My dream tractor: is there such a thing?

jmc · Feb 27, 2015

1) Not exactly a tractor really, but basically an articulated loader, for tight quarters maneuvering without tearing up the ground.
2) SSQA loader to accept my existing attachments
3) front hydraulics with enough flow to run a 5 ft., front mounted bush hog
4) 4WD with big tires all around
5) 40 to 50ish HP
6) maybe a heated cab but low profile for mowing around trees. (Or easily removeable in nice weather.)

Is there such a thing?

bcp · Feb 27, 2015

One of these 4 models should be pretty close.

Compact Wheel Loaders | R Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation

Or maybe this:
Why Toolcat? - Toolcat 5600 and 5610 Utility Work Machines - Bobcat Company

Bruce

jenkinsph · Feb 27, 2015

I haven't found anything that meets your criteria in one package. The Kubota R series are nice articulated loaders, one of my friends has a 520 with hydraulic quick attach (nice) for in seat attachment changes. But the aux hydraulics are not enough for a brush cutter. They are taller than they look, about 8' IIRC.

I pretty much have what you are looking for but it takes three of them to meet those specs.

jeff9366 · Feb 27, 2015

From my experience as an observer, articulated loaders are tougher on on turf than tractors.

A made-in-Ohio Ventrac will not meet your horsepower spec but otherwise is pretty close.

VENTRAC LINK: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Ventrac+site:tractorbynet.com

varmint · Feb 27, 2015

The Kubota R530 looks like a very capable machine, but it is big, heavy and I'll bet over $50,000 with the cab, etc.?

jmc · Feb 28, 2015

OP here. Thanks all. I'm going to research that smallest Kubota.

Bobcat used to make a B2000 series back in the late 80's. The ones I've seen were scarce, beaten, and expensive. Then Earthforce made something similar (I think), which was purchased by Ingersol Rand, then Bobcat, then discontinued. Any thoughts on these?

jenkinsph · Feb 28, 2015

jmc said:
OP here. Thanks all. I'm going to research that smallest Kubota.

Bobcat used to make a B2000 series back in the late 80's. The ones I've seen were scarce, beaten, and expensive. Then Earthforce made something similar (I think), which was purchased by Ingersol Rand, then Bobcat, then discontinued. Any thoughts on these?

The problem with most of these compact wheel loaders for you will be the height issue. They are similar in height to cabbed tractors or taller. For that reason I use my 4x4ws mower with 3ph to work under trees without a rops.

RDrancher · Feb 28, 2015

jmc said:
OP here. Thanks all. I'm going to research that smallest Kubota.

Bobcat used to make a B2000 series back in the late 80's. The ones I've seen were scarce, beaten, and expensive. Then Earthforce made something similar (I think), which was purchased by Ingersol Rand, then Bobcat, then discontinued. Any thoughts on these?

My understanding is that Earthforce built it, IR bought it for the all-wheel-steer design and bought Bobcat too, then discontinued it because it competed with their skid steers. What ever the reason behind it, it was a very nice machine with a strong loader and a lot of potential. My thought is that if the backhoe had been detachable to switch out with a 3pt it would have been a perfect machine for a whole bunch of tasks. Could be wrong, but I think parts are a bit hard to find. Have you thought about an all-wheel-steer Bobcat A300? More power and weight than you're looking for, but it'd get stuff done for sure.

MossRoad · Feb 28, 2015

Slide on over to the Power Trac forum here on TBN.

And visit the Power Trac website and give them a look. No cabs, though.

Versatile Tractors,Compact Tractors,Trailer Packages,Landscaping,Utility Vehicle Rentals,Mowers-Power Trac

GManBart · Feb 28, 2015

jmc said:
1) Not exactly a tractor really, but basically an articulated loader, for tight quarters maneuvering without tearing up the ground.
2) SSQA loader to accept my existing attachments
3) front hydraulics with enough flow to run a 5 ft., front mounted bush hog
4) 4WD with big tires all around
5) 40 to 50ish HP
6) maybe a heated cab but low profile for mowing around trees. (Or easily removeable in nice weather.)

Is there such a thing?

This is pretty much what you described, but the tires may not be as big as you'd like. A nice bonus is that it's only a bit over 7ft tall. The specs say 12.9gpm to the standard aux hydraulics....seems decent for this size machine. I think even higher flow hydraulics are an option. They have a really impressive loader for their footprint, and weight.

Wheel Loaders: bucket capacity < 0.65 mｳ | WL 30 | Wacker Neuson