Difference between CUT and UT

mrlullabye · Jul 22, 2009

Just curious is there really any specific difference between a Compact Utility Tractor and a Utility tractor.

I just bought the Farmtrac 360 DTC a 39 HP 4wd machine that by my measure is pretty large, but I think it is marketed as a CUT. With the tires full of water and the FEL mounted I would have to think it is pushing 4000 pounds and I have a hard time calling that a compact anything.

Just curious if there is a true definition.

AndyMA · Jul 22, 2009

That definitely a Compact. A Utility has a much larger frame, tires and is usually a Category 2 hitch.

Andy

Farmwithjunk · Jul 22, 2009

AndyMA said:
That definitely a Compact. A Utility has a much larger frame, tires and is usually a Category 2 hitch.

Andy

Gotta (ever-so-slightly) disagree with part of that. (But not so much as to say you're wrong....) I've seen many a utility tractor with CAT I hitch. I happen to own 3 of 'em myself.

Not sure there is a true "line in the sand" that defines the difference between a utility tractor and a CUT. I suppose it's more to do with WHO uses it and WHAT they use it for.

LoneCowboy · Jul 22, 2009

A utility tractor will have WAY longer service intervals than a CUT

If you back up a CUT to a UT and compare the size of the rear diff, you'll immediately see the difference.

There are some really high HP compacts (55+) and some pretty small hp UT's (I know i've seen at least 55, I'm sure there are smaller than that)

thatguy · Jul 23, 2009

I thought I read someplace that a CUT became an UT at around 35 to 40 horsepower (or maybe down a little)

brian

Opti-Mist · Jul 23, 2009

The terminology goes back to the early 1970's when the then major tractor manufacturers introduced imported (Japanese) tractors that were then smaller in size (and horsepower) than the smallest domestically produced tractors which were right around 30 -35 hp. Since then the differences have become blurred to non-existent with imports reaching hp in the 70s and domestics below 30. So, let's just say that CUT was a polite way of saying import back then.

flusher · Jul 23, 2009

mrlullabye said:
Just curious is there really any specific difference between a Compact Utility Tractor and a Utility tractor.

I just bought the Farmtrac 360 DTC a 39 HP 4wd machine that by my measure is pretty large, but I think it is marketed as a CUT. With the tires full of water and the FEL mounted I would have to think it is pushing 4000 pounds and I have a hard time calling that a compact anything.

Just curious if there is a true definition.

If you can climb into the seat by putting your left foot directly on the floorboard, its a CUT.
If you need to put your left foot on a step and then your right foot on the floorboard, it's a UT.

Case in point--my UT, a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine)

Charlesaf3 · Jul 23, 2009

my m59 is 60 hp, uses a step, I still think of it as a CUT though. Always thought UT started in the 60hp range. But all of that is really just guessing on my part

Ivan1547 · Jul 24, 2009

Good question with no clear answer.

Wikipedia states "A Compact Utility Tractor, also called a CUT is a smaller version of an agricultural tractor but designed primarily for landscaping and estate management type tasks rather than for planting and harvesting on a commercial scale. Typical CUTs range in from 20 to 50 horsepower."

There is no mention of Utility Tractors on Wikipedia.

The Massey Website breaks down the tractors into the following:

High Horsepower (100 - 275 HP)
Mid Range Tractors (95 - 115 HP)
Utility Tractors (38- 85 HP)
Compact Tractors (23- 60 HP)
Sub Compact Tractors (22.5 and 25 HP), and
Specialty Tractors (57- 88 HP)

There are so many differences and similaritys between all the tractors, I do not think one can classify the differences.

Ivan

AndyMA · Jul 24, 2009

flusher said:
If you can climb into the seat by putting your left foot directly on the floorboard, its a CUT.
If you need to put your left foot on a step and then your right foot on the floorboard, it's a UT.

Case in point--my UT, a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine)

??? That Mahindra looks like a Compact to me. My Ford 2120 which I need a step to get on is also a Compact. My TN 75D with both a step and a serious climb to get on is a Utility.

From Mahindra's own website "Tractor Overview: A superior performing tractor at a great value - the 5525 is an economical, rugged, compact 2WD utility tractor that offers versatility and ergonomic comfort."

If you see this Mahindra web site you'll see Mahindra plays it kinda loose with it's verbage: What's a Compact Utility--- a Hybrid?

Farm tractors for Ag Farmers, Hobby Farmers - Sub Compact, Compact & Full Size 2WD & 4WD Utility Tractors

Just busting ya..

Andy