Can't decide which scut to buy!

[rScotty]

I don’t think you’ll find a larger tractor overkill and probably find the scut too small.

I'd agree with that. Particularly since you are already planning to move to a larger property. Ground clearance is more important than you realize on a tractor until you start to use it. Ground clearance becomes mechanical reliability too easily in the rough.

There is a third option on the transmission, and you will see it a lot on tractors as an option - it's so common it's not much advertised. I'm speaking of some sort of power reversing lever or solenoid. Sometmes called reversing, or power shift. Basically it adds a synchronized reversing shaft to a manual transmission and includes automatically engaged fast clutch pacs to handle the clutching and dampen the jerk of the direction change. THe result is one quick hand motion gently reverses the direction between forward and reverse but with full power. Whatever gear you were in going one direction.... now you are in the same gear ratio but going the other way. Very reliable and bulletproof. I find it to be as handy as HST. Better than HST when doing anything that needs constant speed like mowing or ground engaging implements. It's also a very popular tranny on larger tractors.

HST seem to be more reliable than you are giving them credit for.... but yes, difficult to rebuild if needed. The real problem I have with HST is that in small tractors they tend towards a HST with fewer speeds. Small tractors need more gears; not less gears.
rScotty

 

[Truautorepair000]

Kubota surprised me with one of the cheaper quotes around. Bx23s tlbm for 21600. I know many of you are sharing ideas with me about stepping up to a compact b series but I have trouble justifying a larger model at this time.

 

[airbiscuit]

You can trade the BX in for a B model later.

 

[kenmbz]

I have over 6 acres, lots of woods and tight places that fit the SCUT.
If you have over 5 acres and space to move around, a CUT will work great for you.
I put a shield over my HST fan and spacers so I get more stability on the hills. BH removed lots of stumps.
Just plowed over 700' of driveway, dug lots of trenches, moved 10 tons or so of gravel. cords of wood. etc.

So SCUT for tight spaces, easy transport, but if you can swing it a CUT will move more, lift more etc.

 

[airbiscuit]

Go to the Kubota Dealer and test drive a BX and a B. The B isn't that much bigger - just enough. Your zen will tell you which to buy.

 

[airbiscuit]

I hate to show you this because it will just enable you. A SCUT is certainly handy, and will put a smile on your face. At best it will be all the tractor you need At worst, it will be a good starter tractor

 

[mred2]

There are a lot of the LS models being sold around here. And I have a need for a larger tractor. However, my son has a SCUT and together we have the best of both worlds. I have a shuttle shift. But it is not a power shuttle. Because of my right foot, I don't want a HST. But I think you should really look at all the HST's. They are really dependable and would be something that your wife could drive. Today's HST are solid and most new tractors carry a long warranty on the power train.

As far as size. Bigger is better some of time. The smaller units have little to no emissions. They can do a lot but it takes more time. They can go into smaller places but do not have the weight and power to do the bigger jobs. Look at what is the biggest job you want to do and size the attachment to do that with, and the tractor that it fits. Also, when you get more land, make sure the jobs are something you want to do or hire someone to do it. If my son didn't have a SCUT, I would have one and my 50HP.
My LS tractor and dealer has been great for me.

 

[Randy Gann]

I grew up driving old geared ag tractors such as Ford 8N, Farmall Super A and Cub, Allis Chalmers B and Oliver 550. So I had no problem with a geared tractor when I purchased a used Massey 1528. I know I got a better price because it was a geared tractor. My 1528 is so much nicer to operate than those old ag tractors. . . 3 range transmission, diff lock and 4wd. Never had HST so have never missed it. You might have similar experience. Not saying HST is bad just saying geared may be fine. However, I will agree with others that you may want to consider a heavier tractor. My 1528 is similar in size to a Kubota B series. The extra weight will come in handy in ground engaging work such as pulling a box scrape. The SCUT can do the work, but it is going to take more time to get the same work done. You will be able to find used implements for the larger tractor more easily than for the SCUT.

 

[Truautorepair000]

I do appreciate all the feedback, and perspective. I really need to go to the dealers on Saturday and see everything in person to finally decide. I have my eyes set on a different model each day, haha.

 

[Buggs67]

My take.

I have a CK2510 with backhoe. I have 11 acres and 1/3 mile driveway to maintain. I'm glad I went with a CUT even when I only had 2 acres. The CUT is not much bigger than the SCUTs but much better in ground engagement.

FWIW my BIL was so impressed with my tractor over the 2 months he borrowed it that he went out and bought one; an LS MT225 TLB and he loves it. It's lighter (significantly which is NOT a good thing) but has similar capabilities to my CUT. It has more features than mine because it's 6 years newer.

If you plan on doing real grading with a BB or rear blade you will need the weight of a CUT. And if you plan on grading with the loader you will need a tooth bar. I have the Piranha and my BIL is making his own with replacement teeth he purchased (he has MIG and TIG welders)