Which model will be best

[jbumgarner 12]

I'm starting to look for my next tractor and not sure what I want. I do want to mow with it, and add a tiller. Maybe a FEL down the road. I would prefer it to be a true classic, not a round hood but preferably pre 75' with at least 12HP. I guess my main question relates to the transmission. Should I be looking for a hydro or an 8 speed. I think I would prefer an 8 speed, but I have never owned a hydro, other than my little crapsman. I have a guy near by that has a C-160 auto for around $600, but as I said I'm not sure of the hydo. Your advise will go along way in helping plan my new worker. Thanks in advance for the advise.

:thumbs2:

[whfan74 2,072]

To mow with.........a hydro

To till with..........an 8 speed

FEL..........8 speed

You will enjoy mowing with a hydro and the ability to turn around quicker. To till it is helpful to have an 8 speed so the tranny holds you back. A hydro with a FEL just gives you one more thing to handle. That is unless you have a foot control other wise you are using one hand to steer, one to move the tractor forward/backward, and not sure what you are planning on using to do the hydraulics for the FEL. :thumbs2:

[littleredrider 409]

I've only ever used 2 hydro's. One is my 520 which one put around with, the other is my mother's JD425. That gets used for mowing and plowing in the winter. The foot control is nice, hands don't have to come off the wheel, just move your foot back n forth. Leaves your right hand free to control the plow in the winter.

But at the same time, it's also can be uncomfortable while mowing. You constantly have to push on the pedal. Yeah it has cruise, but the lawn isn't a huge vast open area, lots of trees and whatnot in the way. This area is where I like the 4/8 speed. Put it in gear, let go of the clutch and relax, just steer. I can maneuver quicker with these than I can the hydro's.

Tilling I'd think the 4/8 speed as well. Put in granny gear and hold on!!! A hydro can change speed while moving, probly get inconsistent results, AKA not the best till job.

Don't have a FEL yet, so have to go by what my buddy says, but makes perfect sense. You would need three hands to operate with an 8 speed. While it would easier on the machine and would have better control with the 8, the hydro would be so much easier.

[sscotsman 186]

What is "FEL"?

thanks,

Scot

[dennist 139]

FEL- Front End Loader

[C-Series14 15]

To concur with what Scott said, and it is how I roll....

To mow with.........a hydro

To till with..........an 8 speed

FEL..........8 speed

[SAM58 30]

To concur with what Scott said, and it is how I roll....

To mow with.........a hydro

To till with..........an 8 speed

FEL..........8 speed

DITTO...

WHAT HE SAID. :banghead:

[smoreau 658]

I have a 74 c160 hydro I mow with and just love it! works very nice and easy to change directions and turn around. The hyd lift is easy on the back to lift the deck. I have never tilled yet, but I can see why you would waqnt a 8 speed for that. As for the FEL, I am doing a 520 with a kohler k18 under the hood and a foot control for the hydro. I like the hydros hands down and most of mine are hydro. I guess thats what I grew up with, and all have treated me great. just my opinion

[c monster 0]

if you want dependability get the 8 speed with 1 1/8 axles with 8 pinion diff, pure dependability. will take grinding and slap shifting all day long (i know from experience)

[can whlvr 994]

i like both and have both but if i had to only have one it would be 8 speed ,but to throw more to the mix hydro is way more controlable when snow blowing,and i agree with the others on mowing,tilling,etc.

[Raider12 13]

It's odd that this topic has come up tonight, I was planning tto post a similiar topic. I have had always mowed and tilled and snow plowed with an 8 speed Raider 12 for over 22 years now. BUT, I resently purchased a 520H and obvoiusly it's a hydro. Getting used to a hyrdo after sooooo many years with an 8 speed I find is difficult. Im used to have the control of selecting a gear range and also being able to slip the clutch (belt) a little to mow close to something etc. I have found that I really do like my 8 speed.