Tractor Sizing GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (Development version)

[jeff9366]

Jeff, I admire your (persevering? masochistic?) willingness to develop the guide.



There are a relatively finite number of tractor models on the market. There is an even smaller number of types/size groups of tractors (SCUT, CUT, utility, etc.).

It's much easier to summarize/generalize what a particular type of tractor does well, and doesn't do so well, than it is to try to distill the infinite potential uses and circumstances for all buyers. Simple evaluations like "weight matters most" or "horsepower is less important than you think," don't universally apply.

I suggest a better approach to your guide would describe the types of tractors available, and then expand a bit to cover critical features. For example:

SCUT - description of typical weight range, horsepower range, available features, example models, and an open ended list of things these machines are designed to do, and what they will struggle to do (or simply take longer to do).

CUT - Same as you did for SCUT.

Utility - Ditto.

Etc.

AIRBISCUIT in Post #7 has considered your categories and produced a good graphic. Deere and Kubota combined have approximately 68% share of total new compact tractor sales, so AIRBISCUIT'S graphic is 68% inclusive. However, I believe the guide is more useful to tractor shoppers brand free.
Europe has multiple tractor brands seldom exported to North America.

Deere's current "thousands" categories express weight.

Kubota models are confusing to nearly everyone, including dealer sales reps.

There is disagreement about where individual tractor models fall within tractor categories you suggest.

Weight is objective. Weight is useful comparing NEW and USED tractors.

This guide could quickly expand to ten pages but I am determined it always print on ONE sheet of 8-1/2" X 11" paper.

 

[jeff9366]

I am open to evaluating 'insertion ready' suggestions on the topic of 4-WD. Revision 7 consists of forty-nine (49) words relating to 4-WD and slope descents.

Who will contribute a broader statement on tractor 4-WD, including tractor braking during descents, in forty-four (44) words OR LESS?

 

[majorwager]

Jeffy

Anyone who has taken an unexpected downhill ride on a tractor would hardly describe such an experience as an uncontrolled decent. Reminds me of something learned in flight ground school many years ago.

Clinging to a tractor uncontrollably sliding down a steep slope would be expressed in slightly different, and more appropriate for the moment, terminology.

Doubtful the terrain for such a moment exists in Florida, outside of Disney, Orlando.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Okay, I'll bite:

4WD provides better traction (and more power) in all situations, and is critical when working slopes to avoid an uncontrolled descent if the rear-end gets light. However, 4WD can be tough on lawns. Most modern tractors can switch between 2WD and 4WD, giving you the best of both worlds.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

Sliding down a hill, rear end pivoting out around you, in a slope that you know will roll you if you turn.... Is quite the educational experience.

It's so much more educational when you have a half ton behind you pushing.

You find God really fast as your trying to process your options and outcomes in nanoseconds while attempting to prevent your potential eminent death or significant injury.

It's just as fun in 2wd as it is in 4wd. I've been through it multiple times in both conditions, I actually don't have a real preference. Both cause you to pucker so hard that you pull some of the seat vinyl up into your hole! In a mild controlled jackknife, it's a bit exhilarating but yet somewhat fun. When things go far beyond your ability to influence or control the situation... You pray and hold on.

 

[airbiscuit]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

When I was making my trails, I had a friend with a skidder who was opening up an old logging trail going down a steep bank. When he couldn't figure out why he wasn't turning, he looked back and saw both rear wheels off the ground. Luckily, a sturdy oak brought him to a certain stop. I'm not sure if he found God, but he did find the "Oh S##t" handle.

 

[jeff9366]

Safe hillside operation requires four wheel drive (4-WD). Tractors have brakes only on the rear wheels. When going down hill, tractor weight distribution shifts forward, decreasing rear tire grip. With 4-WD engaged tractor feigns four wheel braking. Without 4-WD engaged, on a steep slope, an uncontrolled descent may occur. (49 words)


GirlWhoWantsTractor:
4WD provides better traction (and more power) ( ? ) in all ( ? ) situations, and is critical when working slopes to avoid an uncontrolled descent if the rear-end gets light. However, 4WD can be tough on lawns. Most modern tractors can switch between 2WD and 4WD, giving you the best of both worlds. (50 words)

jeff9366:
(Four wheel drive is a valuable option.) Four wheel drive supplies increased traction. When descending slopes 4-WD augments rear brakes as tractor weight shifts forward, decreasing rear tire grip. Front tires may mark lawns with 4-WD engaged, however 4-WD tractors engage/disengage 4-WD at operator discretion. (46 words) (39 words)

Your turn, GirlWhoWantsTractor.

 

[Piston]

Re: GUIDE: Shopping/Sizing A Tractor (development version)

2wd vs 4wd. A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[redman135]

Hello jeff9366, there are tractors in the 90-120 hp range where in 2wd you apply the brakes the tractor automaticly engages 4wd for the duration of the brake application then reverts to 2wd. These were farmers tractors.
Do you or any one know how far down the power range this feature goes?

 

[jeff9366]

Hello jeff9366, there are tractors in the 90-120 hp range where in 2wd you apply the brakes the tractor automaticly engages 4wd for the duration of the brake application then reverts to 2wd.

I learn something new about tractors almost every day on T-B-N.

Some innovations are discarded after trial.

 

[jeff9366]

Hello jeff9366, there are tractors in the 90-120 hp range where in 2wd you apply the brakes the tractor automaticly engages 4wd for the duration of the brake application then reverts to 2wd.

Do you or any one know how far down the power range this feature goes?

Watched additional videos from Messick's, the high volume Kubota dealer in Pennsylvania, today. I learned the Kubota M6060 (60-horsepower) and M7060 (70-horsepower) models have this feature included in the optional 12-speed transmission models.

Neither the 6-speed nor 8-speed transmission models have this feature, only the 12-speed.

MESSICK'S VIDEO: Kubota M7060 Walk Around and Driving Demo - YouTube


I learn something new about tractors almost every day on T-B-N.

 

[majorwager]

Jeffy,
Time to check your facts. The M 6060 is NOT available with the 12 speed transmission. And what M series tractor is equipped with a SIX speed transmission?

The difference between real experience and parroting false information.

 

[majorwager]

Watched additional videos from Messick's, the high volume Kubota dealer in Pennsylvania, today. I learned the Kubota M6060 (60-horsepower) and M7060 (70-horsepower) models have this feature included in the optional 12-speed transmission models.

Neither the 6-speed nor 8-speed transmission models have this feature, only the 12-speed.

MESSICK'S VIDEO: Kubota M7060 Walk Around and Driving Demo - YouTube


I learn something new about tractors almost every day on T-B-N.

Unedited post

 

[RandyinTN]

Clicked on the link in the first post and was directed to a web site selling lawn furniture

 

[rbstern]

There are no LINKS in the first post.

There are, but not because you put them there.

TBN appears to be running an adware plugin called Viglink. Not sure if it's intentional, or if it's malware. Viglink examines the content being delivered to browsers and injects links into it. In it's most basic, benign form, Vigilink converts links that weren't expressed as syntactically correct HTML hyperlinks, turning them into function links.

Unfortunately, Viglink also seems to have a spam mode, whereby it injects links into text that were never intended. For example, your "FIRE AWAY" phrase in the first post of the thread is a Vigilink redirect, at least as rendered in my browser.

You not seeing them while others do could be based on any number of variables: Browser, browser settings, security settings, anti-malware software, status here based on posts, etc.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

There are, but not because you put them there.

TBN appears to be running an adware plugin called Viglink. Not sure if it's intentional, or if it's malware. Viglink examines the content being delivered to browsers and injects links into it. In it's most basic, benign form, Vigilink converts links that weren't expressed as syntactically correct HTML hyperlinks, turning them into function links.

Unfortunately, Viglink also seems to have a spam mode, whereby it injects links into text that were never intended. For example, your "FIRE AWAY" phrase in the first post of the thread is a Vigilink redirect, at least as rendered in my browser.

You not seeing them while others do could be based on any number of variables: Browser, browser settings, security settings, anti-malware software, status here based on posts, etc.

Privacy Badger ensures I never see that kind of stuff.

 

[majorwager]

Girl,
Since the thread seems to be OT for the moment, and I have an adequate supply of lawn furniture, did you receive any moderator feedback about changing your name?


Can't help wondering if "link" manipulation warnings should be worked into the tractor guide at some point.?

Jeff deleted the post referenced by rbstern, not sure why? "Fire Away" perhaps linked to a colorful site?

How many folks clicked the fire away link, and discounted the guide as genuine?

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Did not email admin, as I can't decide what my new name should be. GirlHasTractor just sounds dumb.

 

[majorwager]

Girl,

As you think about, something clever will come to mind. Could do a thread seeking suggestions.
How about simply, Mihindra Girl and the tractor model. Or Virginia Girl likes tractors? OK, something will materialize...