Tractor Options - Which Ones to Get and the Ones to Ignore

[@jhomrich89]

Word from someone who learned the hard way, spend the extra 5 to 6 grand on the deluxe model because many times they will come standard with all the features talked about here in the video, and then some. Not that you can't do the work with the economy model, living with a deluxe model and doing the work is a lot easier.

[@jamesmclamb3682]

One HUGE option I got this time was a backhoe. In 2020, I ordered my Kioti DK5310 and had them put the $8500 backhoe on it. This is my fourth tractor and I figured I'd go ahead and do it. It has been an $8500 waste of money. I've had the tractor close to 2 years now. I've used the backhoe once to play with and see how the controls worked and then a second time to bury my dog. For those thinking about it, make sure you have a real reason. Or it may just sit in your barn taking up space.

[@fondy44]

Mine spends most of the year rusting in the yard. I'd rather have a trailer big enough to haul a mini-ex which currently rents for $275/day or $825/wk.

[@froochie123]

Your story is so similar to mine its eerie other than I buried the neighbor's dog. Because I had only an hour of playing time with it I did a horrible job. For 2 years mine has sat in the back of a field. The bigger kick in the butt was I heard plenty of people on KZbin say not to buy it before I did.

[@swampwhiteoak1]

I bought my 2WD compact tractor used. Setup with a belly mower. Used it for 15 years and did oil changes and grease. Sold it for more than I paid for it.

[@donniebargo964]

You know what I love about you man. You don't have a specific brand that you try to shove down everybody's throat like all these other channels do. You know I heard a lot of slack over the brand of tractors that I bought from a whole lot of people but I bought for a need. I bought for a specific purpose to do a specific thing and I didn't care what brand that it was it just had to have a good dealership and it had to be new I have an economy tractor and a compact which I do tillage work loader work caffeine work disc and work planning work with and it's fine for me because I'm an older guy and I'm of experience machine operator. And then I have a subcompact with a hydrostatic transmission in it and it was a good brand gals the one I had before it was a Kubota and I really did not like it at all so I bought the kioti brand 3 years ago and have really happy with it have over 400 hours on both.never been broken down with either the lsmt225e or the kioti cs2210. The tractors I had before were caseih and kubota. The ones I have now have been better built machines because no problem for as hard as we work them. Can't say the same for the last 2.thank you I appreciate your honesty.

[@tb8338]

I've had both turf tires and R4 and the turfs are way better in the snow.

[@jerryburgess977]

You have helped me as a first time tractor owner more than you could know.I routinely look for specific topics for the questions I have. Keep up the good work!

[@glxxyz]

My Bobcat came with 4x4, a free loader, and skid steer quick attach- yep all are essential.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

All great points for consideration for your first tractor but it really takes owning a tractor for awhile to find out what you need versus what you would like!! 4x4, FEL with QA, and hydrostatic transmission as a minimum!!!

[@swampwhiteoak1]

Another important option is an engine block heather. For my new 70hp tractor the element and cable cost about $35 and they installed it free.

[@CliffsideStables]

Great suggestion! Tim in northern TN

[@swheeler6848]

Just purchased magnetic heater under oil pan…old 454 still not starting in winter.

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Great advice Mike! On thing my dealer guy tells me all the time when ordering implements and etc... If you THINK you might need it, buy it NOW. The world has been crazy to a sickening degree. There is add-ons that are not available and manufacturers will not be making again in the future due to material costs, labor shortages, and much more. He's not right, but he is also not wrong. Especially when it comes to the tractor itself. To add a remote hydraulic set, 2x more to add it after ordering the tractor if not ordered with the tractor. Adding upgraded work lights are 2-3x the cost also.

[@blessed7fold]

A loud bang goes off in the middle of the video and the look on Mike's face 🤣🤣

[@fondy44]

One piece of advice I wish I'd gotten as a first time tractor buyer is consider if you have or will need a trailer to transport it. Even these little tractors are heavy. Too slow for the road and too heavy for a mower trailer from a big box store.

[@andrewt248]

I would add a consideration for the cab on a tractor (same as the folding ROPS), make sure you can get that thing in under the door/opening of wherever you plan to park it.

[@jeromebecigneul2911]

I have most of those items on my LS but I'd love to have that 540E PTO. never even knew it existed til now. And your videos are always informative one way or another. Quite enjoyable.

[@jimmcknight3021]

I might add that on some of the more deluxe Tractors, you can get your rear service and third functions put into spots that are already set up for OEM kits and roll it into the cost of the tractor for financing. We out grew out little 17 hp Kubota. It's a great tractor but limited on what we are now trying to do. We are going with a new Kubota Grand L 3560 open station. Since we will have this machine in our retirement years, the family decided to go with most of the options. Three rear service ports, hydraulic top link for one of those, third function and the front hydraulic skid steer Attachments. Interesting that the labor charge is same for adding 1 or 3 rear service ports on this model.

[@donniebargo964]

Old man I like your videos. It seems like everyone else is promoting a certain brand of tractor. You told the absolute truth buy the dealer not the brand because buying from people you can't get along with or treat you like nothing is a very bad situation to be in.

[@dwhallon21]

Tractor Mike you hit on the high spots of this discussion just fine We appreciate your insight

[@jimmcknight3021]

One other thing that your channel been a big help on is Attachments for our new tractor. We ate getting the Precision mfg adjustable add a grapple for our forks. We need the flexibility with brush and small to medium size round bales. Many thanks to you.

[@fondy44]

Mike's channel is a lifesaver. Safety and maintenance tips and helps you learn the realistic limits of your tractor and implements.

[@patdaugherty7978]

Something I wish I would have gotten on my MX is a couple extra rear remotes for top n tilt function. I try to keep everything in my barn. I have several FEL and 3 point implements and have to pull some out to get to others. I have a quick hitch but still have to get off of the tractor to make top link adjustments to match up the quick hitch to some of the implements. I do find that with the couple rear blades I have, I do make adjustment, to my lift arm to do crowning on the driveway or during dirt work. Not a huge deal but wish I would have had two more remotes added for this purpose.

[@bekabeka71]

I’ve decided to buy an old small Belarus tractor for my small yard 🙌🏼

[@frosty6720]

My neighbor bought a new TYM last year and was going to add a cab until he was quoted $15K. So, he settled for a shade cover but it got snagged on the barn overhang so ... OH WELL! I added a hyd. top n' tilt couple years ago but it wasn't cheap and the cylinders bleed off so have to keep adjusting it.

[@billbradley1004]

Mike, love your videos. On the recent one about options, I feel that you left out one important option that some people might want. That's a factory canopy. Cabs are so expensive and it would be nice but having a canopy down here in GA is a must! I had an aftermarket one on my old tractor. When I bought my Kubota 4710 a couple of years ago I had the dealer install a factory canopy from Kubota. It didn't add but about $300 to the price but it is well worth it! It is much more robust than the aftermarket one. Well worth it.

[@TractorMike]

Bill, I totally agree. I probably should do another video about tier II options. Ones you can pretty much add anytime. You can always add a canopy and it is a great investment.

[@jimmcknight3021]

Artillian makes a really nice one and you can add a fan to it. Granted it's not AC, but it can help.

[@fondy44]

Being a cueball, I hate wearing a hat in the summer almost as much as forgetting to wear one. So I bought a canopy for my ZT mower. It makes a world of difference in comfort at least up until about 3PM. Wouldn't you know, after buying one I rarely get to mow grass before 3PM anymore lol.

[@stevek4449]

Couple standard equipment my LS MT5.73 has is an air ride seat with 20 degree swivel , full mirror set up 3 mirrors, and right side entry door.

[@grbrown1922]

This is just a great video for anyone considering the purchase of a tractor. Subscribed.

[@rlmillercpa]

Great advice, Mike. The cab and additional remotes are items I don’t have and don’t regret not getting. I rented several hydros before purchasing a power shuttle. I’ve no regrets there either. Best advice is to know what work you’ll be doing, then choose accordingly.

[@profdave2861]

Great advice, Mike! Of the hydro transmission options, one you didn’t mention is a 3 range hydro plus electronic shift on the fly hi/lo range. I’m not sure how many brands offer that option, but my Kubota Grand L4060 has it, and it’s incredibly helpful for the very wide variety of applications I use my tractor for. The Grand L has virtually every other option you mentioned as well, and while you pay more up front, I have never once regretted paying a bit more for for those features. And you’re right about the cab … I have an old Massey Ferguson 50 open station and my Grand L has a cab. As much as I love that old Massey, the cab on the Kubota was worth every penny. AC and no bugs, bees, or eating dust in summer, and heat, no frozen ears or snow dust in the face in the winter. And all those warnings about busting up cabs in the bush from the open station purists, it’s a load of malarkey. I’m in the woods all year long and If you use your tractor sensibly, there’s no issue with a cab in the forest.

[@whereshunter6354]

I weighed getting a cab or not... Don't need one for AC, it doesn't get hot where I live. Could use one for blowing snow, but goggles and a warm jacket cost about $100, a cab $6-7000. Nuff said.

[@mmusser62]

Always enjoy your videos and appreciate the advice. I was curious to note you didn't mention a backhoe as a consideration. Although this is not something for everyone it is definitely something that should be considered when buying the tractor new. Adding it later is very difficult/expensive.

[@fondy44]

My tractor included a backhoe because the original owner had a landscaping business and planned to offer light digging work to customers. For that case, I guess it makes sense but for my needs, I'd rather have a trailer big enough to haul a rented mini-excavator because the BH is my least used implement. My biggest complaint with it is over time, the whole thing tends to lean forward onto the bucket and the bottom end of its frame tips up so high in the air that I can't back up the tractor to it to reinstall it without putting a jack under the base of the boom arm to straighten it up. Tried everything short of storing it on a concrete slab but the only thing that seems to help is not leaving it sitting in the same spot for more than a month.

[@adambyrd6634]

I highly recommend adding fluid to the tires and getting wheel spacers.......the weight and 5 inches of width are God sent on any terrain ;)

[@donbrutcher4501]

Regret not getting rear remotes and hydraulic top link - a lot!

[@rockingrogershomestead]

I REALLY wanted a cab, but my dealer wasn't going to get anymore till march and needed one stat. I ended up with a yanmar yt235 and love it

[@earlyriser8998]

My wife wouldn't use the tractor here in hot southern Texas without a cab. Happy wife.....

[@swampwhiteoak1]

Another important option consideration is what will you be running because the wheels need to be set to the proper width for proper spacing and support. Plus wider wheel spacing is a great safety issue on hills and slopes.

[@JCWren]

Kubota's folding ROP is a major PITA, at least on a '21 L4701HST. They use bolts instead of pins. It may be able to be modified, but fortunately I have the clearance and don't have to deal with that.

[@fondy44]

I noticed the other day that there's a spring-loaded pin that locks my wood chipper's rotating wheel in place during maintenance. Pull the L-shaped pin back and twist to unlock. Seems like they should be able to make ROPS pins work that way. Make safety gear easier to use and people are more likely to use it.

[@johnhiggs325]

A quality seat might be the the highest thing on my list. If you spend more than an hour on your tractor at a time, a cheap seat will ruin your day. Tractors don’t have suspension. That seat is the only thing that insulates you from bumps. Also, if you are pulling a ground implement like a tiller or harrow, it will transmit vibrations and shocks into your back. Get a tractor with the best seat you can afford. Aftermarket suspension seats are stupid expensive.

[@kdegraa]

The only option I asked for that was not include when buying my tractor was a second hydraulic remote circuits at the back.

[@wildbill23c]

I wish I would have had rear remotes and the 3rd function kit installed on my tractor when I bought it. Probably will never have either at this point due to the inconvenience of having to haul the tractor over to the dealer and then not having the tractor for who knows how long. The cost to have those installed is pretty expensive too. Rear remotes would be nice so I could add a hydraulic top link for blade and box blade work.

[@earlyriser8998]

Check out "tractor time with Tim" which has been working with Summit Hydraulics on affordable remote functions. These look like great systems that i will investigate when I need them.

[@BigTader]

Mike Good Works Tractor has a company that makes grill guards for most tractors might want to check them out. Great video.

[@guyprattii3115]

There’s one thing I would watch out about the quick attach for a bucket on a sub compact. They add a lot of weight. I have a Kubota BX with the bucket, a grapple and a set of pallet forks that I made. If you get the skid steer quick attach you lose about 120 pounds of lift capacity. That’s 15%, I’m always at max capacity and wouldn’t want to give up any. Switching attachments sucks with a pin on attachment but for such a small tractor it’s not terrible. The hydraulic quick attach is even better, you can do everything from the seat. But that makes even less sense on a sub compact tractor.

[@fondy44]

That's a good point! A small subcompact like a JD1025/2025 doesn't have much by way of hydraulics anyway so you're gonna be pretty limited on selection of compatible front attachments. The loader bucket on my 2025 is light enough to wrestle into position especially on grass with a digging bar. Might feel differently if I owned a grapple though.

[@44warlord41]

I wish there was a waiver you could sign to remove all the safety switches from a tractor when you bought it. The ONLY issues I have had is an issue with a "safety" switch itself.

[@tombarnes1871]

Good Look out Mike!!

[@johnhiggs325]

Hydrostatic trans are handy, but for reliability and easy maintenance, go for straight shuttle unless you do a lot of loader work. Straight shuttle will last for dang near ever.

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Draft control is a must

[@curtwhite876]

Great video. I agree on most points. 4WD FEL with skid steer QD bucket Fill rear tires with liquid ballast. 3rd function on FEL

[@rexb6478]

Great Video with time test information valuable to anyone who wants to buy a tractor!

[@tractortyme]

I think my TYM T474 hit the Goldilocks zone on all points. Only thing I'm adding soon is a 2nd rear remote.

[@davidb.beasley7359]

Good job Mike.

[@crslyrn]

Good advice as always. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@davebarnessr.5805]

I think the best option I got on my Kubota is working cruise!

[@joejohnson7517]

Are you going to be at the farm machinery show?

[@TractorMike]

Hi, Joe. I won't be attending this year. It's a good show and hopefully next year I'll be able to go. If you're going, hope you have a good time there.

[@gregoryflewellyn6369]

Great info,don’t have a tractor yet,hope to at some point!

[@danielchambers1958]

Good stuff Mike✅

[@brokenarrow2835]

Where can I find a set of telescopic lift arm ends, I have looked everywhere. I have a new Mahindra 4550.

[@fondy44]

Wish I could find an alternative to the stock stabilizers on my 2025r. The turnbuckles don't even have jam nuts. Just some cheap metal loops that look like keyrings. The weight of my finish mower swinging side to side has bent them up pretty good too. Edit: bent the rings, not the turnbuckles lol

[@BuzzJones]

Hey Mike I wondered if I get a Hydraulic Top Link and a Quick Hitch would the Top Link need to be slighter longer or shorter than that is no quick hitch is used ?

[@TractorMike]

Most quick hitches will set the implement back about 4" so you'd need a longer top link.

[@d.a.ballou9740]

All good information Mike. Thanks! 😁👨‍🚒

[@mikeownby636]

Are ignition keys for specific brands of tractors the same key, or are they different like your pickup truck ignition??

[@TractorMike]

They're not different between tractors of the same model. A Deere will have a different key than a New Holland, or Massey, or Mahindra, etc., but all individual models of one tractor brand (or sometimes similar models) usually have the same key. In other words, the TC40 key that fits my tractor will fit every other TC35-45 made at that time. Sometimes they'll change a key design, later TC35-45's had a different key for no particular reason. I'll do a video on that sometime, I think what you're really asking is if your tractor's key is unique and the answer is no.

[@TheSnakeman3]

Great tips today Mike.

[@rogerr1296]

It wasn't by choice, but I ended up with a geared trans on my tractor and after using it for a while now, I have not found any real good reason to have one over a hydro trans. Actually, I have found it to be a disadvantage in probably 90% of the tasks I use my tractor for. Other than being able to set your throttle and just let it go when rotary cutting a big open area, there is no real advantage. Well, maybe there may be a slight power advantage as far as getting power to the ground but even that is probably hardly noticeable.

[@glxxyz]

Turf tires have great traction on snow and ice. Better than R4s in fact. Not as good in wet mud of course.

[@dustysnow2502]

Thanks again Mike

[@kylerayk]

Great video, Mike!

[@marvnewell]

Hey Mike - will you be at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville next week? I'd like to know if we might run into each other.

[@TractorMike]

It's a great show, but I won't make it this year. Hope you enjoy it!

[@CliffsideStables]

@Tractor Mike well I guess I should cancel my reservation if you’re not going to be there! 😢 😎 Tim in northern TN

[@TractorMike]

If you're ever rolling through Ozark, MO, let me know and we can get some coffee and chat.

[@sixoaksfarm1556]

Nice Mahindra, bro. I have a 6075 4x4\cab\loader myself. Mahindra comes standard with all of that stuff...

[@stepitupmorons8704]

thank you again,,,

[@matthewtaylor2185]

Are you pulling a turning plow, maybe a disk? There is where you would do better with r1 age tires. Not much need anymore.

[@lcee6592]

Great advice as always! 👍

[@markchoate9021]

As usual, Mike you are spot on correct with your suggestions. I love my 70 hp New Holland and I bought it in 2088 for a "sweet" price. It has the power and the features that I need and want EXCEPT it did not have 4 wheel drive. Most of the time, I have been able to do all I need to with it, but occasionally, I find myself in a bind since it does not have 4WD. If I had it to do over, would I buy it again? Probably, because it has everything else and the cost was great, but I do miss the 4WD.

[@TractorMike]

Mark, once you get over the compact size, 4wd is a lot less essential. I grew up on 50-65 2wd tractors and we never once had an issue. The first time I got on a 35 hp 2wd compact I was shocked at the lack of traction. The bigger the tractor the less important 4wd is. I inherited my dad's 2wd Massey Ferguson that's 62 horsepower and it'll go anywhere the 4wd New Holland will go.

[@markchoate9021]

@@TractorMike Good point, Mike and yes it is less of a problem with a larger tractor, but even still, I have had occasions where I had a bucket load of gravel or something heavy and wanted to go down a slight incline with it. You have to be cautious not to place yourself in a position that you need to back up as the weight can take just enough of the weight off of the rear to where you will spin. Then, you have to dump part of the load to gain traction.

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

A small tractor needs 4WD for a loader to be useful.

[@daleholmgren8385]

Really like your videos I can't understand J D selling the pinned on quick mount If you are back blade ing the power of the tractor and downpressure of hydraulics are applied to two tiny pins. If you are pusshing in fence posts with bucket and pins shear a bucket is free to fall on the poor guy holding the post

[@TedsShoptips]

those bangs in the beginning of the video were a person shooting.

[@edmondmoffett406]

Where do you get the stabelizer bar

[@lawrenceblack8968]

Sounds like I got a pretty good deal with my 2014 LS3135. It came off the lot with everything you mentioned except the diverter valve and a cab (I didn't think a cab was worth the extra $5-6k), including 2 sets of rear remotes. Lately, I have been considering a grapple. IIRC you featured a product a few months ago: a self-contained root grapple EZ hitch that wired to the battery and a toggle switch on the loader. Are those still available?

[@TractorMike]

Lawrence, I thought it was a great idea and sold three of them. Two of the customers weren't completely satisfied with the performance so I elected to no longer offer the product. The issues seemed to revolve around the actuator not keeping pressure without being bumped and the design of the claws. It's made by Worksaver, they have dealers all around and maybe those problems have been fixed. I won't offer the product again. Manufacturers get one strike with me and then I'm done. Life is too short.

[@lawrenceblack8968]

@@TractorMike Thanks for the info. I'll look into it and see if there's anyone close. I thought it would be great for moving brush and small trees. All else fails, I'll go with a regular root grapple and run hoses through pvc conduit back to the remotes.

[@kathmandu1575]

Solid advice. Thanks.

[@larrypalmer2415]

Turnbuckles.....arms like Popeye....Lol...🤣🤣 True..

[@flyboyslc1]

Great info. Thanks

[@Will-tm5bj]

At this point anybody that sells front attachments for tractors makes one for John deere. On the sub-compact models the deere quick attach is far lighter and superior to the skid steer quick attach

[@jpoppinga8417]

That great if you buy Deere and all you'll ever buy is Deere. If you currently own a different brand or own a Deere and want to trade for something else, it's not so great. Also if you buy all your attachments new Deere quick attach is fine. But finding attachments used is touch and go.

[@micksmith3021]

I'm not picky... But in Australia. I can't even get a 38 to 42 HP.. with a two speed PTO and a 12 X 12 shuttle shift.. just hydro stat and single speed PTO.... Only place I can find these options is in the Chinese junk... Oh of course must have a factory fitted loader .and... 4x4.

[@rockingrogershomestead]

Btw, great video! Thank you!

[@KINDIRBUDS]

R14 All day for wood work!

[@swampwhiteoak1]

Always get one with that beautiful blue paint.

[@stevo4535]

Gun shots? I love it when my neighbors are shooting so I know I have fellow 2A advocates near me.

[@hornett22]

Yep, love the sound of Freedom!

[@jhomrich89]

Mike: lives in the country near other people who have acreage and hunting land, clearly hears gun shots "I hope those aren't shots" wow what do you expect? Well we know who he likely voted for now let's go brandon

[@tb8338]

Mt neighbors 'practice their 2A' for hours. Nothing like a beautiful spring day and listening to them emptying their clips over and over to get my blood boiling.

[@donnadelaparra6433]

2 Wheel Dr. tractors no resale value spoken like a true salesman

[@jimmaag4274]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA sounds like my neighborhood on warm winter days!

[@TedsShoptips]

You NEVER EVER can shift on the go with a clutch-only, manual transmission. (9X3 or 8X2 gearbox) this will cause significant damage to your tractor and grind the gears.

[@jfortune06]

unless it's a full syncro like my last tractor was

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Mike is 3 months late with this video. 🤣🤣

[@Rick-nk7pm]

Get mahindra only option u need tractie....mickie

[@RobertLidstroem]

I get confused, beeing from Sweden, about tractors? When I came here I thought I was going to find reviews and details about real tractors like JD 6R/7R/8R, NH T7,T8, case optum etc. But your focus is on tiny "gardentractors" as we call them in sweden.

[@TractorMike]

My channel is focused more on the first-time tractor buyer. The person who has moved out to the country and is looking for a small tractor to use on the farmstead. The larger ag stuff is out of my target audience. I've been around it and sold it, but there are better channels out there to get info on those products from. I'm sorry!

[@jc-botaman1077]

@@TractorMike No need to be sorry Mike. Of course he gets confused, being from Sweden. LOL

[@aerospot2]

I'm one minute in and profusely disagree! You can get whatever tractor you want, and with whatever attachments and features you desire, if you have the $$ and Time!. You are correct in saying that "I" cannot do this, but it can indeed be done.

[@md.fuelkiller1990]

So much wrong/missing. Basicaly good video, but only for beginners. And even they need better advice to get a good one

[@jems143143]

Mike look up 5elevenDesignZ for custom made grille guards. I bought one for my kubota.

[@TractorMike]

I will check it out, thanks!