Row Crop or Utility Question

[RBnSC]

The Question about finding an 861 got me to thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of row crops over utilities. what is your opinion. I personally regret parting out an almost complete 961D I think I would have done well to fix it.
Ron

 

[Dean]

The row crops are a bit longer, a bit heavier and have better weight transfer characteristics, which is why they are more successful at tractor pulls. Of course, the higher ground clearance is better for cultivating corn.

The utilities have a lower center of gravity making them more stable on hills and are a bit more maneuverable in tight confines such as cleaning out the barn with a FEL. They are also a bit more simple and considerably easier to work on in some regards.

Dean

 

[Ultradog MN]

[i:654c4848f0]The utilities... are also a bit more simple and considerably easier to work on in some regards.

[/i:654c4848f0]
Amen.
A simple split is much more of an undertaking with those row crop side rails.
Disconnecting the steering is easier though.
I would never have a use for an RC - Hills and banks, brush and limbs, etc.

 

[souNdguy]

being able to set on a milk crate and change the oil is sure hard to beat though.. and i do like the thrust bearing adjustment they have on the steering box.

soundguy

 

[JMOR]

While not a Ford, the concept is same, I really like my Farmall SMTA for plowing & shredding much better than my Ns or MF275..........because I sit high, further from the heat of engine, dust, & in wide open free air space and in Texas heat, that's a biggie. Also, nearly flat ground. FEL work belongs to the MF and light duty & shredding in close quarters for the Ns.

 

[Fordfarmer]

You're up higher and can see better (usually)on a RC, and a RC with a narrow front will turn shorter than just about anything. But that's about the only advantage of the narrow front. The wide front on a RC will take more room to turn than a utility. With the longer wheelbase, RC's tend to ride a bit nicer, too.
My TW35 is the only tractor I presently have that's considered to be a RC... the other 4 are all-purpose/utility models. Yet I like the RC's. I've had a 971 gas, 6600 diesel, 9600 diesel/cab, and 5200 diesel. (all wide fronts) They all left to help pay the bills (traded 9600), but I'll eventually buy another one, maybe a keeper.

 

[MarkB_MI]

I have a row crop 4000, essentially the same thing as a 961, and I like it a lot. The biggest problem is its height, since I have a lot of trees on my place. It's quite maneuverable, and I've never had a problem with stability on sidehills. I do have calcium chloride ballast in all four tires. The extra height does come in handy on the road, where a few extra inches makes a big difference in visibility, both seeing and being seen.

 

[souNdguy]

ditto that on turning.. I use my 740 to mow some ROW lanes between fences for me and my neighbor. in some areas the gap narrows quite a bit. my 740 can make the turn with a 5' mower atached.. none of my other fords can.. ( I suspect my 950 will be able to as well.. )

soundguy

 

[showcrop]

I was told that the biggest advantage of the old Ford row crops is that the snakes can't reach you easily like they can if you are on a 8N or 860. But I think the guy was giving me a hard time.