Mainer needs a tractor and advice

Jstpssng · Dec 3, 2005

( In my mind, a simple machine is better...whether I should go with an HST instead of the gear drive. )
To me that's a contradiction. I live by the old KISS adage; I'd go with the gears in a heartbeat. Then again I don't have bad knees. Perhaps the folks at Osgood's would let you try clearing snow before you buy, assuming it ever stops raining? You've made a good choice of dealers, even with their new renovations they haven;t driven up their overhead by going overboard on image.

GaryE · Dec 3, 2005

Does the L3400 come with a GST? If so, it might be what you are looking for. No need to use the clutch except when engaging the PTO and no HST peddle to hold down.

Gary

cmperry · Dec 3, 2005

I live in Downeast Maine also...Have 10 acres and just finishing up on a new home construction..I bought the B7510 and hired out all the major clearing ($1600)..I have around 400ft of driveway that I have maintained (box blade), cord after cord of tree length birch I've hauled out,60 inch snowblower (have a friend with one so I know tractor will take it)and numerous other homesite stuff. Very happy with the tractor and loader..small enough to get around easy but powerful enough to do ll I need to do. My theory is to buy smaller now and save some money and have a practical machine for general upkeep once everything gets established(mowing,gardning,bushhoging,blowing,etc). Too big of a machine and it will be a rut maker once lawns and such are established. Oh,by the way, do not underestimate the advantages of the HST. I have had both (gear and hst)..I will never go gear or shuttle again in my lifetime.

haszko · Dec 3, 2005

( I live in Downeast Maine also...Have 10 acres and just finishing up on a new home construction..I bought the B7510 and hired out all the major clearing ($1600)..I have around 400ft of driveway that I have maintained (box blade), cord after cord of tree length birch I've hauled out,60 inch snowblower (have a friend with one so I know tractor will take it)and numerous other homesite stuff. Very happy with the tractor and loader..small enough to get around easy but powerful enough to do ll I need to do. My theory is to buy smaller now and save some money and have a practical machine for general upkeep once everything gets established(mowing,gardning,bushhoging,blowing,etc). Too big of a machine and it will be a rut maker once lawns and such are established. Oh,by the way, do not underestimate the advantages of the HST. I have had both (gear and hst)..I will never go gear or shuttle again in my lifetime. )

yes, I've thought seriously about going B-series instead of L-series. B's are tough little tractors. Not sure what your terrain is like downeast but I'm on a heavily wooded hillside with an elevation of about 1100 feet. I think I'd feel uncomfortable with anything with the tire and frame size less than B-series. As well, you should see the boulders in my land. Some of them even a dozer would have tough time with. Most of the rest would topple a B-series.

Cost is an issue, but size matters.

May I ask why you'd never go gears again?

cmperry · Dec 4, 2005

the precise control of the HST really stood out to me while using the tractor close to our new home during the construction phase. I could move the tractor an inch closer to the house without the worry of a clutch and the associated risks (foot slipping,roll back,jerking ahead,etc..)Also working with the loader is like night and day (1 hand on wheel,1 hand on loader control,1 foot on HST..reverse is instant). I have yet to come across anything that HST doesn't do as good or better than gear,shuttle (just my opinion..I have had both but I haven't done everything either) Sounds like you have some challenging terrain, my land is sloped but probably not like yours...whatever you buy please be careful and remember there is heavy equipment operators out there that are real reasonable and can do alot in a short period of time...Good luck!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Jstpssng · Dec 4, 2005

I didn't mean to start a gear vs. HST war... I was just trying to point out that the simplest machine is gear driven. When I was shopping my choice was between buying an old Ford, or scraping for a newer compact; my 1984 L275 was the best my bank account would allow. (Although I still would like an old "N" series for a second tractor.)

escavader · Dec 4, 2005

( ( Perhaps the folks at Osgood's would let you try clearing snow before you buy, assuming it ever stops raining? )
They did a demo on my bx-23 in febuary,iI wanted to make sure the tractor could move frozen snowbankings.Although CINDY OSGOOD said i could do it ,i let her do it,because of my inexperience.She drove right in to that icy banking,and took out icey bucket fulls with ease,and redeposited them. I said wow thats inpressive for that little tractor,good thing its 4 wd. Then she said no it was in 2wd.That sold me on the tractor right there.She also took the packing material off the hoe,to demo it.I needed to see if it had power enough to lift the tractor off the ground...not a problem.If they got one hooked up,or a similar unitim sure they will let you try it.We aint got no snow yet though
ALAN

cmperry · Dec 4, 2005

Really nice to see a good showing of people from Maine here on TBN...even Downeast Maine (the other Maine) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

DAP · Dec 5, 2005

Well howdy from Lincoln County ME. I just got a Union Farm Equipment machine about 2 months ago ... B7800 ... I'll be glad to give you any information you'd like ....

dsgsr · Dec 5, 2005

The Hydro is the way to go, but on a JD /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

David in Franklin

haszko · Dec 5, 2005

JD doesn't (at the moment) do the HST in their 790 which is the model I was contemplating if a Deere.

Does anyone know if the mechanical shuttle shift offers a good compromise on the gear drive VERSUS going with the HST that goes forward to reverse without any clutch?

Do you need clutch with the Kubota shuttle shift or the Deer PowrReverser(tm)?

GaryE · Dec 5, 2005

I really think what you are looking for is the GST. You are more than welcome to try my L3710 GST if you would like. No clutch, no HST peddle. It is not the answer to every need, but I have found it to do everything I need.

Looks like we have at least a few more days before we get snowed in!

Gary

DAP · Dec 6, 2005

Snowed in? Where ... Maine? Didn't they tell you? It's going to rain all winter here.

No snow.

Rain and mud.

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

GaryE · Dec 6, 2005

Didn't they tell you? It's going to rain all winter here.

It sure is looking that way /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

At least we won't have to wait until spring to make mud angels.

haszko · Dec 9, 2005

Looks like some snow finally fell!

Thanks to all the Mainers (and even those "from away") out there that chimed in with some very helpful advice. I've decided to pay a bit more and get the HST...L3400HST to be precise. R.S. Osgood is the dealer. Competitive price in terms of New England prices (vs. those darned Texas deals) With FEL and 72" Puma rear blower. Kubota 0% financing was the incentive to take the plunge.

bushpilot · Dec 10, 2005

Good luck with your kubota.I have owned kubotas and now have a new holland,both are excellent.I have dealt with osgoods for years and they are great people.I live down the road in Rumford,welcome to the neighborhood. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

DAP · Dec 11, 2005

You're gonna love that machine. Keep us posted when it gets there (even if you're a native Mainer) ...

escavader · Dec 11, 2005

( You're gonna love that machine. Keep us posted when it gets there (even if you're a native Mainer) ...

) I resemble that.Even though your an implanted flat lander,you lke tractors so ill be your friend...haha you asked for it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
ALAN