Is sub compact big enough?

[rScotty]

It's not all about HP. Some of the small utility tractors didn't have much horsepower, but I wouldn't call them sub compact. You saw them more 20/30 years ago than now.
These were real little tractors. But smaller. Apparently they were normal ag machines in a lot of the world, they just looked funny by US standards.
They had most big tractor features: a 15 to 18 hp diesel, 4wd with regular differential lock, steering brakes. A 6 or 8 speed standard transmission with high and low range, a regular size PTO., a real loader with a full length subframe that would handle 750 lbs. and a full size cat 1 3pt hitch that would lift 1000 lbs at the hitch points. Extra hydraulic and PTO if wanted.
There's still a few around.
rScotty

 

[jyoutz]

Already have zero turn. 100 hours may be exaggerated. The point being that I would use a SCUT for twice as many tasks as a larger tractor.

If you have a zero turn for mowing, why would you want a SCUT when you have 18 acres? Most people buy SCUTs when they are going to use it for yard mowing and a few other tasks. You already have a yard mower, so buy a CUT for doing other tasks on your land.

 

[California]

It's not all about HP. Some of the small utility tractors didn't have much horsepower, but I wouldn't call them sub compact. You saw them more 20/30 years ago than now.
These were real little tractors. But smaller. Apparently they were normal ag machines in a lot of the world, they just looked funny by US standards.
They had most big tractor features: a 15 to 18 hp diesel, 4wd with regular differential lock, steering brakes. A 6 or 8 speed standard transmission with high and low range, a regular size PTO., a real loader with a full length subframe that would handle 750 lbs. and a full size cat 1 3pt hitch that would lift 1000 lbs at the hitch points. Extra hydraulic and PTO if wanted.
There's still a few around.
rScotty

Yep.

I downsized from my Yanmar YM240 (24 hp) to a YM186D (18hp, power steering, PowerShift) and the little guy is far more useful. It runs a 4 ft rotary mower fine. It's working its heart out with the 55 inch rototiller that belongs with the YM240 but its doable. If it could lift the 750 lb backhoe that I need to remove stumps in the apple orchard, then I wouldn't need the larger tractor at all.

Do a careful survey of what you need a tractor for, buy accordingly. That heavy JD sounds like overkill for your application!

 

[PreacherM]

Good advice. I made a list of all the tasks I would use a tractor for. I then put a rating of 1-5 for each task on how well a SCUT or CUT would work for that. The SCUT scored 93, CUT scored 84. They both had one zero.

I'm curious to hear from others who "bought too small" and later traded up. I'm esp. referring to purchasing used. Did you lose money in the process?

 

[ZTMAN]

I have a BX, and am looking at Grand Ls now. I have come to the preliminary conclusion that for the work I do, the BX is better suited because the Grand L would be limited in wooded areas because of its size. No doubt the Grand L would be faster at some tasks, but would not be able to get in some areas where I take the BX.

What I intend to do is rent a compact tractor for a day to test out the larger size. It is worth the rental fee to help make a decision.

I would assume rental places around you will have SCUTs available so you can see if they are up to the tasks you want a tractor to perform.

As far as loosing money on trading, we are in strange times. Used tractors in good condition are bringing crazy money. Messicks has a good video on tractor depreciation. May want to take a look at that.

 

[Erik M]

If you need a SCUT, buy one, but personally I would keep the 2010 for when you need to blow snow, run a chipper, brush hog a field, etc. The 2010 was designed as a real tractor used in Agriculture and designed to last and to work hard. The SCUT is a rich man’s toy and useful life is measured in hundred of hours and not thousands. Buy the right tool for the job but if I could only have one I would keep the larger 2010, with regular maintenance your kids could probably use it for their life too.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Nothing runs like a Deere...... away from a Kioti !

 

[California]

I looked at Tractordata's description of the GC1705. It seems comparable to my 40 year old YM186D with only a couple of differences: double my 550 lb 3-point lift capacity, and the Massey has 3 inches less ground clearance.

I wouldn't consider the Massey if it doesn't have a loader.

Look again at my photos above, and consider if something that small is a good match for your application. You didn't describe any real farming, just grounds and forest maintenance, and snow removal, so the little GC1705 might be all you need for your application. But if it is deficient in any aspect then by all means, go larger.

 

[Jchonline]

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'?

A SCUT is for the 1 or 2 acres around your home…and they are great at it. Very maneuverable, not too heavy, versatile…If you keep and mow 1 or 2 acres around your home they are the way to go. For 18 acres of property maintenance…you are barking up the wrong tree.

If all you want to do is mow a bit, why not look at a Kubota L01 series or equivalent other brand? They run a rotary cutter on flat ground just fine (L2501 and up). It also wont cost you that much more $$.

 

[IndyJay]

Nothing runs like a Deere...... away from a Kioti !

Green tractor good. Orange tractor bad. Oops, wrong thread.

 

[Williy]

Is it just me that see's the price of the
Green & Orange machines cost so
much more for less???
Orange with loader L2501DT - $18,500
Green no loader $19,308.00
LS 125 with loader $14,360
prices are from the first tractors that
I found on the net

willy

 

[cathy liebchen]

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'?

Get the L3901

 

[mikester]

If money and space were no object ...

and

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

Seems to be a contradiction... instead of buying 2 tractors why not buy the bigger one and be done

 

[milkman636]

I own a 35 hp cut, and a 23 hp scut. I like the scut for odds and ends, mowing the lawn, and light tasks. For tasks like grading the drive, moving dirt or tree work, it’s time for the bigger machine. The bigger tractor just does so much better at those things. You are also 100% correct that the little one is so handy and easy to use that it gets used a lot more. If I had to recommend just one tractor for task that don’t involve mowing the yard, I’d probably pick one in between the two that I have. Something like a Deere 20xxR series or a Kubota LX series would probably be ideal. The little SCUTs lack a bit in ground clearance and grunt for everything a typical rural homeowner might want to do. There’s my 2 cents.

 

[nrosario]

How about a small compact!?
For example:
Kubota B2601, Deere 2025r, LS MT225S, Massey 1526, Kioti cx2510, Branson 2610H, Mahindra Max, etc

They are more capable than a sub-compact, but agile enough to be close to the house and able to maneuver.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

^^^^^^ Yep!

 

[sansbury]

Why not look at this another way: if you can get the used SCUT for a good price, buy it—what do you have to lose?

If you find yourself getting the “I need more tractor” feelings, you can always sell or trade it without much loss so long as you bought well.

 

[jyoutz]

How about a small compact!?
For example:
Kubota B2601, Deere 2025r, LS MT225S, Massey 1526, Kioti cx2510, Branson 2610H, Mahindra Max, etc

They are more capable than a sub-compact, but agile enough to be close to the house and able to maneuver.

Not to mention the vulnerability of the BX HST cooling fan underneath that can be destroyed in the woods.

 

[IndyJay]

I own a 35 hp cut, and a 23 hp scut. I like the scut for odds and ends, mowing the lawn, and light tasks. For tasks like grading the drive, moving dirt or tree work, it’s time for the bigger machine. The bigger tractor just does so much better at those things. You are also 100% correct that the little one is so handy and easy to use that it gets used a lot more. If I had to recommend just one tractor for task that don’t involve mowing the yard, I’d probably pick one in between the two that I have. Something like a Deere 20xxR series or a Kubota LX series would probably be ideal. The little SCUTs lack a bit in ground clearance and grunt for everything a typical rural homeowner might want to do. There’s my 2 cents.

Funny, reading your thread reminds me of my experience with chainsaws. The first one I bought was Stihl 026 with an 18" bar. I wanted something that would be big enough for most chores. Years later I bought a Stihl MS180c with a 14" bar which was much lighter. I found that I use the MS180 for nearly everything and only bring out the heavier one when I am cutting something big. Now considering a DeWalt cordless to take around with me on the tractor for those cases where you just need to hop off and cut one branch off or clear a fallen tree blocking a trail. I can see where that might become the go-to saw for little, quick jobs.

 

[Dale Mercer]

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'?

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'?

A Year ago I bought a Massey 1723e with a loader and back hoe. It was 5000 cheaper that a JD and 1500 cheaper than a Kobota . with the money I saved I bought front end forks, a Gabble bucket and a ft. rototiller. I got 130 hours on it and so far I love it. I'm not surprised what it will not do but very surprised at what it can do.