New guy, 2210 or bx2230

[lildozer]

"Battle scars" I really like the way you think, and Greg I'm not dead set on a sub compact.......but, I'll be lucky just to afford one.
So what is a shear pin?
A disposable bush-hog.........hummm....I like that idea. It's kinda like my push mower, it dubbles as a 4hp 22in cut bush-hog, and no I don't use the same blade on my lawn.

 

[rdam]

That's sneaky Charlie.......I like it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[surfran]

Just make sure you check the rental agreement so that it doesn't have some clause about using with implements other than rented or something like that. In these days I could see them doing something like that. I would hate to go this route and have damage to the tractor then have an issue with the rental company.

Gotta agree though it is a great idea.

 

[frank_f15]

good idea /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif was wondering tho,the pto shaft would have to be cut to fit the larger tractor first wouldn't it? or would he need 2 different pto shafts?

 

[Hambone]

I think the pto shaft would fit the larger tractor fine, then would have to cut down to fit the subcut.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

surfan, I agree read the rental agreement, or better yet, buy the optional insurance.

I don't know how all rental co work but I would figure they keep the equipment around until it is depresiated. I would guess they have extended warrenties until the depriciating is done. If it is under warrenty, it would cost the rental co little or no money to fix.

I guess another question is how likely is a 30hp Kubota (all rentals are Kubs right?) to be damaged by a 4ft hog?

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

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So what is a shear pin?
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Expecially on the small and cheap pto driven equipment, the manufactures put shear pins for safety. It usually goes between the input shaft of a gearbox and the drive shaft. It is engineered to be the weakest link in the drive system.

In this case, the hog gearbox may have a 1 inch input shaft. The drive shaft will slip over the input shaft. The manufacture will have a 3/8in hole drilled thru both. The shear pin (a 3/8in bolt) goes thru this hole. When/if the blade hits something that will damage the gearbox ect, the bolt should shear. So you replace a 25c bolt instead of a $300 gearbox.

 

[Hambone]

As to the 2210 or BX2230 question, from what I gather both are good machines. I only have experience with one.
Dealer is a very important thing you need to look at. Hopefully you will have the tractor for a long time.
Test drive both machines and see which one you like better, the ride, feel, and comfort.

Good Luck!

 

[GregJ]

Lildozer,
OK.... I have been thinking about this post and one thing about TBN is you can depend on different opinions..... So here goes. I may be a little different but here is how I look at this situation. If you purchase a "disposable" bush hog for $400 and rent a tractor for at least $200, that just made your tractor "purchase price" go up by at least $600. If you saved that money and put it toward a little larger tractor, that essentially "lowers" the relative price of that tractor. Once you pay a rental fee, it has no value after you return the machine. If you put that money into an asset that you own, you will have it forever. As you can see, I am not a great fan of renting equipment.

Secondly, with a little larger tractor, you may not even need a bushhog, which lowers your "purchase price" again. I have put in a lot of lawn with just my fel with a toothbar. Once it is rough graded, I drag it with a weighted piece of chain link fence, toss some grass seed and I am mowing with my riding mower within a month.

When I bought my tractor, I started out with a "less than $5,000" budget. After about 6 months of studying and agonizing, I realized that this is a "long term" investment that will have value for many years to come. I am glad I went WAY over my budget and got the machine I needed. I have used it for more things than I ever dreamt of. I have close to 300 hours on it in just a little over a year.

As far as abuse, I am a believer that these tractors are designed to work hard. Mechanically I take very good care of my machine, but when I am using it, I'm not afraid to push it to it's full potential. Yup.... it's got a few battle scars and it's darn proud of 'em..... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Don't misinterpret this post to say that there is anything wrong with a 2210 or a 2230. They are both fine machines and would probably serve you well. I am only sharing my personal experience and what worked best for me. Your case is obviously different, but I guess that's what TBN is all about... different opinions.

Have fun shopping,

Greg

 

[KubotaSteve]

I think I would side with Greg on this one. Buy a little larger machine and you can do it yourself. Since you would be using your own machine you can take your time as not to abuse the machine. I have found that using a landscape rake will clean up vines and small saplings quite nicely as well as the rocks. Using the rake you wouldn't have all the abuse and stuff flying from a bush hog. If you rent a machine, you of course are going to try and get it done as fast as possible which isn't much fun. Since I got my new 7800 I enjoy doing projects like that. Just remember the first 50 hours on a new machine are the most important. How the machine is treated in this period could set the tone as to how it will last.