How big or little - a SCUT...maybe a BX1880?

[DanThaTractorMan]

I am new to this forum (and subcompact tractors) - what an amazing resource!

I may be typical of the reason that SCUTs have a booming market. I am only on 2.3 acres, about 60% wooded and 40% landscaped with beds, curves, and short (but somewhat steep) hills. A garden tractor with rear differential lock (to get up the hills) would cost a good bit...and mow the grass...and not much else.

So - my goals with a SCUT include mowing grass, transporting mulch and rocks, dragging logs and trash out of the woods (left by previous owner), plowing over old landscaped beds, uprooting bushes, and transporting heavy items around the property.

Some of the heavier work (or trickier work for me as a beginner) could include creating short swales to manage drainage, regrading and renewing an old 100-120 ft. gravel drive that is now overgrown, clearing a walking path in the woods, and possibly creating a short gravel connector (40-50 ft.) through the lawn between the main asphalt drive and the old gravel drive.

I would say most the grading work is not overly involved - generally more like tweaking here and there and then putting down gravel on the drive. Taking an inch or two off the crown of a short hill and packing the dirt a few feet away at the bottom.

Implements I am putting into the budget: pallet forks, a tooth blade, box scraper, and a landscape rake.

Now the question: how much tractor do I need to accomplish the above? (Or, what might I not be able to do with a smaller SCUT?)

I have looked at everything from a BX1880 to a JD 1025r, focusing mostly on tractors in the 22-23hp range.
That said, the price is nicer for the BX1880 (!), and the threads on TBN from happy 1880 owners (and a few Yt videos) are promising...those seem like very capable machines. What I am not able to tell from driving a tractor around a dealer parking lot (!) is how a BX1880 would do with a box scraper on a gravel driveway...or smoothing a path through the woods. If it is sufficient, great. If not, what size SCUT would you be looking at? Would I be in the ballpark with a machine in the 22-23hp range?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[Diggin It]

I'd say the 18 is too light.

I've done much of that with mine. The backhoe has been quite useful.

 

[Egon]

In the past I have used a Kubota B7100 hst for the same jobs you have mentioned. At 16 horsepower it handled all the work. Sometimes slowly but it got it done. It was working on 68 acres rotatilling, Moving dirt, making an 1/2 mile access road, moving larger rocks, and skidding out trees.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I think you'd be fine, as long as the implements you select are sized to the tractor you have.

It may take longer, due to taking smaller "bites" out of things, but it's not like you're working a couple hundred acres here.

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

I'd say the 18 is too light.

I've done much of that with mine. The backhoe has been quite useful.

Diggin It, would love the backhoe!

A question for you re: your MT125... I am seeing on the boards that lots of people really like their LS MT125s...I test drove one about an hour away, hoping that would be the ticket...this particular tractor had a lot of harsh vibration...is that common, or perhaps this one had a bad setup or broken engine mount or something? It looks like a great tractor... very solid and well-built...!

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

Slowpoke Slim, Makes sense - thank you!

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

Egon, 68 acres! That is awesome - thx for the input.

 

[Diggin It]

As I've read here, all/most three bangers have the shakes at some RPMs. When I get up to or near 'pto' speed of 2900, it runs pretty smooth. Generally above 2,000 is OK. The shakes come back quite a bit when I throttle down to 1400 or below before shutdown.

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

As I've read here, all/most three bangers have the shakes at some RPMs. When I get up to or near 'pto' speed of 2900, it runs pretty smooth. Generally above 2,000 is OK. The shakes come back quite a bit when I throttle down to 1400 or below before shutdown.

That was probably it - thanks! Wish the LS dealer was closer - nice machines....

 

[RjCorazza]

I accomplished most of your listed tasks with an old B8200 19hp and 2wd. Just takes longer than with a larger machine. Since your list includes pallet forks and moving large objects, I would look at the loader specs of the machines you are considering. People frequently over estimate just what they can lift with a FEL.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I had looked at the Kubota and JD SCUTS when I purchased my MT125 /BH. I was able to get the LS tractor and BH for slightly less than a JD1025 without the BH. Prices are definitely regional and how much competition there is.

IMHO, the BX1880 is too light at around 1600 lbs with the loader. Plus the HP is only 16.6 (13.3 PTO hp). Like previously stated, it will be capable of taking very little bites. If I was investing $11,000+ , I would probably invest a few more thousand and go into the 25hp class. More power and weight are your friend. The weight is only a few hundred pounds more (maybe up to 1900 lbs), but every bit helps.

The MT125 did work that most on here would say a SCUT couldn't do.... yes they can, just taking more time.... you can research my posts to see what work I did... (septic system, trenching, grading, etc...)

Look at all tractors that you can, sit on them, drive them, make sure you are comfortable on them when operating. I cannot stand the tredle pedal for forward/reverse.... others really like it and don't like 2 pedals.... YOU have to like what you pick! Buy once, cry once!

 

[jeff9366]

I am only on 2.3 acres, about 1.3 acre wooded and one acre landscaped with beds, curves, and short (but somewhat steep) hills.

So - my goals with a SCUT include mowing grass, transporting mulch and rocks, dragging logs and trash out of the woods, plowing over old landscaped beds, uprooting bushes, and transporting heavy items (?) around the property.

The grading work is not overly involved - generally more like tweaking here and there, then putting down gravel on the drive. Taking an inch or two off the crown of a short hill and packing the dirt a few feet away at the bottom.

Implements I am putting into the budget: pallet forks, a tooth blade, box scraper, and a landscape rake.

Now the question: how much tractor do I need to accomplish the above? (Or, what might I not be able to do with a lighter SCUT?)

I have looked at everything from a BX1880 to a JD 1025r, focusing mostly on tractors in the 22-23hp range.

Aside from mowing, the capability of your tractor will be determined by tractor weight, not horespower.
As you only have one cleared acre, possibly with a home and garage occupying some space, a subcompact tractor of some weight should be sufficient. Have you obtained both BX and B models brochures from your Kubota dealer so you can compare tractor specs comprehensively relative to your tasks?

Subcompact tractors with a Mid Mount Mower have about 3" or ground clearance with mower attached, 9" ground clearance with mower removed. Removing and replacing MMM is easier than in the past but still not fun. Minimal 9" ground clearance can make working in woodland difficult. Subcompacts have two-range (2) HST transmissions. Subcompacts generally draw 48" wide implements.

You won't be moving heavy items on FEL pallet forks with a BX. Pallet Fork loads project too far in front of the Loader, reducing modest BX lift capacity in both lift weight and height of lift.

Three Point Hitch mounted Pallet Forks carry weight over the rear wheels where it belongs and take advantage of greater lift capacity of TPH relative to Loader lift capacity. You can improvise TPH counterbalance to FEL lifts by carrying some stable weight on a small pallet, perhaps one layer of concrete block or a section of green tree trunk, securely strapped down.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Three+Point+Hitch+TPH+Pallet+Forks

In terms of implements I recommend a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment in lieu of the Box Blade and Landscape Rake under consideration.
MORE: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ratchet-rake-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ratchet+rake+grading

Compact tractors of 1,600 - 1,800 pounds bare tractor weight have larger wheels and tires than 1,400 pound tractors. Larger wheels yield greater ground clearance, usually at least 12", and a smoother ride over rough ground. Compact tractors have greater FEL lift capacity than Subcompacts and usually have three-range (3) HST transmissions. Compact tractors generally draw 54" or 60" implements. Allowing for a 5" overlap in use, a considerable improvement over 48" implements.

Subcompact and compact tractorsl operate a MMM equally well.

If you can afford a 1,600 - 1,800 pound bare tractor weight Compact Tractor, go for it. If you consider Kubota, focus on the B/LX 2650.


VIDEO: Is the Kubota BX188 enough tractor for you? - YouTube

PHOTO: scraper/grader/uprooter

BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR​

 

[rademamj1]

Most of what you want to do appears using the tractor as a mobile wheelbarrow and for landscape spreading and grading. But you have a very large number of future tasks planned, so I recommend going next size up in the BX series to the BX2380. You will be much happier with its increased horsepower, improved capabilities and higher ground clearance.

 

[kenmbz]

I use my 1720-25HP for most of what you want to do (driveway is tarmac, so no grading). Been very happy with it and it fits in the woods nicely. Added spacers to the rear wheels and that made it much more stable on the hills here. I agree with the above, sit and try out as many as you can. Make sure your dealer has good mechanics in case you need them, and so the machine comes in all set up properly. Try and get the basic attachments up front to see if you can get them cheaper.
A toothbar and pallet forks cover a lot for me from wood cutting and removal to making swales. I have 6.3 acres and sometimes wish it was bigger, until I drive in places even a CUT would not fit.
Make sure you list out all the things you want to do, and how many will work with the tractor weight and HP, wheel size and width.
good luck and happy hunting.

 

[shooterdon]

You have received great advice. I hate MMM but with your situation you may have no other choice. Just be realistic about the ground clearance you will need, and how much a PITA it can be to attach and remove the MMM. On my old JD855 is was so bad I did never mounted it. Easier to use my rider than deal with the hassle.

My buddy has about the same size lot and uses a ZT to cut grass and a larger B series to handle firewood, snow and grading.

You will not be able to lift much with the small tractors. I have another friend with the same size tractor you are looking at and he is looking to upgrade. (3 acre lot). He has some decent hills and cuts them with a garden tractor. Do not totally dismiss the garden tractor unless you know it will not work. A cheap $2000 rider will last you 20+ years cutting one acre of grass, be less than the cost of MMM, and frees up your tractor to be a tractor.

 

[Diggin It]

My MMM is not overly difficult to mount/dismount. I won't says it's easy, but it only takes me a few minutes, about the same as for my Craftsman. I need a socket handy when I do it though ... no tools for the LS.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have about 1.5acres mostly steep, with a bit of woods still left. My BX with a backhoe has been a dream. It is small enough to get into the tightest of places, the BH provides lots of counterweight especially moving heavy front loads with the bucket or forks. Granted it is a bit of a luxury but it is easy to swap out with other implements and store on a wheeled dolly.

I think you are on the right track with implements. The Piranha Tooth Bar is a great addition to your bucket. I bought Tach n Go Quick Attach adjustable forks and they are on as much as my bucket. I can swap in about one minute (no kidding).

Because of ground clearance, I opted for a separate small Zero Turn. So glad I went that route. There is no way I could have got as much work done with my BX if I had a belly mower. If you don't go belly, and depending on the tractor you decide on, you may want to install belly plates to protect your HST fan.

Good luck with your hunt and choice.

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

jeff9366 This was so helpful and has given me lots to think about - thank you! And not only does that ratchetrake look highly functional, but it would take up way less space in my garage...!

 

[jeff9366]

BX Vs B: Kubota BX Series VS. B Series - YouTube

 

[DanThaTractorMan]

Just saw this one! I will be working in the woods, so ground clearance could be a real issue. Another Messick's video talks about official clearance specs vs. real life - a BX owner was having issues b/c the bottom wheel/axle assembly is only 3 inches off the ground and he was hitting rocks: Kubota BX Ground Clearance | Spec vs Reality - Neil Answers - YouTube.