Compact tractors

[rrowdy]

I'm looking for another tractor and thinking about buying a compact. I'm used to operating the industrials like the JD210's
Ford 545's, MF 50E etc, I'm just not sure what these compacts will do. When I look at the 3pt lift arms, loader arms and buckets, they all look very weak to me. I have a
MF 30B industrial right now but no 4WD or PTO. I need it for grading, moving material and mowing and also need a fully hydraulic Gannon. I would also like to able load a Ten wheeler so loader height and capacity is a concern.
I'm thinking of looking for a used compact in case I'm sorry about it later. This won't be used for a commercial operation.
Can any of the 4WD compacts do what a 2WD industrial will do without breaking? Anyone have an idea as to what to look for?
Thank you!

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Can any of the 4WD compacts do what a 2WD industrial will do without breaking? </font>
No, they can't. I know that I may draw some heat, but I worked on and around 30s, 40s and 50s for a long time and there is no comparison.

 

[Dargo]

Why any heat? The laws of physics haven't changed, and facts are facts. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[hudr]

I agree with these guys. There wouldn't be an "Industrial" label if it didn't mean anything. Kind of like when people were trying to use 2 ton pickups for "Hot shot" rigs. The reason they didn't stand up to the loads/mileage like class 8 trucks is because they weren't class 8 trucks. I firmly believe one gets what one pays for in most instances.
MHO

 

[millsnhills]

Ditto with the guys here. Not sure why you would need something that big to work 5 acres but if you are looking at say clearing a lot you may wish to consider renting the larger piece of equipment and then getting a compact for day to day projects and the yard.

It may be helpful to find out more about what you are trying to accomplish. Are you building a home for instance.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

<font color="blue"> Anyone have an idea as to what to look for? </font>

Compact tractors definately have their place. They're great little tractors. They're just smaller, and you have to remember that when you're using one. I think the real trick is to be honest with yourself about what you need vs. what you want.

I did a lot of research and test drove a lot of tractors before I picked up my used compact Iseki. I've probably got the smallest, cheapest tractor that can still be considered a tractor (rather than a glorified lawn mower), but I wouldn't have anything different for my application. It fits into any tight spot, turns on a dime, it's easy to transport, and doesn't take up a lot of space when I'm not using it. Plus, I was able to buy this one a lot sooner than if I had decided to hold out for a larger new domestic tractor, and it still does anything I ask it to. It may take me a little longer than my neighboor with an STX Steiger, but it will do the job.

Why is it that you're thinking about a compact after using the industrials? Size? Price?

I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for, but there have been a number of times that I have paid for more than I needed.

 

[rrowdy]

Well,
I really need a 4WD and a PTO and my industrial has 2WD
and no PTO. I don't need the power and lift capacity all the time but on occasion I do need both. I just thought about a compact tractor mainly for the price. A used JD210LE is about 30-35K and still no PTO I think I'll keep looking for a NH545D in the 23-27K range unless I can find a good deal on one of the larger compact tractors. I've never used a small tractor and not sure what they were capable of.
Thanks for the input guys!

 

[JimMorrissey]

What exactly are you trying to do? A compact will not load a "ten wheeler"....not even a compact TLB will load something that tall. They are not yellow machines are not intended to replace them. Your stated price range will buy a nice machine that will be very capable. It just sounds like you need to take some CUTs/TLBs for a test drive before you go any further.


What is it you're trying to do here and what are your long term plans for the equiment or the property(s) you're working on?

 

[rrowdy]

Right now I use my 30B for grading, ripping, moving material,
lifting equipment such as loading welding machines, generator sets, air compressors, engines, moving around large loader and excavator buckets for welding, I use it for everything.
I guess it's the optimum "Utility" tractor for me.
I bought another property in AZ and will need a tractor for grading, moving material around the property and mowing.
I've used 4WD industrials and know I want a 4WD especially
for ripping and grading, but I also need a PTO. Most of the industrials like the JD210's, JCB's and cases are not equiped
with PTO's, This is one reason why I was thinking about a compact.
After reading the replies I'm sure a larger compact would probably work for me about 90% of the time but when I want to lift a larger weight or put trusses up for a building, or load a Ten wheeler then it will most likely come up short. I'm going to try and find a NH 545D or a Fermec 650b industrial with PTO.

I just don't want to make a mistake and buy a tractor that's
too light for the jobs I need to do. Thank you all for the advice.

 

[JerryG]

A lot of 30Bs came with a PTO. It wouldn't have 4wd, but you could get used parts for the PTO a lot cheaper than buying a new tractor. Just an option to think about.