N80
Super Member
Got my tractor on Friday! I'm very pleased and I've already done a ton of work with it. Once I've spent some more time on it I'll write a complete review. The review will have to be from a relative newbie perspective; I've driven large, off-road fork lifts (Lull type of thing) but that's a different beast and they were 'automatic' transmisson. I've driven various older full size tractors a good bit but that was 20 years ago.
In any case, I thought I'd post some first impressions since there isn't a lot of info on this tractor. I think a lot of people are put off by the basic geared transmission, and I understand that. I drove a Grand L30 (something) with the glide shift transmission and it was very nice, but it cost more and had less HP. The gear-drive can keep you busy when working the FEL but I found it very manageable and within minutes it became second nature to me. The tranny does make a lot of noise. And a lot of different noises. No big deal. You do have to stop to change gears. Nevertheless, my 14 year old son had no problems operating the tractor (under close supervision in an open space).
Both the tractor and the loader exceeded my expectations in terms of power. (My expectations aren't based on any significant experience, but I'm still very impressed.) Especially in 4wd the tractor can push the loader through fairly tough soil. We have rocky red clay and this mess called 'bull tallow' and the tractor handled it well both in scraping a flat surface and cutting from an embankment.
I also mowed with a very old heavy duty 7 foot pull-type mower and it handled it flawlessly. Deep grass, brush and small saplings had no noticeable effect on engine rpm. I did not sense any straining at all. I hope to get 5 or 6 footer and expect no issues with it at all.
On rough surfaces, with just the loader on, the loader can make things bouncy. I have no ballast at all but will likely put water in the rear tires.
The loader balanced out the heavy mower quite well but you really have to keep an eye on the loader when maneuvering in tight places.
The power steering is wonderful and the turning radius is tiny. I had no problems on narrow jeep trails and turnig around among trees. Just watch the loader!
Having four reverse gears is very nice. A feature I had not thought much about.
So far no complaints and I'm happier with it than I expected to be. They did deliver it without the drawbar, but that was easily remedied and they gave me a Kubota hat for my troubles.
As I said, in a few weeks or months I'll try to write a full review.
In any case, I thought I'd post some first impressions since there isn't a lot of info on this tractor. I think a lot of people are put off by the basic geared transmission, and I understand that. I drove a Grand L30 (something) with the glide shift transmission and it was very nice, but it cost more and had less HP. The gear-drive can keep you busy when working the FEL but I found it very manageable and within minutes it became second nature to me. The tranny does make a lot of noise. And a lot of different noises. No big deal. You do have to stop to change gears. Nevertheless, my 14 year old son had no problems operating the tractor (under close supervision in an open space).
Both the tractor and the loader exceeded my expectations in terms of power. (My expectations aren't based on any significant experience, but I'm still very impressed.) Especially in 4wd the tractor can push the loader through fairly tough soil. We have rocky red clay and this mess called 'bull tallow' and the tractor handled it well both in scraping a flat surface and cutting from an embankment.
I also mowed with a very old heavy duty 7 foot pull-type mower and it handled it flawlessly. Deep grass, brush and small saplings had no noticeable effect on engine rpm. I did not sense any straining at all. I hope to get 5 or 6 footer and expect no issues with it at all.
On rough surfaces, with just the loader on, the loader can make things bouncy. I have no ballast at all but will likely put water in the rear tires.
The loader balanced out the heavy mower quite well but you really have to keep an eye on the loader when maneuvering in tight places.
The power steering is wonderful and the turning radius is tiny. I had no problems on narrow jeep trails and turnig around among trees. Just watch the loader!
Having four reverse gears is very nice. A feature I had not thought much about.
So far no complaints and I'm happier with it than I expected to be. They did deliver it without the drawbar, but that was easily remedied and they gave me a Kubota hat for my troubles.
As I said, in a few weeks or months I'll try to write a full review.