I WANT A TRACTOR, but ......

[kenmbz]

I love my SCUT for my 6 somewhat hilly acres. Added 2" spacers to each side. Have a Piranha tooth bar on the FEL.
Clamp on forks, a Backhoe and use it all the time. But it is sitting right now due to rain and don't want to dig up any lawns.
I do not use it to mow, that may change this summer if I can save up enough. Maybe a flail for brush, trails and the lawns that don't need to be perfect.
While bigger would be nice, my SCUT fits into some tight spaces that are on the property and fits in my garage with the lawn tractor.
Always try to think ahead and to projects to help decide size, features and HP.
Hills, as others have said are tricky and my lawn areas are all mostly flat, but not all and the woods have some sharp slopes. I am very careful there and work on building out trails so I don;t have to side hill.
4 WD is your friend too.

 

[Williy]

You guys have hills and valleys and all I have is 8 acres of misquite
and cedar bushes and catus of which anyone can have the catus its
free no extra charge just come and get it. Will be removing 99 % of
this stuff. Don't care for the catus as it draws rodents and rodents
draw snakes and don't care for either one.

how to drive a blonde crazy? put her in a round building and tell her
to sit in the corner!

willy

 

[Tony H]

I’ve not been on here in awhile until recently. I’ve moved a couple times, varied acreage at different places but currently do not have a tractor and I miss it. I am now on 5 acres some wooded, some open with slopes being mowed. I’ve been getting by with a 17 year old 42 inch cut zero turn mower. It’s time to replace it. Currently it’s beating me up to mow with it on the slopes. I’ve put 4wheeler type tires on the rear for traction and it helped, I still feel like I’m taking my life at risk mowing with it on the slopes though. Mowing up and down I never know if it’s going to stop at the bottom of the steep slopes especially if it’s damp. Mowing along the slopes the crab walking really does a number on my back , it hurts for 3 days after. I need more stability and a larger deck. I currently will not allow my teenage son to mow it and he is a very responsible mature ( for his age) young man. I’ve been pricing scuts at dealers along with commercial zero turns. I could meet my mowing needs with a zero turn but I want a tractor with front end loader. I can’t really justify having fel for 90% of the time. I could justify the scut with mmm easily. Even though a scut loader is very limited I just want one. I also want something to help with leaf removal in the fall. To many leaves to mow/ mulch. Currently takes me 3 to 4 hours with a Stihl backpack mower times 3 or 4 different weekends to deal with all the leaves. I’m thinking rake the leaves up with rear rake of some sort behind scut then use loader to push them on into the woods or scoop them up for removal.
I’ve got quotes on Ls 25 hp scut , bx2680, Deere 1025. Also got some zero turn quotes mostly as an afterthought. Problem is when I sit in the seats the zero turns are more comfy and a bit smoother ride but I want a tractor. The zero turns are a bit cheaper but I want a tractor. The zero turns would mow faster.......BUT I WANT A TRACTOR. I kinda view the scuts as a toy tractor but I want one. There is a rear attachment called “big tool rack”. It looks so cool and I want one of those too. If allowed I’ll share a link.
Anyway to keep from rambling on here’s a question:I can afford either piece of equipment so am I crazy for trying to justify a scut when a Zero turn will suffice just because I WANT A TRACTOR?

I'm getting the feeling, you want a tractor. Here's the thing, can a tractor do your slopes? My slopes are steep and then run up to a plateau so I need to use my walk-behind zero steer. A tractor with mid deck or rear mowwer would scalp the heck out of plateau ridge. Tractors are great and if your slopes gradually flatten out so a larger mower won't scalp then the 25-28hp sub compacts do have a lot to offer. Mahindra, Kioti. Might fit your wallet better the Kubota. I think those folks have lost their minds... Much like Harley davidson

 

[artf]

There's a bigger tractor in your future. Please go tryout somebody else's Kubota L40 series - L3940 or L3540 before you buy a subcut.

I put 600+ hrs on my first subcut....Kubota BX-22 TLB.

There are great used tractors out there! Dealers and Rental Centers are sources for rental fleet tractors.

Full Disclosure - currently own
Husqvarna TS348 Lawn Tractor
Kubota L3940 w/FEL & BH90

 

[Williy]

have you seen this?

willy

 

[DonaldP]

if you can afford, it, it's perfectly fine to have toys for no other reason then you want them. No additional justification necessary.

Lol!!! That is so true!

 

[blacktruck]

if you can afford, it, it's perfectly fine to have toys for no other reason then you want them. No additional justification necessary.

I stand by my reasoning in an earlier reply but what was said here really says it all. Probably many of us here are well into our years of working and providing for others. No regrets about any of that for me. That said, I have worked hard and made a decent living for long time. As mentioned by JCoastie, if a tractor is in your budget, get it. I work in a fairly fast paced and stressful job, my tractor allows me to get some other work done around the farm and to enjoy my time while I am doing it. As I approach retirement I am wanting a new tractor. Do I need it? Nope. Will it be much different than what I already have? Nope but it will be new and I will enjoy it. Live a little and go for it.

 

[Redfox2]

I’ve not been on here in awhile until recently. I’ve moved a couple times, varied acreage at different places but currently do not have a tractor and I miss it. I am now on 5 acres some wooded, some open with slopes being mowed. I’ve been getting by with a 17 year old 42 inch cut zero turn mower. It’s time to replace it. Currently it’s beating me up to mow with it on the slopes. I’ve put 4wheeler type tires on the rear for traction and it helped, I still feel like I’m taking my life at risk mowing with it on the slopes though. Mowing up and down I never know if it’s going to stop at the bottom of the steep slopes especially if it’s damp. Mowing along the slopes the crab walking really does a number on my back , it hurts for 3 days after. I need more stability and a larger deck. I currently will not allow my teenage son to mow it and he is a very responsible mature ( for his age) young man. I’ve been pricing scuts at dealers along with commercial zero turns. I could meet my mowing needs with a zero turn but I want a tractor with front end loader. I can’t really justify having fel for 90% of the time. I could justify the scut with mmm easily. Even though a scut loader is very limited I just want one. I also want something to help with leaf removal in the fall. To many leaves to mow/ mulch. Currently takes me 3 to 4 hours with a Stihl backpack mower times 3 or 4 different weekends to deal with all the leaves. I’m thinking rake the leaves up with rear rake of some sort behind scut then use loader to push them on into the woods or scoop them up for removal.
I’ve got quotes on Ls 25 hp scut , bx2680, Deere 1025. Also got some zero turn quotes mostly as an afterthought. Problem is when I sit in the seats the zero turns are more comfy and a bit smoother ride but I want a tractor. The zero turns are a bit cheaper but I want a tractor. The zero turns would mow faster.......BUT I WANT A TRACTOR. I kinda view the scuts as a toy tractor but I want one. There is a rear attachment called “big tool rack”. It looks so cool and I want one of those too. If allowed I’ll share a link.
Anyway to keep from rambling on here’s a question:I can afford either piece of equipment so am I crazy for trying to justify a scut when a Zero turn will suffice just because I WANT A TRACTOR?

 

[Redfox2]

I’ve not been on here in awhile until recently. I’ve moved a couple times, varied acreage at different places but currently do not have a tractor and I miss it. I am now on 5 acres some wooded, some open with slopes being mowed. I’ve been getting by with a 17 year old 42 inch cut zero turn mower. It’s time to replace it. Currently it’s beating me up to mow with it on the slopes. I’ve put 4wheeler type tires on the rear for traction and it helped, I still feel like I’m taking my life at risk mowing with it on the slopes though. Mowing up and down I never know if it’s going to stop at the bottom of the steep slopes especially if it’s damp. Mowing along the slopes the crab walking really does a number on my back , it hurts for 3 days after. I need more stability and a larger deck. I currently will not allow my teenage son to mow it and he is a very responsible mature ( for his age) young man. I’ve been pricing scuts at dealers along with commercial zero turns. I could meet my mowing needs with a zero turn but I want a tractor with front end loader. I can’t really justify having fel for 90% of the time. I could justify the scut with mmm easily. Even though a scut loader is very limited I just want one. I also want something to help with leaf removal in the fall. To many leaves to mow/ mulch. Currently takes me 3 to 4 hours with a Stihl backpack mower times 3 or 4 different weekends to deal with all the leaves. I’m thinking rake the leaves up with rear rake of some sort behind scut then use loader to push them on into the woods or scoop them up for removal.
I’ve got quotes on Ls 25 hp scut , bx2680, Deere 1025. Also got some zero turn quotes mostly as an afterthought. Problem is when I sit in the seats the zero turns are more comfy and a bit smoother ride but I want a tractor. The zero turns are a bit cheaper but I want a tractor. The zero turns would mow faster.......BUT I WANT A TRACTOR. I kinda view the scuts as a toy tractor but I want one. There is a rear attachment called “big tool rack”. It looks so cool and I want one of those too. If allowed I’ll share a link.
Anyway to keep from rambling on here’s a question:I can afford either piece of equipment so am I crazy for trying to justify a scut when a Zero turn will suffice just because I WANT A TRACTOR?

 

[Redfox2]

Have you checked out the VanTec tractor mowers? They're reported to be the most stable mower on steep slopes . . .

 

[Egon]

TTR 7800 - Isodiametric wide-track steering tractor for haymaking

Steep?? Look at these.

 

[Egon]

Steep slope mowing??

Look at equipment used in the European alps.

 

[stevem5215]

I’ve not been on here in awhile until recently. I’ve moved a couple times, varied acreage at different places but currently do not have a tractor and I miss it. I am now on 5 acres some wooded, some open with slopes being mowed. I’ve been getting by with a 17 year old 42 inch cut zero turn mower. It’s time to replace it. Currently it’s beating me up to mow with it on the slopes. I’ve put 4wheeler type tires on the rear for traction and it helped, I still feel like I’m taking my life at risk mowing with it on the slopes though. Mowing up and down I never know if it’s going to stop at the bottom of the steep slopes especially if it’s damp. Mowing along the slopes the crab walking really does a number on my back , it hurts for 3 days after. I need more stability and a larger deck. I currently will not allow my teenage son to mow it and he is a very responsible mature ( for his age) young man. I’ve been pricing scuts at dealers along with commercial zero turns. I could meet my mowing needs with a zero turn but I want a tractor with front end loader. I can’t really justify having fel for 90% of the time. I could justify the scut with mmm easily. Even though a scut loader is very limited I just want one. I also want something to help with leaf removal in the fall. To many leaves to mow/ mulch. Currently takes me 3 to 4 hours with a Stihl backpack mower times 3 or 4 different weekends to deal with all the leaves. I’m thinking rake the leaves up with rear rake of some sort behind scut then use loader to push them on into the woods or scoop them up for removal.
I’ve got quotes on Ls 25 hp scut , bx2680, Deere 1025. Also got some zero turn quotes mostly as an afterthought. Problem is when I sit in the seats the zero turns are more comfy and a bit smoother ride but I want a tractor. The zero turns are a bit cheaper but I want a tractor. The zero turns would mow faster.......BUT I WANT A TRACTOR. I kinda view the scuts as a toy tractor but I want one. There is a rear attachment called “big tool rack”. It looks so cool and I want one of those too. If allowed I’ll share a link.
Anyway to keep from rambling on here’s a question:I can afford either piece of equipment so am I crazy for trying to justify a scut when a Zero turn will suffice just because I WANT A TRACTOR?

I have both a Simplicity Citation XL 27hp with FULL SUSPENSION to cut the 4 acres and a Steiner 420 with attachments for those items you mention. Leaf Blower blows leaves into the neighbors yard. (or the field so i can chop them up with the mower) a full loader for the front of the Steiner for SMALL jobs (it won't lift more than 500lbs and more like 300) a 48" mower deck (for backup to the ZTR in case of failure) and a best ever attachment, a 54" rotating power angle brush for clearing the driveway in the winter. (it's totally the best thing I"ve ever had on a tractor). So there you go. Everything you need in a nutshell. I wanted that same stuff as you. See easy peasy!

 

[Henry007]

We have a JD X749 which has 4 WD and 4 wheel steering. Each wheel has it's own Hydraulic motor (not real sure the rear) The motors are synchronized so it almost never spins in wet spots. The 4 wheel steering is good but not great. it will circle around about 18 to 20 inches as good as any ZTR. The X749 is a great mower with a 60" deck and work around flower beds and trees as good as any ZTR and will work steep slopes much better than the ZTR. I have owned both so I speak with experience. ZTR's are best on level ground.

 

[cperky]

Update !!, but more words

thank you everyone for all of the great input and giving me lots to consider. Between his baseball games and dealers all being anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour away I’ve been busy. Quotes / test rides I’ve got:


kubota bx2680 $ 18,000 new fel and 60” mmm
Ls 25 hp $16500 new but not available until ??
Deere 1025r new $18700 with fel and 60 mmm
Mahindra 20hp $15000 with loader and 60 inch mower

used :
Deere 1023. 149 hours 54 inch mmm $10850. add loader $14350 but no delivery date available for loader
Mahindra e20 with loader 50 hours $10500 but no mower. Unable to find a mower to go with it yet


Kubota ZT no quote requested but it rides good
Ferris Zt 3300 with 61 inch deck $11000
Ferris Zt 2200 54 inch deck $9100

Im not a Deere fan at all but so far the 1025 is my favorite. No game tomorrow so I’m going for more test rides

 

[Doc G]

if you can afford, it, it's perfectly fine to have toys for no other reason then you want them. No additional justification necessary.

Spot on. Although tractors ARE incredibly useful machines and that's why most of us own them... no one feels the need to justify their fishing boat, vacation home or F250-to-drive-to-the-office on the basis of its usefulness. We own them because we enjoy them. [To be clear, I don't actually own any of those things but I think you get the gist...]

 

[4570Man]

I would trust my large frame ZT with bar tires more than I’d trust a SCUT with turf tires on a hill.

 

[Forky]

Simply allow it to go rustic....the wildlife will thank you for it.
4 pages of madness worrying about grass...really?
Let it grow and see the beauty of real nature....cut areas are boring and lifeless.

 

[jjp8182]

Simply allow it to go rustic....the wildlife will thank you for it.
4 pages of madness worrying about grass...really?
Let it grow and see the beauty of real nature....cut areas are boring and lifeless.

Yep not much of a reason to mow more than just enough area around the house to help keep the critters away/out of the house and help provide a fire/tree barrier.

Despite my current landscaping, I'm not a fan of letting large trees grow close to the house since they inevitably shed some hefty limbs and the tree will eventually die/fall ..... have a couple right now that are close enough and large enough that should they ever fall toward the house it'd very likely be a total loss (doubt much will stop/slow a >3ft diameter oak if/when it falls). Biggest reason they aren't being removed (yet) is they still look very healthy and are actively growing.