scut TLBs on hills

[jfdlaw]

Any of you have thoughts on how the various compact TLB packages would do on hills? I'm referring to the Kubota BX23, Massey 2350 type tractors. I should just buy a powertrac, but I have a hard time abandoning local dealer support.

I'm looking for a machine mostly for loader and grading (box blade) work, some light backhoe work. I also want to run a front mounted snowblower. As my profile shows, I live on a big hill and have projects at both the top and bottom of the hill. I also have a long (level) driveway in a area where it snows A LOT.

I don't envision using the three point hitch for anything other than towing a box blade, but its kind of nice to know I have the option.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[44trxfun]

Can't really give you help on the TLB, but I bought a MF GC2300 last summer. It works great for just about everything I ask of it, BUT, if I'd been a little more aware, I might have studied the 3PH capabilities a little closer first.

The archives here abound with discussions on some of the limitations of the 3PH for these sized tractors, since you say you're going to be box-blading. To put it briefly (do check the archives), there are limits on the height the 3PH can be raised, the weight of the implements themselves, and the lack of position control (other than visual). Also, on mine, the slot for the toplink is slightly smaller/narrower than "true" Cat. 1. My last complaint is that the 3PH lever falls right in the bend of my right knee. This gets kind of awkward while trying to run the "treddle peddle". Hindsight is always 20/20 ain't it???

As for the hills, I've had no prob with mine. The dealer I bought from said it's dang-near a clone of the BX2200/2300. I used a front-mount snowblower all winter and never had a problem with it!

Good luck to you!

 

[hennydamule]

Granted I've only had my BX for a week now, but I've been on it almost constantly. In fact, I took a day off of work, just to get some more seat time. I, too, have a pretty steep hill in my backyard, and the BX has no trouble getting up and down, even with a full bucket. From other posts I've read, however, I wouldn't try it without bar tires. Little thing's a tank.

 

[JerryG]

Anytime you add a backhoe, you raise the center of gravity. TLB's are less stable on steep slopes that a tractor with loader and rear ballast.

 

[BigEddy]

My 855 is larger than you are considering, but the same things apply.

Depends on what you call hills, how steep they are, and what you want to do on them.

Most tractors will climb straight up just about anything. If it's too steep you can back up (4wd) which is a bit safer. I've got turf tires and very steep hills, and haven't found anything I can't go up. But you MUST be in 4wd, both up and down, unless you want some interesting rides. (I once went down a steep hill in 2wd on snow with a trailer of firewood behind. Won't be doing that again! )Backhoe on or off makes no real difference.

Side hills are another thing. With or without loader and hoe, side hills can be scary. Tractors are inherently tall for clearance, and that means they feel tippy. Lifting the loader raises the center of gravity, compounding the problem. Add a backhoe, and it rises again. Loading the tires will help, but there is no way to make a SCUT stable on a cross-hill. It's all in what you try to do. With the hoe on, you do have the advantage of having moveable ballast - if you have space you can swing the hoe up-hill to help , but either way these tractors do not shine on sidehills.

It really depends on your terrain, and what you want to do on it.