Mower vs. small tractor?

kozak · Jun 6, 2006

Here, here.....I second coasterez's opinion. He's right on the money. Made same fatal (expensive) mistake. Now I have two tractors when I could have just bought one. The outlay in cash (loans) might sound high, but in the long run you will save money & lots of time & frustration.

Good Luck,

Vic

kozak · Jun 6, 2006

Here, here.....I second coasterez's opinion. He's right on the money. Made same fatal (expensive) mistake. Now I have two tractors when I could have just bought one. The outlay in cash (loans) might sound high, but in the long run you will save money & lots of time & frustration.

Good Luck,

Vic

KiotiJohn · Jun 7, 2006

I have to agree that a small tractor would serve you much better. Since you're going to be doing a lot clearing, you need clearance or you may just find you can't get around, or that you've damaged something from not having enough clearance.

A small CUT such as was mentioned, and I have, the CK20 has 12" of clearance, is a great puller and cuts grass well with either a rear finish mower (RFM) or mid mount mower (MMM).

Of course, other brands are out there, but overall I like the Kioti better for several reasons over the smaller Sub-CUTs such as a full category I sized hitch, true position control for easy placement/level of 3pt. hitch, higher lifting capacities, etc.

Whatever brand you choose, I think you'll need some weight in or on the tractor for many of the things you'll need to do in the clearing process.

John

KiotiJohn · Jun 7, 2006

I have to agree that a small tractor would serve you much better. Since you're going to be doing a lot clearing, you need clearance or you may just find you can't get around, or that you've damaged something from not having enough clearance.

A small CUT such as was mentioned, and I have, the CK20 has 12" of clearance, is a great puller and cuts grass well with either a rear finish mower (RFM) or mid mount mower (MMM).

Of course, other brands are out there, but overall I like the Kioti better for several reasons over the smaller Sub-CUTs such as a full category I sized hitch, true position control for easy placement/level of 3pt. hitch, higher lifting capacities, etc.

Whatever brand you choose, I think you'll need some weight in or on the tractor for many of the things you'll need to do in the clearing process.

John

KentT · Jun 7, 2006

If you go with the tractor (which I'd also recommend) be sure to either get one with a "shielded belly" or plan on putting some type of guards on it. Some of the sub-CUTS have exposed hydraulic lines, filters, plastic cooling fans, etc. underneath them that make them vulnerable when using them in brush and for clearing property... Look closely underneath each machine you're looking at.

FYI, be aware that a rear finish mower (RFM) is MUCH easier to take off and put back on than the belly mower. But, the RFM isn't as easy to mow close to buildings, landscaping, etc as the belly mower...

BTW, the Power Tracs use a smooth, solid belly-pan (actually an inverted heavy steel tub IS the frame) so ground clearance measurements can be deceptive. All the "vulnerable parts" are inside the steel tub and they'll slide across things like stumps or rocks without damage and keep on going...

KentT · Jun 7, 2006

If you go with the tractor (which I'd also recommend) be sure to either get one with a "shielded belly" or plan on putting some type of guards on it. Some of the sub-CUTS have exposed hydraulic lines, filters, plastic cooling fans, etc. underneath them that make them vulnerable when using them in brush and for clearing property... Look closely underneath each machine you're looking at.

FYI, be aware that a rear finish mower (RFM) is MUCH easier to take off and put back on than the belly mower. But, the RFM isn't as easy to mow close to buildings, landscaping, etc as the belly mower...

BTW, the Power Tracs use a smooth, solid belly-pan (actually an inverted heavy steel tub IS the frame) so ground clearance measurements can be deceptive. All the "vulnerable parts" are inside the steel tub and they'll slide across things like stumps or rocks without damage and keep on going...

cdblanchard · Jun 7, 2006

Thanks for all the help/comments. The 5 acres is in Strawberry, AZ. Abt. 15 miles N of Payson. Mainly volcanic rock with lots of Juniper and Pines that need cut down or trimmed.

Cindy

cdblanchard · Jun 7, 2006

Thanks for all the help/comments. The 5 acres is in Strawberry, AZ. Abt. 15 miles N of Payson. Mainly volcanic rock with lots of Juniper and Pines that need cut down or trimmed.

Cindy

KiotiJohn · Jun 8, 2006

( BTW, the Power Tracs use a smooth, solid belly-pan (actually an inverted heavy steel tub IS the frame) so ground clearance measurements can be deceptive. All the "vulnerable parts" are inside the steel tub and they'll slide across things like stumps or rocks without damage and keep on going...
)
Kent's statement above is a good thing to think about. I've read many comments about plastic fans etc. being destroyed on some of the sub CUTS. The Power Trac may be just right for you, but if you're not mechanical, or don't have someone who can mechanic for you, it may not be the best choice as they only sell direct from the factory, no dealers, but they use parts readily available from many places.
John

KiotiJohn · Jun 8, 2006

( BTW, the Power Tracs use a smooth, solid belly-pan (actually an inverted heavy steel tub IS the frame) so ground clearance measurements can be deceptive. All the "vulnerable parts" are inside the steel tub and they'll slide across things like stumps or rocks without damage and keep on going...
)
Kent's statement above is a good thing to think about. I've read many comments about plastic fans etc. being destroyed on some of the sub CUTS. The Power Trac may be just right for you, but if you're not mechanical, or don't have someone who can mechanic for you, it may not be the best choice as they only sell direct from the factory, no dealers, but they use parts readily available from many places.
John