Is sub compact big enough?

[Jofang]

I have a 2008 Kubota BX2350 sub compact + FEL along with 4 acres of lawn, vineyard and mixed woodland, which provides 8-10m3 of oak & chestnut firewood each year. I have a 60cm diameter circular saw, 4" capacity chipper, 4 foot flail, a 4 foot rotavator, a 12" hole borer, 3 point pallet forks and a 3 point 4 foot box. All these implements have worked hard for the past 8 years and the tractor has never faltered or been underpowered. My only concern is tipping over sideways in the forest, as the BX is quite narrow, so have to keep the FEL low at all times unless on flat ground. I fitted Pat's quick change a couple of years ago which has been great. I also bought a 20 ton splitter with a Honda motor, as the BX doesn't produce enough gpm oil flow for splitter use. Bottom line is don't let anyone tell you a sub compact isn't a 'real' tractor, as they're very capable, albeit not as productive as their bigger brothers.

 

[fishdrivel]

How about a small compact!?
For example:
Kubota B2601, Deere 2025r, LS MT225S, Massey 1526, Kioti cx2510, Branson 2610H, Mahindra Max, etc

They are more capable than a sub-compact, but agile enough to be close to the house and able to maneuver.

I have a B2601. It is small and light enough to be maneuverable around the house and in the woods.

It is also strong enough to run implements and the FEL had decent lift capacity.

Quite happy with this purchase of 160 hour machine for under $10k

 

[Fxfymn413]

I own a BX2660 and an L4060 HSTC. The BX is my primary mower and the L is used for pretty much everything else, but mostly for snow plowing and moving firewood, a chore the BX cannot do.

Is the BX a capable machine? Sure for what is designed for, but not heavy lifting. I have used it to power a post hole auger, but only in sandy soil with a 6" bit. It did fine, but I wouldn't try it with my 18" bit in rocky soil.

My neighbor just bought a 26 HP B model and while it is a tad bigger than the BX I think it will go anywhere the BX could and it is much more of a tractor than a lawn tractor. I really like it and if I was in your position I'd look for something in that class.

 

[nknelsen]

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

I just sold my SCUT CS2410 Kioti and bought a CUT CX2510 Kioti. The new tractor still has a mid mounted mower, allowing me to cut grass like the old one. It comes with a suspension seat which helps as the old one hurt my back after a few hours of working it.

With this new tractor I added a 3rd function for using a grapple and it already included a quick attach so now I'm able to use a set of forks.

I find the new tractor small enough to accomplish and fit in like the old one yet its much much more capable for hauling wood or buckets of gravel, it lifts 1200 pounds versus the 700 with the old one and it has twice the ground clearance which helps in the Bush. Grapple is awesome for cleaning up and burning brush after cutting trees.

We never have the tractor that we need so we make compromises. Please look at the Kioti CX2510. The only concern that I have is with a higher center of gravity I may not be able to cut a few side hills the way I did with the old unit.

 

[Gord Baker]

I think you already have or have access to enough equipment.

 

[charles todd]

I have a 72 hp cab utility tractor with a 3500 lb capacity loader. Sometimes its too small!

Having personally used SCUT through 300+ hp row crop tractors, I would suggest the 35-50 hp range tractor for you.

CT

 

[rocco611]

I have an 04 kubota b7800 it was the largest of their compact tractors at that time. some times its the perfect size,(gets into tight places, runs 5ft flail mower or 5' rototiller no problem) sometimes its too small when I need to lift something heavy or pull someone's vehicle out of the mud.

 

[blueman2]

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

As if there aren't enough of these threads! Sort of an old question I know. I've been eyeing a newer tractor for a long time. Was hoping the market prices would correct themselves, but it don't look like that will happen soon.

I own 18 acres (no hills). 2-3 around the buildings, 10 acres field (rented out), 6 acres woods. I've got access to large tractors if needed for any ag type work. I cut 4-6 cords of firewood every year, but mostly not in my own woods. I've owned a JD 2010 with loader for 2+ years. It's had its typical problems, but I knew that going in. I only put 15-20 hrs on it a year, mostly cutting firewood and doing random loader work. The 3pt hitch is nearly useless so that has kept me from doing any brush cutting, etc.

If money and space were no object I would buy a 40 hp tractor and a SCUT as well. In reality, I've got 4 children to feed and clothe so $ is an issue! I'm mechanically inclined with 2 diesel mechanics in the family so I'm not afraid of used machines.

I really like the Kubota L30 series (31-43 hp) they seem like a good fit and value, but I'm not ready to pay that much just yet. I keep coming back to the SCUT class for 2 reasons: price and "handiness". I have to ask myself, what could a small tractor not do that I really HAVE to do? FEL lift height and capacity are really the biggest disadvantages of the SCUT. But then, it would take a 60+ hp tractor to really lift everything I would like.

A local Massey ferguson dealer has a used GC1705 coming in next week. I told him to call me when it does. With a tractor this size, I would probably use it 60-100 hrs per year. It bugs me that a larger compact tractor would sit in the barn unused much of the year. Purchasing a small tractor would also allow me to sell my Simplicity Sovereign garden tractor. (Have ZTR for lawn). Having 1 machine instead of 2 would be great. The Simplicity is mostly used for snowblowing (2010 is way too clumsy), lawn rolling, pulling sm trailer loads of mulch, and navigating the narrow trails in the woods.

Feel free to comment on any of the above. Several questions in addition:
How much will a GC1705 (or similar) track up a soft lawn or trail?

Will it run a 5ft brush cutter? Dealer says it will. By brush cutter I really just mean tall grass.

Is it dumb to purchase a tractor as a 2-5 year 'trial'?

I'd go with a compact (and did). A sub compact is basically a lawnmower with attachments. If ground clearance is a concern, I'd check what it is? Good luck

 

[88S2PLAY]

The Massey was one of my choices, but I chose the Simplicity Legacy XL 4WD model ending 1524 w/540 pro mid mount and rear 61” deck and 47” snow thrower with rear wheel weight counter balance. It has 33hp with hydrostatic drive and power steering, 3pt hitch.
It fills my 5 acre needs with 2,000ft. Driveway paved, and two 15 car turn arounds. Shared with next door neighbors 6acre flag lots.
This tractor was just the ticket for my needs!

 

[cdaigle430]

As a MF GC2410 owner for 12 years and I would recomend going with a compact or subcompact tractor with bigger drive train and bigger tires for handling 18 acres. While the MF GC1705 will get it done, the question is cost of tractor vs cost of your time.

In other words a 72 inch brush hog will get your field done faster than a 48 inch brush hog.

The tractor is the cheapest part of your homestead. Think about the implements you need and go from there. You won't be dispponted.