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'?
I generally think you can use a compact or subcompact tractor if you keep your expectations realistic.
I have two and a half acres of mostly scrub brush and I have a Kubota BX 1880 which is the smallest of the small subcompacts.
I have a 5 ft brush hog and while it "will" work with the Kubota, the experience is not the best for the tractor.
Using that size of implement on such a small tractor you're at the maximum capability or beyond all the time.
Instead I found as some have mentioned, a 4 ft flail mower works perfectly with my small tractor.
I also use a land plane and level off a small road.
Additionally many small subcompacts can be bought with a belly mower or it can be added on later.
As far as lifting capacity, as I said if you keep your expectations realistic, I've not found much my little Kubota cannot do.
Keep in mind I'm not going around trying to lift pallets of bricks, Giant rocks, etc.
But it is perfectly capable of lifting buckets full of dirt, gravel, whatever I basically need to get done.
I think based on what I read you might be okay with the subcompact.
Unfortunately it seems that this is a not optimum time to buy a tractor as used prices are through the roof and new prices are not much better!
Good luck I'm sure that you will come up with the solution that fits your needs best.!
Paul
www.tractordata.com
