New CT225, Is the PTO HP weaker than normal

[skyline]

Just got my first few hours in on the new machine and I do like it.
However, it doesn't seem very strong with a new 5' Bush Hog 160.
I test drove a 230 and a 5' rankin and thought the same.

I was always a bit concerned with the 19.5 hp spec on the PTO, seemed like a bigger drop (27%) than normal especially compared to others i.e. (botas-27.5 hp gross & 24 hp on PTO). The salesman said some mumbo about tests not being the same. I would have bought the 235 if I could have but just too much extra, they were really pushing the 225.

I see other guys posting here are pulling a 7' brush hog with the CT225. I can't imagine. Is there any truth to the PTO getting stronger after a break in period?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[Sprocket]

I run a RZ160 with my CT225 with no problems...on steep hills I have to run it in low range to avoid bogging. I don't have any wet heavy grass to mow but I use it on 2' high brush all the time. Set the mower up so its level or lower in the front for less mulching. The tractor engine will gain a little power as it breaks in and that will effect PTO HP.

 

[Gator6x4]

Just got my first few hours in on the new machine and I do like it.
However, it doesn't seem very strong with a new 5' Bush Hog 160.
I test drove a 230 and a 5' rankin and thought the same.

I was always a bit concerned with the 19.5 hp spec on the PTO, seemed like a bigger drop (27%) than normal especially compared to others i.e. (botas-27.5 hp gross & 24 hp on PTO). The salesman said some mumbo about tests not being the same. I would have bought the 235 if I could have but just too much extra, they were really pushing the 225.

I see other guys posting here are pulling a 7' brush hog with the CT225. I can't imagine. Is there any truth to the PTO getting stronger after a break in period?

Thanks for any comments.

Most manufactures of Rotary Cutters specify five (5) PTO horsepower per foot width of Rotary Cutter. A seven (7) foot Rotary Cutter would call for 35 PTO horsepower. Bush Hog recommends a tractor with 25-40 PTO horsepower for a SQ160 Bush Hog Rotary Cutter.

http://www.lansdowne-moody.com/bushhog-mowing.htm

 

[Dmace]

I was always a bit concerned with the 19.5 hp spec on the PTO, seemed like a bigger drop (27%) than normal especially compared to others i.e. (botas-27.5 hp gross & 24 hp on PTO).

Which Kubota has those specs...?
B2620HST is 26 Engine HP and 19 PTO HP (27% loss).
B2920HST is 29 Engine HP and 21 PTO HP (28% loss).
BX2660HST is 25.5 Engine HP and 19.5 PTO HP (24% loss).
B2630HST is 26 Engine HP and 19.5 PTO HP (25% loss).

Granted these are all HST, gear tractors have more PTO hp on the equivalent tractor but I can't find any specs on Kubota's site for a sub-compact 25hp gear drive tractor. I highly doubt they have a tractor with that little of a loss to the rear PTO but could be wrong...

The Bobcat CT225 is 27 Engine HP and 19.5 PTO HP which is a 27% loss and seems to be right in line with others...
The Kioti equivalent CK27HST is 28 Engine HP and 20.5 PTO HP for a loss of 27% also. The CK27 gear version has 21.7 PTO HP for a loss of 23%, not a huge difference but certainly an extra 1.2HP.

Make sure you are running at full PTO rpms and make sure the air filter is clean, I would also recommend running an additive like Power Service with Cetane booster after you have reached the break-in 50hr mark. The engine will really come alive after 50 and 100 hours, more engine HP means more PTO HP. I also would not be running a mower until after 50 hours since it should not be run at a constant rpm while breaking in. I did loader work and driving around the first 50 hours varying the engine rpms as much as possible.

Is this a gear tractor or HST? If HST, check the fluid level and make sure you use tractor fluid and not straight hydraulic fluid.

 

[MESSMAKER]

The 225 is set up to use a 72" rotary cutter on the site. You would think it would handle a 60" without a ton of fuss. I hope so, because I have a The same set-up as you. My tractor is not in yet. How long did you wait for yours? I am on week 3.

 

[tinman955]

My 440 seems awefully week on power also, kind of embarassing to tell you the truth. Im half sorry I didnt get the 450 now. I like the tractor for the most part but the serious lack of power really stinks.

 

[derekw71]

Tinman is just running his with the emergency brake on......... Just kidding Tinman... I'm not seeing any lack of power from my 440 hooked to a 6 foot brush hog. I'm gonna hook it up to a 6 foot tiller next week. I'll keep you posted on how it does. Wish you all the best!

 

[tinman955]

Ive been using mine in different applications in the past few weeks. I have a stump bucket ive been working with for a landscaper digging small holes, cuz I dont have my hoe yet, and removing some old bushes and such. My 440 will stall from the lack of power all the time when used not even what I would call hard. The dealer will address the problem as soon as my remotes come in.

 

[skyline]

Sorry for the delayed response, have to play with the toy...tool sometimes.
I'll try to respond to everyone at once. Thanks for all your input.

The kubota spec sheet I was looking at was for the L2800, but it looks like I copied the engine "net" HP at 27.5 not the gross at 29, and the gear HP at 24 and not the HST at 22.5 so that definitely makes it more in line with the others. But of course it doesn't really solve my problem. Bobcat wanted to sell me their 5' cutter but at $1400 but they couldn't tell me who made it other than "some company in Minnesota" I think.
I would think trying to use a 6' on anything other than short grass and flat land would be tough. (Here in NW Oregon our grass grows pretty thick) I pretty much always cut in low gear and if there is even a small hill, forget mid range. You pretty much have to be aimed down hill to get into high range. This was also the case with the 230 that I demo'd so I don't think it is tractor specific.

I didn't have to wait for 225 as they had it in stock, just had to wait for them to put the quick tach & bucket on.

The only other issue I have is in the couple of hours I cut with it, the temperature needle didn't move off the bottom. This concerns me but they'll send someone out if I verify it.

 

[Lockport]

Is this still an issue with this model or has, what sound likes under adjusted hydraulic capabilities, been rectifie?