Hello all,
We have a JD 3020 and a Ford 4000 (4 cylinder, older 4000) and a 13 year old boy. Tractor uses are mowing a little w/ a brush hog, moving snow with a snow blower and a little clean up w/ the loader. Moving firewood with the loader in the winter (when the snow is too deep to use the truck), maybe spreading some gravel (blade, loader) or digging some post holes.
There's no real need right now, but I was wanting to get the 13 year old a little seat time. I don't think I'd let him mow or move snow by himself, but thought I'd start the learning process this summer (I realize that he's old my many people's standards, we don't really farm and I grew up in the suburbs. ).
I'm probably transitioning to the JD, but am keeping the Ford around until I decide for sure (and it's a neat little tractor, probably perfect size for mowing. The jury is still out on the JD, it's more tractor than I really need). I have a loader on the JD, and can't easily put one on the Ford.
I'm thinking the JD is maybe "safer", in that it's a synchro-range with "Park" position and has good fenders for a dad to ride along and coach a little. On the other size, it's stinking BIG, especially w/ the loader sticking out the front. I'd expect more damage to gates and barns and such w/ the JD.
Any thoughts? Any other advice?
We have a JD 3020 and a Ford 4000 (4 cylinder, older 4000) and a 13 year old boy. Tractor uses are mowing a little w/ a brush hog, moving snow with a snow blower and a little clean up w/ the loader. Moving firewood with the loader in the winter (when the snow is too deep to use the truck), maybe spreading some gravel (blade, loader) or digging some post holes.
There's no real need right now, but I was wanting to get the 13 year old a little seat time. I don't think I'd let him mow or move snow by himself, but thought I'd start the learning process this summer (I realize that he's old my many people's standards, we don't really farm and I grew up in the suburbs. ).
I'm probably transitioning to the JD, but am keeping the Ford around until I decide for sure (and it's a neat little tractor, probably perfect size for mowing. The jury is still out on the JD, it's more tractor than I really need). I have a loader on the JD, and can't easily put one on the Ford.
I'm thinking the JD is maybe "safer", in that it's a synchro-range with "Park" position and has good fenders for a dad to ride along and coach a little. On the other size, it's stinking BIG, especially w/ the loader sticking out the front. I'd expect more damage to gates and barns and such w/ the JD.
Any thoughts? Any other advice?