Newbie buying a NEW tractor- UT or CUT, that is the question

Trillium Farm · Mar 29, 2015

ovrszd said:
Yep. Will work circles around an HST CUT.

Wouldn't want an HST CUT

paulfun9 · Mar 29, 2015

Trillium Farm said:
Wouldn't want an HST CUT

I have said before that the DK40 is about as big as I would want to go with a HST. Anything bigger or even more HP I would have definitely brought home an other shuttle but my needs for this machine are slightly different than the others, also the wife wants to be able to operate it and do some of her projects as well but doesn't want to keep the old JD that I designated as Hers when I decided to buy a new machine.
The original plan was to sell some of the other machines. Which are now getting old and needing repairs and just run one but I am realizing more that might not be the best Idea. might have to keep one more around or replace it with something newer and the same abilities maybe an other Kioti or LS but New or slightly used would be the Idea!

varmint · Mar 29, 2015

Out of my league, but I can add a touch of experience about going thru deep snow (to get out to the lane I plow, I have to cross our property over a field from my storage barn- there is no road or lane to the barn. More than once, in over two feet of snow, I have had to clear a path just to get out, and now that I have a snow plow, it goes about 4 times faster than messing with the bucket or backing out with the rear blade. If I had any distance to travel thru deep snow, scrapping off snow to a manageable depth with a front plow would be my choice. And, for winter travel, a cab!!! I crave a cab every winter, and I am happy not to have one in the summer.

ovrszd · Mar 30, 2015

paulfun9 said:
I have said before that the DK40 is about as big as I would want to go with a HST. Anything bigger or even more HP I would have definitely brought home an other shuttle but my needs for this machine are slightly different than the others, also the wife wants to be able to operate it and do some of her projects as well but doesn't want to keep the old JD that I designated as Hers when I decided to buy a new machine.
The original plan was to sell some of the other machines. Which are now getting old and needing repairs and just run one but I am realizing more that might not be the best Idea. might have to keep one more around or replace it with something newer and the same abilities maybe an other Kioti or LS but New or slightly used would be the Idea!

I agree about the size and HST. I've said several times that I personally have no use for a larger HST tractor. But there are members on here that have them and love them. Each of us have different needs and expectations. That's why there are soooooo many model choices.

Trillium Farm · Mar 30, 2015

Paulfun, in my experience HST works best for cutting grass and loader work, but I do understand that your wife might find it easier to work with

woodchipper · Mar 31, 2015

I will encourage you to tour your local LS dealer. LS is a big Korean Manufacturer whose reputation is equal to other top brands. It is one of the best value brand throughout the board. LS is also very competitively priced, with a decent dealership representation all around North America. They offer a utility tractor in the 65 to 70Hp. range. Since with a tractor over 60Hp you save the HST, it is a plus for your purchasing decision, if you are not a registered business. If you are, then you will just claim your Taxes back. I beleive that with the good description of your needs, such a machine will serve you extremely well. Get AG tires (and get all four tires filled, as you will gain a lot in stability, load capacity, and traction), and get the cab!!!! I know you want to go in the woods, but look at all the positive sides. They are so numerous, and well layed out from answers to your post by other great members on this forum. This is a decision you can not regret in my opinion!

I will also encourage you to read about third function valve. As you will certainly acquire at one point in time, a debris/root rake, it will pay off to have it Factory installed(I insist on Factory Installed, vs Dealer Installed) if that option is available by your dealer brand of choice. Those loader attachments are just so versatile, that many use it more than any other one, even their loader bucket!!
Since you wife may be using the machine from time to time, get her on board! Doing this search together is good. Have her climb,sit, feel the levers, and drive the tractor as often as possible while you both spend time at various dealers. Ergonomics is so often not considered, and in my view quite important.
Also, when comparing same size machines, see how fast the bucket goes, lift and curl wise. Efficiency is important. Transmission wise, a fully syncronized with power reverser is a feature I which I had!

HST is mostly found on smaller tractors, such as SCUT/CUT, and they serve their purpose really well.
For serious pulling, and ground engaging three point hitch implements HST should not be considered. Again, you could could read much on the subject right here on T.B.N. Its a mine of information. Do not hesitate to ask further questions, and good luck in your quest!:tractor:

Fossil Farm · Mar 31, 2015

Eventually you will need at least 2 tractors, a larger HP for most jobs and a smaller HP for small jobs and getting through tight spots in the woods. For the first purchase, the larger utility tractor will make life easier in getting jobs done. In a few years, adding the smaller CUT will help getting jobs done around the woods and in tight areas.

Horridfiber · Mar 31, 2015

After looking at several compact and compact utility tractor I have decided to go for a full Utility tractor.
The risk of getting stuck in the mud, snow or soft ground is my biggest fear.
We just don't have another piece of equipment to come to the rescue.

I'm hoping that the larger format of a UT, better traction, and more stability will help if I make a slight error on the trails.
It is certainly overkill for our limited use, but seldom has too big ever come back to bite us.
We have ATV's for small trailer work and running the really rough stuff.

Thank you for all the input folks !!

TJP89 · Mar 31, 2015

Horridfiber said:
After looking at several compact and compact utility tractor I have decided to go for a full Utility tractor.
The risk of getting stuck in the mud, snow or soft ground is my biggest fear.
We just don't have another piece of equipment to come to the rescue.

I'm hoping that the larger format of a UT, better traction, and more stability will help if I make a slight error on the trails.
It is certainly overkill for our limited use, but seldom has too big ever come back to bite us.
We have ATV's for small trailer work and running the really rough stuff.

Thank you for all the input folks !!

That's the route I would go too. I would also get a cab. R1s and the heaviest tractor in the class too. Snowplow (3PT or SSQA) is essential. 75HP gear (preferably PST) would be about right IMO.