So, I actually like Moss Road's threads, and a reasonable amount of the time, I agree. The problem with this thread isn't the exchanges, it is the provocative title -
Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong. This is a
Compact Tractor Forum ("TractorByNet is the world's largest resource and community for compact tractors, featuring forums, news, reviews, photos, how-to information, and questions & answers."), and Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong, can be translated as Compact Tractors are Dumb. One could infer from that that Compact Tractor Owners are Dumb. And then the fight started.
unch:
The thing is, I'm not sure there is one universally perfect machine for all tasks and all sizes. The first tractor I owned as a poor newlywed was a 1941 John Deere B hand (flywheel) start. It was awesome to have, and saved me a lot of work. It is a dinosaur compared to my 40hp New Holland CUT. I had a Bobcat skidsteer, that was much better for loader work than my CUT, but I sold it because a CUT better served all my needs. I don't feel the need to say skidsteers are designed all wrong. In fact they are designed very well for their intended use.
I have a small frame CUT, a large frame CUT and a Simplicity Conquest mower (may upgrade to a SCUT if I stumble across a bargain). In my dreams, I would also have:
A Skidsteer
A Telehandler (for the cool factor alone)
A John Deere 3010 Diesel
A Powertrac (for the cute factor alone)
That's my 2 cents. :2cents:
You're right, on one account (not sure of a universal fix)... but I still agree with the "provocative title", and I hope it 'provocates' with someone in the tractor industry with enough influence.
Why? For the greater majority of compact tractor usage... they are, indeed, all wrong.
For no more than it costs, I can't understand why more manufacturers aren't offering bi-directional tractors... at least that would be a start.
Secondly, positive engagement CVTs should've been implemented long ago. John Deere spent millions in codeveloping the CVT available in their 6000 series... but can't be bothered to utilize readily available parts to assemble one for a compact. HSTs are taking over the compact segment... but they're costly. Not in the capital sense... but in power losses. I get why they developed the CVT for large tractors. Efficiency effects bottom lines for the buyer. On the flip side, a CUT needs every last one of it's hawses... and HSTs turn them into 30% smaller ponies.
Third... with the advancements in battery technology, we should've AT LEAST seen a competitive subcompact electric by now, if not a compact.
Fourth... with the outdoor power industry's push for more power over the last few years, there is a PLETHORA of gas engines rated at 38+hp continuous duty cycle. That being said... anybody remember some of the 70's 35-40hp gas tractors? One of my old neighbors had one... and I can see why, after operating it and looking at today's emissions challenges. It was more responsive, quieter, better balanced, had plenty of power, and was easier to work on than a Model T. Sure, it drank more gallons... but in a world where diesel costs an average of 40% more, I would gladly own one. Just imagine the flexibility in a chassis design that uses a small 1000cc V-twin!
Fifth, is traction system advancement. Light duty tracks are a feasible option these days. There are several manufacturers, but I don't know of anyone offering them OEM on a CUT or subcompact, aside from Antonio Cararro. I'm all about more traction with less ground compaction... even more reason for a gas version.
Sixth, [let's beat a dead horse here] HANDS-FREE QUICK ATTACH! For God's sake, this can't be screamed loud enough. Increased productivity, MUCH safer, and little to no added cost.
There is no "one size fits all"... and for those with more conventional needs, those options will always be there....
...but looking objectively at the work performed by most CUT owners, there are simply better platform designs. The only time I see a convemtional CUT doing work it's best designed for... is rear attchment grade work, plowing, pulling stumps/logs, and mowing open areas that don't require finished edge work.
For a lot of CUT owners, that might be all they do... but for a lot of us (especially the middle-aged to retirement age group who buy them), we see room for improvement.
If any of you have seen an Aebi EC170... I could really go for one of those a shade bigger, with 38hp, front and rear PTO, and a quick attach light material FEL. Think light duty skid steer for less than $20k... new, with a warranty. I dig the old Jacobsen and Bucher tractors, as well (think shrunken ToolCat).
From top to bottom:
-Aebi EC170
-Jacobsen 4WD (unknown model)
-Bucher 850
