Garden tractor or small utility tractor?

JerryG · Feb 3, 2006

If you buy the Simplicity, I am sure that you will live to wish that you hadn't. It is a fine machine for the homeowner, but what you need is a machine that is capable of doing commercial work. I would suggest a Kubota BX24, a Massey Ferguson GC2310 or a Power Trac or something larger. The only problem with the Power Trac is that you have to buy all of you attachment from them or make them. But, all three of these would make a good piece of equipment for you. You could be able use any of these three for many years. This post may bring the heat on me, but for commercial work I can't see using a Simplicity.

Ramairfreak98ss · Feb 3, 2006

ok so the Kubuta stuff, it appears evne the B7800 with a post hole digger attachment only does upto 12" width, can i put a 24" on there or is that already too much for a 30hp Kubuta?

Three Auger Sizes (6", 9", 12")
Digging Depth 45" (1143 mm)
Can be controlled from operator's seat with 3 Pt. Hitch

SnoFalls · Feb 3, 2006

I think the tool for *you* digging holes for 5gal trees would be the backhoe ... (when using a CUT). It might take a little longer (setting up for each hole), but a PHD in tough soil would be tough going (especially at 24") witha CUT.

Ramairfreak98ss · Feb 3, 2006

Thanks for all of the replies guys. I appreciate it. As ive feared im more looking into the 15K+ range for a tractor.

My goals were to get done what i needed and possibly have something that can be widely used for tilling, box scaping rarely, maybe snowblowing in winter and possibly even mowing... for the simplicity model. Simplicity also offers $800 off which isnt much considering the amount, but also has zero financing for something like 36 months too. I cant beat that since i wont have to put all all the money up front then before this 2006s jobs start.

Anyone have any recommendations for sizes of the John Deeres? I have local dealers for simplicity, ferris, toro, JD. Not sure of any others. thanks

bandit67 · Feb 3, 2006

( I think the tool for *you* digging holes for 5gal trees would be the backhoe ... (when using a CUT). It might take a little longer (setting up for each hole), but a PHD in tough soil would be tough going (especially at 24") with a CUT. )

I agree. Before moving across country, I spent plenty of time digging in rocky Connecticut ground with post hole diggers, and it was horrible. By the time you were done, you didn't have a nice cylindrical shaped hole. Broken equipment, shafts, augers, etc. were common. For soil like that, I think a backhoe would be a much better option, and you will get plenty of use out of one in your landscaping business. And like others have said, you will need a pretty powerful (and large) machine to run an 18 or 24" auger in rocky soil.

I also agree that the SubCompact sized machines would become too small for you pretty quickly. It has for me, and I'm only a part-time landscaper - if I was doing it for a living, I'd definitely be looking for a small Compact. That way you can have the smallest possible size with the biggest possible capacities, and not end up taking so much time to get the project done (as it will with a Subcompact like the Simplicity) that you end up losing money on every job. JMHO.

weesa20 · Feb 3, 2006

I looked VERY closely at the simplicity legacy before I bought my GC2300. The things that scared me away from the simplicity including the lack of strength in the frame in comparison to the power that is available, esp with with 27 horse diesel. I felt like it was way over powered for the chassis and the amount of traction availabe given its weight. This may not be a problem if you will not be doing a lot of heavy loader work, but that is mainly why I bought my GC. Also, for less than the price of the legacy with 27 HP diesel, 3 pt hitch (which was extra), and FEL, I was able to purchase my GC. I think the warranty may not be as good with the legacy as well. The simplicity will mow better than GC so that needs to be taken into consideration as well.
My father has a JD 2210 and he is happy with it, he runs a post hole digger in MA soil with no trouble.

Andrew

IslandTractor · Feb 3, 2006

If I were you and was interested in digging/augering 24" holes, I'd worry about the midAtlantic/New England rocky soil and take that into consideration. The advice to use a BH in this setting is a good one. Powertrac makes larger augers for their big machines but I wouldn't use them where big rocks are common.

I am in agreement with those who are recommending machines like the Kubota 7510 or 7610 set up as TLB. BX24 might be interesting if you really have a need to stay small but the slightly bigger machines are more flexible. The B21 recommendation also makes a lot of sense though that is a much heavier and more expensive option. I have a Kioti C20TLB that is also comparable and somewhat between the two bigger Kubota options in capacities/weight. You can do an awful lot of work with a 20hp TLB.

The Powertrac option might not be quite as good as I originally thought given the apparent need for a backhoe. Despite the good bang for the buck, I think a pro would be frustrated by the inefficiency of the mini hoe. And, you are more likely to damage turf with all the moving around while digging with the minihoe compared to a true BH. The true backhoe on the powertrac does not have much capacity compared to the tractor BHs mentioned.

Clarke · Feb 3, 2006

Take a look at the Power Trac Web site under used equipment. Listed is a trailer package that seems to be custom made for you..

sg

KentT · Feb 3, 2006

(
The Powertrac option might not be quite as good as I originally thought given the apparent need for a backhoe. Despite the good bang for the buck, I think a pro would be frustrated by the inefficiency of the mini hoe. And, you are more likely to damage turf with all the moving around while digging with the minihoe compared to a true BH. The true backhoe on the powertrac does not have much capacity compared to the tractor BHs mentioned. )

While the PT backhoe on the 24XX series may not have quite the capability as a the sub-CUTs, the loader has much more. So, IMO that's a wash. Further the articulated PTs will literally run rings around a standard CUT or sub-CUT, with NO turf damage. He can't do landscaping work with a big heavy machine like a CK20 or a skidsteer without damaging the turf...

BTW, you can get from 6" to 30" augers for 25 HP PTs.

There's currently two different used trailer packages for sale on the PT site that have the 24XX articulating machines with a true backhoe on them.

Here's one:

http://www.power-trac.com/images/customerPics/MVC-027S.jpg

With this list of attachments -- besides the backhoe:
Grapple Bucket
Light Materials bucket
Trencher
Planter drill head
12" 18" 24" Augers
Stump Cutter
Tiller
Blade with rubber lip & steel lip
Power sweeper
Plugger
Spare tires
Trailer

Sounds like what he needs to me, for $17K...

IslandTractor · Feb 3, 2006

I mostly agree with you. The question is how functional the minihoe is for a professional. Otherwise the PTs have important advantages over the equal capacity CUTs for a landscaper working in someones back yard. If I were to do a head to head comparison I'd probably match the K7510 TLB against the PT2425. (though I love my Kioti CK20TLB, I would agree that for lawn work the lower weight of the 7510 is an important advantage) The FELs are pretty much even in lift capacity between the PT and Kubota though the 7510 will have higher lift height. The Kubota BH would be more powerful. With turf tires the Kubota would be pretty good on grass but still not as good as the PT. Advantage of the CUT would be that you could leave the BH off if you didn't need it for a job. Balance that against the swiss army knife versitility of the PT.

If the budget was higher, one of the PT trailer packages would be great for a professional landscaper.