Either one will serve you well, but I would personally want a little more HP than a 3012. The extra ground clearance of a 400/4000 series is good if you're doing snow removal or driving through the woods as well.
Please -- some buying advice.
I'm new to the forum -- could use a bit of advice. Looking to buy my first Ingersoll. Ivce had Kubotas and AC in true past when I had bigger property. I would like to buy something to pull a cart, fertilize, maybe add a chipper and splitter. Im guessing a 3012 sized tractor would probably be sufficient. Want to make sure that I'm making the right choice vs a 4000 series with an Onan. Probably be about $1000 more in very good shape. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Should I be wary of the Onan vs a Vanguard? Thanks.
The Onan would probably cost you more to rebuild if it ever needed it but IMO it probably has a little more torque than a similar Vanguard.
The Onan will also use more fuel.
If the $$ was a wash I would probably go with a Vanguard powered tractor for the fuel efficiency, electronic ignition, and other improvements but that's purely personal opinion. The Onan has some pluses as well.
The Onan will also use more fuel.
If the $$ was a wash I would probably go with a Vanguard powered tractor for the fuel efficiency, electronic ignition, and other improvements but that's purely personal opinion. The Onan has some pluses as well.
I think that you might be under the effect of a very common misconception.
Whether you choose a 3000 or 4000 Series tractor, they are both the same size essentially.
The 3000 has a 46" wheelbase compared to the 48" wheelbase of the 4000 and the 4000 has four more inches of ground clearance thanks to the larger rear wheels and some changes to the front axle components. So if you are under the impression that a 3000 is significantly smaller than a 4000, then that would be an incorrect assumption.
If you are seeking a tractor that will power a log splitter and a chipper/shredder, then you will need to find one that has a rear PTO valve on it. This is an option on all models so do not expect to find it on every tractor that is for sale. If you decide to go with a 4000, then I think that your long-term interests would be best served with one powered by a Vanguard engine. A 4020 or 4020 PS with power steering would be my choice if it has the Vanguard however I would not turn down an Onan powered unit providing it had been re-powered with a new Onan recently or had been PROPERLY rebuilt by a competent engine shop not too long ago.
The 3012 and 3014 models have Kohler M engines in them and are very capable tractors. Either one will power the attachments you mentioned along with pulling a cart and fertilizer spreader with ease. Your budget will dictate your choice. I doubt that you will find a 4020 with a deck for less than $1500.00 but stranger things have happened. Spending some time in our Classified's forum may help you get a better understanding of tractor values and attachment values but where you live will also affect those.
Whether you choose a 3000 or 4000 Series tractor, they are both the same size essentially.
The 3000 has a 46" wheelbase compared to the 48" wheelbase of the 4000 and the 4000 has four more inches of ground clearance thanks to the larger rear wheels and some changes to the front axle components. So if you are under the impression that a 3000 is significantly smaller than a 4000, then that would be an incorrect assumption.
If you are seeking a tractor that will power a log splitter and a chipper/shredder, then you will need to find one that has a rear PTO valve on it. This is an option on all models so do not expect to find it on every tractor that is for sale. If you decide to go with a 4000, then I think that your long-term interests would be best served with one powered by a Vanguard engine. A 4020 or 4020 PS with power steering would be my choice if it has the Vanguard however I would not turn down an Onan powered unit providing it had been re-powered with a new Onan recently or had been PROPERLY rebuilt by a competent engine shop not too long ago.
The 3012 and 3014 models have Kohler M engines in them and are very capable tractors. Either one will power the attachments you mentioned along with pulling a cart and fertilizer spreader with ease. Your budget will dictate your choice. I doubt that you will find a 4020 with a deck for less than $1500.00 but stranger things have happened. Spending some time in our Classified's forum may help you get a better understanding of tractor values and attachment values but where you live will also affect those.
Orange63: Welcome to the site, we're glad you joined! I would also consider the 400 series Case or 400 double branded Case Ingersolls. It may give you a wider market to choose from and sometimes you may find a nice package deal with several attachments. I would also let members know your location, sometimes there's one in your backyard and you don't know it. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1720
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich
Orange63: Check out craigs list in your area, you may find some deals out there but you got be quick to get the deals. I have seen 400 series tractors for reasonable prices and some at what I would call "a steal". If you have some mechanical backround the Kohler engines are alot easier to work on, in my opinion, more so than the Onans.
CC......... you forgot to tell him about the tractors that are on offer for highly unreasonable prices. Knowing which is which is what matters and this forum can help people figure that out.coalcracker said:Orange63: Check out craigs list in your area, you may find some deals out there but you got be quick to get the deals. I have seen 400 series tractors for reasonable prices and some at what I would call "a steal". If you have some mechanical backround the Kohler engines are alot easier to work on, in my opinion, more so than the Onans.
What is a fair price to pay for a 3012 with a 44" deck only? 600+\- hours. Very good shape, Kohler. Thanks for your help.
First tip: Never trust an Hour Meter. They fail and get replaced. Owners disconnect them in order to keep the recorded hours lower than they really are.
Condition is everything. Not only cosmetically but from a wear and tear aspect too. Photos of the subject tractor would be helpful. You might get a 3012 for as little as $500.00 or as much as $1000.00. Either price could be a good deal depending upon the overall condition. These are very tough, long lasting machines that will outlive a brand new big box store LT and will still have value greater than the big box store LT 10 years from now.
Condition is everything. Not only cosmetically but from a wear and tear aspect too. Photos of the subject tractor would be helpful. You might get a 3012 for as little as $500.00 or as much as $1000.00. Either price could be a good deal depending upon the overall condition. These are very tough, long lasting machines that will outlive a brand new big box store LT and will still have value greater than the big box store LT 10 years from now.
Orange63:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=3839&p=32291#p32291 Did you see this post by Willowmaster, perhaps close enough.......
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=3839&p=32291#p32291 Did you see this post by Willowmaster, perhaps close enough.......
:222: :446: Best Regards, Rich
Dont think twice about buying an Onan. If it runs good now and you maintain it, it will continue to run so
That goes the other way, too. I bought a 1990 3012 with a 38" deck, snow blade, chains, pto valve and chipper for the grand sum of $800 a couple of years ago. Hour meter said over 1100 hours. The old Kohler runs great, with no smoke. I later found out that the hour meters will continue to run on just if the key is on, not necessarily running. Ended up selling the chipper, I just burn tree debris where I live.Hydriv said:First tip: Never trust an Hour Meter. They fail and get replaced. Owners disconnect them in order to keep the recorded hours lower than they really are...
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