Where do you draw the line between a garden tractor and a CUT?

[CompactTractorFan]

I think it may be Lawnmower Forum.

Not that one...

 

[magicheater]

Not that one...

Sorry, everything else stands!

 

[JDgreen227]

Very true, but I came up with a solution to that...

"SOLUTION"...yeah, your solution was to hijack my thread and take it elsewhere...LOL

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Zinj's Rule of Thumb on Tractors.

Riding Mower: 1 - 5 hp (go cart with cutter blades)
Lawn Tractor: 5 - 10 hp
Garden Tractor: 10 - 15 hp
SCUT: 15 - 20 hp
CUT: 20 - 30 hp
UT: 30 - 50 hp
Farm Tractor: 50 hp and up
Monster Farm Tractors: Well, that's a D7 cat dozer (or bigger) on wheels.

Hp ranges are extremely variable. You could go plus or minus 50% of the low and the high values and still be in a range someone would consider to be the same category of tractor.

 

[skspurling]

My Cub isn't a SCUT, or even a garden tractor, and it has a 20HP Kohler. I know they overspec those things any more, but I would still bet it is all of at least 18HP when running at speed. It boils down to what it can do with the power. I know my Kubota will more than out pull it, and it is just rated at 6 more HP. The little diesels put out way more torque, and the way it is built is much more usable.
Funny part is, my cub tractor is one of those wierd alien mowers that will spin on its axis. When it is adjusted and working right, those little dual hydrostatic drive motors can pull. Had them out of adjustment and lacking power, but found out that it is a simple belt tensioner adjustment they never told about in the owners manual. fixed that and I was pushing snow with a dozer blade and chains.
So, my personal observation is that the difference is how the power is transmitted to the wheels, how much weight they have, the strength of the frames and chassis, and how you can put the power from the engine to use. These HP ratings would have some bearing back in 1945, but even then you had good farm tractors with 8, 12 and 15 HP. Low RPM with a large displacement gives you high torque that you can use with big tires. There is a lot you can do with 12HP if your machine is designed right. Those popping Johnny's were a mainstay of the family farm and they didn't have 50 and 100 HP.

 

[Reg]

Over on LMF, I have started a discussion as to what is the dividing line between the two...my argument is whether the machine has the ability to operate a backhoe attachment...if it will run a MMM and FEL and a 3 point attachment, it's a garden tractor.

But to me, when it will run a backhoe in addition to the other attachments, that qualifies it as a CUT. A new member on LMF has a Massey GC 2400, I researched his model and learned Massey sells the same basic model as a GC 2410 with backhoe capability. So, where do you guys draw the line? Thanks.

Other than as a futile exercise in semantics - what is your point ?

 

[JDgreen227]

Other than as a futile exercise in semantics - what is your point ?

In my opinion the issue has a LOT MORE interest than many others here on TBN have, for example, the inane thread on Elizabeth Taylor. I am cusious as to what other owners feel is the dividing line. If you have an objection to the thread don't voice an opinion. It seems many others have an opinion, however and I have welcomed all input. I wouldn't term the thread "futile" myself.

 

[RoyJackson]

Other than as a futile exercise in semantics - what is your point ?

Point??? We don't need no stinking point!!!

We got time and a keyboard!

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

So, my personal observation is that the difference is how the power is transmitted to the wheels, how much weight they have, the strength of the frames and chassis, and how you can put the power from the engine to use. These HP ratings would have some bearing back in 1945, but even then you had good farm tractors with 8, 12 and 15 HP. Low RPM with a large displacement gives you high torque that you can use with big tires. There is a lot you can do with 12HP if your machine is designed right. Those popping Johnny's were a mainstay of the family farm and they didn't have 50 and 100 HP.

Thats sorta how I would put it.
Depending on the machine / overall design the HP rating is not a big deal.
The biggest factor to me to differentiate the GT or CUT would be the Cat1 3point = CUT versus a sleeve hitch or Cat 0 = GT
I see the SCUT line as being a blending of those 2....but as other have said, different MFR's seem to be naming things whatever they think will get the stuff sold......

 

[kday64]

For me, it has to have both a PTO and a Class 1 3PH.

Class 1 or greater!

:thumbsup: