Can't decide which scut to buy!

[LS Tractor Owner]

Don't forget, there are 2 LS 225 tractors. The MT225-S is the same relative size as the CK2510, and yes is lighter (1764 lbs vs. the Kioti at 2260 lbs).

Then there is the LS MT225-E. This LS is the same relative size as the Kioti CK2610 (next larger size). Both of the LS tractors are 25 hp, but use different engines (Yanmar vs. Mitsubishi). The 225-S has the Yanmar (built as a 25hp), the MT225-E has a de-rated (30hp down to 25 hp) Mitsubishi. The Kioti CK2610 also has an engine that has been 'de-rated' to meet emissions requirements.

The 225-E weighs in at 2437 lbs, bare tractor. My LS XG3025 (225-E) TLB weighs in at almost 5000 lbs.

 

[crazyal]

Stop by a couple of dealers and sit on them. See if one seems to fit you better or if one just seems wrong. At this point HST transmissions are just as proven as any other type. I wouldn't avoid HST simply because you think it will not last. There are disadvantages, mainly that the HP loss due to the hydraulic pump. But there are many advantages. One of the biggest is that you set your engine RPM for what you are doing and it doesn't impact how slow you can go. The reason why HST is so popular with small tractors is that to use the PTO you need to rev the motor up to get the proper speed and max HP (since you only have a limited amount). Yet when you rev the motor up both shuttle and gears with a clutch suddenly become much harder to use. Now if you're mowing a big wide open field it's not an issue. But if you are mowing around bushes and stuff near a house, not so much.

If you are looking at a backhoe on a small tractor to remove stumps be prepared to spend lots of time unless they are small stumps. A scut is 1000 times easier than a shovel but they just aren't made to be ripping a stump from an 18" diameter tree out of the ground. My full size Case will do it in a couple minutes. A scut could take hours. Think of it like pulling a trailer with a truck. If you have 50 hp you can pull a trailer with the right gearing but you are going to be going a heck of a lot slower than if you have 500 hp. Just be realistic. Most people make the mistake of thinking it will work and under sizing for what they really want to do. They buy a tractor that's too small then in a short time sell it (at a loss) to upgrade.

A tractor can be a lifetime purchase, like a house. A few extra bucks spent now can mean not only saving money down the road but a much more enjoyable experience when doing the work. Of course not everyone has an unlimited budget (otherwise most of us would have a dozen different tractors) but the two biggest mistakes are letting a budget drive the decision on what to purchase over everything else and misconceptions on things like "is HST bad" or "I don't want the emission controls on larger engines". Keep an open mind.

 

[kenmbz]

I will agree, takes me some hours to pull out big stumps. It will do it, but not like a bigger tractor.
I just finished plowing the road and 2 driveways with my SCUT, all good for 14" of snow. Bucket back on to push over snow banks.
HST is great for this, lots of stops and goes and reverses.

With an extra 1000 pounds, I can see how every function would be faster. Miss the old IH our neighbors has in MA. But it would not work in my forest.

 

[Truautorepair000]

Well guys, I pulled the trigger today. I looked at the mt225 vs mt122. I guess I felt like the mt122 was just a good fit for my needs, and more realistic. You know, itll be used so much more for mowing my current property, with grading and such in between. 75% mowing and the rest dirt work. I couldn't justify the extra thousand for the mt125 since I don't have much plans for pto implements, other than MMM. Same GPM meant the dirt work should be fine. The mt122 should be delivered Monday. I know mostly all of you suggested buy the bigger machine now and enjoy it for life, vs "trying to get by" with the scut considering we are purchasing a larger piece of land for the next step in life. But I am hoping the choice we made will serve us well. Thanks for all the pointers gentleman!

 

[Xhoghead]

For what it's worth. I've had all kinds of transmissions on a number of brands. I still have a geared tractor for field work if I need it. However, a hydr transmission is the only way to go for what it sounds like you are going to do. I found out that any time you use an implement hooked to the pto, hydro is superior to geared transmissions. For example, I've had a snow blower hooked up to a geared tractor. On some of the drifts I needed to keep up RPM but the tractor could only go so slow in the lowest gear. I ended up breaking shear bolts because I couldn't go slow enough. With hydro, you can keep up the rpm's and slow down to whatever speed you need, including stopping to let it empty out. The same is true if you use a mower or rototiller. My favorite transmission is the HST Plus on Kubota tractors. The first time I used one, I knew it was for me.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Congrats on your new tractor! I think you will be happy with your choice! Post some pics when you get it, both this thread and the LS thread :thumbsup:

 

[4570Man]

For what it's worth. I've had all kinds of transmissions on a number of brands. I still have a geared tractor for field work if I need it. However, a hydr transmission is the only way to go for what it sounds like you are going to do. I found out that any time you use an implement hooked to the pto, hydro is superior to geared transmissions. For example, I've had a snow blower hooked up to a geared tractor. On some of the drifts I needed to keep up RPM but the tractor could only go so slow in the lowest gear. I ended up breaking shear bolts because I couldn't go slow enough. With hydro, you can keep up the rpm's and slow down to whatever speed you need, including stopping to let it empty out. The same is true if you use a mower or rototiller. My favorite transmission is the HST Plus on Kubota tractors. The first time I used one, I knew it was for me.

Not only is the HST better for pretty much everything short of pulling a plow you will still likely get pto work done faster even with the power loss. Putting the convince factor aside you can match the speed 100 percent to the conditions. A gear tractors has no choice but to take the slower gear. A big tractor with a bunch of gears can probably find one without compromising but a little tractor that only has 4x2 is almost always compromising. You might have more power available but be stuck using 80 percent because you can’t power through the next gear up.

 

[Blue Mule]

Don't forget, there are 2 LS 225 tractors. The MT225-S is the same relative size as the CK2510, and yes is lighter (1764 lbs vs. the Kioti at 2260 lbs).

Then there is the LS MT225-E. This LS is the same relative size as the Kioti CK2610 (next larger size). Both of the LS tractors are 25 hp, but use different engines (Yanmar vs. Mitsubishi). The 225-S has the Yanmar (built as a 25hp), the MT225-E has a de-rated (30hp down to 25 hp) Mitsubishi. The Kioti CK2610 also has an engine that has been 'de-rated' to meet emissions requirements.

The 225-E weighs in at 2437 lbs, bare tractor. My LS XG3025 (225-E) TLB weighs in at almost 5000 lbs.

I have one of those de-rated Mitsubishi engines and I sure wish I knew of a way to re-rate it to 30 HP!

 

[Cycledude]

What is a scut ?

 

[airbiscuit]

Sub-Compact Utility Tractor

In this case an LS MT122
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