First Time Tractor: Some advice please?

[scwells64]

Hello,
well pretty new to this, so bear with me, and complicated by the fact I am from the UK, so the terminology might be a little off!

My US wife and I are moving back to her native NC. We have purchased an 18 acre plot, of which there is a 1000ft grit driveway, 3 acres of yard, 4 acres of light woodland, and the remainder will be turned over to pasture for us to keep horses on. So I reckon about 10 acres of horse pasture. Soil is sandy, and the water table quite high. Pretty flat all over, with some slopes in the woodland, but all pretty gentle.

I have been looking at the B3350, L3301 and L3901, with FEL, 5ft B Blade and 5ft Rotary cutter. So questions as follows:

1. HST or Gear. I believe the gears all have shuttle on these, so bearing in mind most of the work will be grass cutting, will the HST make much difference
(Oh and with a gear, once set running at the speed you want, do you keep the foot on the throttle, or is it feet off and chug along?) Knees still work ok so no physical barrier to gears.

2. Horse pasture: Rotary cutter set low, or finish mower set high?

3. Of the models I state, will they all handle 6ft implements. Just thinking of time spent...or will a 5ft at a faster speed be quicker...if that makes sense?

Thanks in anticipation of your thoughts....so much to think about with our move, but this is one of the more enjoyable choices.....

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Congrats and "Welcome Home."

My L3800 HST is comparable to the L3901. Great machine. I don't do any mowing so I'll let the guys with implements comment on those. My guess is with pasture, you'll end up with a Bush Hog on the rear 3-point hitch. That will rough-mow about anything you will need. Keep the blade sharp and its like any other rotary mower -on steroids.

HST or Gear? I have had both. I like both. What I love about HST is my wife enjoys running the tractor. She wouldn't try my gear tractor. HST is bullet-proof and uber-reliable as well as intuitive to use. That gets me more utility our of my machine because I can be at the loader making sure something she is picking up is slung correctly and then she can haul it for me and put it down. VERY handy at times.

Most tractors have "cruise control." It's a lever that controls engine speed. In fact, on most HST models, there is no "gas pedal." On mine, engine speed is completely controlled by the lever under the steering wheel. Very simple and easy. The HST pedal is not only direction but how fast. More pedal, more speed. need more yet? speed up the engine with the lever. Simple and reliable.

Moving is evil. But it sounds like its for the right reasons. Use your tractor research as a way to get your mind off the hassle. If you have any questions, we'd be glad to take a crack at them. We have members that have nearly every model made by Kubota as well as all the implements and doo-dads. Just ask.

Ray

 

[bmblank]

Since you're planning on having horses I would lean towards an L. You'll be moving alot more stuff than you'd think, what, with all the hay and manure and whatnot. And chances are you will run into instances where your tractor is physically too small or light before you run into the instance where your engine is too weak.
If you're planning on turning the fields over regularly than a gear shift might be a little more friendly for you, but if you're just going to clean things up, I wouldn't get a gear shift for just mowing. Like CCR said, there's "cruise control" on all the tractors, so you really don't need to worry about mowing. And there's the added benefit that if you get into something that's bogging your tractor down a little, the grass gets too thick or you slightly oversized your mower for example, you can just back off on the pedal and you essentially get a lower gear, but you have infinite choices on the gears, you can back off just a little or alot. Again, with all the hay and manure you'll be moving, I would think an HST would be alot easier.
Mowers are relatively cheap. Especially brush hogs. If you do plan on having a finish mower for the yard, i wouldn't want to chance hitting anything in the field with it, if I were you. A cheap brush hog is cheap insurance against damaging a nice finish mower. Plus it sounds like if you keep it sharp they'll do a darn fine job.
Good luck

 

[virginiavenom]

personally go with the L series. the 3301 will do fine with 5 ft, but 6 ft might be a bit much at times. 3901, no problem on 6 foot.
drive both types and determine what you like and are comfortable with. personally I would go HST, but that's cause I love them.

on pasture use the rotary cutter and just leave them whatever you are comfortable with. Horses don't really care, they are very well suited for almost any terrain, so taller grass won't bother them...just more to eat.

many UK friends your terminology is fine.

 

[scwells64]

Thanks so far.....and considering I am fairly new to this, I had the L3301 in my head with 5ft implements. HST seems to be the way to go.

My wife is so excited at getting back home after 15 years.....USAF..... and I get to buy a tractor and a boat....way to go!


I am also looking at Pallet forks, post hole digger etc.....now do I go for the dealer ones or do the after market ones hold up good?

Simon

 

[virginiavenom]

if you are getting it. get all the implements you want/need first go round. I would go with either landpride or kubota. others are okay in some items. but finance them all together.

knowing basically what you are looking at. get a post hole digger (I like the 3rd function SSQA style that is put in place of the bucket because you can reverse the direction if you catch a root or something. otherwise get the 3 point and either way, do yourself a favor and get a TOP-N-Tilt. it has many many uses. box blade/land plane. pallet forks are for sure a must have. bale spear (dealing with horses, this is a good idea) I will be getting either a grand L or an MX, I'm still on the fence until I get moved to my new property. but same kind of deal 6 horses and probably adding, cows will be added. just try to get everything or at least the real expensive implements the first go around. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a BackHoe although the cost seems extreme, having one vs not having one seems far more important.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

SC,

VV's advice to get your implements when you buy your machine is a great idea. To move a tractor, dealers will offer SUPER package pricing on implements. The guy I bought my L3800 from got three implements in his package -and I am glad he did.

That said, tractor implements are stout and reliable so any used CLASS I 3-pt implement will work on any of those tractors you listed. Three point hitches come in classes (I, II, and III) and are the way you attach your machine to what tool you need to use. Some get power off the PTO (Power Take Off) like the Bush Hog for running the mower or my roto-tiller for turning the tines.

The farm situation in the US is kind of sad as more and more mom & pop farms get bought up by huge farming operations. Out West, we have seen farms go away as water has been cut back during the drought. All these reasons have led to more and more equipment being offered used. A lot of it is very good, though many items have sat outside their whole life and bear the weathering that comes from that exposure. Small implements like blades or box scrapers hold their value pretty well and unless you find someone needing to move something fast and cheap, you will probably pay 65-70% of new pricing for a well used item. If you have a new machine, and financing is near zero interest, you might as well get what you need in the original buy.

And it goes without saying, if at all possible, store the stuff inside! That way it will really hold its value.

My L3800HST has 37hp. After using it for a couple years, I really appreciate its efficiency but I sure wouldn't want any less hp. And if you are running a mower, the higher hp motors can handle the 6' mowers with less strain. That extra foot will mean a lot if you are mowing an acre at a time.

Which again raises the question of whether your wife will get into mowing. Some women love getting out on the machine for an hour or two to get the job done, just like us guys. Having her get used to the HST tractor while mowing is a great way to let her get her feet wet. I recommend headphones for the noise but headphones with a radio or link for books on tape really makes the job enjoyable. I run my volume low and can still hear voices around me. Nothing beats moving dirt to Pink Floyd or slinging boulders to the Doobie Brothers. But that is just me (an old fart).

Ray

 

[bmblank]

A thought on implements. Consider getting stuff that is quick hitch compatible. You may not worry about a quick hitch now, but if you ever do decide you want one it'll make your life easier. And I think it helps resale value, too.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[D2Cat]

Your description of acreage and horses indicates to me your wife is probably one who enjoys the outdoors and being active.

If that description is somewhat accurate I'd vote for HST. It makes the tractor jobs less work and more pleasure, esp. for women.

Being in the country with a tractor and ground to operate it on is kinda like therapy, without an appointment.

 

[scwells64]

Hey,we get the Doobie Brothers over here too!!!!!!

Guess I fit the old fart category now.....

And I am reassured that you all seem to have wives that hog the gas powered toys too! I do not get a look in at present with our ride on mower...if anything I need to keep her a way from my tractor!

I was born in London, and I have slowly escaped to the country....but this is way bigger than our home here in the UK. I ride horses too, and that is my escape...

Really appreciate the feedback

I did put QA as a requirement on my list, so thanks for the tip. Looks like the L3301 HST is where I am heading.
I know the L3901 may give me a few more HP, but if I get started on that I would be on a 60HP by the time I buy. I had a motorbike....I believe you would call it a Rice Burner.....that on a disused airfield managed 153mph.....and I still rode to the dealer to look at the more powerful big brother!!!!!!

So tell me...do the dealers like to haggle? I do like to get a bargain!

Simon

 

[virginiavenom]

So tell me...do the dealers like to haggle? I do like to get a bargain!

Simon

a good deal is 12-15% off. we have seen more on some models, but pretty rare. if you get a 12%, run with it.

have them load the rear tires for you with rimguard or the like for extra ballast.

 

[Bulldog]

It's a matter of personal preference but I don't like HST tractors. They have their place but myself I can't stand the way they sound. I would go with the 3901 gear to get the "live pto" but that's just me.

 

[zippyslug31]

I was a tractor noob also and I went with the 3901 HST.

The 39' is great with a 6 foot box blade since that's basically the width of the tractor. Any narrower a BB and it seems like you would have rear tire tracks (I run AG tires) on the outside edge of your bladed patch of ground. With a 6' BB I only get a nice, finished surface. And, yes, the 39' pulls a 6 foot blade just fine.

And as far as the HST, it's a no-brainer if you end up doing much loader work. I can keep my right hand on the loader stick and easily move forward & backward with a lot of efficiency. This, plus its dead easy to operate! I wasn't at all convinced with the HST... until I really put it to work.

 

[scwells64]

Hey Zippy,
do you run a 6ft cutter as well, or a 5ft?

I may still go gear, as most of the time I will be driving up and down the field! And as I started out with a budget for a L3301, and trying to stay close to the figure I threw at the wife a while back! If she is happy, everybody is happy!


Simon

 

[Daren Todd]

Here's what I figured out for our area. If someone from a dealer doesn't want to haggle, then find a different dealer They are all out to screw us. It's a matter of whether your feeling happy about the screwing or not

 

[TripleR]

I sure can't improve on the advice given so far, but if you are going to get the 3301 don't get the geared model as it has a gear driven PTO as opposed to continuous running live PTO on the HST.

In addition to the SSQA, I would add cruise control and extendable lower links as well as a rear remote, two better, three best. If you have never use a hydraulic top link, it's hard to believe how great they are. I got my first one about five years ago and kick myself for waiting so long. My brother used mine once and immediately got them for his tractors.

I do a lot of dirt work, so the TnT was well worth it, but the cost may be more than you want or need to spend depending on your uses.

We have rotary cutters and a couple of RFMs, the finish mowers stay in the shed. They were needed when we were doing some reforestation, but now they just sit in the shed.

You mentioned throttle use on a geared unit, mine can be set to a constant speed with the hand throttle or used at variable speeds with the foot throttle, handy doing loader work.

You will love North Carolina, I have relative there and have visited many times.

As to terms, your use is fine. Here is something that might help in the futures:

http://www.tractordata.com/articles/technical/pto.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/262010-tractor-acronyms.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX5J5suE-Gs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSatF4QoqmI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH9Tmdtsgg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzdqA6NlXO0

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Simon,

You are going about this all wrong...

You need to approach the HST option/cost as a gift for the love of your life. You must hammer this "act of pure devotion and adoration" like a used car salesman. The easy way to sell Mrs. Simon is to get her on a gear model and then let her drive an HST on the lot. Can you say, "SOLD!"?

Like many women, they see no use for really big machinery. My wife doesn't pine over using our tractor. (Always refer to it in the joint term "ours.") But, when I have it out in operation, I don't have to ask her twice to hop on it and haul something or lift something for me. By fostering this bond of trust and comfort between her and the tractor, it has led to comments by her like, "Make sure you have all the filters and fluids that thing needs. I want to take care of it."

"Yes dear!"

She commonly tells people how our tractor has paid for itself already. I slip absolutely no drugs or medications into her coffee each morning. I swear.

See how easy that was. Now, go home and study this technique and report back to us...



It was a wise old man that once said, "You can always find another wife but, a tractor takes serious deliberation because many men only get one shot in life at acquiring one and you want to get the best deal on model and options you possibly can."

 

[TripleR]

I sure don't want to beat a dead horse, provide useless information or disagree with knowledgeable people like Bulldog, but CaveCreekRay brings up a good point on use by others. I grew up on geared tractors and still drive one, an M8540HDC in addition to my L5740HSTC. A few years ago when I decided to buy my "last" tractor and one to remain at our residence, my wife and I agreed we needed to get something with which we were both comfortable and that she could use. I had always driven geared tractors with the only exceptions our BXs. I soon learned to really like it and my brother even changed his mind about them.

I can't get my wife or daughter near our M8540, but they can easily use the L5740. A couple of health issues has really made the HST an excellent choice when I couldn't drive anything.

Not applicable to everyone, but may be worth considering as age often changes things and no one gets younger.

 

[85Hokie]

I sure don't want to beat a dead horse, provide useless information or disagree with knowledgeable people like Bulldog, but CaveCreekRay brings up a good point on use by others. I grew up on geared tractors and still drive one, an M8540HDC in addition to my L5740HSTC. A few years ago when I decided to buy my "last" tractor and one to remain at our residence, my wife and I agreed we needed to get something with which we were both comfortable and that she could use. I had always driven geared tractors with the only exceptions our BXs. I soon learned to really like it and my brother even changed his mind about them.

I can't get my wife or daughter near our M8540, but they can easily use the L5740. A couple of health issues has really made the HST an excellent choice when I couldn't drive anything.

Not applicable to everyone, but may be worth considering as age often changes things and no one gets younger.

I would have to agree with you 100% - I have had sticks shifts before, they were great! I will tell you however in a situation where the back and forth motion is required, it can be a PITA - pushing snow in a parking lot, you are going forwards and backwards almost at the same rate....clutching and shifting gets old quick.......however - in a situation where constant "gear" is used, cutting grass for example, gear is better, - typically a gear will have more "power" to the ground than the HST and more power at the PTO - much like a automatic tranny in a car can "slip".....where as a geared car has one fault - the clutch.

I own two Kubotas now - both HST.....would not want to go back to the geared one..........still drive a 5 speed to work everyday too!!!

On another note, easing up to someone or something close is easier on HST than a gear too - you can still screw up on a HST, but if the foot slips on the clutch.......whhhooooops!

to each their own -

if someone "gave" me a geared bota.....I'd be on it like white on rice!!!!

 

[Bulldog]

I'll add a couple of things based on my opinion only and not intended to ruffle any feathers.

To start with scwells64, I would advise against the 3301 gear just because you'll loose the "live pto". It sounds like you have plans to do regular pto work and the overrun clutch type will get old quick. The extra power for 6' implements and live pto is why to me the 3901 is a better choice.

I'll add this. I married a city girl and brought her to the country. She had never been on a tractor in her life and needed to be trained. I taught her how to operate and a gear transmission was part of the training. My point is "Wife" and "HST" don't have to go together. It's a preference, not a requirement.