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As much as I'd like to get a bigger tractor, it just isn't practical. The 4100 is more than meeting our needs and therefore we will keep it. Sorry for the false alarm.

4100 trade value
John Deere Tractors
Replies 7 Post by MichaelSnyder

Maybe I can offer some help. But I can't make any promises.

Normally, I talk directly to the "troubled" wife.....and I don't realize
that I'm actually helping the situation.. My neighbor and I are still trying
to figure out what I said... All we know is that we're tractor shopping!!
Oddly enough, this isn't the first time this has happened.

Best advice I can tell you is to ask why this is such an issue for her?
LISTEN to her reasons why.. Validate them with an unbiased mind.
Maybe she has said no.. without really thinking "why"...Woman do that
you know... instinct or something..

No offense, but it sounds like you wear the pants when she says you can put them on..

IMHO,I have two different thoughts on this. 1st, Good husbands & wives stand behind each other... Financially permitting..When I decided I wanted a new tractor, she didn't question me... The same holds true vise vera.
I don't know the specifics, but it sounds like your wife is treating you like a child.. maybe she's afraid you'll hurt yourself or something.

On the other hand, if she is saying no for financial reasons, THATS a whole different story. In that case, I side with her..

Just remember... this can work two ways. If she won't try to be understanding..I'd make her keep her car till the wheels fall off.... Whats good for the goose is good for the gander!

Wife vs Tractor
New Holland Tractors
Replies 31 Post by MichaelSnyder

Hello Bird,
IMHO, the JD FEL is the easiest loader to remove. Noticably better than Kubota. I do sometimes wonder though if strength was sacrificed in order to make it this easy. Course, now JD has this cheezy afterthought bracket to keep the loader from falling off.... So maybe the score is about even.

Option consideration on a TC 40
New Holland Tractors
Replies 15 Post by MichaelSnyder

Hope its ok to post my question here.. As some of you may know, my neighbor is looking at a Kubota 3710 and a TC-40. The Kubota offers a REALLY nice PRICEY cab option on that tractor. Assuming he buys the TC-40, his options are limited. I've looked at the Curtis cabs for my JD4100.. and the biggest problem I see is lack of enough front glass. The Kubota cab is like 95% glass. Almost zero view obstruction. This does not seem to be the case with the Curtis. For example, I often look off to the side, to see the edge of the bucket while plowing snow. I don't see how this is possible on the Curtis unless you press your nose against the front glass.

What other options exist?

cab inclosures
John Deere Tractors
Replies 5 Post by MichaelSnyder

David,
You didn't mention what size mower you intend to use. Therefore the question of PTO HP making a difference is difficult to answer. Sometimes it can make all the difference in the world if you are using an implement that is rated very close to the lesser PTO HP tractor. A harder working tractor will tend to use more fuel and will be more prone to wear and tear issues.
Nothing new there...

We have a JD4100 with FEL. I also looked at the Kubotas and decided green for a few reasons that do not appear in graphs and charts. We have numerous green dealers that were friendly and worked with us above and beyond what we expected. I cannot say the same for the orange units.(Unfortunately). Additionally, many of the features on the JD was more user friendly .IMO.
I think Kubota may be a more durable/proven unit, but the JD has met our needs with ease. As you probably know, JD has had its share of problems, as did mine. But all has been taken care of. I probably would not do things different if I had the chance... Well...I take that back. I'd consider a NH.

FWIW: I am currently helping my neighbor buy a tractor, and once again have the feeling that Kubota needs to educate their dealers about the value of customer service. Carver has been the exception.

John Deere vs Kubota
John Deere Tractors
Replies 4 Post by MichaelSnyder

Figured I'd start a second thread about my neighbors interest in an L3710.How do you know if you've negotiated a good price? What's a good price for an L3710 HST with the Loader?Additionally we live up here in E. PA. One of the Kubota dealers we are looking at is Carver. Mostly because they are listed on this site. If Carver yields the best numbers... How much of a savings warrants that kind of drive to pick it up? Not exactly down the road if you know what I mean.

How do you know what and where is a good price
Kubota Tractors
Replies 6 Post by MichaelSnyder

I've noticed a few of you have had experiences with A/C less cabs. I haven't seen the Kubota enclosure yet, but many of them seem to have doors/windows that could be removed in an hour or two...if need be. I spoke to my father last night about the tractor my neighbor is looking at... Especially since he has logged quite a bit of tractor time when he was a kid, taking care of three dairy barns plus the field work that goes with any farm(s). Anyway, my father also felt it would be a mistake not to get the cab. He brought up a few good points. First he said, "When I was your age (meaning me) that wouldn't bother me either. Now that I'm older, its not even a question anymore." Secondly he said " Like your mother always says, buy it right the first time. Its too expensive to be upgrading all the time or say "I wish I would have...."
Especially when its something you plan to have for years and years...

Well, we'll see what he decides. As long as he's happy with his choice, thats all that matters.

Upgrading a JD Which Kubota What configuration
Kubota Tractors
Replies 9 Post by MichaelSnyder

Brian,
Your idea is definitely do-able. How well it works will depend upon your level of design and planning. Naturally the first thing you'll need is some sort of 3pt mounted platform. Next, ya gotta get that 540 RPM PTO up to the gen's rated speed. Chances are, you'll need approximately a 1 to 4 gearbox. NOT a 4 to 1! YA gotta increase speed not reduce. Your best bet may be to use a pully drive system rather than a gear. If for no other reason than cost. Otherwise, you'll spend just as much if not more than buying new.

Only MO.

3 Pt PTO generators
Shop Tools
Replies 63 Post by MichaelSnyder

I have to agree with Jim on this one.
I also looked at a 4300 for my 2 acre yard.. This would have been a mistake to say the least, for many reasons. We ended up with a 4100 and I am for the most part...very pleased. IMO, No other tractor in its class comes close in terms of "ease of use" or features. For example, a 10-12 year old kid could install/remove the loader or belly mower...without tools, or an instruction manual.. Plus, I can remove the bucket (no tools) in about 20 seconds, 10 of which is used in mounting and dismounting the seat. This has come in super handy when you don't want to remove the loader, need a little extra front end weight to offset the rear yet have good visual of what is in front of you. (mowing, etc) A few times I've needed to remove the bucket to fit into a tight spot while pulling out trees. Now for the "not so hot" stuff. Kubota has a stronger hydro, but lousey controls. (They should put the L series pedel on the B's) Engine also "seems" stronger, and definitely smoother running. Capacities on Kub are a little higher. But most of all, Kubota offers 2 or 3 motors in one platform ex:(2710-2910) are in the same frame. If you ask me what I would buy next time.....Probably a NH..

JD Reliability
John Deere Tractors
Replies 24 Post by MichaelSnyder

Andy,
With all due respect to the other post'rs, a "few" of the 4100's do have minor scuff problems. Obviously this problem seems to be non-existant in comparison to the 4200's and up. The problem specifically is an improperly bent tie-rod. Rather than fabricating a tie-rod with adjustment settings, they simply use a solid welded rod. This is all wonderful until someone at the plant realizes its break time in the middle of making the rod. In my case, the rod was so poorly made, it caused about 2" of toe-in. All is well now... finally..

The saga of Deere s axle problem continues
John Deere Tractors
Replies 8 Post by MichaelSnyder

Ron,
All I can reference in the 12HP world is our old AC lawn mower with a 42" deck.
Yes, I'm thinking your expecting too much from a 12hp unit. Our 42" deck could make the ol' AC grunt when mowing..especially on a hill
You didn't mention its age or hours, but on top of all of this I'm assuming its a little on the tired side as well.

loss of power
Cub Cadet
Replies 3 Post by MichaelSnyder

Damn, Wish I had a comment here...sounds like a good thread. I say.. sell your tractor and buy a new one.. Problem solved. Heh heh :)

My Cutter Ain t Level
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 53 Post by MichaelSnyder

Mike,
IMHO, your method is about as good as it gets. I bought a special blade sharpening tool to put a specific angle on the blade. After a few mowings...I didn't notice a blessed difference over the old trusty method.

Blade Sharpening
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 6 Post by MichaelSnyder

I forgot to mention that tire style plays a role in the available width. Originally I had the R4's which I mounted in the "wide" position. My current turfs do not provide this feature. Well..I guess they could be off-set if you don't plan to use wheel weights. (They won't fit) As far as implement selection, most smaller compacts will require you to reverse the pins. The 4100 is no exception. Only one time was I faced with an old,old implement that I couldn't use because of 3pt hook-up width. This is only an issue if you intend or plan to use your neighbors stuff...like myself. If you will only be using implements you purchase...not a problem. Second issue when borrowing stuff, is that your neighbors might have bigger tractors, thus bigger implements. In my case, I used a 6' blade on my 4100. Obviously this is a bit much for the tractor, but a little patience and extra care & caution allowed me to do what I needed. AS far as overall size...Look in the archives for my whiney post in which I complain about my 4100 not being enough for a 2 acre property!! I guess I'm one of those guys who expects his lawn mower to be on par with a farm tractor..But thats another story. Next time I think I would seriously look at a Kubota 2910. Basically the same package size, with more beef stuffed in the middle. Lastly, the 4100 is plenty narrow for traversing hills.

Older 8N vs JD4100
John Deere Tractors
Replies 5 Post by MichaelSnyder

Mike,
You have alot more patience than me, I don't think I would be able to wait this long till the bugs disappear. I should also mention that my posting is not referenced to Frank or Terry's response. Nor am I protecting or defending JD as a Die hard fan. Although we did choose to buy JD over Kubota, MF and Cub Cadet, our decision might also be different today for some of these reasons...I don't know. I would really consider a NH....and Kubota. We also have had a few issues with our JD, but none as severe or drastic as yours or many others here.
My point in a nut shell is: If you don't have a 4000... you shouldn't bash em.
If you do or have owned one...especially one with problems... "YOU" have a right to talk down on them. It would be nice to know what % of JD owners are actually experiencing problems with the 4000's. Based upon the Posts here, it seems like 75-90%... I hope I'm not being nieve in thinking that can't be possible.

Are large frame Boomer tractors better than Deere
New Holland Tractors
Replies 7 Post by MichaelSnyder

Ronnie,
Also from the FWIW department, Diesels are also known as "heat engines" in that the fuel is ignited by heating the fuel/air mixture to the point of combustion. Unlike gasoline motors, which maintain a constant fuel/air ratio of ~14:1 regardless of load or RPMs....A Diesel's Fuel/air ratio will vary from ~100:1 at idle down to a miserly ~25:1 under full load. Because of ratio at idle, each cylinder is is burning so little fuel, the amount of heat generated is not enough to maintain an efficient block temperature, which will be used to heat the incoming air/fuel mixture before compression/combustion...and the process repeats.. Hence unburned fuel creates carbon build-up. Making it odd that Droz's manuals would talk about a Diesel "overheating" at idle??".

Running a Diesel at Idle
John Deere Tractors
Replies 10 Post by MichaelSnyder

Don't laugh at me for saying this, but did you have the injectors replaced and the fuel pump rebuilt or replaced. (And/or including fuel Filter(s))?? I would think this step would be part of the overhaul but.....

Kubota pto power loss
Kubota Tractors
Replies 6 Post by MichaelSnyder

Excellent point Murf,
When you consider everything involved in such a purchase, a day or two rental is downright smart use of your money. Concerning the price of mulch, do they grow mushrooms in your area?? If so, find out if you can purchase the used "mushroom soil". Its "much" cheaper, last longer, has better wind resistance, and its better at keeping weeds down. Trust me...This year we used 2 "Tri-axle loads (approx 30-40 Ton). We simply couldn't afford to do it with regular mulch.

PTO woodchippers again
Operating and Attachments
Replies 43 Post by MichaelSnyder

Well said... Bird.

seat belt or not
Tractor Projects
Replies 12 Post by MichaelSnyder

Rob,
One of the greatest things about the CTB is the amount of experience in various areas that comes here everyday. Everyone here helps each other out in determining what works and what doesn't. Sometimes things are cut n' dry other times opinions rule. With that said, We can only base our posts upon what you provide us with, and what our experience tells us. Not knowing what size trailer you plan to use makes it difficult to determine what tractor would be appropriate. More you tell us about how you intend to use this unit will determine the make and model as well. Do you intend to drag logs or simply ? Further, most guys here have budgets in which we must work within. Based upon my own personal experience (9 years) of working on a farm in which we cut firewood in the winter. 45-60 Quards(sp?) per year.. I would recommend a +30hp 4x4 tractor with a loader. But then again, we used a converted big old heavy manure spreader as our trailer. Fully loaded, this thing would make a 30hp unit work a bit.

Compact Tractor
Operating and Attachments
Replies 12 Post by MichaelSnyder