First time buyer. Help. Have questions about Scut/Cut.

[Rutman]

Welcome to TBN. Yes, the slope vs degree thing is something we've all seen before on TBN. Basically "slope" is expressed in percent rather than degrees, and it turns out that slope is roughly twice whatever the degrees are.
So your hill might measure 17 or 18 degrees and that would be a approximently a 35% slope. (45 degrees is 100 %).
No problem; us tractor guys on hilly land deal with that definition, and with that much slope, most every day.

Everyone is saying the same thing to your initial post: 25HP sure beats no tractor at all, so it that is what the budget will afford, then do it. But we also know that for what you are describing you'd be better off with a larger tractor - something in the 3500 to 4000 lb range. You can save money by getting a gear drive rather than hydrostat. You'll definitely need a loader, and the lower cost of the gear drive transmission just might pay for one. As far as implements that fit on the 3pt hitch - like a back blade or/or box blade, mower, post hole drill....etc. There's no need to buy those new. Used 3pt implements work as good as new ones, they just look used.

Tractors last a lifetime and you can sometimes find good ones used. Read through back threads on TBN and you'll probably find that the normal reason a tractor is for sale is that the owner wants a similar tractor in the next larger size and maybe some specialized options. Quality used tractors can give you a lot of machine for your money. Is there any reason not to consider used?
rScotty

Don稚 have a problem with used. After driving a few I know i want HST. Used ones I see are around 15000. That痴 one reason I thought might as well go new to get a warranty.

 

[Rutman]

Rutman, lots of good advice in this thread. Even with your clarification on your driveway, I think you've still underestimated your needs. With 20 acres, you're going to find a lifetime of projects for your tractor, and with a SCUT I guarantee you'll be saying "wudda, cudda, shudda" in no time. All the brands you're considering would be fine for your purposes, IMO, but if this will be your only tractor, I'd steer you toward something with 35 hp or more. Probably in the frame size of the Kioti CK series. BTW, don't be afraid of Tier IV. I think you'd regret sacrificing utility just to stay under the Tier IV threshold.

You didn't say how you plan to mow your 3 acres of yard, or how it's configured. My suggestion is to get dedicated zero-turn if flat enough for it. Or a small finish mower, rather, say, than a belly mower.

I have 3 riding mowers. So I知 good for the lawn. One of them is my (bushhog).

 

[dodge man]

No personal experience but having looked at tractors and kicked some tire Kioti woukd be what I woukd pick of the ones you listed.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I saw that you mentioned the LS 2025. For just a small increase in price, the XG3025 is a far more capable machine. I personally needed a backhoe and loader, but was seriously limited in what I could afford/finance. That is why I went with a SCUT (the LS mt125). It has been able to do everything I asked of it, just not fast. I do maintain a 1200' long drive with a heavy 54" box blade, but it is relatively flat. The scarifiers are only about 2" down. Ussually takes all day.

I have a few more trenches to dig, then cut in a short drive about 200' long. After that, it will be used for mowing, landscape and driveway maintanance. I will be moving to a larger property in a few years, and the 3025 or the CK2610 will be the next tractor.

 

[Threepoint]

I hear you. I drove that one to. Just can稚 justify 17000 on cost versus use. If I spend that much I would look hard at RK24 with backhoe.

Rutman, here on TBN we're always happy to spend another member's money. :laughing:. But I think those who have responded thus far really are concerned that you won't be happy with a small machine for your future applications. That includes the RK24, which actually is not in the same frame size and capability as the CK2610HST that you drove. That RK24 with backhoe and loader for around $17K is a real value for the money, but IMHO it's still not even on the margin for a fairly large property like yours. Without the backhoe, it specs out close to my Kubota B2150 in power, weight and features, although without the 3-range HST and the much larger wheels. My B2150 is a beast for its size and one of the best purchases of any sort that I've made. But at most it's a 10-acre tractor.

Remember the rule of thumb of the old farmers: Figure out the biggest tractor you're likely to ever need for what you want to do. Then go one size larger. Not trying to argue; you've asked our views and will make your own decision. But IMO, if you're looking at the Kioti line, it should be at the CK3510HST with loader and no backhoe. Getting a backhoe with a smaller machine like the RK24 for less money is a false value if the basic machine turns out to be too small. Sure, you can always go small and trade up later. Just trying to save you the likely frustration. If you can afford to do it, bite the bullet now and spend the money for a larger machine. In six months you'll be happy you did when you're trying to grade that driveway with a 5' box blade, or clear snow with a 6' rear blade. The pain from the purchase price will be a distant memory. :thumbsup:

 

[Rutman]

Thanks for all the advice. I知 not getting a scut. I知 definitely gonna go big. Don稚 know how big. Y誕ll know a million times better than me about tractors and their advantages and limitations when it comes to size.
? Do dealers discount prices in the fall or when the new year comes out like autos.

 

[searcyfarms]

go CUT forget the SCUT

 

[DonE0929]

For what its worth I just went thru what you are gong thru now. I needed a new tractor/loader/backhoe/box blade. I searched the web, walked every tractor lot, read everything i could here...... research.....research some more.... decided I really wanted a SCUT. Then I looked at some and felt good about the price I would have to pay to get a good one. Then I finally came to my senses and admitted that anything BX sized was not gonna make me happy. I started the process over again. I almost bought the Kioti 2610 and if I had I would have been happpy, but in the end I bought a Mahindra 1526 with loader/backhoe and box blade (23,500 out the door). I bought the Mahindra for two reasons...#1 was the dealer. Not only did they bend over backwards to help me on 4 different visits and test drives, but they have a well staffed service center.The owner/dealer admitted his service rates are the highest in the general area and his only response when asked why, was "that's what it takes to keep good mechanics, I don't want to loose my good ones for a buck an hour to some other dealer". I visited the Kioti dealer a couple of times and never was there a mechanic on site and the service bay had very few tools in it. #2 the tractor I bought is a mitsubishi tractor with red paint. they have been making tractors since the beginning of time under their own name and painted other colors as well. I still own a little 13hp mitsu that has been doing more than it should since the mid 80's.
My property is similar to yours... steep and wooded in most areas (13 acres) and gravel drive way that the rain and spinning tires ruts up quickly.
The advice your getting here to step up from SCUT is very good. Yes they cost a little more, but not a lot more.... and if you are anything like most members here, you will own it a long time and the slightly increased payment over the life of the tractor will be forgotten in the long term.

 

[nrosario]

Rutman,

I think you are doing the right thin.

Take your time, is better to wait now and buy the right equipment once, please do not go to the whole effort of buying an equipment that will not completely satisfy your needs... and as someone in this forum said "Buy your second tractor the first time".

 

[HEC]

Lots of good advice here , just try and be sure you buy a brand from a good dealer who is well established in your area so you can get good service now and in the future . I ended up buying a new tractor only to sell it a couple years later because the dealer went under and left me with no service which I ended up needing .