Help me buy a compact tractor - information overload...

[rngrrymd]

IMO...There is very little difference in going from SCUT sized machines to CUT versions when it comes to performance/time values...neither can compare to full size commercial machines...
Even legendary commercial grade B model K_ubotas can't compare with much heavier machines that can do two to three times the work in less than half the time...

Not sure where the cut off line is between CUTs and a UT is but IMO you will gain very little in the way of productivity going from a SCUT to about any CUT...

/pine, I believe 60 - 65hp is a popular start for utility tractors in USA - a lot of models like my Case Farmall/NH Powerstar are made in 55hp overseas but that seems to be more CUT territory here in USA.

I disagree with you on your SCUT vs CUT time statement - my thought process is if you can go from a 4' rotary mower to a 5' rotary mower or use a 24" bucket on a backhoe vs a 16" bucket or move a pile of dirt in 15 trips instead of 20 trips you are still saving time. Not a huge amount of time but still faster. You can also travel from point A to point B faster as well (Kubota BX23S - 8.4mph max forward speed vs Kubota B3350 - 14.3mph max forward speed) In the specification of 60" width and price point that the OP needs either a CUT or SCUT would be great options for their needs but the CUT will help them with their time constraints by getting the job done in less time.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

If you have tight spaces, a larger tractor can actually slow you down.

During the current road rebuild, although the Mahindra was the main machine doing the heavy work, my little riding-mower-mini-tractor with the 36" back blade was also in constant use as it could scoot into a tight space and grade it much quicker than my tractor could. And there are places my tractor can't fit at all. The size of the tractor is definitely relative to the layout of your property!

 

[ViperDriver]

Thanks for the representative pricing from Deere!

 

[Yanmar Tractor]

few more things - great idea on the PVC test pipe for width.

I have concrete retaining walls poured and a concrete house. "just make some more room around your house" isn't an option ;-)

Will def look at Yanmar. one thing that has turned me off from a couple manufacturers is no "build my tractor" option - I hate flying blind. (can't remember if that was the Yanmar site or not)

And for the bucket - having rented several bobcats - quick attach is a given.

One question - why must the bucket be wider than the tractor? (is it only to ensure if you get the bucket through the tractor fits? because beside the side of the house - we really don't have any other limitations)

ViperDriver,

There is a Build Your Tractor function on Compact Tractors, Sub-Compact Tractors & UTV's | Yanmar Tractor. At this link: Proposal Generator - Yanmar Tractor

Allows you to select the tractor model, select attachments, (loader, backhoe, rotary cutter, box scraper, etc., etc., and select options (e.g., optional lighting packages). The price is stated in MSRP terms. For more real-world pricing, obtain a quote from a dealer. The Build Your Tractor function allows you to email the tractor/attachments/options package you selected to a dealer you select to request a quote.

 

[rngrrymd]

Thanks for the representative pricing from Deere!

Hope you looked yesterday - that tractor showed a sale price of $30k that they aren't showing now. Some other sites are still showing discounted prices on 2038R's and 2032R's when I just looked so it must be just Powerplace not advertising a discount now. When I was shopping for tractors I got quotes from 2 different Deere dealers on 3R series models that ran roughly 16-17% off list price. Here is a link for current promo offers from John Deere corporate for next 3 months:

2 Family Compact Utility Tractors for sale | John Deere US

Here is a used 2017 2038R in Chesapeake about $5k less than a new model sells for:
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/26283677/2017-john-deere-2038r

Here is an awesome price for 2018 2032R with loader in Buchanan, VA for $19,500! (says 4 hours on machine)
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/26776337/2018-john-deere-2032r

Here is a 2018 2032R loader mower package for representative pricing from Mutton Power:
John Deere 232R Compact Utility Tractor

 

[/pine]

/pine, I believe 60 - 65hp is a popular start for utility tractors in USA - a lot of models like my Case Farmall/NH Powerstar are made in 55hp overseas but that seems to be more CUT territory here in USA.

I disagree with you on your SCUT vs CUT time statement - my thought process is if you can go from a 4' rotary mower to a 5' rotary mower or use a 24" bucket on a backhoe vs a 16" bucket or move a pile of dirt in 15 trips instead of 20 trips you are still saving time. Not a huge amount of time but still faster. You can also travel from point A to point B faster as well (Kubota BX23S - 8.4mph max forward speed vs Kubota B3350 - 14.3mph max forward speed) In the specification of 60" width and price point that the OP needs either a CUT or SCUT would be great options for their needs but the CUT will help them with their time constraints by getting the job done in less time.

Like I said "Very little time difference"...it's practically insignificant...BTW I was mainly referring to 3PH implements but how many 3PH backhoes can effectively handle a 24" bucket?...one of the most common commercial applications for small 3PH backhoes is digging graves in cemeteries where there is little room to maneuver...

Obviously a slightly larger machine will slightly outwork a smaller machine...but there is no way a SCUT OR CUT can compete with full size commercial machines...and trying to to use larger heavier commercial duty implements on smaller tractors that were not designed to handle said implements is detrimental to the longevity of smaller tractors...

 

[ViperDriver]

Hope you looked yesterday - that tractor showed a sale price of $30k that they aren't showing now. Some other sites are still showing discounted prices on 2038R's and 2032R's when I just looked so it must be just Powerplace not advertising a discount now. When I was shopping for tractors I got quotes from 2 different Deere dealers on 3R series models that ran roughly 16-17% off list price. Here is a link for current promo offers from John Deere corporate for next 3 months:

2 Family Compact Utility Tractors for sale | John Deere US

Here is a used 2017 2038R in Chesapeake about $5k less than a new model sells for:
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/26283677/2017-john-deere-2038r

Here is an awesome price for 2018 2032R with loader in Buchanan, VA for $19,500! (says 4 hours on machine)
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/26776337/2018-john-deere-2032r

Here is a 2018 2032R loader mower package for representative pricing from Mutton Power:
John Deere 232R Compact Utility Tractor

Ha! I did not look yesterday and it was eye popping today! Must have been a July special. Checking out your other links.........

 

[rngrrymd]

Viper, it looks like the Kiota CK series has a backhoe that's easier to remove as well. Not as slick as the Deere but quicker than taking the 3-point hardware on/off on the Kubota. I kinda like the SE models (CK3510SE HST is comparable to the B3350 or 2032R) because they give you the rubber vibration isolation floor mat like you get on the Deere and Kubota, (the regular CK series is just metal floor), linked HST pedal on/off switch, side mirrors, armrests on the seat, 2 rear remotes standard, extendable 3-point links, toolbox, the auto-off switch on the PTO which will turn off pto to implement when u raise 3 point, and tilt steering from factory. It also comes with a 60" ssqa bucket as option which is where you need to be for width. Kioti was a good price when I shopped but I couldn't get a good financing rate from them at the time (or dealer didn't offer - not sure). They are offering 0% for 72 months with 10% down. Kubota was offering 0% for 84 months but you have to put 20% down plus buy Kubota's insurance.

CK1SE Series - All New 218 CK351SE & CK4SE Kioti Compact Tractor - YouTube < decent video showing options (linked pedal lever is to left of steering wheel and actual pto on/off to right of seat)
Removing and Installing a Kioti Tractor Loader - CK351 SE CAB - YouTube <- pretty standard loader removal
How to take off a Kioti Tractor Backhoe - CK261 HST w/ KB2475L Backhoe - YouTube < - basic example of backhoe removal (gives you the gist)

Not a lot of pricing examples out there on the internet. I was looking thru some posts on the Kioti forum to try and get info.

 

[rngrrymd]

Viper,

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-buying-pricing/398869-first-time-tractor-owner-soon-4.html <-- Post 17 and Post 31 have prices paid for CK3510SE HST

 

[ViperDriver]

Thank you for this - sometimes finding the specs can be challenging (or they are a little incomplete.) And also talking about the standard features as well assume niceties - much appreciated! Checking it out.

Got the quote from the Kubota dealer and think he may be thinking that he has a live one on the hook.... Let's just say the discounting was not particularly aggressive. I negotiate for a living - if I had more time this could be fun.

ETA - the Kioti site is the one that doesn't let you BUILD YOUR TRACTOR - drives me nuts. Honestly - it's a turn off because I have to go to the dealer. But - since you gave me actual prices paid that's super helpful, esp since one was equipped pretty much like we'd want. Maybe we will go there tomorrow.

Viper,

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-buying-pricing/398869-first-time-tractor-owner-soon-4.html <-- Post 17 and Post 31 have prices paid for CK3510SE HST