- Location
- County Down
Ok folks, I will be grateful for any and all input, with the caveat that brand loyalty isn't my strong suit.
I'm currently running a Ford 7740 with a loader that was never really fit for purpose. Loader has got to go.
My main tractor is a JD 6620 without loader. It has been giving gearbox trouble and needs to have the cab lifted every couple of years seemingly, and it needs it again.
I also have a JCB 3cx which is old and starting to be unreliable.
SO.. I plan on removing loader of ford and keeping it as a yard tractor and general backup vehicle. Then I was intending to trade in JD and get something to replace it but with the addition of a loader.
I've spent a lot of time overhauling sheds so that I believe I can get away with a larger loader tractor, and the 3cx is there if I'm stuck (when it's working).
I'm looking something with a short wheel base in the 120-160hp range, that suits a loader but is big enough for road and field work.
Current short list is:
MF 6S
NH T6
JD 6150R
Not biased against other brands but these have good dealerships in my area which is a big factor. I'd be looking something with lows hours but likely not brand new.
Some friends recommending getting an older tractor and an older handler instead of one vehicle for similar money. I could certainly see some benefits to this, but worried about buying a load of problems with older equipment - been there, done that!
My question is broad and general - what would you do?
I'm currently running a Ford 7740 with a loader that was never really fit for purpose. Loader has got to go.
My main tractor is a JD 6620 without loader. It has been giving gearbox trouble and needs to have the cab lifted every couple of years seemingly, and it needs it again.
I also have a JCB 3cx which is old and starting to be unreliable.
SO.. I plan on removing loader of ford and keeping it as a yard tractor and general backup vehicle. Then I was intending to trade in JD and get something to replace it but with the addition of a loader.
I've spent a lot of time overhauling sheds so that I believe I can get away with a larger loader tractor, and the 3cx is there if I'm stuck (when it's working).
I'm looking something with a short wheel base in the 120-160hp range, that suits a loader but is big enough for road and field work.
Current short list is:
MF 6S
NH T6
JD 6150R
Not biased against other brands but these have good dealerships in my area which is a big factor. I'd be looking something with lows hours but likely not brand new.
Some friends recommending getting an older tractor and an older handler instead of one vehicle for similar money. I could certainly see some benefits to this, but worried about buying a load of problems with older equipment - been there, done that!
My question is broad and general - what would you do?