good in wooded settings and if doing maintenance tasks requiring getting on and off often (like 99% are) the cab is a triple PIA.

I think you are making the right decision to move up to spending more money. That's a lot of land you have, and buying too small is a mistake nearly all of us have made. Not that the little machine won't do the work, but it does take much longer and beats you up more.

On orange vs green, I've had both - & still do. Twenty years ago I preferred green and now lean toward the orange - largely because I like some of their material selections and simper electrical direction they went at the time. But as soon as that trend make one preferable then the other side gets competitive. So I think that both are good. Electronics are getting better and more reliable all the time but are nowhere near as good as automotive electrics. Mechanical problems on all the top tier tractors are pretty much a thing of the past, but now we have electrical to contend with. I think that is sad to lose the old mechanically controlled diesels, but unavoidable. There are also several really good up and comers...but I don't know about them and would consider a good local dealer to be more important to you right now than the brand.

Cab vs Open Station.... again, we have both. And as a younger person OR a person just learning about tractors I would recommend an open station because it involves you more in the experience - plus it really is easier to get on and off. You will run into a few trees in the cab that you would miss with the open station - but here there is also the fact that the cab can protect you from being speared by branches...not as unlikely as you may think.

However, once you gain experience in operating the tractor - it takes a few years - then you will begin to lean toward a cab. But I think for a complete amateur there is a lot to be learned open station even though it is definitely less comfortable. One possibility is to buy a model that has an optional cab. It will cost more in the long run to add the cab later, but by then you will know if you want to do that or trade around.
That's all just my opinion on the cab or not choice of course, and you will find many strong opinions on open station vs cab. And most of it depends on how you feel about it. How much does cold or hot bother you? Dust? Does your motorcycle have a windshield? If so you may prefer the cab.

If you do get an open station, definitely get a 4 post canopy with an insulated top. The posts help you get on/off, and deflect branches. The insulated top prevents the canopy from refecting heat and sound down. The TLB model Kubotas M59/M62 are excellent examples of an insulated top. It's also a tractor with several aftermarket cabs available as well as soft cabs. So there are options - but non of the add-ons I've seen are nearly so nice as an original factory cab.

There is definitely a market for a windshield on the 4 post canopy type tractors, it would be easy to mount one, but so far no aftermarket that I know of. There are some custom soft cab builders. If you are near big water there may be a marine fabricator of dodgers who would make something up.

Spaciousness in a cab is a real luxury. Our JD has enough room to stretch out, so I put a folding buddy seat ours for my wife to ride along. Adding the dog makes it a bit cramped. But at low speed with the "ride control" engaged, radio for music, and AC on .... it's a goofy but fun way to go a couple miles to town with a load of slash for the town burn pile, then pick up a few groceries, and some fuel.

The quintissential cab was one I saw on an older 90 hp Zetor from the 1970s. Their factory cab had a full width seat behind the driver which I guess was for the whole family to sit. BTW, Zetor is an example of a good old tractor that made a wrong turn but are coming back strong. Although their lack of a dealer network plus the occassional mechanical oddity (square O rings?) is too much of a disadvantage for me.

So get a nice tractor that appeals to you. Put a nice loader on it with a SSQA adapter, and don't get too big of a FEL bucket. You want to be able to see what the bucket is doing. Get at least 60 hp, transmission of your choice - but make sure that transmission has a simple handy power reverser in every gear, and get at least one set of remote hydraulic outlets front and rear. That's about it.
Enjoy your new tractor!
rScotty

 

[Doug62]

I just bought last week but decided on the Massey Ferguson 1835MH with a premium cab. Just the first week of use and I'm sold on the cab's value. 110 degree heat index yesterday and they day before and the AC was cold even in that kind of heat. Zero bugs and dust and it is buggy here in the semi tropical zone. The factory cabs on these things have amazing visibility and you can open pretty much any windows you want except the windshield. You definitely want to run significant rear ballast with a FEL. The stronger the loader, the more ballast you want.

 

[grsthegreat]

Working long hours in a cab makes AC necessry. Getting in and out of an AC cab in hot weather is NOT healthy. Sweating is actually very healthy. And NOT that bad when you aren't doing physical work, are out of the sun, are lightly dressed and maybe have a fan. Not hard to take, even for me, that can't stand heat.

sorry, but that makes no sense to me. i have AC in house, tractor and all my vehicles. im 62YO, use ac all summer long. work outdoors all my life. i havnt been sick for nearly 20 years as long as i remember. not even a cold. i owe that to taking SuperC (ascorbic acid form of vitamin C) whenever i feel something coming on. all better next day. I LOVE my A/C, I absolutely despise the heat.

 

[BRMyers]

I just bought last week but decided on the Massey Ferguson 1835MH with a premium cab. Just the first week of use and I'm sold on the cab's value. 110 degree heat index yesterday and they day before and the AC was cold even in that kind of heat. Zero bugs and dust and it is buggy here in the semi tropical zone. The factory cabs on these things have amazing visibility and you can open pretty much any windows you want except the windshield. You definitely want to run significant rear ballast with a FEL. The stronger the loader, the more ballast you want.

I know I like the cab, it has made it more enjoyable for me to be outside and really helps out with my allergies.

Congrats on the tractor and enjoy it.

 

[rScotty]

I've come to the conclusion that there isn't any universal one size fits all answer to the cab vs open station question. It depends on where you live and how you feel about being in the open air. Here in the Rocky Mountains at 7500 feet in the pine forest there is intense sun but no dust or insects so we naturally tend toward open stations with canopys.

Growing up in Texas as a teenager plowing and harvesting in the dust and heat I personally never felt the summer was too hot or buggy, and so rarely bothered with hat or gloves or sunglasses ... or a canopy. But now my skin wishes that I had. I wouldn't do it the same way today.

In fact, today as an older guy I would definitely go for a full cab if I was living down South again. But I'm not down there. My age and the climate here combine to be just right for a canopy on an open station tractor for most of the year. There are still cold enough cold days in mid-winter, though. So it's always a compromise.
rScotty