O.T. choosing the right tractor

soundguy

Double safety of the sos is if the trans failed while backing into the water.. the tractor would just lock and set there!

Either the 8spd or the 10 spd, and the larger tractor will make a much safer boat tender.. plus the 4000/5000 have better brakes.. and the weight to put the hp to use.. etc.

soundguy

soundguy

Could have independent pto ( some models had 2 speed ), and 2 rev gears.

Earlt models were plauged with problems that more or less gave the trans a permanent black eye. Many were feild repaired or recalled, but the early problems coupled with the lack of knowledgable mechanics to repair them, in existance today, and parts becomming harder to find has relegated them to virtually 'hobbiest-support'. ( plenty of knowledgable people hear can help guide someone thru a diagnosis and repair if they have the sorrect manual.. however it's hard to find a mechanic that will work on them. if you do find one.. the price can be huge.. IE.. upwards of 2000$ or more. Thus the machines usually command less $ at sale than a similar with a gear trans.. like an 8spd... which is by comparison.. fairly bulletproof.

If you find a good running OS and it has been maintained well.. it generally will continue to run good as long as maintenance is kept up on it.. etc.

soundguy

There are lots of off brand tractors with good engines and starting reliability. You won't need power, you'll need braking, manuverability and reliability. (Experience talking here)