Chosing a tractor

[pick_up_man]

When i get enough money I would like to start a small landscaping bussiness. I think a compact tractor with a backhoe would be perfect. Only problem is that i would like to keep it under about 4 1/2 feet wide so i can fit into tight spots but still have plenty of power to do bigger jobs. what tractors do you recomend. Any make any model thanks for any help.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

There are a number of tractors from several makers including Kubota, JD, MF, Kioti just to name a few. I would start by checking out what dealers are close to you and go from there. I have a pretty good "library" of reading materials from several different dealers I visited. I am pretty sure you can find basic specifications on company web sites to see if the machine is within the "foot print" you are looking for. Make sure you get out and try the different brands because what worked out best for us might not be the best for you!

 

[coasterez]

also look at antonio carraro - very narrow, yet stable and nimble. Also, the TYM T273 is a very nice size and capability well suited for landscaping.

 

[shvl73]

The Power-Trac units are impressive. Check out the forum.

 

[coasterez]

Beware that Power Trac loaders have a very low maximum lift height as compared to other similar sized machines. You might not care. Just wanted to point it out.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Don't know what your needs or intentions are but around here a lot of the landscaping firms start with a skid-steer loader, most commonly the bobcat brand, for their first power equipment (other than lawnmowers). That would get you in tight spaces and let you move quite a bit of dirt. It's not great for mowing though and is basically out of the question for "farm" type work like plowing fields. All depends what your plans are.

 

[pick_up_man]

my father actually owns a skid steer and i have run it quite a bit. But over the years i have noticed that it is almost impossible to move in tight spots without tearing up the grass. Aside from that bobcats are alot more expensive as well the attachments are more expensive and they wouldn't have a whole buch more power for the same width as well they are really heavy although they dont look it. And with the short wheel base they can be extremely rough or even tip forward if you lift a heavy load. i have also noticed that is you turn on cement it will tend to bounce or rock back and forth. I figure a tractor will move close to the same amount of dirt for less money and easier on the body. Correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

If you are going to be working on lawns of customers and not tear them up, the Power Tracs are a very nice choice. I don't own one but have had a couple of them out to the property over the last couple of years and they are very stable and will fit into pretty tight spaces. Ventrac is also a nice choice, perhaps not as versitile as the Power Tracs, but for its size it will provide a higher lift on the FEL. I'd recommend Steiner also, but I believe they have cut back their product line recently so I don't know that they currently offer.

All 3 of the above brands are articulated tractors that are 4 wheel steer & 4 wheel drive. All are unusual but very capable. They are also inherantly more stable than any rigid frame tractor.

Should you choose to stay with a traditional tractor, and keep it small/narrow so you can fit through garden gates, etc. Then I would consider something like the Kubota B7610, the New Holland TC26DA (or its Case/Farmall twin). They are small frame tractors but have quite a bit of horsepower. The Kubota has 24, the NH has 26. That will give you more available PTO horsepower for running rear implements like a tiller than other small tractors that are typically about 20/21 gross horsepower.

I would also recommend HST transmission for its ability to work in tight places with a little bit more ease and a little bit more precision than a gear machine.

BTW a skid steer is a better machine for moving dirt than a traditional tractor. However a Power Trac will be the next closest thing. I'd venture to say a skid steer can move 2 to 3 times the dirt a tractor can in the same amout of time. I'd venture to say a Power Trac could ALMOST keep up with a skid steer. A tractor will lag far behind. I've used all 3. If I had to do it over, I'd seriously look at Power Trac.

 

[pick_up_man]

Those power trac units look very capable. Although i dont think there are any dealers anywhere close to here. A bobcat is a great machine for moving dirt. but i would like to do alot more than that. and for fine finishing abilities a tractor can work just as well a bobcat if you are a good operator. Also if you have to move dirt any distance the tractor will quickly catch up because most bobcats top speed is only about 7mph tops (two speed only available on larger models).

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Power Trac sells factory direct, there are no dealers.

If you have a small engine repair shop and a hydraulics repair shop nearby, then you have all the support you need. They are simple machines.

BTW in higher gears/ranges a tractor can go roughly 11 to 13 mph. Unfortunately in higher ranges it won't be able to haul much dirt. So if you are in low or mid range, the top speed of a tractor will be at or below the 7mph that a Bobcat can run. A Power Trac is all hydrostatic drive, it has 4 hydraulic wheel motors, should be able to outrun the Bobcat.