Hard time with new tractor

[arrow]

No…. this is not about a prison story. I have a deposit on a new Mahindra 3016 gear. I tried it again today and I find it awkward compared to my JD 750. I love the 28 yr old JD but am concerned about how well it will stay together. Almost every time I use it I need to replace something on it (and now it needs a head gasket or worse? a head) but it just is a nice fit with its ease of use. I know new things take getting used to but I'm not sure that is the reason I'm having trouble with this decision. All the head things point out to getting a new tractor such as ease of getting on and off, its new, its a year old left over so I'm buying it for 10K and my tractor with loaded tires of my choice (11.2 ags or upgraded size of 43x20 ind) so its not a money thing, its certainly more machine, loader lift is almost double , no problem with parts availability but with all these advantages, I'm still having a tough time because all the implements I have bolt right up to the 750, its done all i've asked for and my kids were raised with it. I think its easier to use and its simpler with its ergonomics. I've got it just right sort of like being married for a long time so there is no "retraining" (Ha, and they say that about us men). The sentimental part is about things coming to an end. I'm old enough to experience friends dying, Pets are about gone. Children have left and I am one to "make do" with what I have and enjoy a minimalist existence. I should be shouting for joy about a new tractor but alas, I'm not. Why is this seemingly no brainer decision like wading through the morass of 3 million little melted plastic army men? Anyone else know what I'm talking about?

 

[YesDeere]

I know what you're talking about. I hate to get rid of anything but I also like new things as well. I think that's what's called a pac rat!!


Why not get a 790/3005 JD? Still small and gear drive. Plus it's still green! Just a thought

 

[Guesseral]

It could just be a color thing. I do not normally recommend going green because I have always been a blue kind of guy, but you may just have to go green to ease your own mind! Or maybe you just don't like what you have the deposit on it might not even be color it could just be something down deep that just doesn't settle right. Either that or you are just over thinking it!

 

[the old grind]

I just traded in my two older tractors and bought a new one much like my favorite but with a few more hp. Everything fits like the old one (ergonomics), but I miss the soft, easygoing feel of my well broken-in but unfailingly reliable, trouble free, and sentimentally attached 'baby' of a dozen years. It did take me a few weeks to get over the transition mentally and back to my pace of land clearing, gravel spreading, etc, but I finally got up the nerve to get acquainted and put some break-in hours on the new machine.

Change happens, and we all have to make adjustments. Pet owners are well familiar with letting go of an old friend and so often making room for a new one in our hearts and families. That old friend is not soon forgotten, but we can't choose who stays and who goes, or when we have to move on.

If the new tractor has what you want and will do what you want it to, you probably will be fine after a while. Take some time to think things over, and imagine being back in the seat like old times with a new working partner. You'll get used to any differences before you know it. If you decide to keep the JD, we'll be here to help you take care of her. If you go ahead with the 'newie' we'll be here too.

btw: Don't worry about color so much, it's obvious you have good taste in equipment. (My 'honey' is gradually going from brown to gray, but gets a touch-up once in a while, and sometimes change is just a state of mind.) What matters is that I still have the teamwork that's more than I sometimes deserve, in the house and out in the yard. There's a big decision for you to make here, but with the kids gone you should have room in your life for a new friend. Someday you may look back and wonder why you hesitated. (IMO, seat time heals all wounds. )

Good luck, and be sure to let us know 'where you go' from here.

 

[paulemar]

You find it awkward because it is different than what you now have. You are comfortable with the 750 and spending a bunch of money on a new tractor is a bit stressful as well as exciting. Almost all of us have second thoughts in a case like this. You will probably still be a bit concerned even a year from now, but you will very much like that it starts easily----every time. You will realize that you couldn't have done something in particular with the 750. Slowly you will realize that the Mahindra is just a tool and so was the JD. It really was you and your family that did the work.

You could just pay more for the Mahindra and keep the 750, but we both know that it would sit while the new tractor did the work. The 750 will find a new home with someone willing to put in the time and money to "fix it up." They will create new memories, build new walls, gardens, and chicken coops. In 20 years they will be going through the same thing you are right now.

Enjoy your new tractor. Life is short.

 

[rsallen]

Change is life.

S***t did I really just say that?

Oh man, lets not get all extensional about a peice of machinery.

 

[paulemar]

Hey, there's a guy called xp190 that has a thread called "New owner/operator of old tractor" in this exact forum and the tractor he bought id a JD 750. Maybe you can give him a little help.

 

[arrow]

Hey, there's a guy called xp190 that has a thread called "New owner/operator of old tractor" in this exact forum and the tractor he bought id a JD 750. Maybe you can give him a little help.

Hey thanks for the heads up. I'll pm the guy and see what I can lend to the subject.

 

[wolftree]

arrow,

xp190 could use your knowledge right now. He is about to split the tractor for clutch and throw out bearing problems. I can only advise him a little, as I was always International Harvester. So I could not give him detailed information.

 

[arrow]

arrow,

xp190 could use your knowledge right now. He is about to split the tractor for clutch and throw out bearing problems. I can only advise him a little, as I was always International Harvester. So I could not give him detailed information.

Already made the pm on the subject. To think, he's tickled pink with his purchase and his has over 3000 hrs. Mine has half that. Waxed every other year and I'm ready to trade it because I'm thinking JD hardly supports it any longer.

 

[Ed Hill]

I know what you mean. I drove a 1967 International pick up until it got so rusty that there was barely enough metal left for the electrical ground. I had a 1970 IH crew cab until there was a problem with the clutch linkage and the body rusted out under the radiator, and the company had been gone for years. Sometimes you have to let go. If you can get parts for the Deere, and you have the attachments you use regularly, and you have the time to fix it, you might be better off to keep it. I have to admit that now that I am over 60, I have begun to relax on trying to do everything myself, migrate to newer equipment, and hire professionals to do some of the work. But each to his own, it is said, and what works for Ed Hill may not be right for others.

 

[Don87]

Already made the pm on the subject. To think, he's tickled pink with his purchase and his has over 3000 hrs. Mine has half that. Waxed every other year and I'm ready to trade it because I'm thinking JD hardly supports it any longer.

Please don't do PM's on the subject. Other owners of JD 750's could use your knowledge on the tractor.

So please, post in the thread.

 

[94BULLITT]

If you find it awkward you should not buy it.

I appreciate the old equipment but I really don't miss any of it. The new stuff makes life so much better and things are way more efficient.

 

[Don87]

If you find it awkward you should not buy it.

I appreciate the old equipment but I really don't miss any of it. The new stuff makes life so much better and things are way more efficient.

In a way, I agree. But in most places, the dealer has the right to keep the deposit. Could be a 'sticky' situation.

I wish the best for the OP.

 

[arrow]

Please don't do PM's on the subject. Other owners of JD 750's could use your knowledge on the tractor.

So please, post in the thread.

I understand your point Don and it is a valid one. The reason for the initial contact to be a pm was to ascertain how many issues needed to be confronted. In this case, there were none mentioned by the op in his communication back to me. I will a;ways be willing to help any JD 750 owner once I know someone needs the help or relate the issues once identified.

 

[arrow]

If you find it awkward you should not buy it.

I appreciate the old equipment but I really don't miss any of it. The new stuff makes life so much better and things are way more efficient.

My problem is I do not know if my "brain" is finding it awkward based on what it already knows. My present tractor has shift levers between your legs which are very fast to manipulate but necessitates a parallel bar dismount from the tractor. I'm still able to do this now but the future holds what? To shuttle my tractor it takes an instant. The shuttle shift on the new tractor is on the column. I simply could not finesse the new tractor as I can work the 750. The 750 operates like it is a "part of me". I'll have to drive the 3016 at the dealership for a few more days to see what happens and if he needs to keep my deposit as a result of a missed sale because of the deposit hold and I decide not to buy it, I have no problem with that.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well, Arrow,

With your uses in the woods and such, get the R4's on the 3016 and keep the JD750 for a while, fix the head and then decide in 6 months or so to find a new home for it or just keep it.

There are many out there that are looking for a tractor like the 750 so finding a good home is not likely to be a problem, and soon you will have the 3016 outfitted and more capable - it just takes time.

Don't fret, or over think this, we don't get any younger, and need to enjoy things when we can - its tough to do this in reality when one overthinks things..

Carl

 

[Don87]

My problem is I do not know if my "brain" is finding it awkward based on what it already knows. My present tractor has shift levers between your legs which are very fast to manipulate but necessitates a parallel bar dismount from the tractor. I'm still able to do this now but the future holds what? To shuttle my tractor it takes an instant. The shuttle shift on the new tractor is on the column. I simply could not finesse the new tractor as I can work the 750. The 750 operates like it is a "part of me". I'll have to drive the 3016 at the dealership for a few more days to see what happens and if he needs to keep my deposit as a result of a missed sale because of the deposit hold and I decide not to buy it, I have no problem with that.

My Massey was very awkward for me at first, but it didn't take too long to get accustomed to it. Now, after 3 years it's second nature, and I only get to use it on Saturdays.

I'm willing to bet that after you use the new one for a month or so, you would be fine with it.

 

[xring100]

If you find it awkward you should not buy it.

I appreciate the old equipment but I really don't miss any of it. The new stuff makes life so much better and things are way more efficient.

I agree if the shoe doesn't fit don't buy it. Did you test drive the competition maybe there is a better fit for you out there. Do you have the same problem with new vehicles. And if so do you adjust okay. If the answer is yes then it might be okay.
I've regretted purchases in the past and i don't ever get over it. Most recently it was a speeco speed pro log splitter from tractor supply. It was a pile fortunately after 6 months of frustration TSC bought it back. The concept was cool but it had to many fundamental design issues.

 

[arrow]

Well, Arrow,

With your uses in the woods and such, get the R4's on the 3016 and keep the JD750 for a while, fix the head and then decide in 6 months or so to find a new home for it or just keep it.

There are many out there that are looking for a tractor like the 750 so finding a good home is not likely to be a problem, and soon you will have the 3016 outfitted and more capable - it just takes time.

Don't fret, or over think this, we don't get any younger, and need to enjoy things when we can - its tough to do this in reality when one overthinks things..

Carl

Thanks Carl. I over think everything. I am wired to be analytical. Sometimes it is a curse and other times its been a lifesaver. The dealership gave me three weeks to decide. I've sent the oil out to be analyzed to see if indeed I do have a glycol leak. Things will unfold. I am curious on your recommendation for the R4's. I never had a problem with ags in the woods even when I had the old 4 plys tires on as opposed to the 8 ply tires on the JD now. I guess one of the main factors on tire selection should I decide on the new tractor, is what fits in the barn, garage, and shed storage areas. Putting the rops up and down seems like an added act that I do not know how I'll fathom. The JD fits into everything now.