Yard Tractor

We are getting a 5 acre piece of property and would like to get a small tractor for road maintance drag box, getting a garden started front bucket, and to just drive around :D. I've run a Yammamar ( not sure if the name is right ), and rented a Kaboda, the Kaboda was about a 30 H.P.or so. The Kaboda had a lot more power it was easier to drive and it had the auto type trans. I woun't be able to buy new, having to put alot down for the house. So a use one will work out just fine. What do I need to look for on a used one, is their anything I should know. Also what about the off brands, I like the J.D.'s and Kaboda's just not sure what amount I'm looking at.

Thanks J.

So you are looking for a "sub-compact" utility tractor? Basically a really big heavy duty 4-wheel drive garden tracotor that is strong enough to take a front end loader/3 point hitch. Or are you looking for something bigger??

as far as subcompact ute's go...

we have a simplicity legacy and its great; made in the USA, front end loader, 60" plow, 3 point hitch, nice big shaft-driven mower deck, ROPS (rollbar), etc..

The Kubota BX-series tracotrs are also nice little machines and built very solid, although IMO the ergonomics are a little bit clumsier than the simplicity, the seating position and steering wheel orientation is a little odd. The hydrostatic tranny bogs down/stalls a lot easier than our simplicity.

I have not used any of the new JD sub compact utility's, but I have used a ton of the old late 1980's-late 1990's -55 series tractors. Awesome machines, but they dont make them anymore. They are a bit bigger than the kubota BX and legacy tractors.

ben

A little sub compact with a front end loader/3 point hitch is just what I'm looking for. I'll look for a mid 80's J.D. or a Kubota. Thanks for the info.

JD 655/755/855

awesome tractors, hydrostatic tranny, yanmar diesel engine, nice ergonomics, 4x4, selectable mid/rear PTO, and the loader is quick-tatch. It was a very revolutionary compact utility tractor for its time. Most other compact utes didnt get these features until at least 5 or 6 years later..

ben

http://i3.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/e2/9c/e0a1_3.JPG

http://i3.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/e2/9c/e0a1_3.JPG

Do they come with 4 wheel drive, that is something I would like to have.

Thanks J.

Do they come with 4 wheel drive, that is something I would like to have.

Thanks J.

yes. It was optional, but most of them had 4 wheel drive.

that particular tractor in the photo I posted was 2 wheel drive though.

Also is thier any place you would recomend to buy a sub compact in Central Or.? Is thier is thier an online sales site I could check out?? Wouldn't mind to drive some for a good deal.

Thanks J.

Also is thier any place you would recomend to buy a sub compact in Central Or.? Is thier is thier an online sales site I could check out?? Wouldn't mind to drive some for a good deal.

Thanks J.


not sure...maybe try ebay or www.machinefinder.com (http://www.machinefinder.com)

The -55 series had 4 models, 655, 755, 855, 955

basically just different horsepower ratings. The 655 had smaller tires and looked a little smaller in general. THe 755 and 855 were by far the most common/popular.

ben

Thanks for the link, and I check out ebay. Damm they are expensive :eek:!!! What do you think about these http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_826793_826793
not sure if they are any good or, I know you get what you pay for, but tell me what you think.

Thanks J.

Thanks for the link, and I check out ebay. Damm they are expensive :eek:!!! What do you think about these http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_826793_826793
not sure if they are any good or, I know you get what you pay for, but tell me what you think.

Thanks J.


I wouldnt get those only because of no hydrostatic tranny. I know that probably makes me a weenie (yes I do know how to drive a tractor with a clutch) because "real tractors have clutches", but the truth is you cant beat a hydrostatic tranny for front end loader work. And the PTO isnt independant on those; it has to be engaged by using the clutch, whereas on hydrostatic tranny tractors it has a separate PTO engagement lever that can be engaged at any time.

also, I dont know if you are going to do a lot of lawn mowing, but those tractors cant accept a mid mower deck as far as I know.

and finally....where are you going to get parts and service for those tractors?

Lots of tradeoff's even tho the price is low IMO.

You can find nice used JD 755's for around 6-7 grand. Those yanmar diesels in them are great engines, I wouldnt hesitate buying one even with high(er) hours.

Ben

You might be better off waiting a while and saving up some money to put down on a JD or Kobota. I'm sure there are some good off brand ones out there but several friends who have bought off brand have kicked themselves later.

I agree that a hydrostatic tranny is better for loader work. The trade off is that when it needs repair you better hang on to your wallet. It's not a do-it-yourself repair for most people. That might be a consideration when purchasing a high hour used tractor.

The trade off is that when it needs repair you better hang on to your wallet. It's not a do-it-yourself repair for most people. That might be a consideration when purchasing a high hour used tractor.


agreed, although hydrostatic tranny's are very reliable from what I have seen and experience working on tractors with hydro tranny's. Keep the fluid in them clean, and change the filter, and you shouldnt have any troubles with it. Make sure you use the right tranny fluid too!!!!! Some hydro's take Type F auto trans fluid, others take Dexron III, and others take proprietory fluid. The JD's have Kanzaki hydro units which are VERY well known and used almost everywhere in all makes of tractors. Kinda like Bosch in the fuel injection world...

ben

Thanks for the information on all the tractors. The tractor won't be used for cutting the grass, just digging around and keeping the road in good shape. The tractor I barrowed from a friend had the clutch, and the Kuboda I rented had the hydrostadic trans. I was digging for a retaining wall and leveling out the yard, the Kuboda was alot easier to opperate, and alot less tireing. So I will save some money for now and see what comes up, wife said after this house no more criedit ( sounds good to pay cash for stuff, but will have to wait and save :rolleyes:).

Thanks J.