Looking to buy a compact tractor, not sure which

swapwap · May 2, 2005

Well I've been around mostly older tractors, I have owned a TO20 and TO30, Farmall and 8N, all sold. I now have a little powerking cat0 with several Implements. I have recently moved to a properity with 2 acres that have a big slopping back yard I need to fix and a flat bottom marshy area where I plan to make a good size garden. I also plan to use this tractor in my hunt club for odd jobs and needs, i'e build bridged over creeks, plant exc. My soil mix here is mostly clay and I've got a bout 12 loads of sand in to mix with it at my home. I'll probably sell my little powerking once I decide what Kinda of sub compact tractor I will be replacing it with, even thought it's been a champ. Here is my delima. I'm Pretty use to 25hp or less machines and Feel something in that arena should work out for me fine. I've looked all over the internet at the several different models and makes of all the kinda of different small tractors availabe. I know I want the following:
Hydrostatic Trans- easy to navigate
Frontend loader- got lots of dirt to move
4WD- got to have traction
possibly a backhow attachment pin mounted to frame - not sure yet
new or slightly used ok.
reasonably priced on maintance.
Very Good resell value

I've checked out some local dealers, JD and Kubota, but ran into some uneducated employees. I'm not even sure that getting a Kubota or JD is really what I need. I'v also looked at the MF 2310. (was priced much better that the kubota that was similar) but I don't know how much I'll benefit from the backhoe anyway.

If anyone can help me narrow down a tractor I'd surely appreciate it. Thanks from a newcomer.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SCB · May 2, 2005

Ok,
You are going to get many replies as to what would be best. I'll be the first to say BX23. Not just because I own one, but because I own one. All of the things you describe are in the realm of the bx model. That isn't to say there aren't other capable machines, But i can say that mine is one heck of a machine. I think that you may find more work for the backhoe than you think. Check around and operate all the different brands and see what feels right for you. I think the subcut is probably the right size by what you explain. Enjoy the search and good luck.

elemint · May 2, 2005

Give that you say your soil is mostly clay and assuming you want to do tilling and digging, i would suggest you get the higher end of the HP you are thinking. If you are not doing any earth moving then....

elemint · May 2, 2005

One more thing. Stumps are made to be in the ground /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But seriously, unless you are planting something or building on that spot one should leave a stump in the ground. They are important for holding the soil of a forest furthermore dead trees are important to a forest as well. I know people that see any dead tree and the first thing they do is cut it down. Where do they think critters live? No dead trees no owls, woodpeckers, or many other creatures of the woods. Good Luck

Henro · May 2, 2005

The things I don't like about the SubCut is ground clearance and for the most part a small sized "cat 1" 3 point hitch.

For two acres one would probably work fine for you. As would something just a tad larger.

The work you want to do at the hunt club might push towards some thing larger than a subcut. Then again perhaps not.

If I did not have a CUT with the more standard size 3PH I might not even question the small size of the 3PH on my BX.

I can tell you that with the loaded tires on my BX it is VERY stable on side slopes. Up and down is not an issue on either of my tractors. My maximum slope is only about 20 degrees though, certainly not more than 25 degrees (not percent, degrees).

For 2 acres I guess I would have to agree that a BX Kubota sized machine would be a good fit.

The fact that I seem to be talking in circles here is probably proof that this is the case in my mind... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ... even though with 3.7 acres I have often said if I had to have only one tractor it would be larger than the BX... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

JDFANATIC · May 2, 2005

swapwap,

You can probably get as many anwers to your questions as to those opining whether or not Agusta should admit women to the Masters. That said, as long as you have narrowed your choices to sub-CUT's, then those of us that have them can chip in. All the brands you mention are very good, but there are others you might want to consider like NH and Case, especially if you weren't wowed over by the knowledge of the dealer's you visited. My frame of reference comes from several JD GT, CUT's and sub-CUT's. Currently I have a 2210; which is the right sized tractor for my real estate, and giving up little of what a full size CUT might offer. Addresing some of your specific concerns:

Hydro: the 2210 Hydro system is one of the most intituitive, easy to operate systems out there. I give it an A for comfort and usefullness.

FEL: the 210 loader is very capable (careful adherance to ballasting is required) and works as well (quickly) as tractors until you get to the 10 gpm range.

BH: if you are set on this, you are limited to third party systems, such as Woods, Wallenstein etc, though there rumors of Deere coming out with a BH of their own for this tractor.

Maint: all diesels are similar in this respect and I belive are mindful of your pocketbook when compared to gasoline offerings.

Resale: here I think Deere is the best, though the big three are no slouches. Although this is anecdotal, I have never had a Deere last a week on the open market. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back.

Happy hunting! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

swapwap · May 3, 2005

Thanks for all the insite. a few question, when you say CUT are you meaning the deck for mowing? I have no plans to mow with this tractor. I've looked a bit at the massey ferguson 2310, is it compariable to the kubota BX with BH? about a $5K difference in price.

KiotiJohn · May 3, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Thanks for all the insite. a few question, when you say CUT are you meaning the deck for mowing? )</font>
CUT = Compact Utility Tractor. SCUT= Subcompact Utility Tractor.
Mid mount mower (MMM), and Rear Finish Mower (RFM). Don't worry, keep reading, you'll get use to our acronyms.
Welcome to TBN.
John

RalphVa · May 3, 2005

Here's what I know:

SCUT: Kubota BX, NH TZ, JD 2210

CUT: Kubota B, NH TC, JD 4x1x

Massey & Cub have models of similar Hp and size to the JD2210.

Kubota & NH both have 18 and 22-23 hp versions of their SCUTs. Kubota even offers a 2 cylinder 15 hp one.

JD only has the 23 hp 2210 as a SCUT, which is basically the same size and weight as their CUT 4010 and 4110 (a little less than the lightest sports car). The 2210 and 4010 share the same implements choices, mainly because of their tractor weights. The 4010 has higher lift capabilities in front and back and more ground clearance, but fixed ROPS height is the same or slightly lower than the 2210's. The 4110 has 2 more hp than the 4010 but less than the 2210 but has about 20-25% higher hydraulic flow. The 4115 is the only one among the JD CUTs with direct injection (but you pay dearly for this).

Think you have to go up to about the 4110 to get a BH on JDs; however, there is an aftermarket (think Woods?) BH for the 2210. This one may fit the 4010, too.

BX is the smallest to have a factory BH.

The Kubota B series is complicated by their B7xxx and B2xxx variants. These compete with JD's 4x1x tractors. The JD 4210 & 4310 & 4410 are double the weight of their 4x1x CUTs but are still CUTs, and very capable ones and quite a bit smaller than similar Hp older tractors. Don't recall the weights of the Kubota B7xxx series and the B2xxx series to comment on them. JDs more than double in weight when going from the 4110 up to 4210. Kubota also has a L series that are basically CUTs but are probably more nearly the weight of the 4210-4410 (about the same as a mid-sized car).

Kubota doesn't seem to make their own bush hogs. Most go with a Woods or similar for Kubotas.

Ralph

Charlie_in_TX · May 3, 2005

Were the SCUTs accel is if you will also finish mow (high hp low weight). You said no mowing. That means you need weight more than hp. Look at the Kioti CK20 and the Mahindra 2015. JD, Kubota and NH do not make anything like them. The big 3s offerings are aimed at mowing but compromise dirt work. The Kioti and Mahindra are aimed at dirt work but compromise mowing.