Decisions on a newer tractor

[skind]

Well, it may have been dumb, but it is too late now. I sold my two Ford tractors (861 and 961) and my atv to buy a new Kubota tractor with all the modern conveniences of 4wd, hydro, quick attach loader, ect. The problem is now that I have the money to buy one, I don't want to let go of that much green stuff to get one. So now I am looking at getting a newer (than what I had) Ford like maybe a 3000 or 4000. I do know I want a diesel. Is the 8/2 trans the best choice? Does the tractor hydraulics on the 1000 series have enough gpm to run a fel, or does it still need a front pump? Also, what is your favorite combo in a utility tractor (loader work, mowing, snow removal, phd, ect.) such as series, engine, trans, ect.? Thanks for letting me ramble on about my self-inflicted frustration.

 

[Hogleg]

I think you are making a good choice. Way too much electronics and plastic in the new stuff. Don't ignore the newer ones, like the 3600, 4600 and 4610... I really like the 8/2 on my ford 2110 (a LCG model).

John

 

[Fordfarmer]

If you're going to use a loader, I'd go with a 3-
cyl. 4000 or newer. And not the 4000 SU. I know,
lots of people have put loaders on those models
with the radius rod axle, but I just don't like
them for loader use. The straight axles will take
the weight better, and they give you a longer
wheelbase. A 4000 will run a loader, but it will
be rather slow. You would probably want a front
pump with one. A 4600 is better in that respect
(higher GPM), a 4610 even more so. A 4610 could
also be had with fwa. The diesel 201 is about as
good as it gets in that h.p. size... just make
sure you use coolant conditioner. The 8/2 is
bulletproof. About the only complaint you hear
about them is low reverse is too slow and high
reverse is too fast. My loader tractor is a '80
4600 with a Westendorf TA26. Handles hundreds of
round bales every year, does most of the mowing
(9' mo-co), about 1/2 the planting, and lots of
other jobs... usually 300+ hours per year. I just
rebuilt the engine at 8650 hours, and am waiting
for the (right) clutch to get here.

 

[skind]

Thanks for the info. What's with the coolant conditioner with the 201 diesel?

 

[Fordfarmer]

All the '65-up diesels, really, not just the 201. It's to prevent cylinder wall cavitation. My 7000 had to be rebuilt at around 8-9000 hours due to a cylinder wall hole... same with my 4600, even though we've used the conditioner for probably 20 years. The coolant conditioner isn't a fool-proof preventative, but it does help. On my tractors, the damage was probably done in the first 10-15 years before we knew to use it.

 

[skind]

Ok. Thanks that is good info to know.

 

[Dean]

It is difficult to offer useful advice without knowiing how much HP you need and how much you are willing to spend.

Onc comment that can be made from the available information: FWA (and hydro) is a MAJOR improvement for both snow removal and FEL work.

Dean

 

[skind]

I will not be doing any major farming with it. I just need a utility tractor to do chores with. So I am thinking 30-45 HP. I do agree with you on the hydro,fwa. As for the amount I want to spend, as little as possible lol. I was looking at a Kubota L3200 which was $17,000+ which I don't want to spend. So I am hoping to stay under 8 or 9k.

 

[Fordfarmer]

$8-9000 should get you a nice 4600-4610 with cash
left over... or a 4610 with fwa, if you can find
one. A little bigger than your stated h.p. range,
but it seems like you can always use a few extra
h.p. for some jobs.

 

[snoop-nc]

IF you can find a 4610 with SYNCRO-MESH trans, you'll cure the "toofast/too slow" problem. The syncro. has the two shift levers on the column and gives you 4 reverses just opposite the 4 LOW range forward gears. The reverse speeds are "just about" the same as corresponding forward speed. I would be absolutely miserable trying to do loader work with the 4 x 2 (two sticks sticking UP) trans.

Rick

 

[Shetland Sheepdog]

If you are going with the FWA, you would probably be happy with a 2810, 2910 or 3910. They have the light front axle in the 2 wheel drive, but the 4 wheel drive has a considerably heavier front end. I would also be looking for the double hydraulic pumps and CCLS remotes, as well as the 8 x 4 transmission.
JMHO, HTH, Dave

 

[GLC]

Burn me for a heretic but I say buy a Kubota. Buy a used one if you want to save some money.

I have had two NAA's, one with a loader, and have had 8n's. Great tractors but I finally bit the bullet and bought a new Kubota L4400 in 2009. 45 HP, loader, 4X4, lots of power, not much bigger than the Fords and a whole lot more reliable and usable. I still have one NAA, without a loader, and use it for light duty stuff but the Kubota is awesome. I'd personally stay away from the L3800 series and smaller, they are a little light and often have a problem with their 3pt set up being jerky. If I had done it again, I'd have bought a MX5100. A little heavier and slightly more power, but I'm satisfied with my L4400.

You can always find another old tractor or project to get later on.

My two cents. Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

Agreed, GLC.

Though, an avid antique Ford tractor enthusiast (1951 and 52 (1100 original hours) 8Ns, 55 860, 58 961-5, 64 4000 S-O-S) as well as a user of more modern tractors (2007 MF 533, 2009 NH T4050), it's hard to beat Kubota for late model user machines.

I also own a 1993 Kubota B1750HSD bought new and used regularly for lawn mowing and snow removal.

The Kubota has NEVER been back to the dealer for ANYTHING, and has been ABSOLUTELY no problem at all. I have done NOTHING to it aside from engine and hydro oil and filter changes and one fuel filter. Still has original fan/alternator and mower belts.

The 2007 MF has been a MF customer service and warranty disaster and the NH, while (so far) MUCH less of a problem than the MF, has been back to the dealer 4 or 5 times for various warranty issues and the jury is still out as the warranty has expired on ET though the tractor has only 45 hours on the meter.

Buy a Kubota as your non heavy tillage user and be done with it. Keep your vintage Fords for light duty and nostalgia.

Dean

 

[skind]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I do still want a hydro and FWA for easy use. Also, like the sound of a 4610 or the like. I guess I need to make up my mind what I want more. There is no one size tractor for everything, is there.

 

[Shetland Sheepdog]

I had a 'Bota 3410 with 4 wheel drive and loader. A very nice little tractor, the key word being little! I needed to replace it, and decided that I would like just a little more power/weight. I started looking for something orange in the 35 -40 PTO HP range, and wasn't finding much for less than 20K! I called on a couple, and was told "Already sold". I endeed up with something entirely different!

1989 Ford 5610-II with dual hydraulic pumps, Dual Power, 2 CCLS remotes and Farmhand/Dunham-Lehr loader. Not quite as handy as a 'Bota, but definitely stronger & more durable. Plus, it can run my NH 408 discbine, which the 'Bota wouldn't have been able to do! Also, a much stronger loader. I'm not concerned about the lack of 4 wheel drive, as the ice chains will go on in the winter!

Kubota leaving

 

[Greg Wolodkin]

If your heart is set on an older Ford, you might also consider the 3400 which is a little smaller than the 4000 (closer to the HP range you are looking for) but also has a heavier front axle that is meant for loader work.

Greg

 

[GLC]

Just for comparison and to show off my tractors:

Kubota with loader off and disc on:

NAA with cultipacker: