Secrets from the pros

Tractor buying secrets revealed
Your local tractor specialist:
A guide to choosing and using utility
tractors from the experts at John Deere
DSAD33456 Litho in USA (04-06)
You know you need a tractor. What now?
When you’re considering a utility tractor, you
may be overwhelmed with the amount of
information available. If you’ve
never purchased a tractor
before, all that information
can be confusing, rather
than helpful. That’s why
the tractor experts at
John Deere have put
together this guide just
for you. The following pages
can help you learn everything
you need to know, from how much
horsepower you need to understanding
your transmission choices.
2
3
A powerful understanding
Carefully consider what size tractor fits your needs
before buying.
Secrets
from th
e p ros
Invest in
a
Tractor power is measured in
The PTO connects the tractor’s
horsepower, like any engine-
engine to the implement through
powered vehicle. Generally, you
a rotating shaft at the rear of the
can get a utility tractor with
tractor. If you compare utility
engine horsepower rated from
tractors by PTO horsepower, be
18 up to 90. It’s good to know
careful. Some manufacturers rate
the horsepower capabilities of a
the tractor at maximum PTO
tractor, but it doesn’t really tell
speed instead of the standard
you what a tractor can do. Higher
540 rpm. This can be confusing,
horsepower doesn’t necessarily
but don’t worry. Your dealer can
mean more useable power.
help you decide what tractor best
you think little more tra
minimum you need. If yo ctor than
implemen horsepower to op u buy the
a consta ts, the machine erate your
nt state
w
of strain ill be in
How large
.
o
f
a
t
determ
ractor
time youined in part by hyou buy is
Large trawant to spend dow much
more quic ctors can cove oing work.
rg
kly than
small traround
ctors.
fits your horsepower needs.
What is PTO horsepower?
The second horsepower number
Do you really need a utility
that you’ll see for a tractor is PTO
tractor?
horsepower because it indicates
A garden tractor is less expensive,
the actual “useable” power that
that’s true. And if you’re primary
the tractor has to operate
need for a tractor is mowing
implements. PTO stands for
grass and light dirtwork, it may
Power Take Off. The PTO drives
meet your needs. But if you
many implements, and the PTO
intend to cut brush, do tilling or
horsepower is a good gauge of
loader work, you should consider
the tractor’s true capabilities.
a utility tractor.
“Useable” tractor power
4
Mowing
Light grading
Hauling
20-hp garden tractor
X
X
X (light)
20-hp utility tractor
X
X
X
Brush cutting Loader work
Tilling
Post-hole digging
X (light)
X
X
X
X
5
Secrets
fro
2WD vs m the p ros
The easy shift
Transmission choices for your
ing or plowing, this transmission
tractor are much the same as on
– sometimes called a collar-shift
your car or truck. Gear-driven or
transmission – is a good choice.
“manual” transmissions use
When selecting a transmission, it’s important to
consider how often you would change speeds and
shift gears. This will help determine which
transmission type is right for you.
mechanical systems. Hydrostatic
Partially synchronized
or “automatic” transmissions use
A smoother and more flexible
a hydraulic-based system.
system than non-synchronized,
Hydrostatic transmissions are
this transmission allows clutching
found mostly on utility tractors
and shifting between gears
under 40 horsepower. As you
without stopping the tractor.
move up in horsepower range,
Speed or direction changes can
gear-driven transmissions are the
be made more easily.
4WD
If you do
f
r
o
n
t
-l
o
ader wo
want 4-w
Mechanicheel drive (also crk, you may
MFWD). If al Front Wheel Dralled
then you you're just doing ive, or
may
mowing,
While a 4-w not.
more, its r heel drive trac
2-wheel d esale value is hig tor will cost
rive tract
her than
or.
a
4-wheel d
more powe rive is also one w
sacrificin r and traction way to get
g tractor
ithout
size.
most common, as they are the
most efficient and reliable for
Fully synchronized
What is torque?
heavy-duty work. There are three
Shift on the go – you can shift
Simply put, torque is the ability of
basic categories of gear-type
gears without stopping the tractor
the tractor’s drive wheels to turn.
transmissions: non-synchronized,
or depressing the clutch. Tractors
It’s measured in ft-lbs or N-m.
partially synchronized, and fully
have a combination of ranges
(Technically speaking, it’s force
synchronized.
(such as A, B, and C) and gears
multiplied by the distance from a
6
to give you a choice of several
specific point.) The greater a
Non-synchronized
tractor’s torque, the easier it will
A non-synchronized transmission
be to pull through tough patches.
is an economical, reliable choice
Hydrostatic Transmissions
Look for tractors that have high-
when used for the right jobs. With
Most similar to the automatic
torque engines — especially
this transmission, you must
transmission in a car, a hydrostatic
those that increase torque as the
depress the clutch, stop the tractor,
transmission is usually the most
engine speed slows down from
and shift gears. This can be
expensive. However, it’s the most
the tractor’s rated engine speed.
tiresome for applications where
user-friendly, with instant direction
These will have more success in
you need to change speeds or
and unlimited speed changes.
the toughest chores.
directions frequently (such as
It’s easy to quickly get the exact
loader work). However, for mow-
speed you want for a task.
travel speeds.
7
Go with the flow: Hydraulics
It’s important to consider the implements you
will be using with your tractor, as well as the
implements’ hydraulic requirements.
Besides the engine and PTO,
What are SCVs?
tractors have another important
Selective Control Valves (SCVs)
system for work: the hydraulic
are the ‘nerve center’ of the
pump. It runs everything from
hydraulic system. They control
power steering to loaders and
the amount and direction of the
backhoes. The capacity of a
hydraulic flow. Most implements
hydraulic pump is measured in
require at least one SCV to lift or
gallons per minute (GPM), and
lower, fold or adjust. The number
the higher the number, the better
of SCVs you’ll need will depend
the hydraulic power.
greatly on the implements you’ll
be using. Loaders require a mini-
There are two kinds of hydraulic
mum of 2 SCVs.
systems, open-center and
Some tractors
closed-center. An open-center
have SCV cou-
hydraulic system has control
plers placed in
valves that are always open to
the middle of the
the reservoir when in the neutral
tractor to make loader hook-up
position. As a result, the pump is
and removal easier, plus they
constantly sending oil through the
leave the rear SCV couplers free
valves and back to the reservoir
for additional implements.
providing a quick response, since
the system is always “ready.”
The valves on closed-center
systems remain closed when in
neutral, and the pump is idle
until called on for flow.
8
Secrets
from the
p ros
Some tra
c
pump that tors have a single
implement powers both stee hydraulic
steering p s. This can cause ring and
implement ower when using a diminished
a full load with a heavy loa hydraulic
d (such a
er bucket
s
).
Many trac
pump whic tors have a tande
steering a h provides power t m hydraulic
robbing po nd implements, wito both the
wer from
the otherhout one
.
9
Making the connection: 3-point hitch
What’s a 3-point hitch?
A 3-point hitch is based on three
Category 0
mounting points for the imple-
For tractors with up to
ment. The lift arms are the two
20 horsepower.
steel or cast arms extending
Category 1
rearward. They provide the lift
For tractors with
and are the pull-point for the
20 to 50 horsepower.
implement. The top link is the
Category 2
third mounting point that extends
For tractors with 50 to 90
from a top middle position at the
horsepower.
Secrets
from the
p ros
Look for
This systea quick-coupler hit
the implemm lets you quicklych system.
adjust hit ent without havin attach
hitch wor ch geometry. The g to
3-point hitks with Category quick
the brandch implements, no 1or 2
matter
.
Ask for a
out the q demonstration wit
for yourseuick hitch so you h or withc
lf the dif
ference itan see
makes.
rear of the tractor. It adjusts the
angle/level of the implement.
Top link
Lift arms
If you want to use the maximum
number of implements, you
should buy a tractor with a true
Category 1 or 2 3-point hitch.
With this hitch you can attach
one brand of implements to
another’s tractor. Although a
garden tractor can accept some
proprietary attachments such as
tillers, moving up to a Category 1
3-point hitch expands your choice
of implements.
10
11
A case for comfort: Operator station
Research can’t take the place of
There are several types of operator
experiencing the tractor for your-
stations to choose from, and they
self. The best way to determine
vary in comfort and ease of use.
whether the tractor will be easy to
Some, like an enclosed cab, offer
operate is to take it for a drive.
many deluxe features and have a
higher price. Other tractor models
Start with the seat – is it
offer a flat floor, called an isolated
adjustable and comfortable?
platform, mounted onto the tractor
Surprisingly, some utility tractors
frame with rubber mounts to
don’t offer adjustable seats.
decrease vibration and noise.
Getting on and off the tractor is
Long days can seem even longer when you
aren’t comfortable. Make sure you take a test
drive with every tractor you’re considering.
And perform some of the tasks you’ll be
doing at home.
Familiarize yourself with the
easier with the flat floor, since there
controls. Check your line of sight.
aren’t any levers to step over.
Make sure the controls are visible
from where you sit. Look around at
the levers and joysticks. They should
be conveniently placed, but out of
the way of your feet and elbows.
12
13
Look out for safety
Bale spear,
quick attachment
Secrets
from the
p ros
Keep ch
Hood guard
Before operating any tractor
See the light
for the first time, ask the dealer
Turn on the headlights to make
to show you the features and
sure your tractor is visible when
controls. And be sure to read
driving in low-light situations.
One-piece hood
the operator’s manual.
il
of work adren off the seat
one seat reas. Utility tract and out
— the ope
o
rator's. rs have
Ask if the
presence tractor has an o
the seat system. This is a s peratoroff the e that automatica witch in
is not sea ngine when the op lly shuts
ted.
erator
Have the
features dealer show you
you get onand controls bef the
ore
.
PTO need-to-know
Keep your balance
The fast-moving PTO shaft running
Make sure the front and rear of
from the tractor to an implement
the tractor are balanced. Add
is the number-one source of
extra weight to the rear of the
accidents. Make sure the PTO
tractor if you’re lifting something
shaft is enclosed in a non-rotating
heavy in front. It will keep the
collar (PTO shield) and turn off
rear tires on the ground. The
the PTO when inspecting an
same goes for the front.
equipment problem or making
Get in the zone
repairs. Some
Stay within the ROPS (rollover
tractors have an
protection structure) zone. This
automatic PTO shut-off if you
U-shaped bar over the seat
leave the tractor seat.
Key shut off
Brakes
Loader arm
Right-side steps
Loader joystick
Exhaust
Right-hand levers
Instrumentation
Roll-over
protection (ROPS)
Adjustable steering
column
Rear SCV
valves
Hand rail
Open platfor m
protects the driver in a rollover.
An imaginary line drawn from
Turn it off
the top of the hood to the top
Turn off the engine and wait for it
of the ROPS should always be
and all moving equipment to stop
over the operator’s head.
before dismounting the tractor.
Retractable seat belt
PTO lever
Left-sid e steps
Mark er lights
Buckle up
Wear your seat belt. ROPS is
ineffective without the seat belt
Slow-mo ving vehicle
sign (SMV)
PTO hinged cover
which keeps you inside the
protection zone should the
14
tractor roll over.
Ballast box
3-point hitch
Make your tractor work for you
5205 Tractor/521 Loader
It’s important to consider which
implements you need because
they give your tractor the ability
to tackle multiple tasks. Since
implements have different horse-
4520 Tractor/LX6 Rotary Cutter
power requirements they can
affect the tractor size that’s right
for your work. Start by making
a list of the jobs you want to do
around your property. Include
how many acres you have to
cover. Don’t forget to consider
any future needs. Perhaps you
buy hay now, but you want to
bale your own in a few years.
Move dirt piles, silage, gravel,
snow, hay bales, trees, and
other materials. A front-end
loader, powered by two hydraulic
arms, can scoop, haul, dump,
and push heavy materials.
4710 Tractor
MS1112 Frontier Manure Spreader
Mow pastures, brush, and
roadsides. Rotary cutters handle
rough cutting, tackling weeds of
Be sure to note the horsepower
varying thickness and density.
needs for that equipment.
They’re available in several duty
levels and cutting widths.
Here are just a few chores your
tractor can help you do with the
right implements:
Spread manure. Manure
spreaders are the most efficient
means for disposing of manure
onto cropland or pastures.
For more help determining
your tractor needs, visit
www.JohnDeere.com
and use the Utility Tractor
16
Selection Tool.
17
Make your tractor work for you
5320 Tractor
BB2284 Frontier Box Blade
5205 Tractor/48 Backhoe
5420 Tractor/338 Square Baler
Dirt work.
John Deere has many models and
A box blade is a useful leveling
sizes of utility tractors, ranging
and earthmoving implement. In
from 18 to 90 horsepower. In
addition to minor re-grading and
addition, John Deere offers a
filling potholes, you can use a
scraper to gather manure from
sheds and confinement areas for
removal and distribution.
PHD100 Frontier Post Hole Digger
Putting up hay.
Mower-conditioners that condition
the hay stems after cutting for
quicker curing, tedders that fluff
the hay for quicker drying, and
multitude of attachments and tools
to go with your tractor. For more
information on John Deere products, visit www.JohnDeere.com
5420 Tractor
WR1112 Frontier Wheel Rake
rakes that gather and turn the
windrows, as well as balers, are
all examples of hay tools. As for
the right tractor power level to
run the machinery, 35 horsepower
is the rock-bottom limit, suitable
for operating only the
Digging holes.
18
smallest hay tools.
John Deere dealers are also the
A posthole digger, or auger, is a
exclusive distributors of Frontier
must-have if you have miles of
Equipment. Frontier attachments
fence to install or maintain. The
integrate perfectly with John Deere
auger is turned by the PTO and
tractors.To see the full line of
raised on the three-point hitch,
Frontier farm and landscape equip-
saving a lot of backbreaking labor.
ment, visit www.BuyFrontier.com.
19
Other things you need to know
R1 Tires
R3 Tires
The three R’s of tires
Warranty
There are three types of tires
The manufacturer’s warranty is a
suitable for utility tractors:
key consideration when purchasing
R1 (bar tread) tires provide the
a tractor. Most manufacturers offer
best traction, but can cause the
a 24-month basic warranty and a
most ground damage.
36-month powertrain warranty.
R3 (turf tread) tires with less
R4 Tires
aggressive tread are meant for
Cost of ownership
jobs like mowing and have the
Don’t forget that the cost of
least traction.
owning a tractor is not just the
R4 (industrial-tread) tires have
purchase price. Taking care of
excellent traction, and are softer
your tractor ensures a longer
on turf than R1’s. They’re often
operating life and higher resale
the preferred choice. A dealer can
value. Operating costs include
help you select the best tires for
fuel, fluids, repairs and scheduled
your needs.
service, and can run anywhere
from $10 to $100 per month,
depending on the tractor’s size
and how often it’s used. Keep
in mind a used or lower quality
tractor may have more repair
costs. And, don’t forget to
factor in these items when
estimating costs:
20
■
Financing
Maintenance
smoothly, you should perform the
■
Sales tax
Ask the dealer to show you how
following checks every time you
■
Insurance
to check the battery, plus oil and
use the tractor:
other fluid levels. Are the service
■
Check air filter and coolant level
areas easily accessed? Do you
■
Check engine oil level
need tools?
■
Check battery
■
Check hydraulic oil level
To keep your tractor running
Secrets
from the
p ros
A tracto
importantr’s resale value is
a bottom-dconsideration. Pu an
result in a ollar tractor nowrchasing
the road. low resale value may
down
Check ou
tractors tt resale values on
and bran o determine whic used
ds best re
h
tain their models
value.
21
Backed by a team who cares
Support
And the best part is, they’re just a
Why buy John Deere? When you
phone call or car ride away when
purchase a John Deere tractor,
it comes to getting hands-on advice.
you get much more than a piece
of equipment. John Deere utility
Financing options
tractors are built with the same
John Deere Credit offers the
unparalleled quality and
financial solutions you need when
attention to detail that go into
financing or leasing a new tractor:
our large tractors. Some
■
Flexible terms
customers have been buying
■
Flexible down payments
“green” for generations and
■
Competitive fixed- and
variable-rate loans and leases
the reason why is that no
one builds higher quality,
tougher tractors.
■
Flexible payment terms
■
Fast approvals
For complete details on financing
Service
or leasing your tractor with
You value your time and so should
John Deere Credit, ask your
your dealer. When you need a part,
John Deere dealer.
service or just some advice, you
want it right now. John Deere
To find a dealer near you, visit
dealers maintain a comprehensive
www.JohnDeere.com or call
inventory of genuine John Deere
1-800-537-8233.
parts, which means you won’t be
waiting for weeks to get what
you need. All service technicians
know equipment inside and
out and can get you back up
and running quickly.
22
23