Please help me decide......

GONO2 · Jul 7, 2004

I have narrowed my search down to the following 3 tractors. They are all very close in price and I really like all three dealers. Can someone please make a suggestion as to which one to jump on for general around the house work (5 acres + garden and deer food plots).

1 - JD 790 4x4 with loader (dealer has been more than friendly - I bought a 335 from him 2 years ago that I am keeping - best lawn tractor I have ever owned) Only drawback is interest rates not quite as good as the rest. Lift capacity also a slight concern (probably not though)

2 - NH TC30 4x4 with loader (dealer is a friend and that is not always a good thing - hate to buy major items from friends). I like the interest rates and the lift capacity though.

3 - Kubota 7800 4x4 with loader - dealer is very nice and been in business over 20 years - interest rates not bad either.

Suggestions someone? I really like all 3 machines!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bob_Skurka · Jul 7, 2004

Flip a coin.

All are excellent machines.

Which feels most comfortable to you? Which is most intuitive for you?

Poppa · Jul 7, 2004

I don't see how you can go wrong with any of them. I have the B7800 and I love it so that is where my loyalty stands. However, when I was looking I too was drawn to the 790 and the TC30. Also, with the good dealers you seem to have to choose from, it looks like you are mighty lucky. Just find the one that fits your rump the best and go for it.

Mike

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 8, 2004

Have you driven and used all three? That might be the best way to decide. One may simply be more comfortable for you and that can make a huge difference. I started my search intent on buying a Kubota and bought a Deere. Simply put, I didn't like the rocker style pedal to operate the HST on the Kubota as it was terribly uncomfortable on my knee after only a few minutes (I'm longer-legged than most).

I loved the comfort of the FEL control on the Kubota but was able to modify the Deere's to accomodate me and couldn't have begun to adapt the HST control nearly as easily.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Henro · Jul 8, 2004

Do they all have the same features like HST, for example?

I know they are all great tractors, but for some reason I got this feeling (wright or wrong, not sure why I think it) that only the B7800 is HST???

Personally I love my HST for what I do and if only one of the three, regardless of color, was an HST, while the other two were gear tractors, I would buy the HST. Gear tractors are excellent tractors, not putting them down. Just that I have found that with slopes to deal with and things to get around/close to/between HST works best for me...

If they are all HST tractors it would be a coin toss if I were choosing for you...like mentioned above...or preferably, like Gary said, it would be the one that fits you best when you test drive it... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

mathteacher · Jul 8, 2004

see which dealer will throw in the first service. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Then tell each one that they are all competing for you business. Although, I am with you on buying major items from friends.

I would also make sure that you are compare apples to apples. Make sure that they all have the same transmission. The Hydro is very nice. Especially with cutting and loader work. And unless you are very good with the loader you will not notice the difference. I am not that good, but am getting better and with the machine that I have I am getting better with and understand the limits of the FEL that I HAVE.

Donald B.

MicroPilot · Jul 8, 2004

Why are HST trannies better than gears when working slopes?

rockyridgefarm · Jul 8, 2004

( Why are HST trannies better than gears when working slopes? )

omigosh!

put a heavy load in the bucket and start racing down hill,

now STOP.

MicroPilot · Jul 8, 2004

Good point! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Of course I would never do that, just too many other things that could go wrong outside of the tranny.

Henro · Jul 8, 2004

Why are HST trannies better than gears when working slopes? 

For me a HST is better on the slope because I never have to worry about shifting, and always keep the connection between the engine and the wheels...never have to rely on the brakes alone to hole the tractor in postion if I stop...and I when I get in a position I do NOT feel good about I can creep at an inch per hour if I need to...

But I think it is more slope + obstacles rather than just slopes. If one only had a clear slope to deal with, he could choose the gear he wanted to use befire starting up in and would not need to worry about stopping probably...

Even with automated shifters, the clutch is activated when the shift occurs, from what I understand...I think I remember someone reporting here that when they shifted their (shuttle shift or glide shift?) tractor on an uphill, it actually stopped and started to drift back before the shift was completed...

For me, with HST, I don't have to worry about anything except where the tractor is heading. If I get into a tight spot, and let my foot off the directional pedal, the tractor stops on its own...

If I am going down and want to back up, again the engine/wheel connection is never broken. I don't even have to touch the brakes...

These pretty much are the reasons HST is better for me on the slopes I have with trees... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I think the HST also lets me work more comfortably when I an near a ditch or drop off of any kind...