Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations tractors

Wick, I did this same thing last year, I started out looking at the L2800 2X2 price was 9500$ By the time I was done I bought the L4400 4x4. 19,500$ with loader. I have 36 acres of costal that I have to mow and also have round bales I move around to feed cattle. I was afraid the little tractor wouldn't handle this so at the last minute I said make it the bigger one. It is a great tractor and will do way more work than I ever thought it would. If you haven't bought one yet call Tipton tractors in Hillsboro TX they saved me a 1000$ over the other area kubota dealers. He swears he can beat anyone on kubota prices. They ar3e a large volume dealer.The number in hillsboro is (254) 582-5333 Good luck. I believe they will deliver. It's worth a try anyway might save you a little $.

thanks i will give them a call

What's the scoop on Yanmar Tractors?

heybud- here is a breakdown on the grey market brands:

http://www.rcotractor.com/brand.html

I may just be picky, but it really bugs me when ANYBODY says any product or feature is "OSHA Approved"...OSHA approves nothing. It "might" meet OSHA standards, but that would take some proving to me, if it's not manufactured here or for direct import to the U.S.

I've owned or used several tractors, U.S. and foreign made, include a grey market Yanmar. The Japanese made Yanmars, especially the later FX models, are execellent machines. I've owned an FX28D for about 5 years with no problems. However, as was mentioned earlier, the parts availability issue could be a problem. I probably would not buy another grey market tractor for that reason alone. Also, U.S. saftey standards requiring a ROPS and seatbelt are not adhered to. And, I definitely agree, 4WD is a must for anything under 40hp.

Matt- The Rollover protection is added here after import and is OSHA certified, not approved.

Don't misunderstand Ponds...I'm not confrontational by nature, but OSHA doesn't "certify" anything, either. Again, anything may "meet OSHA standards"...

If the ROPS is added here, then it would be nice to assume it "meets OSHA standards", but then again, if they are a foreign company, who (READ Professional Engineer) certifies this compliance? What testing was done? I'd be a bit leery is all. There are Chinese companies (and others, too) that have just added the "UL Listed" stamp to their goods (Xmas tree lights come to mind, most lately) when, in fact, no such testing or certification was obtained. That's a bad example, as UL does actually "certify" stuff (they perform testing).

Don't bet your life on this stuff, is all I'm saying. Sorry to rant, but I run into this all the time with vendors coming to our plants to sell the safety teams "OSHA certified xxxx (insert gloves, ladders, harness, etc.)"

:rolleyes:

NO problem Matt. I ended up buying a 65 model Massey Furguson anyway. You talk about dangerous. On a steep grade I must stand on the brakes to slow it down. There is no stopping it. I almost ended up in my pond the other day! :p

I plan on rebuilding the brakes soon.

Yikes Ponds! I've got a early 60's Farmall 560...brakes, you just easy...easy...easy, then WHAM! they lock. Pretty scary on pavement. Makes me real leary of loaning it out, but I only let one guy borrow it. He's the one with the mini excavator and other equipment...and I borrow that stuff from time to time, so I gotta say yes when he calls, eh?

He only uses my 560 to run his honey wagon...and I may need the septic tank cleaned someday. I keep him happy.

Does anyone have experience with and pro/con recommendations for a 10 ft or larger rotary or flail cutter? I've already made one serious mistake in buying a used Belarus tractor and surely would like to avoid making another with a cutter. Now using a 95 hp Kubota.

Branson tractors, Branson tractors. Not a grey market tractor. I bet there is a Branson dealer very close to you. Korean company owns and produces Cummins engines. Heaviest tractors in their class. Very pleased with mine.

Wicked,

I would go with a good used American brand vs new grey market tractor. This web site shows lots of used equipment...Also, I keep an eye onmy local paper and usually see several for sale.

http://www.machinerytrader.com/

Gator

Here's my baby! its small but very powerful,around 400 hrs. Seems to work well. The only negative comment I have with the tractor is the size, my next tractor will be a little larger especially in wheel size. The smaller wheel size tends to throw you around a little in a rough field, Wick.. have you looked at the Cub Cadet? in particular the 8354 with the 35 hp diesel, its a beast and very reasonably priced, I was impressed at how beefy that tractor is.