New 1st time Scut buyers/owners/operators - learn something here.

[WranglerX]

If your riding mower does almost everything you want to do, you don't need a "tractor".... Found out real fast the "tractor" is not as stable on gentle slopes as riding mower... The FEL requires ballast if you are going to even have almost anything in bucket.... The spray rig that fit on rack (homemade) on rear of my riding mower now resides on a implement rack of 3PT hitch, making spraying rig bigger longer more difficult to manage than when it was on back of riding mower....To get a mower for tractor will cost you anywhere from about $950 to $2000 (3PT hitch, rotary or finish cutter or mid mount).... And assorted other things like rear scrapers .... Don't get me wrong, I like the tractor and it is a very good machine it's just the my expectation and perspective about what it was capable of and what it could do "for me" on my property situation was sort of in ballpark that I really did not need to invest $12,500 into tractor and the cost of additional implements, my better choice would probably have been to replace worn out JD mower with just another riding mower of a more industrial type that was more fitting to my property needs and probably kept old mower and just removed mow deck and use it as a "mule" to drag the sprayer and garden cart (trailer) around till it was beyond repair....

Do not be put off my what I have stated, its just in my situation it was probably a poor decision on my part probably from ignorance about what tractors can do or can not do and if it was really a correct decision on my part... All am advocating is think about it, kind of avoid the "impulse " buy of thinking it will solve most of your grounds keeping needs......

Dale

 

[dragoneggs]

On whether you 'need' a tractor, it is important to list out your intended projects. For me the tractor has paid for itself. I have done some logging, road/path making, a ton of landscaping and moving/loading/unloading lots of stuff on a sloped property. Yes, have to be careful... did I mention 'low and slow'? A FEL QA, bucket with a piranha tooth, and adjustable forks have been invaluable. I do dig with my bucket. On the backend, a backhoe, rake, and a back blade have been great as well. Wanted a post hole digger but I know that will be a one time thing and then a post or two rarely, so that is off the list.

 

[dnw64]

Figure out what size tractor you believe you need and go up at least one size from there.

Ummmm, if everyone followed this advice there would be no SCUT sales...

 

[dragoneggs]

Figure out what size tractor you believe you need and go up at least one size from there.

While that might be good general advice, my BX is perfect for me. Any bigger and I would not be able to negotiate tight spaces and drive around my entire house. I have nestled in some very tight spaces with the BH on and FEL bucket off to do some digging and planting. Made a nice water feature that would not have happened if I had a bigger tractor because I will not pick up a shovel or a pick for more than a minute now I have hydraulics!

 

[dragoneggs]

And for those that say you cannot/should not dig with your FEL bucket... I say, Hogwash. I've got many many hours carving paths with my bucket fitted with a Piranha tooth bar. This is not easy soil either. Glacial till. As much rocks as dirt.

 

[4570Man]

And for those that say you cannot/should not dig with your FEL bucket... I say, Hogwash. I've got many many hours carving paths with my bucket fitted with a Piranha tooth bar. This is not easy soil either. Glacial till. As much rocks as dirt.

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You can do it. It’s just risky. Those that put a bucket spade on are really asking for it. Back dragging with the bucket at steep angles is nearing a sure fire way to bend a cylinder.

 

[dragoneggs]

You can do it. It’s just risky. Those that put a bucket spade on are really asking for it. Back dragging with the bucket at steep angles is nearing a sure fire way to bend a cylinder.

I hear you. Bucket spade is recipe for a fail. I back drag hard with my tooth bar. Fronts off the ground. I admit I am stressing my SCUT but it is a little monster.

The only permanent deformation I have been able to accomplish was on the side wall of my bucket when I was trying to lift/move/drag a huge stump chained around my bucket and hooks. This was with lots of rear ballast (backhoe).

Again, I am hard on my BX but it takes abuse incredibly well. Maybe other tractors aren’t as tough as a BX is? I’ve got 400+ hard hours (no mowing) and if I cleaned her up, waxed and buffed, she would look almost mint.

Next week I might be posting a sad thread... where is the wood to knock on? Ha ha.

 

[claitner]

Lower everything to the ground before leaving the machine. Take the key with you when leaving the machine. Always use the parking brake when leaving the machine. Do not leave the machine running when you get off. Do not leave the PTO running when you get off. Do not be distracted by adjusting the radio, the AC, the lights, your jacket, etc. when operating the machine. Read the operators manual before you first run the machine and frequently thereafter. Know what the manufacturer has written about safely operating the machine. Always look behind you before backing. Keep close watch on the implements when moving...especially the one on the opposite end of your direction of travel. Double check all implements when turning the steering wheel while moving. Clean the radiator and related coolers frequently. Blow off all the grass, weed and similar trimmings always before putting the machine away. Take time to confirm your implement is properly mounted and secured before using it. Take time to check that your implement is fully disconnected before storing and driving away from it. After disconnecting the implement and double checking, pull away from it very, very slowly and watch to make sure a pin or chain was not missed and that something on the CTL didn't catch some part of the disconnected implement. Check and double check continually that no one is near the machine when it is running...especially children. Do not let anyone ride with you. Do not let the children play on or around the machine. Do not operate the machine around pets. Know that cats like to catch mice in the field you are mowing or the hay you are baleing...don't mow or bale them. Think safety first, last and always!

 

[kthompson]

Watch youtube videos of people running them. Pay careful attention to those who do it will no harm. Pay more attention to those who have a problem and determine where they went wrong. Look at videos of dumb operators, worst accident and such titles.

As has been said here, go slow. Seat belt may save your life. Read the manual, no study the manual.

 

[majorwager]

Admittedly I follow very few of the guidelines suggested by Claitner. Adhere to advice concerning children since none live or play on my property. Remainder of items are governed by freedom of choice. Safety police are specifically identified w/ restricted access in "no trespassing" signage.

Hope Girl Who Desires Tractor has an opportunity to read and comment upon OP Guidelines.

Always believed jeffy from Florida was the premier source for tractor buying guidelines and advice. It appears the OP is providing direct competition.

jeffy should also take note of the negative feedback concerning the bucket spade, I have long believed this tool is a recipe to distort the bucket cutting edge. Might consider a disclaimer for "sand use only"