Buying Advice In search of a sub-compact tractor

[wcampbell47]

I re-read your wish list of things you want to do. I bought my first 21 hp Kubota thinking that would be all the tractor I needed. 4 wheel drive, front loader, pto and 3 point hitch. I did a lot of cleanup, mowing and gardening. I bought a 32 hp with same equipment to do more serious work - like moving truck loads of material and grading driveways. I wanted the tractor to be light because I work on a lot of yards. Both were B models. Recently I traded the B3200 for an L3901. A little more weight but a lot more tractor. I am still on a lot of lawns with no detrimental effect. I remove the FEL to do mowing. Makes the tractor more maneuverable and lighter. The L model is way better for grading roads and drives than either of the B models. The thing is I never thought I would need a bigger tractor. I have not regretted moving up in power - just regret I did not buy the L model to begin with. But then I did not know how big my tasks would become. I still have my 21 hp B7510 and use it to mow with a mid mount mower. I say this is my lawn mower on steroids. I moan and groan every time I think I need to remove the MMM or put it back on. Getting too old to do that often so I turn to the L39 with a 72" 3 point mower. The L39 handles my 60" brush cutter much better than the B3200. If it is in the cards to do some septic system work in the future I doubt that the B model will be up to the task or will struggle. My B3200 handled a 4 foot concrete culvert, but just barely. The L handles them much more easily. The B7510 is 48" wide, the B3200 was 54" wide and the L3901 is 58" wide. I have no regrets on being 4" inches wider. The L3901 is less than 400 lbs heavier than a B3350. Just thought I would give some real world experiences with different sized tractors. Don't get me wrong, I did some serious work with the B models - but the L model is very sweet. It is 4WD, HST and I have added the cruise control option for mowing. The operator's station is much more comfortable than the B's and I can stay on the tractor for 5 or 6 hours without getting to beat up. Strongly suggest you sit on different models and compare creature comfort as well as mechanical attributes.

 

[drajj5]

Hello everyone,

This is going to be a bit longer than I think I would have intended. I have posted a short version if you cannot go in depth, but I value your opinion, as I am certainly a novice.

Short version:

I am looking for sub-compact tractor, valuing long-term reliability/repairability and versatility for small jobs around a 20 acre cottage property that has not had any "outdoor" (or indoor )maintenance in my adult life. I feel as though I need something that can lift more than 1 30-year old man and 1 60-year old man. What I would REALLY like, would be to have someone say Subcompact Kubota vs Deere Vs MF vs NH vs etc. for various tasks, like a consumer reports, but I cannot find one. While it seems like there are a lot of 1v1, there is not much 1v1v1v1v1v1 that I can find.


Foreseeable Frequent Tasks:
A list of the projects that we may end up doing in order of frequency/likelyhood are below:
1. Mowing (I have read a few threads here that say you probably shouldn't mow with a TLB, but right now we use a 30 and 15 year old craftsman in tandem)
2. Forking pallet-like objects - actually 80lb 2'x6'x2" trex dock boards
3. Towing a trailer (full of stuff, eg. trees, stumps, logs, dirt, cleared brush, etc. eg. when the lawntractor is replaced)
4. Removing trees/clearing brush
5. Landscaping (reshaping land, moving rocks, logs)
6. Replacing a couple culverts
Less likely, but possible:
-Maybe snowblowing in the future?
-Digging an outhouse
-Clearing a driveway
-Digging a septic tank
-Building a garage
-Building a cottage

QUOTE]

I typically don't comment on the:" Which tractor to buy Threads"... but want to comment on yours- odd. Perhaps it was the 2 guys lifting heavy objects you commented about, that struck home to me.

Personally, I can understand that you want more versatility than those old faithful Craftsman lawn tractors you are currently using. You want to take the second person out of the equation and be able to perform more tasks on your own without the use of - a sometimes non-existent (helping hand). I understand completely...... You will receive lots of advice here; a good thing, but ultimately the choice of choosing a tractor is yours to make.

I will base most of my, "advice" on your short version quoted above. Sub compact tractors will do far more than you thought possible, way more work than those Craftsman lawn tractors - Period. They have loaders, back hoes, snow blowers, and endless attachments to serve one purpose; to make your life easier. I "think" any manufacture that produces these types of tractors today are......are, close to 'on par' with one another. Regardless of brand, their loaders will lift more than you and another person could, and their 3pt hitch will adapt to lots of implements equally. Small and nimble, "like a lawn tractor" they should have no trouble navigating walking trails and if you get it stuck; much easier to extract because of their weight. If you decide that this fits your situation, go try one on and take the plunge. The tires on these tractors are close to the same size found on your current lawn tractor.

If you "step up a size" such as my Mahindra Max 28, the tires are a bit larger and will offer more ground clearance. I think the Kubota B series has tires equivalent to my Max. This type tractor has a higher lift on the loader, and has a larger 3pt hitch for cat 1 attachment's. I guess because they are taller and wider this tractor will accept a broader array of (stuff ) you can mount out back.

Lastly if you bump to what I call a "normal tractor" the rear tires are much larger than the two previously mentioned. Lots of folks here use these and are quite happy, however getting down to lake though a 'walking trail' isn't gonna happen. But with a tractor like this you will certainly make the trail larger to sustain it - the fun part! Size of this tractor would be an Kubota L series.

In summary I think you would find useful; anything larger than the Craftsman you currently own. Certainly a loader attached, and a back hoe. Yes a back hoe, to break up stubborn ground, dig an out house, plant footers, install underground water pipe/electric wire. The uses go on and on.... I find my tractor falls short some days and exceeds my expectations on others, (There is no perfect tool for the job, but any tool certainly beats nothing).

Good luck

 

[check]

Some people have asked me a couple questions about my thoughts. Overall I am definitely leaning towards the 2 machines or 1 + contract/rent approach, with the small (SCUT or CUT) being the choice for now.

I examined the used market as much as I can and I shall continue to watch it. For the most part (in my opinion anyway) it does not seem like a used small tractor would be the way to go. They seem to hold their value well enough that I think I may as well go for a new one and avoid any issues with an unknown machine. Time permitting I am going to try to get to my nearest Kubota dealer tomorrow in person. I will at LEAST give them a call, as well as Kubota North, the 2 most likely dealers I would deal with for Kubota.

nts, another consideration when comparing a BX25 with a B2650 is that, suprisingly, with the ROPS up the B2650 is shorter (78 1/2 inches) than the BX25 (86.2 inches). So, do you have a garage, and if so what is the clearance under the OH door? (I made my garage door higher than normal, in order to accommodate my BX25 without folding the ROPS down every time.)

 

[check]

I re-read your wish list of things you want to do. I bought my first 21 hp Kubota thinking that would be all the tractor I needed. 4 wheel drive, front loader, pto and 3 point hitch. I did a lot of cleanup, mowing and gardening. I bought a 32 hp with same equipment to do more serious work - like moving truck loads of material and grading driveways. I wanted the tractor to be light because I work on a lot of yards. Both were B models. Recently I traded the B3200 for an L3901. A little more weight but a lot more tractor. I am still on a lot of lawns with no detrimental effect. I remove the FEL to do mowing. Makes the tractor more maneuverable and lighter. The L model is way better for grading roads and drives than either of the B models. The thing is I never thought I would need a bigger tractor. I have not regretted moving up in power - just regret I did not buy the L model to begin with. But then I did not know how big my tasks would become. I still have my 21 hp B7510 and use it to mow with a mid mount mower. I say this is my lawn mower on steroids. I moan and groan every time I think I need to remove the MMM or put it back on. Getting too old to do that often so I turn to the L39 with a 72" 3 point mower. The L39 handles my 60" brush cutter much better than the B3200. If it is in the cards to do some septic system work in the future I doubt that the B model will be up to the task or will struggle. My B3200 handled a 4 foot concrete culvert, but just barely. The L handles them much more easily. The B7510 is 48" wide, the B3200 was 54" wide and the L3901 is 58" wide. I have no regrets on being 4" inches wider. The L3901 is less than 400 lbs heavier than a B3350. Just thought I would give some real world experiences with different sized tractors. Don't get me wrong, I did some serious work with the B models - but the L model is very sweet. It is 4WD, HST and I have added the cruise control option for mowing. The operator's station is much more comfortable than the B's and I can stay on the tractor for 5 or 6 hours without getting to beat up. Strongly suggest you sit on different models and compare creature comfort as well as mechanical attributes.

Excellent post, wc - and nts, note as well that the B3350HST and the L3901HST are almost the same price. (A bit of a surprise to me - I wonder why?)

(Later: I looked at the kubota.ca website again and noticed that the B3350 is a "deluxe" model, whereas the L3901 is an "economy" model, so you will have to check out the exact details of the features, etc. to see what the deal is. Also, make sure to compare the lifting capacities of the B2650, the B3350, and the L3901, both in terms of the PTO and the FEL - the results may surprise you. Finally, it seems that all 3 of these tractors use the same BH77 backhoe.)

 

[buickanddeere]

Something from an estate sale with a Tier II or earlier engine and a few hundred hours on the clock.

 

[Grandad4]

I typically don't comment on the:" Which tractor to buy Threads"... but want to comment on yours- odd. Perhaps it was the 2 guys lifting heavy objects you commented about, that struck home to me....

Excellent commentary!

 

[northtractorsearch]

I typically don't comment on the:" Which tractor to buy Threads"... but want to comment on yours- odd. Perhaps it was the 2 guys lifting heavy objects you commented about, that struck home to me.

Personally, I can understand that you want more versatility than those old faithful Craftsman lawn tractors you are currently using. You want to take the second person out of the equation and be able to perform more tasks on your own without the use of - a sometimes non-existent (helping hand). I understand completely...... You will receive lots of advice here; a good thing, but ultimately the choice of choosing a tractor is yours to make.

I will base most of my, "advice" on your short version quoted above. Sub compact tractors will do far more than you thought possible, way more work than those Craftsman lawn tractors - Period. They have loaders, back hoes, snow blowers, and endless attachments to serve one purpose; to make your life easier. I "think" any manufacture that produces these types of tractors today are......are, close to 'on par' with one another. Regardless of brand, their loaders will lift more than you and another person could, and their 3pt hitch will adapt to lots of implements equally. Small and nimble, "like a lawn tractor" they should have no trouble navigating walking trails and if you get it stuck; much easier to extract because of their weight. If you decide that this fits your situation, go try one on and take the plunge. The tires on these tractors are close to the same size found on your current lawn tractor.

If you "step up a size" such as my Mahindra Max 28, the tires are a bit larger and will offer more ground clearance. I think the Kubota B series has tires equivalent to my Max. This type tractor has a higher lift on the loader, and has a larger 3pt hitch for cat 1 attachment's. I guess because they are taller and wider this tractor will accept a broader array of (stuff ) you can mount out back.

Lastly if you bump to what I call a "normal tractor" the rear tires are much larger than the two previously mentioned. Lots of folks here use these and are quite happy, however getting down to lake though a 'walking trail' isn't gonna happen. But with a tractor like this you will certainly make the trail larger to sustain it - the fun part! Size of this tractor would be an Kubota L series.

In summary I think you would find useful; anything larger than the Craftsman you currently own. Certainly a loader attached, and a back hoe. Yes a back hoe, to break up stubborn ground, dig an out house, plant footers, install underground water pipe/electric wire. The uses go on and on.... I find my tractor falls short some days and exceeds my expectations on others, (There is no perfect tool for the job, but any tool certainly beats nothing).

Good luck

Thank you for your response!

I went to my local Kubota dealer today and priced out a BX25 - NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE 26 - the price is significantly cheaper than a Deere with a mower. Around 22 (vs 31 including mower and 500$ pallet fork, ~28 without that stuff). Having seen the size of the deck, I think it's probably best if I don't go that route for cutting. They are rather industrial units. From examining the used market (over the last few days as best as possible in such a short time), it seems that the units of that size in good shape in this area do hold their value quite well. Both the Deere and Kubota salesmen were enthusiastic towards that point of view. As far as Kubota, they said they would hold the price until the end of this month. There was a certain degree of certainty that the price would likely change next month towards the more expensive.

As far as the tractor goes... I think that the sub compact is really as far as I am going to be able to use effectively at this time. Certainly an L3301 which was right beside the BX25 in the showroom was massive in comparison. I'm going to speak with the 60 year old and see where we go from here

 

[AxleHub]

Thank you for your response!

I went to my local Kubota dealer today and priced out a BX25 - NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE 26 - the price is significantly cheaper than a Deere with a mower. Around 22 (vs 31 including mower and 500$ pallet fork, ~28 without that stuff). Having seen the size of the deck, I think it's probably best if I don't go that route for cutting. They are rather industrial units. From examining the used market (over the last few days as best as possible in such a short time), it seems that the units of that size in good shape in this area do hold their value quite well. Both the Deere and Kubota salesmen were enthusiastic towards that point of view. As far as Kubota, they said they would hold the price until the end of this month. There was a certain degree of certainty that the price would likely change next month towards the more expensive.

As far as the tractor goes... I think that the sub compact is really as far as I am going to be able to use effectively at this time. Certainly an L3301 which was right beside the BX25 in the showroom was massive in comparison. I'm going to speak with the 60 year old and see where we go from here

North,

Note that virtually none of the dealers will guarantee prices past the last day if the month. As an example, every single month the Massey promotions can change (dealer rebates, buyer rebates, interest rates, finance programs etc.). Likely same story with most brands.

Literally . . dealers don't know or have any advance warning. Its done deliberately so dealers don't "stufg the channel" one month and none the next.

It will be interesting to see hiw quotes from other brands compare to your bx25 quote. I found a significant variation in pricing on the very same brand and model when I did my searches.

Again . . a good subcompact will be a big change in ability and capability vs. the lawn tractors. Whem you get one . . your face will hurt from smiling too much while operati g it. Lol

 

[Gittyup]

All of the SCUTs are just glorified mowers. If that is what you need, then go for it. You'll be back buying bigger very soon. The Kubota B's are nice and light: easily towed, nice cabs. The Kioti CUTs are heavy, dirt moving beasts. The Mahindra X28 is a lot of power in a small tractor. The MF 1700's (not GCs) are very nice. There is nothing wrong with LS (or new holland clones), or Branson, or Yanmar either. What about McCormick? They re-badge Kiotis. Maybe there is a bigger McCormick presence in Canada, dont' know. LS is your best value right now. John Deere's are nice but too pricey for the capable ones.

If it were me, I'd being looking 35-45 HP, as heavy as I could find with good hydraulics and remotes. There is no substitute for weight. Then get a cheap mower for the lawn part of things.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

OP, consider a zero turn lawn mower and a small skid or track loader with less than 1000 hours on it instead of a tractor.