Although we were looking at smaller tractors, we had a good time on side-by-side comparison day at a dealer that sells both orange and green. With same equipment and performance the green one was less expensive. I did not like the hip-located joystick for FEL. Our main use is loader. It seemed that the mechanical advantage was wrong. Took too long for what I wanted to do to get from the handle of the control to the action of the bucket. Looked like a great idea but ultimately didn't have the right 'feel' for me. It's all about feel.
I sat on the green one first, drove it around, worked the loader, ran it up on a couple curbs, then drove it full speed into an orange one of the same class to see which would sustain the least amount of damage.
OK, I'm kidding about this part.
But after driving it around, I got on the orange one and it was over. Immediately over. The orange won wins.
The new hood style of the JD did not afford me a good view of the FEL. Looking down the side of the JD engine cowling didn't help as the supports go in the way.
I felt (as did the wife) that I was much more in control of the movements of the bucket with the orange unit. The combo of visibilty and controls right in front (where the work is) sold us. The short-stroke feeling of the Kubota joystick for FEL was also more apealing. Both great machines. We got an orange one.
As for the cold start issue. That is of course solved with any number of heating devices set on timers or whatever works for you. I personally prefer the oil-pan type. Heat pad. I'd rather start my engine with hot oil in the lower end than cold oil into a warmed upper end. That heat will also rise to warm the rest of your rig.
good luck, have fun -- OF
