Help me understand why such a difference in weight

LD1 · Nov 12, 2013

The tractors are physically different in size too. Built for different purposes.

The smaller machines like the b and bx have a lot of HP in a small package because mowers and such need lots of HP

Larger machines aren't intended to be mowers. And 30 HP is plenty to spin tires.

Heck, you can get a 30hp mower under 800#. Or a 30 HP tractor with backhoe that weighs 8000#. Different use of the HP.

You need to decide how you are going to use the HP to get the right machine.

cobra grover · Nov 12, 2013

Yeah, not me but that was basically my question. I did learn something from it. I think the heavier tractor is what I want but I don't want to lose a lot of my resale value if/when that day comes by buying something other that a green or orange tractor. I was really looking at that Bobcat but all they have is a CT225. I'm afraid it might be a little underpowered. The 330 or 335 would have been better.

k0ua · Nov 12, 2013

cobra grover said:
Yeah, not me but that was basically my question. I did learn something from it. I think the heavier tractor is what I want but I don't want to lose a lot of my resale value if/when that day comes by buying something other that a green or orange tractor. I was really looking at that Bobcat but all they have is a CT225. I'm afraid it might be a little underpowered. The 330 or 335 would have been better.

Well there is always the other "Orange" to consider. Kioti. DK40 with KL401 beastly loader with over 2700 lbs of lift is a good value in my opinion.. and they still make them!

94BULLITT · Nov 12, 2013

Bluegill2 said:
You need to compare the L series. Kubota makes too many models and ya need to study! I believe the B & BX have some cast aluminum in the chassis, where the L and larger are all cast iron. Kubota makes light weight and heavy tractors...

I agree, He needs to look at a L3200/3800.

Just because a tractor is heavier doesn't mean it will have better traction, it is also about how the weight is distributed.

rmorey · Nov 12, 2013

I bought my first Kioti because it was heavier and we needed a counterweight for the skidder winch. We bought the next one because the first one had almost 1200 hours and only had a starter switch go bad.

crazyal · Nov 12, 2013

The weight issue never bothered me at all. The way I look at it is more weight is only better if it's in the right locations. Since you don't read posts about tractors breaking due to metal being too thin or not structurally sound that means the heavier tractors in the same class are probably just heavier because the company didn't want to do extra machining on the parts. That doesn't mean they are better or worse, most likely just less expensive to make.

For doing loader work you need the weight behind the rear tires. Most people sacrifice a little and load the tires. For doing ground engagement type work, like pulling a plow through dirt you want the extra weight in the middle of the tractor so you can get extra traction. How ever most people do not buy ag tires so they already start off at a disadvantage for this type of work. For doing tasks where you will be operating on your lawn you want only enough weight as needed, any more could leave ruts. This leads to the big question, what are your plans? What type of work are you trying to do and then you can decide which models each brand has that will fit your needs. There's a lot more than HP when it comes to choosing. For me my plans were a snow blower, loader, a grapple, and a rototiller. Because of this I had a HP number I wanted to stay above and other features decided which was the right tractor for me.