compact/subcompact, what HP??

[Bob_Skurka]

Henro . . . <<<OFF THIS THREAD'S TOPIC BUT RELATED TO YOUR POST ABOUT THE 3PT HITCH ON THE SUB-COMPACTS>>> what if you put longer lower arms on the BX and a hydraulic top link with a long cylinder throw. You'd change some of the geometry of the 3pt on the BX and that would allow you to lift implements higher. Of course you could end up lifting the front of the BX off the ground because the implement weight would be moved back a bit, and you'd probably have to test the capabilities, but some front wheel weights or suitcase weights would keep you grounded.

 

[RalphVa]

About the smallest compact tractor with full Cat 1 capability seems to be the JD 4010, an 18 hp 3 cylinder diesel.

Think I'll look at it, but will also check out the JD 4115. This seems to be the smallest direct injection diesel, more economical and easier to start. Will also look at the BX 1830 and possibly one of the small Kubota B models.

I've 8.5 acres and can use some FEL ability and bush hog to spell my Gravely on snow moving and hogging and to provide FEL ability that it doesn't have.

Ralph

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Ralph . . . with 8.5 acres, and with minimal price differences, why not look at the B7500, NH TC24 or similar size tractors? Just a step up from the sub-compacts but you might find that slight increase in size useful for some of the farm & landscape chores that 8.5 acres brings??

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> what if you put longer lower arms on the BX and a hydraulic top link with a long cylinder throw. </font>

Bob, I think this is somewhat related to the thread...as 3PH limitations could push the poster towards a larger HP tractor.

I am planning on doing a couple things to hopefully give some more capability to the bx 3ph. One is to add Pat's Easy Change system to the ends of the lower arms, which will give them a little more length and also help make up for their somewhat narrow spread.

It is also possible to get a little more lift by drilling new holes in either the lower arms or the linkage pieces that attach to the lower arms. There have been posts showing how others here at tbn have done this.

The final thing could be a hydraulic top cylinder...had not considered that...but I need to put T&T on my B2910 first...and that may drain the "play money portion" of the bank account for this year... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

If I were to have only one tractor, I would want one that had a fully capable 3PH, so I guess in my case the BX would not fit my needs. Fortunately the bx is not my only tractor... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[clundog]

Kevin,
I don't know how close all of your dealers are, but I do know I sit/drive them all given the chance! In addition to the big boys I'd look at the CK20 Kioti and the 2015 Mahindra. Good luck with your decision.

 

[rbarker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If I were to have only one tractor, I would want one that had a fully capable 3PH, so I guess in my case the BX would not fit my needs. Fortunately the bx is not my only tractor... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>

Just thought I should point out here that there are vendors who make "estate" attachments that work perfectly on the BX series cat 1 3PH system. I have a back blade and "york" rake that will spin around completely when raised. If you are buying new this should be a non-issue. If you already own Cat 1 3PH attachements then Henro is right, they may not work quite as well.

 

[art]

First I'd look at the money you want to invest and then look at the tractors. THe BX1500 with a 54" deck can get you started as economically as you will find. It is not to heavy so as to cause compaction to the lawn but yet it has a complete line of options for most all jobs a tractor that size can handle.

 

[NIXON]

Kevin .
I've probably got more questions than answers for you .
(I haven't read all the posts ) . Do you plan on more than just mowing ? Maybe some snow clearing, gravel drive work ? Or , post hole digging ,maybe a bit of moving material ?
I'm asking this because I've found more uses for my machine than I'd originally anticipated . Look at machines in the 20 -25 hp range if you want more than a mower . I'd also suggest 4wd . Go to each of the manufacturers forums ,and ask questions about the machines . When you think you have it down to a few machines , go to the dealers and look ,sit on, and drive them . It'll become apparent as to what you need then . John

 

[frank_f15]

will agree with BOB; at least look at the kubota b series or aoter name brands in the same size, not only will u pick up a few HP but will also gain some ground clearence if that might be improtant to u

 

[yooperdave]

Hi Kevin,

Have you considered a Power Trac? Nothing offers as many options and versatility for a smaller tractor.

I can save you some shipping costs if you buy real soon...

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[RalphVa]

I visited a farm just being started up this weekend. This couple bought 5 acres of pasture land. They're putting about half of it into veggie gardening and plan a fruit tree area and wild area. They currently have a large greenhouse and live in a solar-powered trailer. They just sunk a 500' well.

Their tractor is a BCS, similar to a Gravely. In fact, theirs has the same size 12 hp Kohler engine as my Gravely. They could only afford the tiller and trencher plow, and that's all they currently need.

The BCS also has snow blower capability. It apparently doesn't offer a cart though. Think you could fabricate a cart to attach to the PTO end with big castor wheels on it. Rotate the handlebars opposite, and it would be a front end cart for carrying things. I've picked up HUGE rocks and moved them in my Gravely dump cart.

Unless you have lots of need for a FEL and are very lazy, I wonder about needing a very big tractor on only 3.6 acres. Then only buy one if you can pay cash for it.

Ralph

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> Unless you have lots of need for a FEL and are very lazy, I wonder about needing a very big tractor on only 3.6 acres. </font>

Or have little time, or a bad back, or want to be more productive, etc... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue">Unless you have lots of need for a FEL and are very lazy, I wonder about needing a very big tractor on only 3.6 acres. </font>

I love it!

Ralph, now my wife has a way to measure my lazyness...All she has to do is count my tractors!

I think this requires some refinement though.

Probably best to start another thread..."Developing the TBN Lazyness Index AKA the TBNLI... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TBNLI = (total tractor HP) / (acres tractors used on)

For me that would be (30 + 22 + 20) / 3.7 = 19.46

Wow! That sounds pretty lazy! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Maybe I should not count that old 20HP gas MTD garden tractor /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Oh well, untill proven otherwise, I claim the title of:

Most Lazy TBN member! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I wish you would have suggested something that would result in a positive reason to add tractors though. I'm afraid if my wife stumbles on this train of thought I may regret it... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I better just wear that title in the closet until dethroned... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[dwnsouth]

I feel your pain! Plenty of choices out there. I just purchase the other day a JD 4010 with a 54" belly. I have 3 acres with more than enough trees. I thought about the compact and have a friend who recently purchased one. He went with the B1800 and the only complaint is clearance limits what he is able to do with the subcompact. (He had trouble with a simple Box Blade.) With that I went for something a lil more in height but same horsepower. The price I got from the dealer was about the same as the sub with same horsepower. Good luck with your decision!