Let's see how confusing I can make this..........
We have a John Deere 2440, made in 1979 with 4,300 hours. It's a 2wd, 61hp utility tractor with a factory loader, rear wheel weights and calcium in the rear tires. Primary use is mowing pastures on fairly steep ground, plowing snow with a rear blade and moving 1,200 pound 4X8 bales of alfalfa hay. This is done on level, smooth ground and not stacked more than two high using a grapple.
We are considering a replacement tractor. Must be 4wd and HAVE A CAB. Getting older and soft as time goes by. I would like to keep this package as small and light as is safe and functional. The mowing and plowing is easy to figure out. Moving big bales is a tougher question, and one that my dealer can't answer without definite over-kill. I accept the fact that the grapple will be retired and replaced with bale spears to keep the weight as close to the tractor as it can be. I also understand that ballasting will be critical. We move these bales slowly and with great care. That won't change.
So, I see the Grand L's as being worthy of serious consideration but not sure how far up in the line we need to go. Compaction and turning radius has been a draw back with our current unit, thus my desire to be 'safely' small. The big bales are non-negotiable. Meaning, that is what we will continue to feed so we need to be able to handle them.
Curious to hear what the OTT Brain Trust suggests in this matter.
We have a John Deere 2440, made in 1979 with 4,300 hours. It's a 2wd, 61hp utility tractor with a factory loader, rear wheel weights and calcium in the rear tires. Primary use is mowing pastures on fairly steep ground, plowing snow with a rear blade and moving 1,200 pound 4X8 bales of alfalfa hay. This is done on level, smooth ground and not stacked more than two high using a grapple.
We are considering a replacement tractor. Must be 4wd and HAVE A CAB. Getting older and soft as time goes by. I would like to keep this package as small and light as is safe and functional. The mowing and plowing is easy to figure out. Moving big bales is a tougher question, and one that my dealer can't answer without definite over-kill. I accept the fact that the grapple will be retired and replaced with bale spears to keep the weight as close to the tractor as it can be. I also understand that ballasting will be critical. We move these bales slowly and with great care. That won't change.
So, I see the Grand L's as being worthy of serious consideration but not sure how far up in the line we need to go. Compaction and turning radius has been a draw back with our current unit, thus my desire to be 'safely' small. The big bales are non-negotiable. Meaning, that is what we will continue to feed so we need to be able to handle them.
Curious to hear what the OTT Brain Trust suggests in this matter.
