Should I cab or not. Getting ready to buy

[Smily0]

So, seems the general consensus is that cab tractors are taller. In my case, an LS MT352, the cab model is actually shorter than the ROPS version, so check your intended tractor specs. I went from open station to cab this year, west-central Missouri, and find that it extends my day as well as allows me to continue to work in rain if needed. Shoveling snow, can't ask for any better. Only two things that I miss are being able to lean out over the tire to look down at my track and access to the rear hydraulic controls, although mine has the 3 point lift in back to compensate. Planning to add a hydraulic top link and expecting to wish I had direct control of it from outside the tractor. I do some mowing and hay as well and can tell you that being out of the dust is so much nicer.

I have a Kubota L6060 with cab plus top and tilt kit. I can open the side window and reach through to adjust the top and tilt easily when attaching things. A little tricker to move the 3 point lift. Hopefully it won't be too bad for you. Make sure and get a long enough top link cylinder; the one that came from the factory is too short for several of my implements (box blade is the worst, and the one I wanted it for the most.) I do use Pat's Quick Hitch which adds some extra length, so that may be my problem. My current top link goes to 34" max.

 

[Chrisb009]

Get the cab and buy it before it's gone.

Totally agree - local dealer keeps asking if I want to sell mine as they have almost zero inventory available. I keep telling them no as I have done so many upgrades I can't see departing with it now.

 

[Daniel Garcia]

Being attacked by grown hornets convinced me on a cab. AC in the peak of summer ain't bad either

 

[RookieWelder]

I have never been in a cabled tractor that the A/C actually works, in which case a cab becomes a solar oven. Shade and breeze from a simple canopy which can be easily removed when needed is all I've ever needed. Winter summer, snow rain etc. You usually end up having to climb out and adjust your equipment regularly or pickup debris so you should be dressed for the weather anyway.

I've had one day so far this year in the upper 70's/low 80's in which the A/C in my new Kioti DK5310SE Cab tractor got used. It got so cold that I had to reduce the amount of cooling and the fan speed. Granted, that's not a day in the 90's, but I am encouraged!

 

[Bernstorm]

I live in Canada so my comments are not geospecific. Summers can be hot here. And winters fn cold. Definitely get a Canopy. I have an aftermarket cab made of fabric, electric heater no AC. I don’t know if it would be feasible to install aftermarket AC. Cab is not higher than ROPS. Spring and early fall I remove the doors thus leaving windshield, back window and side “back” windows. I have other machines no cab as not used during winter.

 

[RancherGuy]

I have never been in a cabled tractor that the A/C actually works ...

Maybe you didn't buy a tractor that doesn't skimp on the important things. I currently have 3 cabbed and cooling has never been an issue for 2. In fact one time my Bro-In-Law was overheated from working in the sun and I drove up to him and made him sit in the cab to get his body temp down. For the 3rd, that could use a better A/C, but the issue only appears when outside temp is over 100.

 

[RolandW]

This is a long thread, so maybe I missed it, but how many acres are you going to work? Will you be using a front-end loader a lot?
I started driving tractors when I was 5 years old, and we didn't have anything with a cab until my late teens. It's a no-brainer when you're running the thing all day every day out in an open field, but I suspect that's not what you'll be doing.
Dust and insects are legitimate reasons for a cab, although I've been mostly buzzed, not stung. Obviously, if you have serious allergies, that's a great reason to spend the extra thousands that will be required for purchase and maintenance.
The main reason I did not want a cab for my compact retirement tractor is that it is a colossal pain when you are getting in and out frequently, as I anticipated I would be since I was planning to use the loader a lot for small jobs. Same when you're hooking and dropping implements: I remember the doors being an annoying hindrance. With open station and hydrostatic drive (which I wasn't sure about but now love), I can just let go of everything and hop off. The only time I miss a cab is when I spend several hours mowing a field, but that's the exception, not the rule. I do wear ear and eye protection most of the time.
My final and least important point is that an itty-bitty tractor with a huge cab just looks silly. It screams "I'm a city dude playing farmer."

 

[cartod]

1 word: yellow jackets

 

[Skybird12209]

I am very close to buying my first tractor. One of the last decisions I need to make is if I should get the cab version or not. I currently live in FL and the endless summer is brutal and the AC seems inviting. Problem is I am moving to middle TN and not sure if the cab is needed as much there. I know it gets colder and I know there are seasons and it is something I have not experienced in 30 years.

I am a little worried about the cab height and how it might limit the places the tractor can go. I also know most of the time will be spent with the rotary cutter in the open areas. I don't think I will be crashing through the woods with the tractor but I don't want to limit to much where I can go. I guess I am in kinda a chicken / egg situation. I need a tractor but I am not sure exactly what I will be doing yet except mowing the open spaces. I would love to hear opinions.

I live in Northern VA near Harpers Ferry, WV, so it gets pretty hot and humid in summer and cold in winter. I bought a nice looking New Holland two years ago. It did not come with a cab, but I have added a roof that does cut the sun down. I don't have a problem mowing my 10 acre field in summer, but this winter when I went to clear the driveway and the 1/2 mile gravel road to the hardtop, I did wish I had a cab. I went for the tractor because even though it was a 2014, it had low hours and was very well taken care of, or else I would have opted for a cab. So, I guess if you can afford the cab, I would go for it. I do see some aftermarket cabs for my New Holland at about 1300, but not sure I will jump at that. It does seem to have all the necessary brackets in place so it looks like I can add a cab. In my case, if I added a cab, I could easily take it off in summer I guess. Good luck.

 

[TN8Man]

1 word: yellow jackets

Yup, and middle Tennessee also has them. Much worse than bees or wasps.