Newbie Looking for SubCUT Buying Advice

[jfdlaw]

RSD, you mention your primary chores are mowing (hills) and snowblowing a 600 foot driveway, with some light landscaping and hauling. I echo Bob Skurka and suggest you check out the Ventrac and Powertracs along with the more conventional sub-cuts.

I played with both the Ventrac 4200VXD (with loader) and the Powertrac. Both would be great machines for your needs. I (IMHO) think Ventrac is mower first, tractor/loader second; Power trac is loader/tractor first, mower second.

If you are spending most of your time mowing a Ventrac is great. [BUT its not cheap. It's more than a similarly equiped Sub CUT.] It can climb hills you wouldn't want to look at with a SubCUT. And with the Ventrac 4200 you can get a limited 3pt hitch (no rear PTO, just the hitch) so you can pull blades and other non-powered implements.

If the Ventrac dealer in my area didn't stiff me (closed the shop early and wasn't there after I drove an hour and a half to talk to him) there might be one in my garage.

I love my B2410, but I keep it on the flat parts of my property, or I drive it up and down the dirt road. I don't go sideways. If I had to, I would have a PT or Ventrac. I keep hoping I'll get a big inheritance and be able to buy a second machine without my wife making me sleep next to it in the garage.

 

[megotatractor]

For low center of gravity and stability on hills you definitely need a sub-CUT. For ease of changing attachment you might look at JD. for price look at Cub Cadets new 5000 series that offer all wheel drive diesel power at a more affordable price. look for package deals. I use my 2210 on the sloped ditch along the highway out front. very stable. so stable in fact that if the slope is a bit wet the front tends to slide a little. You'll find each model has it's own faults, find out what they are and weigh against what you like.

 

[Baucom]

Based on your primary uses--mowing and snowblowing--that a SCUT (or powertrac/ventrac) would be more suitable than a CUT. In this situation, the only reason I could see justifying a CUT is if you have any woods that you intend to work in--because in the woods, the increased ground clearance of a CUT over a SCUT is nice.