Buying Advice Need tractor buying advice

[1937]

Hello,

I'm new here, but not new to tractors.

I am looking for buying advice on a new or used cab tractor in the 35-45 hp range with hydro. My wife and I just purchased 14 acres and I will need to do some brush hogging and some tree limb maintenance. The main thing I am looking for in a tractor is comfort. I have SI joint Dysfunction and it is difficult for me to sit for very long and rough, bumpy rides will make it tougher. I prefer a cab because I would like to use for snow removal and general comfort.

I have searched for hours at some of the different tractors, but I would like some opinions as to the tractors that are comfortable. The New Holland Boomer 3040 seems to have the longest wheel base, which I think would equate to a better ride and the John Deere tractors have about the shortest wheelbase. I know I could always add an air ride seat, I'm just looking for advice for a guy with back issues.

Some of the makes and models I have considered.

New Holland 3040
John Deere 3520 or 3720
Massey Ferguson 1643
Massey Ferguson 1742

I don't want to spend more than about $32,000 for a tractor.

The closest dealers to me would be:
John Deere -20 minutes
New Holland -20 minutes
Massey F.- 40 minutes
Case IH - 25 minutes
Kubota- 20 minutes
LS - 1.5 hours

 

[kenmac]

how about a massey 1648.. There is a member here TSO that says he wants to sell his .. don't know how far away he is from u...He is in Michigan ...

As far as buying.. Go to the dealers and sit or drive their tractor around ,and see how each feels to you.. then , decide on what options you want....

You will probably get a lot more tractor for the $$ in an LS tractor than the others... But,, If it doesn't feel comfortable to you, it doesn't matter..

Incase you didn't know,,,, Kubota, and LS (maybe JD) are the only tractors built by them... all the others are contract tractors, built by someone else

 

[paulfun9]

how about a massey 1648.. There is a member here TSO that says he wants to sell his .. don't know how far away he is from u...He is in Michigan ...

As far as buying.. Go to the dealers and sit or drive their tractor around ,and see how each feels to you.. then , decide on what options you want....

You will probably get a lot more tractor for the $$ in an LS tractor than the others... But,, If it doesn't feel comfortable to you, it doesn't matter..

Incase you didn't know,,,, Kubota, and LS (maybe JD) are the only tractors built by them... all the others are contract tractors, built by someone else

Don't forget Kioti as they also build their own machines.

 

[1937]

Most of the dealers around me do not have any compacts on the lot so its tough to determine what would be comfortable. I have only sat in a boomer 3040 and that was ok, but I was not able to drive it. The John Deere seats are similar.

 

[kenmac]

Don't forget Kioti as they also build their own machines.

Yes, I know, But he didn't have Kioti on his list

 

[kenmac]

Most of the dealers around me do not have any compacts on the lot so its tough to determine what would be comfortable.

Well, what's comfortable for me, or someone else, May not be comfortable for you...

You say you have a bad back... You need a tractor that's right for you ..(if there is 1)

.. I would go somewhere and try B-4 I bought...

why didn't you try the boomer ??

different tractors have different operator stations , placement of controls, etc, than others..

 

[1937]

The dealer was not open when I sat in the Boomer and it did not have Keys. It was sold when I returned during business hours.

Also, There is not a Kioti dealer anywhere close to me.


I'm 6', 190 lbs. I know that any tractor is going to be rough, I think I just need to find one that has good seat comfort or add an air ride seat.

Does anyone have experience with the LS XR4040 or 3037 cloth seat?

 

[jeff9366]

It may be Turf tires, with their minimal tread and lower inflation pressure, will give you a less jarring ride than other tire options.

 

[jenkinsph]

WE can have arm chair debates but you really have to try the tractors out with air seats if available and see what you think. One advantage I have found with the hydros' is it is very easy to change your speeds when approaching bumps.

 

[1937]

Anyone have a Deere compact with an air ride seat? I see they have some factory installed air ride seats.

 

[rutwad]

The largest frame tractor will likely give you the best ride. And don't overinflate your tires!

 

[MHarryE]

I don't think wheelbase is going to be significant because we are not talking about a major difference.

Not sure about turf tires but R-4s are much more rigid than R-1s.

Brute size is the most significant factor in ride. We have 3 loader tractors. When gathering large round bales, the CUT is a back breaker going across a field, especially unloaded. Our John Deere 6230 utility is much better but the Kubota M135GX beats the JD. Weight, and the larger tractors have R-1 radials. On both of them sidewall flex is visible. The R-4s seem as rigid as Fred Flintstone's vehicles.

Air ride seats are worth the money especially if you have back problems. Not only are they better cushioning, they are easy to adjust for height so you can vary positions on long days.

As for brands, it's worth trying but if you look at identical size class CUTs and think about the physics, there isn't much that will make a difference. It comes down to seating position and what feels good. Look for things that will strike your knees because there will always be dome bounce and tractors seem to all have something you keep banging your knee against.

 

[rutwad]

I may have misled when I said wheelbase it they are pretty close. But as you said, brute size matters. I went from a Kubota L4610 to a M5040, both 4wd with R4's. There is a significant difference in the way the two ride with the M5040 being smoother. Compared to the MF5465, both the Kubota's are brutal.

I really like a seat that will swivel. Although not much swivel, I find it makes it easier on my back when looking behind me. However, I am not sure if that is a feature on the specific tractors you are considering.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[1937]

I appreciate all the advice guys.

Which tire would give the smoothest ride? R1 or Turf? If I deflate the factory R-4 tires, how much is safe? Also,
I see LS lets you pick the choice of tires (R4, R1 or turf).

The New Holland 3040 has the largest interior space and the seat is comfortable swivels 20 degrees I believe. I know I can get a air ride bottom for it. The problem is that its hard to find those tractors used anywhere with a cab. I'm in SW Wis.

 

[Buppies]

I had a JD 3520 traded for a 5240 kubota much more stable and ride is better in my opinion. Massey is good as well. Look up TSO in Massey area he can enlighten you on their cab tractors. The bigger it is the smoother the ride. Good luck in your search

 

[TSO]

Hello, I just responded to your message...

I will say that the upgraded seat on the new Massey's (the 17xx) is amazing. I'm pretty sure it's a Grammar seat. I have been told that there are only a couple seat manufacturers that make most of the Tractor & Lawnmower seats, and so most seats should bolt into most machines.

Point is ... Whichever tractor you go with, you can most likely swap that seat out for a top of the line aftermarket seat.

I believe member "Eric the Oracle" chose his Kioti nx6010 mostly because he found the cab more comfortable and he has back issues.

I have time in my buddies Kubota L3540 and can say that THAT seat is more "springy" than mine, but I find the seat position in mine much more comfortable for me. At the same time, the overall seating position in the new Kioti NX cabs are not comfortable to me at all.

I think it just comes down to each person's user preference.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Airseats are either 4" of travel or 8" of travel. Tractors take the 4" variety. Nearly all OEM airseats are supplied by Grammer. For CUTs you want a mid-back model with the adjustable backrest. Any seat can get the 15 degree swivel added.

Grammer seats are nice that the lumbar support can be removed or the foam de city can be messed with super easily.

Adding an air seat is as simple as bolting down a pan to your tractor floor, bolting up the seat to the pan and supplying switched 12 volt power.