SCUT vs. CUT turn radius

mikefd · Mar 13, 2017

For anyone who has owned both little SCUTs (e.g. JD 1 series, Kubota BX), not so little SCUTS (e.g. JD 2025R, Kubota B series) and larger CUTs, what is the actual real world difference in maneuverability? Turn radius specs don't seem to change that much (e.g. 7.4' for 1 series vs 7.7' for 2025r). I'm not interested in split break turning in place, but actual turning while moving, getting around stuff, turning around in a smaller space, etc.

Tompet · Mar 13, 2017

Not much difference at all between scut and smallest cut, I've had both and would suggest if that is only consideration for purchase between the two sizes don't worry about it. There can be a difference in the largest cuts.

TripleR · Mar 13, 2017

Check threads by JOHNTHOMAS if he doesn't respond he has owned several BXs and Bs and recently added an L.

mike69440 · Mar 13, 2017

Tompet said:
Not much difference at all between scut and smallest cut, I've had both and would suggest if that is only consideration for purchase between the two sizes don't worry about it. There can be a difference in the largest cuts.

Depending on brand and model, a SCUT will turn a bit tighter.

The big difference is in tire size, Yards are for SCUT's, Land is better with a small CUT.

vlcakc · Mar 13, 2017

One of the big reasons I chose the 2000 NH TC45D when new was the SuperSteer option, which did allow for a tighter turning radius than the green or orange tractors of the day. However, my understanding is the newer LS sourced NH Boomer tractors no longer offer this feature. I found the tighter turn radius to be a definite benefit, particularly when mowing. Vic

Grandad4 · Mar 13, 2017

mikefd said:
For anyone who has owned both little SCUTs (e.g. JD 1 series, Kubota BX), not so little SCUTS (e.g. JD 2025R, Kubota B series) and larger CUTs, what is the actual real world difference in maneuverability? Turn radius specs don't seem to change that much (e.g. 7.4' for 1 series vs 7.7' for 2025r). I'm not interested in split break turning in place, but actual turning while moving, getting around stuff, turning around in a smaller space, etc.

Turning radius doesn't tell the whole story, because it is measured to the inside wheel. But the size of the tractor itself has to be taken into account. The little SCUT's are similar in physical size to a lawn tractor; a big CUT can be the size of a full-sized pickup truck... obviously it won't wiggle into the same small spaces. Once you kick some tires and test drive a few, you should get some sense of how different models might work on your own property. If you're fortunate, you might even find a dealer that would demo a unit at your place.

mike69440 · Mar 13, 2017

mikefd said:
For anyone who has owned both little SCUTs (e.g. JD 1 series, Kubota BX), not so little SCUTS (e.g. JD 2025R, Kubota B series) and larger CUTs, what is the actual real world difference in maneuverability? Turn radius specs don't seem to change that much (e.g. 7.4' for 1 series vs 7.7' for 2025r). I'm not interested in split break turning in place, but actual turning while moving, getting around stuff, turning around in a smaller space, etc.

B Series Kubota JD2 Series are little CUT's not a SCUT, It has little to do with weight, loader capacity etc, but more tire size and full CAT 3pt ability. Then there is Mahindra who originally called the Max26/28 a SCUT, later referring to it as a "Midi" whatever that is. The MAX 24 & Emax blur the line between SCUT and CUT.

mikefd · Mar 14, 2017

mike69440 said:
It has little to do with weight, loader capacity etc, but more tire size and full CAT 3pt ability.

Does a few inches really make that much difference? Looking at the JD 2025r, it has 31" tires compared to the 1025r's 26" tires. That's 5 inches overall, which lifts your 3 point 2.5" higher off the ground. The Kubota B series is similar in size.

How much of a difference do 2.5" make?

Grandad4 · Mar 14, 2017

Generalizations: Shorter overall length and wheelbase will likely be more maneuverable, a wider tread width will likely be more stable on hills, higher ground clearance is better for rough terrain but raises the center of gravity, larger size takes up more parking space.

A few additional inches here or there may or may not be a big deal for you, unless the greater size means your tractor can't get through a gate, fit on a trailer, make a turn without hitting something, park in the place you need to store it, etc. Unless considerations like those are at issue, I would not worry much about minor size differences and instead look at the overall performance, quality, comfort, functionality and value of the units I was considering.

jenkinsph · Mar 15, 2017

Grandad4 said:
Generalizations: Shorter overall length and wheelbase will likely be more maneuverable, a wider tread width will likely be more stable on hills, higher ground clearance is better for rough terrain but raises the center of gravity, larger size takes up more parking space.

A few additional inches here or there may or may not be a big deal for you, unless the greater size means your tractor can't get through a gate, fit on a trailer, make a turn without hitting something, park in the place you need to store it, etc. Unless considerations like those are at issue, I would not worry much about minor size differences and instead look at the overall performance, quality, comfort, functionality and value of the units I was considering.

I agree with this ^^^^^
My 4 wheel steer mower is very maneuverable and can fit almost anywhere. My 4520 is two feet wider and twice as long but often the height is what stops me the most. There are limitations but it is not as bad as some newbies would think. It is amazing some places you can get a large compact in.

bigtiller · Mar 16, 2017

My 2720 (2 series) does everything my 2305 (old 1 series) could do, with one exception. I had to trim the lower branches off some of the 15 yr old trees so the 2720 could mow under them.

PJSprog · Mar 16, 2017

I was amazed at how tight the turning is on our LS. When I took one for a test drive, I got to the end of their building and swung it a little wide to see if it would turn back into the same isle. It turned back into the center of the isle.

I have yet to get myself into a situation it wouldn't turn out of.

I would suggest you just go try a bunch of them. Hit the dealers up for test drives around their lots. You'll be surprised how nimble these new CUTs really are.

DieselBound · Mar 17, 2017

My B7800 will turn so sharp that it'll cut you!

I've had it in extremely tight quarters. I have a lot of trees that I need to mow around and it just spins around them: I'll also get it tipping a bit on the root crowns such that I'm turning tighter than what one would/could do on flat ground. It's ability made me really worry about acquiring a larger tractor; I determined that my NX, while not able to turn like the B7800, still turns fairly sharp considering it's mass: when I get in to grass cutting season I'll find out for sure.

TheMadOne · Mar 17, 2017

I run my L3301 in 4x4 pretty much all the time. Even with that and not using the split brakes, due to my lack of a second right leg, it turns better than my little Acura CL.

mikefd · Mar 18, 2017

bigtiller said:
My 2720 (2 series) does everything my 2305 (old 1 series) could do, with one exception. I had to trim the lower branches off some of the 15 yr old trees so the 2720 could mow under them.

The only 2 series I can afford (2025r) looks really cool and can lift a bit more than a 1 series, but it's only 2.5" higher off the ground (31" tires), the loader controls are really bad (grainy, notchy, weird feeling), the loader joystick is in the way, and the seat is ridiculously bad. There is no suspension at all, no tilt, no comfort. It also has no engine temp gauge, which is absurd. I don't know if yours is different but they don't make that one anymore, and the new 2 series is a lot more expensive and the turn radius is almost 10 feet.

bigtiller · Mar 18, 2017

mikefd said:
The only 2 series I can afford (2025r) looks really cool and can lift a bit more than a 1 series, but it's only 2.5" higher off the ground (31" tires), the loader controls are really bad (grainy, notchy, weird feeling), the loader joystick is in the way, and the seat is ridiculously bad. There is no suspension at all, no tilt, no comfort. It also has no engine temp gauge, which is absurd. I don't know if yours is different but they don't make that one anymore, and the new 2 series is a lot more expensive and the turn radius is almost 10 feet.

Okay, lets compare the 1025r to the 2025r. Where are you measuring to get the 2.5" height difference? The lowest measurement is front axle clearance, which is 12.3" vs 12.5". The highest measurement is the ROPS, which is 78.6" vs 89"

With everything else you mentioned, did you decide to go with the Kubota?

jenkinsph · Mar 19, 2017

I bought my 110 tlb, 4520 and x749 in that order. I was considering a scut at the time but went with the x749 with 4x4ws, the difference in maneuverability made the choice easy for me. If 4 wheel steer was offered for the scuts that would be of great interest for me. I do quite a bit of tight quarters work and maneuverability is king for me. This is the main reason my 4520 cab tractor does not have a fel on it too. A tlb while cumbersome does have the advantage of being able to move the back end around with the hoe to get in position, everything helps.

When comparing a 1025 to a 2025 they should be very close, not much difference in length or width. Fixed gates, door heights can make or break your choice. Operating in the outdoors would be minor differences.

woodlandfarms · Mar 19, 2017

Power Trac series has about half the turn radius of scuts / cuts. Then again, the machine is split in the middle so....

Code54 · Mar 19, 2017

While I would expect that my BX turns tighter (at least on paper) than my B did, I really can't think of ever noticing any real world difference. I never found a place I couldn't get the B in that the BX would have made any difference.