Is a subcompact under 25hp enough power?

[Hard Knocks IV]

Is a subcompact under 25hp engine enough power to maintain a under 15 acre property where the tasks are mowing w/ mid mower, finish mower, brush hogging, stump grinding, hole digging, box blade and typical loader work?

I have owned a 35hp and 50hp so I'm a little uneasy getting a under 24hp.

I'd say you probably won't be happy with it in the long run,I have a Cub Cadet 7000 diesel 20HP great tractor to use around the farm and good in the garden but definitely not hoss enough for me to do some of the things you listed.For bigger jobs I get on my larger tractors,also using a tractor hard for jobs its too small for will put a lot of wear and tear on it.

 

[olenjohn]

Is a subcompact under 25hp engine enough power to maintain a under 15 acre property where the tasks are mowing w/ mid mower, finish mower, brush hogging, stump grinding, hole digging, box blade and typical loader work?

I have owned a 35hp and 50hp so I'm a little uneasy getting an under 24hp.

Absolutely yes. A flat level property size 20’ x 30’ - 1200sf - fits the “under 15 acre” criteria. That could be maintained it’s a weed whip, shovel, rake, axe and a wheelbarrow. So a subcompact under 25 hp would be an overkill. Go the other direction of West Virginia mountain side at 1000’ x 653’ - 653,000sf - also “under 15 acre“ criteria. The JD wouldn’t handle it. The variables and what you’re capable of doing should answer your question.

 

[Pleease]

I have the very smallest-HP Kubota BX subcompact - 18hp - and while it's terrific for my use - mowing an acre or so on a pretty steep hill (lake property) and occasional excavating - I'd likely go bigger if I had 15 acres to maintain, depending some on the specifics.

Even at 18hp my BX is strong enough to do about whatever I can think of, such as in '22 when I dug a flat spot for a 16x24' shed into our big hill, which turned out to be about 80% clay and 20% rock(!!!). The little beast never quit, but it did take a long time... and with your far-bigger property I'd think the time factor would be more important to you.

The BX is pretty budget friendly though. Someone mentioned the way it sips fuel - very true! - and it's been a few years, but in '18 mine cost ~13k with loader and mowing deck.

 

[Zork]

I'm now leaning towards the same thoughts. I don't think I would be happy trying to do everything with a subcompact even though it can be done but with smaller implements/attachments and longer work time.

As they say ... buying a tractor can be a journey.

If you think you need one size, go one size bigger.

 

[ajmuller]

Another factor that I did not seem mentioned is a loader. From what I have seen most of the smaller 25 hp sized tractors can only lift 750 lbs or so. This has been a limit for me a few times where I really wish I could lift more.

It has mostly been an issue moving machines and trailers with the tractor.

 

[TN8Man]

Thank you everyone for all the good feedback! It helped in my decision.

I decided against a subcompact and bought a TYM 48hp, a T494 cab which will replace my Kioti NX5010. I'm going to continue to use a riding lawn mower for the portion of my property that a compact tractor is too big and heavy.

 

[TimRice]

I use a B2650 on several properties that total about 150 acres. They are mostly wooded with some medium sized pastures and small food plots with trails to maintain. I mow, harrow, maintain the road into the property, put of fence and gate posts where needed, haul bags of corn, and spread fertilizer.

A few of the tings I like about the B2650 ...

• I can trailer it between properties (about a 15 minute drive) on an inexpensive flat bed trailer we bought.
• It is small enough to maneuver in tight spaces. I'm mostly maintaining hunting properties with trails and food plots, or mowing moderate sized pastures (a few acres max).
• It has enough power to do almost everything I've asked it to do.
• I have a quick change bucket and forks for the FEL, 5ft box blade, scraper, bushhog, post hole auger, small harrow, and a spreader for it. All of them get used on a regular basis.
• I love the Hydrostatic Transmission.
• I LOVE my Pats Quick Attach to allow swapping implements without fighting with the lower arms on heavier implements like the Harrow. I believe they make them in various sizes.

Some things I have wished it had ...

• More Power (think Tim the Tool Man sounds here). I got the post hole auger stuck once running it too deep and needed the help of a Skid Steer to get it out. Embarrassing having to ask for help, but fortunately the skid steer was near by.
• Again, More Power. I have had loads I couldn't lift with forks on the front end. Hydraulics went into by pass and couldn't lift a pallet of material.
• I wish it had a cab on it for temperature control and to protect from the Sun. This is a big one for me here in the South East.
• The stance is a bit narrow for the terrain I operate on, a wider stance would feel more comfortable/safer but I suspect a bigger tractor would also be taller, thus minimizing the benefit. I know they offer kits to widen the rear stance, but I worry about over stressing things.

There have been times I've spun the rear tires trying to pull something, but I have always found that engaging the dif-lock solved the problem.

The benefit of a bigger tractor is bigger implements and heavier loads, but that also equates to more expensive implements. It's all going to depend on what you want to do and where you want to do it. For me, "Tractor Time" is cathartic. I put on my Bluetooth headset and tune out the rest of the world.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Thank you everyone for all the good feedback! It helped in my decision.

I decided against a subcompact and bought a TYM 48hp, a T494 cab which will replace my Kioti NX5010. I'm going to continue to use a riding lawn mower for the portion of my property that a compact tractor is too big and heavy.

Where are the photos of the beast?

 

[TN8Man]

Where are the photos of the beast?

It's not delivered yet. They have to install the 3rd function.

 

[aircommuter]

Depends on what your time is worth.