No, I don't own one. But, I've rented a smaller one for the weekend just to see what they're like. I currently have an old, little Kubota 4WD with FEL that I bought to use clearing a MUCH smaller piece of property on the other side of the Smokies, near Townsend, just outside the park. I'll get a chance to "test it out" in a couple of weeks. If it doesn't work for my needs, I'll likely be buying the 25HP gas version, the PT25 this fall since I want to "break ground" next spring.
It's not cobbled, by any means. The company is a long-time maker of mining equipment. They're built TOUGH -- read industrial -- and virtually indestructible -- everything is plate steel, including the hood (engine cover) and the canopy on the ROPS. It has a solid steel plate "belly" with nothing exposed and vulnerable, for example. They're very maneuverable, being articulated and oscillating (i.e. they "twist" 12 degrees), very stable and very versatile. They have commercial models with dual tires that can handle 45-degree slopes, for example. Their market is more toward commercial landscaping and equipment rental compaines, not consumers.
They're also more versatile than a regular compact, having a wide range of attachments quite similar to a skidsteer. The attachments use a hydraulically activated "quick attach" that don't even require the operator to leave the seat, unless you need to hook up the auxiliary hydraulic PTO line. When you price the attachments as part of the package -- the price becomes VERY competitive, since they use the tractor's built-in hydraulics (pumps AND lift cylinders) instead of having all that unique to the attachment. For example the frontend loaders and grapple buckets for brush are about 1/2 the price of those for a typical compact tractor with the same rated capabilities. The same goes for the backhoe, and the less-complex "mini-hoe" is even far cheaper if you don't need a "true backhoe." As an example, I priced the 25HP gas version with grapple bucket, mini-hoe, landscape rake, stump grinder, and rough-cut mower. It comes in about $1,000 less than a Kubota
BX23 with just the FEL and backhoe. Slightly better ground clearance, lower center of gravity with no "vulnerable belly" exposed, and it is much more suitable for rough, steep ground. I realize that you're looking for something bigger than a BX to start with, and that's why I suggested you look at the larger diesels.
IMO, they are a "hybrid" that combines the best of skid-steers and compact tractors at a very competitive price.... Of course, if you're interested in "sex appeal" or impressing the neighbors, then a green and yellow paint scheme may work best for you, but if you're interested in true "utility" then these deserve a look. My 2 cents, value accordingly....
