Need Advice on New Tractor: SubCompact or Compact

Todd_C · Aug 8, 2004

I have to maintain about a one mile gravel road to get to my 8 acres. I have used a 8N that is owned by the homeowner's association, but I want my own tractor. I mow about 21/2acres with a garden tractor that is on it's last bit of life. I will use the new tractor to mow, plow snow, maintain the drive, and to replace dirt in eroded areas. My property has a few steep hills, so this will be a factor in choosing a tractor.

I have looked at the MF GC2300, but wonder if it is big enough. I am also considering the following compacts: NH TC30, JD 790, and the MF1928. At this time, I like the TC30 because of price. I also like the small size of the 2300 for mowing, but wonder if it will be able to drag gravel.

Will_C · Aug 8, 2004

The one mile gravel road would rule out a sub-compact, at least to my way of thinking. It sounds like you will need every one of the compacts you mentioned, if not even a bit larger. If you will be using a box blade or a stone rake on 1 mile of road, I would think that you would want to use at least a 6' unit to save on time. A sub would be better for your mowing, but I would hate to work that much road with a 4' implement.
Will

familyman · Aug 8, 2004

The TC30 is a nice machine and priced right. I believe you can get it equipped with hydro, which would be handy and you'd easily have enough tractor for the chores you mention. The JD 790 is also a well made tractor, but no hydro available, if you care. Can't really go wrong with either, so drive both and let the reputation and helpfulness of your dealer be a factor in your decision. Try to shop at at least 2 dealers for each brand you're interested in and get written prices from them all. You might be surprized at the variety of pricing and deals out there.
I don't think I'd go smaller than those two, but others here may tell you otherwise. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Charley

8561 · Aug 8, 2004

The sub will do all of the jobs you have mentioned, and would probably do them well. However, Will is right, it becomes a time consideration thing. I would think you would be better off with a regular compact like some of those you mentioned, as well as some others like Kioti and Kubota. With a lawn that size as well as that driveway, I would own something that would handle a 6 foot implement (box blade, mower, etc.). I would also recommend you strongly consider a machine with position control on the 3ph if you're going to maintain that much gravel driveway. If you intend to mow with it, try to stay on the lighter side of the scales on the overall package, especially if there are soft areas on your lawn. Let us know what you decide.

WilliamBos · Aug 8, 2004

Hi,

have a look at the 1400 series MF

take care

Will

Henro · Aug 8, 2004

The sub will do all of the jobs you have mentioned, and would probably do them well. However, Will is right, it becomes a time consideration thing... 

I guess I would beg to differ...I have a sub and a compact and they are not in the same class.

The compact is a work horse...the sub tries but is not able to work as hard or do as much.

I say forget the subcut and get something that will WORK for you.

That being said, I don't mean to come down on the subcuts, especially since I own one. It is just that from what I have seen they are in the subcut class. Just like my cut is in the cut class and won't stand up against a larger tractor.

Each time you spend a little more you get a lot more for your dollar.

Think it out, stand back and consider, and then do what your gut says is right for you.

After considering all the advice you get from TBN, of course... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jumptrap · Aug 8, 2004

Once upon a time, far far away and long ago, a friend told me this about buying a tractor:

You can do small work with a big tractor, but you can't do big work with a small tractor.

I'm not suggesting you buy a 80 horse machine, but will try to encourage you to buy the biggest tractor that fits within your needs. Cost is a HUGE factor, i wasn't born with deep pockets and understand that part of the equation very well. Consider your purchase a one time affair and then amortorize the purchase over say..30 years. Buy it once and be done with it. I have almost the same situation you describe here at home, except I don't do road maintinence. I bought a used JD 1050 (33 hp) 21 years ago and it has been the best money I ever spent. Just big enough to handle my chores, yet not unwieldy. I use a 5' finish mower to mow 2 acres of grass on a regular basis....there is no looking back to a smaller machine. If I had the cash, i'd buy a new JD 4720 with all the bells and whistles.

8561 · Aug 8, 2004

( The sub will do all of the jobs you have mentioned, and would probably do them well. However, Will is right, it becomes a time consideration thing... 

I guess I would beg to differ...I have a sub and a compact and they are not in the same class.

)

Henro - if he had a 1/2 acre lawn and a 500' gravel drive, would the sub do the work? I think it would - the only difference is he has way more than that of both. I never implied that they were in the same class for capability, only that he could do the work with a sub if he wanted to spend the time. I agree completely that he needs a compact tractor to do what he needs to do in a practical amount of time.

KiotiJohn · Aug 8, 2004

Check out the new Kioti CK30. It's large enough to do all you want to do and more, without being overbearingly large. It also has a lot of standard extras that cost more on some other brands.
Available in HST and shuttle shift gear ones should be coming soon. John

SteveH_CT · Aug 8, 2004

Re: CK30 ( It also has a lot of standard extras that cost more on some other brands. )

John I've seen where you've stated this a number of times... can you be more specific about the "standard extras" (if it's standard is it really an extra? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) that would be extra on others... and what others?

Thanks,

KiotiJohn · Aug 8, 2004

( John I've seen where you've stated this a number of times... can you be more specific about the "standard extras" (if it's standard is it really an extra? ) that would be extra on others... and what others? )
Things like tilt wheel, telescoping hitch arms, a PTO shield that lifts up to make connection easier.
I don't say which others so as not to offend anyone or start a war, but most of the big three charge more for these features over their bare bones tractors. When compared, the Kioti is usually cheaper, with exceptions, than "some others" with these standard features. John
EDIT: Kioti also includes the valve block and joystick. Most other brands charge extra for them. I found that to be a significant savings. John

RICHARDG · Aug 8, 2004

Todd,consider this,,,a 25 h.p. diesal,,3 cylinder water cooled,,,4 wheel drive,,,big enough,,to handle a 5 ft hog and tiller,,a 6 ft back blade,,,,and can be ordered with fel and backhoe,,,tractor alone,,,,about 8,ooo dollars,,,warrenty,,6 months,parts AND labor,,more can be bought cheap,brand new,, look on nortracs [northern tools],web page,,they got,,20,,25,,30,,,35,h.p. ones,,,,,I got one,,,and at 250 hrs,,,it runs great,,don't be fooled by those name brands,,,[johndeere],,,thingy

Bob_Skurka · Aug 8, 2004

Todd, as most have said, the subcompact is not up to the task. The TC30 is a very nice, proven tractor and is available with a HST transmission as well as turf or R4 tires. I would strongly suggest you stay away from the R1/Ag tires if you want to mow the lawn because R1 tires will do a pretty good job of tearing up turf. Some brands (especially the chinese brands) will cost you $1000 more just to put R4 tires on their machines. There certainly many other tractors that will do the job, some are cheaper, some cost more. On balance, the TC30 will give you a 2 year warrenty, 3 years 0% financing, and a local dealership that will provide parts and service and more importantly piece of mind. If you like the tractor you will be very happy with it over the long run.

SteveH_CT · Aug 9, 2004

I see - I can understand the hesitancy to create more friction by "naming names" - on the other hand I read that they have more standard features... but I never know compared to what. I suppose in my reading that I compare it to my tractor, and don't see the big advantage, but perhaps you're right when comparing it to the real basic models that most brands offer as an entry point. I just don't know the details since I never shopped the basic models to any great extent. At the time I was shopping the DK40/35 were the models I was using for comparison, and generally I found them to be more along the lines of a basic machine... especially given the lack of HST. Both are fine, solid all the way around... I was seriously considering them until I drove other brands HST models. Now that the CK's are out I should go check them out, if for no other reason than to update my perspective on Kioti's latest products.

Thanks,

Soundguy · Aug 9, 2004

( I mow about 21/2acres with a garden tractor that is on it's last bit of life )

Yep.. frequent mowing of large acerages taxes a lawnmower pretty decently.

( will use the new tractor to mow, plow snow, maintain the drive, and to replace dirt in eroded areas. My property has a few steep hills, so this will be a factor in choosing a tractor. )

Good defined list.. your are 'ahead' of the game by knowing approximately what you want to do with the machine.

( have looked at the MF GC2300, but wonder if it is big enough. I am also considering the following compacts: NH TC30, JD 790, and the MF1928 )

And you have been doing your homework. Those are all great machines.

I'm partial to the tc30 and Nh in general. It is a decent unit, and as I hear.. financing is attractive right now.

Good luck with whatever you choose... all those are 'A' brand tractors.

Soundguy

KiotiJohn · Aug 9, 2004

( At the time I was shopping the DK40/35 were the models I was using for comparison, and generally I found them to be more along the lines of a basic machine... especially given the lack of HST. )
My dealer and I were talking about that lack of HST the other day when I visited to take pics. We both agreed that Kioti needs to quickly introduce a CK45 at least.
Then, with the other CK features, they would be real bells and whistles tractors. John

JayC · Aug 9, 2004

I think it would be nice if Kioti would bump the CK25 down to the small-chassis size, introduce a CK35 in the mid-size chassis, and then introduce new models for the large-chassis size like a CK40 and CK45.

SteveH_CT · Aug 9, 2004

Well they're not oblivious to the marketplace - I'm sure there are only so many new models Kioti can crank out in one year. I agree that they should add the 40 to 45hp range, and I'd bet that they will have larger HST's out within another year. They've done real well so far with their models... just wait - Kioti reminds me of Polaris with their motorcycle line - they may not roll out models fast, but they're playing to stay in the game long term.