Regret a cab tractor?

[Milo]

That's true, out in the open in hot sunny conditions just having a roof for shade would help a lot.

 

[PeteN]

I've been on a search this year for a 4WD tractor and was on a path to an open station version. Various members on TBN have swayed me to the cab version and I'm almost there. With 4WD I believe I will use the tractor year round instead of storing it during the winter like I do with the JD 2020. Just to give me a view of something I haven't thought of, has anyone gone back to an open station after getting a cab tractor?

Just an update. I did buy an LS MT357HC (hydro cab model) earlier this month. I already have an open station JD tractor so now I have a choice. No problems with having the cab but it seems a little more cumbersome to get on and off when you are working in the woods. One thing I did notice that I didn't think about is that dust seems to just cling to the windows and there is more sun glare than I expected. No big deal but never had to deal with that on the JD. It is really nice as fall moves into winter in WI to be inside the cab. What I really appreciate so far is the 4WD. Even with the R4's I'm not having any issues getting up and down the hills in my woods without tearing them up like I did with the ag tires on the JD 2WD tractor. I think if I didn't have the cold winters to deal with I may have stayed with an open station tractor since it just seems like you are driving a tractor. But to answer my own initial question, I don't regret getting this tractor with a cab.

 

[Milo]

Sounds like you have the best of both now Pete, congratulations!

 

[rScotty]

Regret a cab tractor? Not one bit. But we also have a similar size open station

We do use the open station tractor ten times as much as the cabbed tractor. That's because most days here are nice, and the open station is more of why we got the land in the first place. And it is so darn maneuverable & convenient - AND because it has a big 4 post insulated canopy with some overhang to keep the sun and weather off my head.

There are definitely some days in the winter when I am very glad to have a old cabbed tractor to use. No regrets on that. I plug it in for a couple hours, then start it up with heater on high for half an hour, and go back inside until the cab looks toasty. Those are the days I would stay inside if the only option was open station. Brrr.... But it's not.

Owning one of each on a limited budget means taking the time to buy wisely, and buy used. Lots of good used equipment out there these days.
rScotty

 

[4570Man]

My philosophy is... Haying on a hot humid day, nothing beats cold ac. Conversely, raking on a hot humid day with the OS and a roof on it to keep the sun off my bald head and a cold drink in my small cooler is just fine with me.

A canopy makes a huge difference in hot weather use. I’m surprised they’re not more common. A good 4 post canopy is a literal life saver. Even a sunshade that’s not impact rated could still save you from a smaller limb that would otherwise sour your day.

 

[Boss 302]

Anything to help shade the sun, it sure is good to be able to rare back with the AC blowing.

 

[rScotty]

A canopy makes a huge difference in hot weather use. I’m surprised they’re not more common. A good 4 post canopy is a literal life saver. Even a sunshade that’s not impact rated could still save you from a smaller limb that would otherwise sour your day.

Amen to all that.
I'm surprised that canopys aren't more common too - especially the 4 post type.

And there's no reason why a 4 post canopy couldn't have a fold-down windscreen. Or at least the same sort of protection that is common to skid steers. I'd buy one of those. Either one.

Maybe they will someday.
rScotty

 

[5030]

Here you go.. Both ways... I like the ac but I also like the open air... Except in the winter time...lol

Besides, I have a hairless head.

 

[Boss 302]

Good lookin stable of tractors there, 5030.

 

[5030]

Good lookin stable of tractors there, 5030.

No payments either. In fact the only payment I have is on my new round bailer and it's not much. I could pay it off tomorrow but why bother when Kubota is financing me at 0 percent.

If you didn't know how old they were, you'd never be able to guess their age. Aging gracefully at 20 years old. Too bad I'm not.