Buying Advice ROPS or Cab / Ag or Industrial Tires on RX7320P?

[OrangeAgain]

I am zeroing in on buying a Kioti RX7320P and have two major decisions to make regarding tires and cab or no cab.

I would much appreciate anyone's thoughts to help me decide.

Here's what I would plan on doing with the tractor:

1. snow removal with the FEL, a 7' back blade and a snow blower.
2. tilling / cultivation on several acres
3. collecting Maple sap from our sugar bush trails
4. small scale firewood and perhaps other timber harvesting from our forest trails (I.E. I don't plan on going into the treed areas.) I plan on getting a 3PH logging winch in the future.

 

[motownbrowne]

Well, if a cab is in the budget, and you're going to be moving snow, then I'd say go for it. The only drawbacks I can see for your activities is potentially breaking glass in the woods, and it'll be a little more of a PITA to get in and out of for collecting sap (assuming the driver has to empty buckets).

Regarding tires, if you're going to be pulling anything on any surface but concrete, the R1s will be better. They aren't quite as durable, aren't as well suited for loader use, and they'll do a number on your lawn but, in snow, mud, and soil, which are the only uses you've outlined, they're going to far surpass R4s. On the other hand, R4s with high quality (read expensive) chains can pull good in snow, and will be good in the woods. R4s also float better, which in some conditions is preferable. Neither choice is perfect.

I can tell you that I do all of the tasks that you list, except that I don't have a snowblower, we don't use the tractor much for sap collection, and we are only doing tillage on about 2 acres. I'm happy with my R1s they leave dents in the lawn, but otherwise they perform well for my tasks. I get a little nervous about punctures from saplings in the woods, but I also don't always stick to the trails.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up with.

 

[South NH]

Hello Vermont,
I had a cab made for my tractor simply because I snowblow off the 3pt. Always the best thing to have if you're going to be snowblowing. A great investment. Anyone that does upholstery can make it for you, and usually at a cheaper price too. Wouldn't do it without it. Good luck on the new tractor.

 

[boggen]

most of work sounds like you will be in the mud. it is not about the good dry days. it is the ugly days. for that R1 / AG tires more likely do it for you. they are thinner and will cut down into the mud and keep you going. R4 / industrial tires. will float you on top of the mud. and you can watch mud splatter about as you get stuck.

if you have budget go for cab. the biggest exception to this is those in the "woods" and cab being caught up on tree branches and ripping off mirrors and more so lights.
everything else screams... you wanting a cab for better life enjoyment of tractor.

 

[Fallon]

R1s are optimized for traction in all (muddy) conditions. R4s are a compromise between traction, carrying capacity, durability & not tearing up the ground.

I went with R4s & have been happy with them on my utility machine doing a lot of carried tasks.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I can't imagine a Vermont winter without a heated cab. You would have to be one tough hombre.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The 7 foot rear blade seems a little small for this size tractor, but will depend on just what and how it is to be used for. Typically this size machine would go with an 8 foot rear blade and depending on circumstances even a 9 footer. Be very Leary of any thing other than true heavy duty implements (not just called "heavy duty") with this tractor. Anything less and there is a good chance that you will end up pretzeling it.

Good luck, sounds like a nice piece of equipment.

 

[TJP89]

The 7 foot rear blade seems a little small for this size tractor, but will depend on just what and how it is to be used for. Typically this size machine would go with an 8 foot rear blade and depending on circumstances even a 9 footer. Be very Leary of any thing other than true heavy duty implements (not just called "heavy duty") with this tractor. Anything less and there is a good chance that you will end up pretzeling it.

Good luck, sounds like a nice piece of equipment.

I second this. 7ft is what I have on the CK35, 35HP, and its about perfectly sized for something with half the size of yours. Also the heavy duty thing. I made the mistake of getting a $200 TSC blade, and over the past two years, first on the H, then the Kioti, I have beat the heck out of it. Straight is a thing of the past. Not the worst thing, as now I'll have an excu...I mean reason to buy a real heavy duty 7 footer with hydraulic angle when the current one gets beyond the point of no return.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I second this. 7ft is what I have on the CK35, 35HP, and its about perfectly sized for something with half the size of yours. Also the heavy duty thing. I made the mistake of getting a $200 TSC blade, and over the past two years, first on the H, then the Kioti, I have beat the heck out of it. Straight is a thing of the past. Not the worst thing, as now I'll have an excu...I mean reason to buy a real heavy duty 7 footer with hydraulic angle when the current one gets beyond the point of no return.

At the minimum. And Preferred. :drool:

Just my :2cents: