New M6800 on the way.

ljh2 · Feb 10, 2004

I am impressed with the smooth operation and the quiet sound levels. Even with that, I don't expect my wife to be too much of a threat. She'll learn the basics of operating it, but I think I'll only get her on it if I'm not home to do what needs doing. (like clearing the driveway) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

art · Feb 10, 2004

I know your going to have fun with it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

froggy · Feb 11, 2004

Thanks for your input. Right now I have my land rented out, but plan to build on it within two years and want to start doing the baling myself. The land is a large meadow (66 acres) of native prairie grass that gentlely slopes. Beginning to think that in the long run the M6800 would be a better choice.

rbargeron · Feb 11, 2004

FWIW, If I were in the market for a little more tractor I'd probably chose the M6800 over the M5700. The M6800 engine is at its lowest power configuration - they use the same basic engine in the M9000 (with turbo and intercooler) - so it has a lot of margin and will last a long time. Nothing like overkill. And the M6800 chassis is 500 lbs more BEEFY. (but only 200lb more than my trusty L5450) Power is good. So is weight. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Sorry to constantly plug my L5450.

ljh2 · Feb 11, 2004

Yeah, I had noticed that they use the V3300 all the way up to the M9000 (via turbo and turbo/intercooler). That engine shouldn't even break a sweat under most of my usage. I also agree that in most ground-engaging circumstances with respect to weight, more=better. All that HP doesn't do anyone much good if it just spins the wheels. Weight equals traction and traction converts raw HP into usable power.

BTW - I think the L5450 sounds like a pretty nice machine too. Quite capable.

ljh2 · Feb 20, 2004

Delivery scheduled for 10AM tomorrow. Weather forecast with a high of 52F. Perfect. Will post pics next week.

ljh2 · Feb 25, 2004

As promised, I've posted the pictures... over in the Owning forum. In this thread.

froggy · Mar 2, 2004

Great tractor. Thanks for posting the pictures. After you have had it for awhile, how about writing and posting a review in the review section?

ljh2 · Mar 2, 2004

Doyle -

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the pics. I find the pics of everyones' new toys to be one of the most fun things here. Especially if you get one with that new toy GRIN that a person just can't help having upon delivery. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I plan to post a review after I get a few real hours on the machine and can give you a real idea of what the machine does well and what limitations I have encountered. Probably not for a couple more months until I get the field plowed and disked. I'll probably post a few updates after that as I try more things too.

So far the only real limitation that I have found is that I really NEED a toothbar. I suspected that I would. Digging in frozen dirt is pretty much impossible without one. Oh, and maybe tire chains if the driveway at the new place gets as icy next year as it did this year.