[AT] Compact tractors

Tue Nov 17 20:51:11 PST 2015

For that kind of usage, and with the employees using it as well, one of the
advantages of the newer machines is the almost "automatic" shifting and
forward/reversing offered on a lot of machines.  I noticed as soon as I got
my '72 Massey Ferguson 135 that if it had a loader, it would be a lot of
work to do the back and forth shifting to move things around (I don't have a
loader.)  As it is, I am loving it for what I need clearing brush, but if it
was for professional work (where time is money) I could see the major
difference in time that a shuttle shift would for many operations.  Even
with the clearing brush, the shifting and changing hi/lo takes a lot more
time.  For running a mower around a field, manual trans is great, but for a
lot of other site work, it is a lot slower.

The clunky shifting and taking your time with the work is part of the fun of
old iron, but not the most efficient way to get certain jobs done.

Scott 

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Mogrits
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:51 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] Compact tractors

Hi Herb!

I visited the Kubota dealer today and actually drove the L3901. I think it
will do what I need. The salesman I talked to was an owner of the dealership
so I did not get a lot of sales talk from him. He asked me all the right
questions and knew his stuff. He educated me a good bit. One of the things
he asked me was why I walked in thinking I wanted that model tractor. I told
him I'd looked at the specs on line and thought the horsepower rating was
about right considering my Jubilee was slightly less hp and considered a
double bottom plow capable tractor. He was smart to tell me compacts didn't
work that way because they don't weigh enough to get all their horsepower
transferred to the ground. I'd never thought of that. Then again, I never
planned to pull a double bottom plow with it anyways.

I want a new compact for this tractor because #1, I want at least one key
turner in my stable of tractors. If this makes sense- having an operable,
reliable tractor will give me more time to work on my older tractors. As it
is now, each tractor usage consists of 3 hours of expedient tractor repair
to perform one hours work with it. If I can reliably do my chores quickly I
can then have time to lovingly work on my old iron.

#2 reason is precisely because it is so light. Trailering it will not be a
huge hassle and this tractor will be used on my construction jobs to do
light sitework with the bucket and to dig some footings and occasional
trenches for conduits, etc. Truth be told a skidsteer would do this better
but they weigh so much I then get into a situation of buying a road vehicle
to tow one legally with all the additional insurance and CDLs that involves.

#3 Reason is related to #2, and that is that I will have employees operating
it sometimes. Now we all know employees are rougher on equipment than we are
ourselves, but they are far, far rougher on equipment they perceive to be
inferior or antiquated, and it is rare the employee that can diagnose an
ignition or fuel issue in the field and meanwhile, their timeclock is
ticking away.

So for this tractor, it has to be new or damn near new.

Warren

On Mon, Nov 16, 2015 at 12:14 PM, Herb Metz <metz-h.b at comcast.net> wrote:

> Warren,
> Don't get around much any more; so had to google Nortrac.
> There are some benefits to 'restored common tractors'; only problem 
> being finding one, especially with front wheel assist.  Don't know 
> what JD, IHC, and lessers offered;  AC only had a 6000 series where 
> FWA was optional, so parts availability may become a concern there.  
> After AC demise in 1985, AGCO became eventual owner and they are not 
> very interested in AC parts manufacture.  Suggest monitoring various 
> forums if you decide to consider a used tractor.  One of the problems 
> 'used'  do not have is "too much blankety electronics"; that comes 
> from a Kubota owner of several years who was not getting much sympathy 
> or assistance from the local dealer when I was shopping for a gin 
> pole. The guys tractor was out in the woods (where he could not get at 
> it to retrieve it) and he was needing to know what all electronics he 
> could check  to determine what was keeping it from even attempting to 
> start. Unfortunately, this was not the first such occurrence.
> On a side note, the Cumming, GA tractor show (Nov 13 & 14) had a 
> restored
> 1958 Ford with F.W. Assist ; a local guy found it in Minnesota.  
> According to previous owner, Dodge Power Wagon had a contract with 
> Ford; primary purpose was logging.  Today it has a soft future as a 
> good looking trailer queen.
> Herb(GA)
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mogrits
> Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 8:31 AM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: [AT] Compact tractors
> I'm in the market for a compact tractor. I've narrowed it to a Kubota 
> L3901 or a Nortrac 35XT.
> Both come with a font bucket and a rear backhoe. Does anyone know any 
> firsthand information on the Nortrac or for that matter the Kubota?
> We have a local Kubota dealer but I've yet to learn who or where I'd 
> get Nortrac service from.
> Thanks
> Warren
>
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