SCUTs, why so little competition?

[weesa20]

I think much of the issue has to do with dealer support and parts availability. I was recently seriously considering buying a TYM 273 to replace my GC. The closest dealer is 250 miles and the closest one with the actual tractor on the lot was 300 miles. I asked my MF dealer if they were interested in picking up any new brands and they said they had looked into TYM and Kioti and parts availability was the problem. this company has a good rep in the area. If they picked a different brand and their customers bought those tractors, the customers would expect the same support that they get with the MFs, but the dealer could not supply that level of support b/c parts are not always available.

Also, the best price I could find on the TYM was $14,500 with FEL (15,500 was usual). That's 30 hp tractor territory aound here. Also, global economics comes into play. A smaller company without a distribution and shipping network needs to ship from SE Asia at a huge premium, including parts after the sale which is where I think most companies make the $$, all adding to the initial cost of the machine. Its more cost effective to build a tractor for a well known company that already has a distribution network. The company then adds a name "premium" to the cost.

Lastly, there is a ton of innovation and R&D that goes into the production of SCUTs to make a very capable tractor in a small chassis and the price reflects it. (not everyone wants a big hunkin' machine that was designed in the 60's...) My GC and my Dad's 2210 do way more than any of the older (1940s-50s) CUTS that he owned before, and I don't spend as much time working on it as I do using it.

I love my GC, it does what I ask it to do and my grass still grows where a drove over it. Can'd ask for much more.

W

 

[HomeBrew2]

Cub Cadet makes SCUTS ... seems like JimR gets a lot of use out of his. Do they not have much of a market share or not available everywhere?

 

[orgt]

TYM introduced the K2 this year, which also fits this demographic, though a bit more capable and is a true CUT. The problem is, it's not cheap. I think the high price says a lot about what it costs to make these things

Not familiar with that one... seems interesting. got a URL? Prices? Thanks.

 

[MikePA]

SCUTs have a useful place for the MacMansions who are looking for a soft-tracted, nimble mower that can also move mulch and a little dirt, plow their drives, and tow a garden cart.... and do it in style. Some just have to have the "bigger" or "best" of every thing. Many of the Macmansions are 4000+ sq. feet, yet only two people "live" there (when they're not working to pay for it). How much square footage do 2 people really need?

However much they want. Who else is better qualified to make this decision than the people paying the bills?

 

[AndyMA]

Not familiar with that one... seems interesting. got a URL? Prices? Thanks.

The official TYM Tractor Corporation Web site

Andy

 

[weesa20]

Another way to look at it is that there is actually quite a bit of competition.

Kubota, MF, JD, C-NH, Cub Cadet, Simplicity all make very good SCUTs. Now, if we are talking TLBs from the manufacturer, that is limited to MF, Kubota, and Simplicity (I think) but you can get a BH for any of the other SCUTs through Woods, etc.

Now, if we look at full size pickups (1/2-3/4 ton) there are Chevy/GMC, Ford, Dodge with wide variety and Toyota and Nissan with borderline fullsize pickups (no true 3/4 tons but Titan will pull 10,000 lbs if equipped properly, Tundra is no where even close), so at most five to chose from for a very popular auto segment. So there are just as many choices in either category.

W

 

[rdln]

"which is why they will drive a Mercedes when a Camry would do just as fine a job"

 

[MikePA]

"which is why they will drive a Mercedes when a Camry would do just as fine a job"

 

[orgt]

The official TYM Tractor Corporation Web site

Andy

Thanks Andy that T223 looks like a sweet little machine, maybe a smidgeon bigger than a BX but no biggie. No dealers nearby for me but the warranty is just outstanding, a good example of what I was talking about.

What do these sell for, anyone knows?

The site looks nice but there's no listing of specific attachments for K2s, it's odd... did they just get on the market?

 

[Volfandt]

Question for Neal, what model tractor is Kubota's largest seller? What is the top 5 sellers?

>Well, cuz a SCUT is a waste of time.
I mean, why bother?<
Depends on what you need a tractor for.
I primarily mow 4 acres and the lay of the land varies from several fairly steep hills to several low land spots that can stay wet a week or more after a good rain. The low ground clearance is a plus on the slopes and the higher power to weight ratio is a plus on the turf, especially when it's wet.
A heavier tractor would tear the turf up to where grass wouldn't be able to keep a toe hold, I know as I used to bush hog it with a TE20 and 5' Howse BH. What was a muddy bog is now finished lawn......

I don't have much need to transport over 500 lbs in the FEL and if need be I can purchase implements that'll allow me to do most any task that a CUT will do. Albeit smaller but then again what tasks I do are somewhat smaller than what one would do on a working farm anyhow.....
If I need to move 1000lbs I can use a carryall on the 3ph.....

A SCUT gives one nearly the same power of a CUT in a lighter pkg which is easier on the turf.

Look around at the big 3's largest premium L&G tractors and in most cases an 18hp SCUT prices in lower but it has more capability and versatility.

The BX23 tain't a waste of time around my place....

Volfandt