Cat 0 Implements?

[motoalliance]

Hey Board,
We had a designer of implements come to us last year asking us to launch a new line of implements for Cat 0 spacing tractors. CAT- Implements. Well priced and have worked very well. More popular than I would have guessed.

We are considering expanding the line and are open to suggestions about what implements people use. Is a post-hole digger a big deal, for example?

Thanks for any input you have.

 

[WranglerX]

Have SCUT (MF GC 1715) and can't imagine a implement below CAT 1 being useful.... Besides there is a full line of CAT 1 implements that fit all sizes of (even small) tractors....... Implement manufacturer would best consider making CAT 1 implements QUICK HITCH compatible since there seems to be trend to go with QH....

Dale

 

[atsah]

Have SCUT (MF GC 1715) and can't imagine a implement below CAT 1 being useful.... Besides there is a full line of CAT 1 implements that fit all sizes of (even small) tractors....... Implement manufacturer would best consider making CAT 1 implements QUICK HITCH compatible since there seems to be trend to go with QH....

Dale

X2....

 

[motoalliance]

We have Cat 1 in the pipeline with a new patented attachment system (introducing next fall), but I've been amazed at how popular these Cat 0 implements have been -- I was initially a bit skeptical myself. Not for everyone of course, but we sell a few a day these days.

Seems like there are three main advantages guys like:

1. Much less expensive than Cat 1 options.
2. I suspect the weight designed specifically for smaller tractors has been a very big factor. Better suited for 15HP tractors.
3. Can ship free through small package instead of having to set up pallets and lift gate service -- often for another $200 or more.


Since there is a market for them (albeit smaller than Cat 1), I'm wondering about the popular of spreaders, sweepers, lawn rollers, etc. The scrapers, disc harrow, and busters have been the most popular in the existing line. Lots out there but not sure what guys actually use. Any thoughts on best sets of implements?

 

[atsah]

I would imagine anything that doesn't need weight for it work well would probably sell in 0. I find cat 1 implements to be of adequate weight anything less on a 5ft blade etc, wouldn't be as effective..

 

[WranglerX]

We have Cat 1 in the pipeline with a new patented attachment system (introducing next fall), but I've been amazed at how popular these Cat 0 implements have been -- I was initially a bit skeptical myself. Not for everyone of course, but we sell a few a day these days.

Seems like there are three main advantages guys like:

1. Much less expensive than Cat 1 options.
2. I suspect the weight designed specifically for smaller tractors has been a very big factor. Better suited for 15HP tractors.
3. Can ship free through small package instead of having to set up pallets and lift gate service -- often for another $200 or more.


Since there is a market for them (albeit smaller than Cat 1), I'm wondering about the popular of spreaders, sweepers, lawn rollers, etc. The scrapers, disc harrow, and busters have been the most popular in the existing line. Lots out there but not sure what guys actually use. Any thoughts on best sets of implements?

But how many cat 1 implements do you sell a day... Anything at 15 horse power isn't even a serious tractor, its a toy.... Even my riding lawn mower is 22 hp... And I would not even consider hanging something on rear other than a small trailer....The conundrum here is trailer that fits riding mower is to small to do serious work behind my 25 HP tractor...

If you are selling implements good for you, but I don't consider anything under cat 1 as viable for my use and I am a "gentleman" land owner of 5 acres and I only bought tractor to clear land because I am 'old' and need to maintain clear space for California wild fire dangers....

Dale

 

[TheMadOne]

Hey Board,
We had a designer of implements come to us last year asking us to launch a new line of implements for Cat 0 spacing tractors. CAT- Implements. Well priced and have worked very well. More popular than I would have guessed.

We are considering expanding the line and are open to suggestions about what implements people use. Is a post-hole digger a big deal, for example?

Thanks for any input you have.

A brush hog would be a big one. Guys typically have a MMM on whatever CAT 0 they're running, like a Simplicity, but having a shredder would be really nice for some of those guys. Not sure if you could make that budget friendly. A tiller, maybe a single bottom moldboard plow if you think a CAT 0 tractor would have the oomph to pull one...

An adapter to go to CAT 1?

You'll be fighting an uphill battle for any "patented attachment technology" to catch on, unless it's universal like Pats or a quick hitch. We're still using basically the same system Ferguson invented nearly a century ago.

 

[Professor Marvel]

could you give me an example of a cat 0 tractor that could use implements?
does it have a pto?

 

[atsah]

JD 455, garden type tractors.

 

[motoalliance]

Yeah, there is a small gap in garden type tractors....and that is the market. Sometimes it's better to be the main fish in a small pond than a small fish in a large pond. There was nobody in the "official" Cat 0 space when we started. All had to be modified.

A few comments based on the great comments here:

1. Yes, the patented attachment it is very different than three-point hitch and the quick attach system. Ready later this year.

2. There is a VERY large market for small and lighter weight implements than Cat 1.....in fact, much larger than Cat 1 itself -- food plots and such. We have sold well over 10,000 of our ATV/UTV implements in the last four years and they are much smaller than the Cat 0 scale. Pro Implements. Cabela's and Sportsman Guide were taking them by the container load.

3. Again, Cat 0 is a smaller niche to be sure than either ATV/UTV or Cat 1. But I'm surprised at how many sell and so we are looking at adding to the line.


At the end of the day, we are working with a Canadian implement designer to have a full range of implements covering ATV/UTV, Cat 0, Cat 1, and Cat 2.

Thanks again for the helpful comments.

 

[atsah]

If you're working with a Canadian implement designer, I would say whatever they make for you will be quality products, I have a few and they make good stuff.. Good luck..

 

[Professor Marvel]

ok
are they heavy enough to get traction for these implements? I don't know about quick hitch stuff because they are probably light enough to muscle around pretty easy. 22 hp is enough power if it can get a hold on the ground. Are there 4 wd units in cat 0. They should do ok. I am guessing the demand for these would be in residential developments.
That PHD you spoke of might be a good idea.
I will check back here and see what people have to say. I am guessing there might well be a demand for these implements.

 

[TheMadOne]

A few early subcompacts and several garden tractors used CAT 0, IIRC. I can't think of a model still in production using the standard, but it existed for awhile.

 

[Professor Marvel]

you know now that I think about it more I think Kubota made a B1550 that was a cat 0. Maybe even a B1750 as well or something close.
Do some of the small SCUTs have a cat 0 setup? My little B2150 has a cat 1

 

[atsah]

Do some of the small SCUTs have a cat 0 setup?

Not that I know of.. Maybe some of the simplicity tractors have cat 0.

 

[Code54]

I would think a spreader would be useful - better if it was fairly rust proof (can sling fertilizer in the summer, salt in the winter for the driveway)

A small brush cutter, somewhere around 32-36" could be handy for people that have some rougher areas where a finish mower would take a beating.

 

[motoalliance]

Man, this is super helpful.

There is a couple with bids on our Ebay auctions listings right now that end in an hour.....we'll see if a few more go: Sign in or Register | eBay


Thanks again for the great insight here. It's really helpful.

 

[Code54]

Good luck!!! Glad to help!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

From what I see on the site, I could go buy cat 1 implements for just a little bit more ($50). Much more weight, sturdier construction. Just IMHO.

 

[Wagtail]

The type of tractor 3PH Category that you would be most interested are the ones listed as "Cat 1 (Limited)"... These are the small SCUTs that will take a Cat 1 implement but there is a LOT of fiddling to get them mounted/removed on the 3PH as the implements are just too high without a fair bit of buggering-about. Some owners resort to a ramp IOT raise the back-end of their tractors up to put them on/off.