Tractor model refresh frequency? First post and introduction.

GManBart · Jul 29, 2015

chim said:
Hang onto the Case. It's always nice to have spares. Sometimes it's handy to jump back and forth between tractors with different implements.

Or to tow the broken/stuck one!

AxleHub · Jul 29, 2015

Just so you are prepared when you go to those Kubota dealers . . . if the pattern here in Wisconsin is true in your area . . you may find one or more of your Kubota dealers also sell Massey Ferguson tractors. In my area . . 3 of 4 kubota dealers now carry Massey too.

Both the Kubota and Massey lines offer some high reliability strong engines and transmissions and longer warranties.

TJP89 · Jul 29, 2015

Well, you asked about the rebranding. The answer is you're in the middle of it. With the EPA's new Tier 4 regs out, the manufacturers are getting the new tractors out. Kubota has a new B series out, and updated the Ls. JD just came out with new tractors. Kioti is getting their Tier 4 tractors out now. Really confusing, as I bought while both types were floating around. But now another rebrand won't likely happen for a few years.

Nice work with the Case, everytime I run my Farmall H I remind myself how much easier the new HST Kioti is to run.

Farmer495 · Jul 30, 2015

I would definitely keep the 495, yours is FWA and has a 2250 quick attach loader.

If you think it's hard to run, you are soft. Yours is the 8F 4R trans, put it in 4th and shuttle between L and R. As good as a shuttle shift and none of the expensive parts associated with one.

It will still be going when the new stuff is junk. No computer, no power shift, mechanical pump and zero pollution junk.

We've had one since new, only wish it was fwa.

Oh, Lucas? Only electrical issues in 23 years have been one alternator and the flasher unit for the parking brake light.

As far as snow? You've got 4x4 and a loader on a tractor heavier than what you are looking at. I run a 3pt 78" blower easy. Put a blower on that and "snow problem"

GManBart · Jul 30, 2015

Farmer495 said:
If you think it's hard to run, you are soft. Yours is the 8F 4R trans, put it in 4th and shuttle between L and R. As good as a shuttle shift and none of the expensive parts associated with one.

It will still be going when the new stuff is junk. No computer, no power shift, mechanical pump and zero pollution junk.

Wow, that was super friendly.

Yeah, and it's not as good as a shuttle...if it was, they wouldn't make shuttles.

k0ua · Jul 30, 2015

GManBart said:
Or to tow the broken/stuck one!

Dang it! That was what I was going to say.:laughing:

Yeah, I would keep the old Case.. yes it is a big ole gnarly tractor,, but that ain't all bad. Sometimes you need a big ole gnarly tractor. A man with two tractors has a backup plan when things go bad. I can remember being stuck a time or two, and having to go beg a neighbor...

Farmer495 · Jul 31, 2015

GManBart said:
Wow, that was super friendly.

Yeah, and it's not as good as a shuttle...if it was, they wouldn't make shuttles.

I guess smiley faces are needed for some ;-) I just find it amusing that is a hard tractor to operate.

On a 95 series, I will argue the 8F/4R is as good as the 8F/8R shuttle since you still have to clutch and you've added a hydraulic clutch pack and column mount linkage. You still have to take your left hand off the steering wheel to shift F/R on either trans, and lever motion is the same. The 8x8 only really gains you "5th reverse" since 6,7,8 aren't dead stop gears unless you are a clutch slipper. I've driven both in 85,95 and 4200 series. I wouldn't not buy the 8x8, but I'll take the 8x4 for maintenance and being a way better snowblower transmission.