MT225S stability

[oakhilltop]

Wondering what the opinions of owners are about how tipsy the mt255s is. I am considering one, with a front mount snowblower which is only one inch wider than the tires. So adding wheel spacers would not be an option if I buy one and decide that I would like more stability.

Also, I think the bucket on the mt225s is only 50 inches wide. Makes me wonder if LS is doing "cost savings", and where else are cost savings occuring.

 

[oakhilltop]

I meant mt225s not mt255s

 

[bearthebruce]

We have a MT125. Even with weighted tires, I find it tippy. With the backhoe on it, it really gets tippy on our hills and slopes.

It was purchased mainly to have a small hoe around. We have far less than 100 hours on it and we are still getting used to it. I find I really have to pay attention to sway of the machine and where I put it.

Appears to me that 225 is both wider and taller. Not sure how that plays out with stability on hills.

One guy really loves Little Boy Blue. Me and blue have already rolled once.

I prefer our Massey much bigger chassis tractor. Others like the hydrostat tranny on Blue. To each his own.

It could be that I am a total idiot and am not careful enough when on Blue... but, I thought I would share that I find the small tractor tippy and I can't seem to find a way out of it with the back hoe on - the way we want to keep it. You are not planning a back hoe - at least you did not mention that you were. It may be the difference.

 

[GS650GL]

The MT225S is more stable than the XJ2025 it replaced. Why are you concerned about the stability that you considered adding wheel spacers? Unless you are going to be on steep side hills it shouldn't be a problem. Any tractor that size may seem more tippy because of it's width compared to a larger tractor, but the larger tractor will be taller so it evens out in the end. Any tractor can be tipped over depending on what you are doing with it. Carry the load as low as you can and only raise it when needed, don't turn too fast, and don't go on steep slopes. If you put pallet forks on, remember that puts the load out farther forward so that reduces stability somewhat. A tractor doesn't lift like a forklift. A backhoe adds alot of extra weight which is good for rear ballast for lifting, but not good on side hills. Have the rear tires filled, every little bit helps.
50 inches is the standard width bucket on a loader that size with 1100 lb. lift capacity, not because of cost savings. The next size up has a 66 inch bucket and 1600 lift capacity.

 

[oakhilltop]

Yes, I'm wondering if I am being too concerned about it. I have had JD 2305 subcompact for 15 years. The most important use is snowblowing a paved driveway. Long and VERY steep, up/down not side to side. That is not my stability concern. We cut trees for firewood for a few weeks after the bugs go away and before the snow starts flying. Then again, after the snow stops flying and before the bugs and hot weather comes. I like to lift the tree off the ground a few inches after felling to keep the saw out of the dirt. It is rarely completely flat where the tree falls, but not very steep either, so I can usually find a safe approach to it. If not, I try to pull it to a better place with chains. Sometimes it gets a little dicey, so I figured if I'm going to go with a new tractor, get something a little more stable. I've only come close to tipping once, I'm pretty much a big chicken. And that was this fall, when a tree fell and got caught up between 2 main trunks of a standing tree. I don't remember if I was trying to lift the bottom of the stuck tree with the bucket or pulling with chains. But, there was a slight side to side slope that I was aware of and being cautious about. But the tractor did start to go over somewhat.

Sounds like you are pleased with the MT225S. My JD has a 54" bucket with a capacity around 700ish pounds. We carry bucked up logs out of the woods in the bucket. I realize 4" isn't a big deal.

How reliable has the MT225S been? My tractor is very very important to me in the winter. It's not fun if I go out to snowblow and something doesn't work. The driveway is 400 feet and like I said .... steep. And, we are not spring chickens any more, when we could go out and deal with it using shovels. We did get an EGO snowblower as a backup, but that is not fun either.

Thanks for the feedback and would like to hear more about the MT225S. It seems to be the right size upgrade for me. A little more lifting capacity, but still maneuverable in tight places. I still haven't shaken my concerns about LS. Perhaps for no good reason. But, one of the biggest motivations for replacing the JD is that it is 15 years old and like I said we really need it during the winter. It has been a really reliable tractor, but time takes its toll on things. I said to my wife, if we are still living here in a few years, do we want to be counting on a 20 year old tractor? And we are planning on staying as long as we are able to handle things.

 

[farmiguy]

Wondering what the opinions of owners are about how tipsy the mt255s is. I am considering one, with a front mount snowblower which is only one inch wider than the tires. So adding wheel spacers would not be an option if I buy one and decide that I would like more stability.

Also, I think the bucket on the mt225s is only 50 inches wide. Makes me wonder if LS is doing "cost savings", and where else are cost savings occuring.

i bought an MT225s about a year and a half ago with cab, loader, and snowblower. I had the tires loaded and the LS 2"+ rear tire extensions installed. I use a farmi JL351 skidding when working in the woods and routinely skid a twitch of three 8-12" butt logs (firewood)to the landing without any problems. I am careful not to traverse hillsides but the rough trails do not feel too tipsy. As far as snowblower and wheel extensions go, LS offered S/B extensions that accommodate for this issue. I use Versa Turf tires and so far they have done great in the woods. I will admit I have had a few problems with this tractor ( assembly and manufacturing issues) but the dealer has been attentive and so far all have been resolved under warranty. My advice, have a quality dealer close.

 

[Squirrel's242]

Yes, I'm wondering if I am being too concerned about it. I have had JD 2305 subcompact for 15 years. The most important use is snowblowing a paved driveway. Long and VERY steep, up/down not side to side. That is not my stability concern. We cut trees for firewood for a few weeks after the bugs go away and before the snow starts flying. Then again, after the snow stops flying and before the bugs and hot weather comes. I like to lift the tree off the ground a few inches after felling to keep the saw out of the dirt. It is rarely completely flat where the tree falls, but not very steep either, so I can usually find a safe approach to it. If not, I try to pull it to a better place with chains. Sometimes it gets a little dicey, so I figured if I'm going to go with a new tractor, get something a little more stable. I've only come close to tipping once, I'm pretty much a big chicken. And that was this fall, when a tree fell and got caught up between 2 main trunks of a standing tree. I don't remember if I was trying to lift the bottom of the stuck tree with the bucket or pulling with chains. But, there was a slight side to side slope that I was aware of and being cautious about. But the tractor did start to go over somewhat.

Sounds like you are pleased with the MT225S. My JD has a 54" bucket with a capacity around 700ish pounds. We carry bucked up logs out of the woods in the bucket. I realize 4" isn't a big deal.

How reliable has the MT225S been? My tractor is very very important to me in the winter. It's not fun if I go out to snowblow and something doesn't work. The driveway is 400 feet and like I said .... steep. And, we are not spring chickens any more, when we could go out and deal with it using shovels. We did get an EGO snowblower as a backup, but that is not fun either.

Thanks for the feedback and would like to hear more about the MT225S. It seems to be the right size upgrade for me. A little more lifting capacity, but still maneuverable in tight places. I still haven't shaken my concerns about LS. Perhaps for no good reason. But, one of the biggest motivations for replacing the JD is that it is 15 years old and like I said we really need it during the winter. It has been a really reliable tractor, but time takes its toll on things. I said to my wife, if we are still living here in a few years, do we want to be counting on a 20 year old tractor? And we are planning on staying as long as we are able to handle things.

Sounds like maybe you'll want to ballast the rear tires? I understand people have strong feelings either way but it is noticeable to stabilize the tractor right off the bat. I installed beet juice into my 242 to get the most weight I could per volume and it handled like a different tractor. Huge improvement in stability, no bouncing and the counter weight was immediately noticed - no bounce when FEL loaded. Just driving it in High range the tractor was more set than before the ballast. Plus with filled tires I don't have to run a 3pt implement unless needed, so I can really get into the tight spaces and work.

As for the 225, I started off intending to look at LS' 25hp but then I upgraded myself to the 232 because I wanted all the bells and whistles (rear remotes, rear 3ph control, floor mat, 3rd function, etc). Well then I upgraded myself again when the 242 was parked next to the 232 and it was only $1000 more... Needless to say, happy with the decisions.My property is half wooded and not a level spot to be found, tractor size and hp ended up a factor for me. This tractor uses the 3301 loader (~2500lbs) and 66" bucket, it's easy to get in trouble if not properly positioning it on inclines.