Is sub compact big enough?

[Williy]

Is it just me that see's the price of the
Green & Orange machines cost so
much more for less???
Orange with loader L2501DT - $18,500
Green no loader $19,308.00
LS 125 with loader $14,360
prices are from the first tractors that
I found on the net

willy

 

[cathy liebchen]

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

Get the L3901

 

[mikester]

If money and space were no object ...

and

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

Seems to be a contradiction... instead of buying 2 tractors why not buy the bigger one and be done

 

[milkman636]

I own a 35 hp cut, and a 23 hp scut. I like the scut for odds and ends, mowing the lawn, and light tasks. For tasks like grading the drive, moving dirt or tree work, it’s time for the bigger machine. The bigger tractor just does so much better at those things. You are also 100% correct that the little one is so handy and easy to use that it gets used a lot more. If I had to recommend just one tractor for task that don’t involve mowing the yard, I’d probably pick one in between the two that I have. Something like a Deere 20xxR series or a Kubota LX series would probably be ideal. The little SCUTs lack a bit in ground clearance and grunt for everything a typical rural homeowner might want to do. There’s my 2 cents.

 

[nrosario]

How about a small compact!?
For example:
Kubota B2601, Deere 2025r, LS MT225S, Massey 1526, Kioti cx2510, Branson 2610H, Mahindra Max, etc

They are more capable than a sub-compact, but agile enough to be close to the house and able to maneuver.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

^^^^^^ Yep!

 

[sansbury]

Why not look at this another way: if you can get the used SCUT for a good price, buy it—what do you have to lose?

If you find yourself getting the “I need more tractor” feelings, you can always sell or trade it without much loss so long as you bought well.

 

[jyoutz]

How about a small compact!?
For example:
Kubota B2601, Deere 2025r, LS MT225S, Massey 1526, Kioti cx2510, Branson 2610H, Mahindra Max, etc

They are more capable than a sub-compact, but agile enough to be close to the house and able to maneuver.

Not to mention the vulnerability of the BX HST cooling fan underneath that can be destroyed in the woods.

 

[IndyJay]

I own a 35 hp cut, and a 23 hp scut. I like the scut for odds and ends, mowing the lawn, and light tasks. For tasks like grading the drive, moving dirt or tree work, it’s time for the bigger machine. The bigger tractor just does so much better at those things. You are also 100% correct that the little one is so handy and easy to use that it gets used a lot more. If I had to recommend just one tractor for task that don’t involve mowing the yard, I’d probably pick one in between the two that I have. Something like a Deere 20xxR series or a Kubota LX series would probably be ideal. The little SCUTs lack a bit in ground clearance and grunt for everything a typical rural homeowner might want to do. There’s my 2 cents.

Funny, reading your thread reminds me of my experience with chainsaws. The first one I bought was Stihl 026 with an 18" bar. I wanted something that would be big enough for most chores. Years later I bought a Stihl MS180c with a 14" bar which was much lighter. I found that I use the MS180 for nearly everything and only bring out the heavier one when I am cutting something big. Now considering a DeWalt cordless to take around with me on the tractor for those cases where you just need to hop off and cut one branch off or clear a fallen tree blocking a trail. I can see where that might become the go-to saw for little, quick jobs.

 

[Dale Mercer]

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

A Year ago I bought a Massey 1723e with a loader and back hoe. It was 5000 cheaper that a JD and 1500 cheaper than a Kobota . with the money I saved I bought front end forks, a Gabble bucket and a ft. rototiller. I got 130 hours on it and so far I love it. I'm not surprised what it will not do but very surprised at what it can do.