Big difference in turning radius: Kioti NX5510 vs Kubota MX5200 vs Mihindra 2555

[DieselBound]

Also look at how easy removing the FEL is. I often do remove it when brushhoging because it's so ridiculously easy. Literally less than a minute after some practice.

Luke, as I mentioned, I tend to take side trips and pick here and there at things off to the sides of where I'm mowing: I am slowly expanding pasture. The tooth bar on my bucket allows me to snag blackberry canes that are shooting out into the pasture areas. And, I sometimes push beyond where I really ought to go: that's hidden code for getting stuck! (I will push myself out with the loader; it's a bit less these days as I tend to be a little less adventuresome [more adverse to getting stuck]). But, yeah, it would be nice to one day run around mowing without a loader bouncing around!

 

[motownbrowne]

Also look at how easy removing the FEL is. I often do remove it when brushhoging because it's so ridiculously easy. Literally less than a minute after some practice.

Yep, I take mine off if I'm not going to be using it for a few days. It's really fast and easy to take on and off, and I'm using boards on soft ground that isn't even flat. Do it on a slab, and it'd be a complete cake walk.

 

[paulfun9]

Do you bring our own dyno? Do you bring a measured weights to determine loader lift capabilities?

Yes, I can measure this myself, but if people aren't measuring these other things then I think it's a bit inconsistent to expect me to have to measure what I believe is important to me. Again, we're talking roughly $30,000; brake assisted turning was implemented because folks a long time ago needed extra maneuverability.

As far as bringing tools... I've done that for cars, used cars. Not sure if a dealer with new vehicles is going to allow you to start popping things off.

If someone wants to sell me a tractor then they're going to have to work at it. Clearly, in this case, they haven't worked hard enough (had someone fact-checked/QA'd their sales info then this might

You would be very surprised at some of the things I have tested and how on new machines.

 

[SteveM70]

I am surprised at the amount of comments from folks who just have little to no need for brake steer.

When I was clearing land brake steer was used quite often in my situation. There were several occasions when (on a muddy side slope for instance) it was the only way to get where I was going. There were other times I just used it to manuver around trees in the woods when tearing out a little patch of ground was no bigger a deal than backing up then going forward again.

Not arguing against anybody's point, just pointing out that there is situations (similar to the op's) where it can be very useful.

 

[LD1]

Just measured my Mx.

Not sure where it's supposed to be measured from, rear tires or fronts, as the front makes a wider arc. center of tire or outside, but....

Radius to center of rear tires.....9'5"....total circle made 18'10"

Outside of rear tires.......10'2" radius 20'4" circle diameter.

And the front tires tracked tracked exactly 1 foot outside the rears. So a 10'5" radius to center...and a 11'2" circle outside.

That makes the diameter 22'4".

Hard to believe I could drive in circles INSIDE a 24' garage with no loader and implements....but I can.

 

[DieselBound]

I am surprised at the amount of comments from folks who just have little to no need for brake steer.

When I was clearing land brake steer was used quite often in my situation. There were several occasions when (on a muddy side slope for instance) it was the only way to get where I was going. There were other times I just used it to manuver around trees in the woods when tearing out a little patch of ground was no bigger a deal than backing up then going forward again.

Not arguing against anybody's point, just pointing out that there is situations (similar to the op's) where it can be very useful.

I agree. I'm not well-versed in using brake-turning, but it's always nice to have ways to deal with an "emergency" situation. As I've noted, I've got a lot of trees. I've also got a lot of wet areas and if you aren't careful you can get into a jamb really quickly. I rarely use diff-lock, but it HAS saved me a number of times.

I asked the kubota dealer how Kubota measures their turning radius. The response wasn't all that decipherable, not any real technical answer. I was told to come by and drive the tractor for an hour or so. Really, I'd love to have the time to do this, but I'm busy. If folks want to sell tractors then they should make the effort to do the leg work.

paulfun9, I'm sure you have gone to extraordinary lengths to assess a piece of equipment. I could see this for something that's in the $100k+ range. And I could especially see this for used equipment, where one is trying to establish how "used" the equipment really is.

Here's a sampling of what my environment is like:



Reference picture for fencing: alder tree in foreground has been taken out and the stump is going to be removed this weekend. This is "established" pasture: about 70' to the rear is an area where you cannot take ANY machinery. Other areas are bit more difficult to work in, needing extensive clearing. It's the price for maintaining trees. I'll be running a flail mower on the tractor that I get; that'll help cut down on the outside swing (over using a rotary mower as I currently do).

 

[DieselBound]

LD1, excellent contribution!

Measurements are without brake-assist, yes?

When thinking about trying to mow close the things I can see that it's the inner rear wheel track that would tend to matter most.

Just ran across this (from http://standardsproposals.bsigroup.com//home//getpdf//1453):

3.4 turning diameter: Diameter of the circular path described by the center of tire contact
with the surface of the test site of the wheel describing the largest circle when the tractor is
executing its sharpest practicable turn under the test conditions described in clause 5. (See
figure 2.)
3.5 clearance diameter: Diameter of the smallest circle which will enclose the outer most
points of projection of the tractor and its equipment while executing its sharpest practicable
turn. (See figure 2.)

 

[TSO]

The only time I've used brake assist on my machines is A) discing/tilling, for a tighter turn when the ground gets chewed and soft, B) pushing/pulling snow, when the front tires aren't gripping well due to slippery conditions.

Personally I don't understand why the extra foot of turning radius is getting this much attention. The numbers are still close, relative to each other. It's probably more connected to wheelbase and axle positioning, part of the overall design characteristics of the machine... Than anything else. I doubt it speaks in any way to build quality.

Additionally, another consideration for the numbers as listed, would be: are the rims/tires setup at their narrowest, middle, or widest position when tested.

Now I'm curious what my turning radius is on my Massey... I'll have to test it at some point. Even still ... It would be one is the LAST spec-comparisons I'd worry about when comparing machines.

 

[oldpilgrim]

specs say my tractor has a 7.9 ft turning radius. Just throwing it out there.

 

[DieselBound]

The only time I've used brake assist on my machines is A) discing/tilling, for a tighter turn when the ground gets chewed and soft, B) pushing/pulling snow, when the front tires aren't gripping well due to slippery conditions.

Personally I don't understand why the extra foot of turning radius is getting this much attention. The numbers are still close, relative to each other. It's probably more connected to wheelbase and axle positioning, part of the overall design characteristics of the machine... Than anything else. I doubt it speaks in any way to build quality.

Additionally, another consideration for the numbers as listed, would be: are the rims/tires setup at their narrowest, middle, or widest position when tested.

Now I'm curious what my turning radius is on my Massey... I'll have to test it at some point. Even still ... It would be one is the LAST spec-comparisons I'd worry about when comparing machines.

Not sure what you're referring to when you state "extra foot of turning radius." My first post mentions extremes (posted specs) of 8.9' and 13.1'. And, again, I appreciate that others have different requirements; I'd hope that people can respect my others' requirements.

As evidenced by that standards proposal document that I linked to above there IS a concern: it's likely an even greater concern for big tractors.