Need some advice please?

[windcatcher]

Hi folks.

I already have a LS XR3032H with FEL & backhoe, so that part is covered. Problem is I have a good sized pond that I need to use a sickle mower to keep the edging on the banks trimmed down. A heavy tractor wouldn't be a good idea around the banks because of critters making the ground soft and the weight of the tractor would become a problem. Please note: tractors do not know how to swim! :laughing:

I had been using a JD 322 with 3 point hitch and a 2000 RPM Rear PTO. Because one of the welds on the 3 point hitch arms broke loose while mowing, it caused a fracture on the transfer case of the PTO. Those PTO's are getting harder to find, and are expensive if you can find a good used one.

So, I'm thinking about possibly trying to find a good used sub-compact or compact tractor that I can use my sickle mower on. Yes, I'll have to change the sickle mower from 2000 RPM to 540. No biggie. Just change one pulley, the cat 0 pins to cat 1 and the drive shaft end to the standard 540 RPM shaft and that's accomplished. I already have the pulley and the cat 1 pins.

I can use either a 4 ft cutting blade or a 5 ft cutting blade with my setup. It's an old Haban that was one of the last ones made. Those units were reconfigurable for a lot of options.

Anyway, what models/manufacturers would you suggest for this task? I don't necessarily need another FEL or even a mowing deck, just 3 point hitch Cat 1 or Cat 0, and 540 RPM rear PTO. Remote hydraulics too.

I'd like a tractor that parts are readily available. I do like the looks of the MF GC2300/2400 and the newer units. But, around here some people think those tractors are made of gold. They are down right proud of them so to speak!

Thanks in advance.

I'm wide open for suggestions. I definitely have a Kubota dealer close by for parts if necessary.

 

[Xfaxman]

I see a Farmall Cub in your profile, why not use it?

 

[windcatcher]

I see a Farmall Cub in your profile, why not use it?

Farmall Cub rear PTO is 1800 RPM and CCW rotation. A bit off on RPM and rotation.

Plus, with a pond dam, I'd prefer something that sits closer to the ground (center of gravity) than my Cub. That is a great tractor, but with an offset feels very tipsy.

Forgot to mention, the Cub's PTO shaft is non-standard too. Anything that attaches to it has to be Cub specific.

 

[davesl708]

Consider a BX model. Can meet all of your needs and built like a tank.

 

[Sysop]

I'd personally be looking for a way to stay off the soft bank on any size machine with it leading to water... I'd spend the big money on a tool to keep me up off that bank (RMB1445), then pick up some old heavy iron on the cheap and build a protective cage on the right side and go to work. I have it on good authority from a couple different dealers and reps at BushHog their ratings are more weight dependent than HP. As long as you have the weight you don't need the full recommended power to still operate the unit at its full capacity.

Another model, and dummy should have some protection from flying stuff, but you get the idea:

 

[windcatcher]

Consider a BX model. Can meet all of your needs and built like a tank.

I am seriously considering one of those too. Low center of gravity and a great reputation too. Plenty of dealer support.

 

[windcatcher]

I'd personally be looking for a way to stay off the soft bank on any size machine with it leading to water... I'd spend the big money on a tool to keep me up off that bank (RMB1445), then pick up some old heavy iron on the cheap and build a protective cage on the right side and go to work. I have it on good authority from a couple different dealers and reps at BushHog their ratings are more weight dependent than HP. As long as you have the weight you don't need the full recommended power to still operate the unit at its full capacity.

Another model, and dummy should have some protection from flying stuff, but you get the idea:
View attachment 421201

Understood. I do plan on keeping far enough back to not only see a problem, but I usually walk the area ahead of time to try to see any potential problems.