O my, I am comfused

[tman1020]

Nice video Gladehound. Those little lb1914 s packed quite a punch for there size.
I have rarely used split brakes on 4x4 tractors and the times I have I could have done with out and not missed it. 2 wheel drive is another story. I would prefer diff lock to split brakes if I had to choose.

 

[dragoneggs]

If you're going to get a dedicated mower... what is the point of getting a SCUT instead of a CUT? The SCUT makes some sense to me if you want one machine to mow and do loader / 3pt tasks. But once you have a dedicated mower, I only see disadvantages to a SCUT vs CUT or Utility or skid steer.

Agreed. I'm just saying that if OP gets a SCUT there is less chance he will feel he needs a dedicated mower. Also my opinion on a SCUT being adequate is based on my 1.5 acres that is more landscaping than mowing.

 

[jenkinsph]

Agreed. I'm just saying that if OP gets a SCUT there is less chance he will feel he needs a dedicated mower. Also my opinion on a SCUT being adequate is based on my 1.5 acres that is more landscaping than mowing.

You bring up a good point and use for a SCUT, those with lots of landscaping work can benefit by having a small fel. Those little jobs seem to be ongoing long after the initial build is completed.

What I don't see is getting a new compact tractor without implements that is not ideal for mowing the lawn and isn't ideal for clearing the forest so to speak. A riding mower or zero turn would cover the mowing and for DIY types rent a large compact tractor and clean up the extra property. Probably not more than a weeks work for the tractor. The rest would likely be hand work. Much cheaper.

 

[gladehound]

It seems everyone is landing on the following:

1. Best to have a dedicated mower (light) and a dedicated machine (heavy)
2. If you are going to compromise with a do everything mower/machine, you have to go somewhat light for the lawn, so SCUT makes the most sense

 

[Ooklaa]

If seel all your points but i can argue with them. Their are a couple of golf coarses in my area i went and asked the grounds people what machines they use and how they work cutting the lamd theynhabe. Also Going to ask the state parks what they use. I think the 1734e is a big machine for my property, I also think the gc1710 is just right, but alot of momey for such a small machine. I Feel like i am getting a better deal with the 1734e. I Usually go a step bigger when it comes to buying stuff, but this purchase is very confusing for me. I guess maybe the gc MF with the mmm would be better for my property.

Maybe a MF gc1720, i assume then after all the reading a backho would uproot small trees and bushes alot better then using the loader on the bigger machine. I can always get the single grapple like axle is staing the move smaller logs around.

 

[Ooklaa]

If seel all your points but i can argue with them. Their are a couple of golf coarses in my area i went and asked the grounds people what machines they use and how they work cutting the lamd theynhabe. Also Going to ask the state parks what they use. I think the 1734e is a big machine for my property, I also think the gc1710 is just right, but alot of momey for such a small machine. I Feel like i am getting a better deal with the 1734e. I Usually go a step bigger when it comes to buying stuff, but this purchase is very confusing for me. I guess maybe the gc MF with the mmm would be better for my property.

Maybe a MF gc1720, i assume then after all the reading a backho would uproot small trees and bushes alot better then using the loader on the bigger machine. I can always get the single grapple like axle is staing the move smaller logs around.

 

[TJP89]

If seel all your points but i can argue with them. Their are a couple of golf coarses in my area i went and asked the grounds people what machines they use and how they work cutting the lamd theynhabe. Also Going to ask the state parks what they use. I think the 1734e is a big machine for my property, I also think the gc1710 is just right, but alot of momey for such a small machine. I Feel like i am getting a better deal with the 1734e. I Usually go a step bigger when it comes to buying stuff, but this purchase is very confusing for me. I guess maybe the gc MF with the mmm would be better for my property.

Maybe a MF gc1720, i assume then after all the reading a backho would uproot small trees and bushes alot better then using the loader on the bigger machine. I can always get the single grapple like axle is staing the move smaller logs around.

I get you want to have the most machine for your money, but you're running a small property, not a golf course. The bigger machine is useless if all you are paying for is the capability to do things you will never do! If you get a SCUT that does everything you want that costs as much as a CUT, you are ending up the same because the CUT you no further.

What you're saying is: A SCUT that will do everything I want will cost 20K. I can get a bigger CUT for 20K that won't work as well for what I want, but will do things that I never will do. Therefore the SCUT is a bad deal, so I'll get the CUT. This logic is just stupid.

If the SCUT does everything you could possibly need, there is no need to go up in size. If it's in budget, get it. Don't get a CUT just because it's the biggest tractor you can buy. You are very definitely not in a situation where bigger is better. A full sized CUT will absolute beat the s**t out of your lawn, turfs or no.

You have admitted the SCUT would be better for you, if it's the best one to buy, there is no need to even consider the CUT. What are you going to do with the CUT that the SCUT can't do?

 

[tman1020]

The backhoe option does seem like it makes a lot of sense. They are not cheap though. Seems like it would answer a lot of your problems. You could install the backhoe to do all your digging in ripping out small brush and stumps. Then wouldn't have to worry about what type of tires so you could stick with your turfs. Also you could use the money you were putting toward a grapple and just buy a set of quick attach forks for the front, probably be more handy for what you're trying to do in the long run than the grapple. If you have a backhoe you should easily be able to get away with the smaller machine. It's amazing how much power they develop even small ones. Plus they make a great counterweight for a small machine. Then when you're finished with your dirt work remove the backhoe and install a Midmont mower and you're good to go.

 

[TJP89]

The backhoe option does seem like it makes a lot of sense. They are not cheap though. Seems like it would answer a lot of your problems. You could install the backhoe to do all your digging in ripping out small brush and stumps. Then wouldn't have to worry about what type of tires so you could stick with your turfs. Also you could use the money you were putting toward a grapple and just buy a set of quick attach forks for the front, probably be more handy for what you're trying to do in the long run than the grapple. If you have a backhoe you should easily be able to get away with the smaller machine. It's amazing how much power they develop even small ones. Plus they make a great counterweight for a small machine. Then when you're finished with your dirt work remove the backhoe and install a Midmont mower and you're good to go.

Not cheap is an understatement. Now you're looking at well over 20K for a TLB setup, even on a SCUT. Really expensive counter weight.

 

[gladehound]

The backhoe option does seem like it makes a lot of sense. They are not cheap though. Seems like it would answer a lot of your problems. You could install the backhoe to do all your digging in ripping out small brush and stumps. Then wouldn't have to worry about what type of tires so you could stick with your turfs. Also you could use the money you were putting toward a grapple and just buy a set of quick attach forks for the front, probably be more handy for what you're trying to do in the long run than the grapple. If you have a backhoe you should easily be able to get away with the smaller machine. It's amazing how much power they develop even small ones. Plus they make a great counterweight for a small machine. Then when you're finished with your dirt work remove the backhoe and install a Midmont mower and you're good to go.

The SCUT with backhoe might be a good solution. Nikko could leave it in mowing configuration most of the time. And then just take off the MMM and put on the backhoe just for days when he will work in the woods.

Nikko, I don't know if you have kids yet, but this solution wouldn't work for me. We sometimes have 4 soccer practices per week and up to 5 games on a weekend and I coach. I don't get full days to do stuff. I get 30 minutes here and 30 minutes there. Sometimes I'll go rip out a small stump with my 30 minutes. Sometimes mow half the lawn. I want to spend as little time changing attachments as possible otherwise that could use all the time I have. Your situation could be different for now, but life changes and you can't always predict it.

But now we talking about spending a good chunk of change. And a SCUT TLB still wont carry large logs. Making separate machines even more attractive at this price range.

There is no perfect solution. Until you pull the trigger, the good folks here will continue to try to help and possibly confuse you more. You have had a lot of good input but it is you who know your property and needs best. Ultimately it is your decision. And remember, you are not locked in to your decision. As life changes, so can your equipment.