Upgrade from GC2300?

[weesa20]

I am looking for a tractor with close to the same overall physical dimensions as my GC2300 but with more capacity. Smaller is better since I do specialized landscaping in small spaces (think suburban developments) I have looked at specs from NH (TC23 & 26), Kioti (CK20), MF (1523), and JD (couldn't find dimensions but comparable physical sizes? 2305 and 2320, maybe 2520?) SO far I have found little difference other than weight (pro/con for landscaping- better FEL and ground engaging/tears up lawn), little difference in PTO HP (all run ~same size mowers/tillers), and some (25-33%) increased FEL lift capacity, and increased ground clearance (4-6 inches).

I am wondering about other models that I have missed- I didn't know what tractors are comparable in the Kubota lineup. I want to stay away from all other brands except maybe Mahindra (Mitsubishi right?) Any models that I missed or glaring differences? I know I am comparing apples to oranges but I am looking for a compelling reason to upgrade without being too big. GC does everything I ask it to do...just wonder if there is a more efficient machine out there for me...

Thanks in advance

W

 

[2deeskip]

Take a look at Power Trac. They have great landscaping packages.

 

[coasterez]

You should definitely look at the TYM T273 or T233. Awesome design and very manueverable.

 

[DougM]

(((((GC does everything I ask it to do.)))))0
If ur happy with this then why look other places???
Some just like to SPEND ??????

DougM

 

[john_bud]

Maybe you missed the "but with more capacity" part?

In Kubota, I think the BX line is about that size and capacity.

If you want a much more rugged machine with a small hoe, there is a small industrial B size tractor too.

jb

 

[knute_m]

Take a look at the Mahindra 2015 HST or 2015 4WD.

 

[weesa20]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful and quick replies...and to Doug too

Anyway, let me clarify some more: I tend to run my GC out of power more than I do out of traction. For instance, yesterday I was pushing some dirt in reverse with the box blade, when the pile got to a certain size, the engine bogged down and I had to raise the box blade to keep moving. (I have done this exact thing with other activities too) I know every tractor, no matter the size, will run out of power if you make the job big enough, but I keep thinking that a TC26 might have continued to push when the GC gave up. I guess what I want is a more powerful machine in the same size chassis (more ground clearance would be good, too), or potentially a 3 speed HST to take advantage of gearing advantages. I also don't want to give up any PTO HP (eg Ck20)

Any more ideas?

Thanks again

W

 

[George2615]

You probably want to upgrade to a mid 20's HP tractor. I have the Mahindra 2615HST which is just what I need. It has 3 spd. HST and a much greater 3 pt. lift and a larger loader capacity than your 2300. It has the 3 cyl. Mitsubishi diesel motor. My neighbor has the GC2300 also but he only uses it for clearing his driveway in winter. I don't know what your capacity is or whether the Mahindra 2015 HST (similar in size to your 2300) would be any better. There are the other brands too (Deere, Kubota, Kioti, New Holland, etc.) but I think the cost is greater too.

 

[Volfandt]

The Kubota B7510 (21 hp) and/or Kubota B7610 (24hp) are the direct Kubota competition to the other models you mentioned.

The Kubota BX2350 is the direct competition to your GC2300.

FYI, Kubota was one of the original tractor companys that defined the SCUT and CUT model tractors in the American market.
All the models you mentioned are fine machines as are the Kubota machines.

I'd test 'em all out. Enjoy the process.
Volfandt


Kubota Tractor Corporation B7410/B7510/B7610 Compact Tractors

 

[8561]

I don't think Kubota makes a tractor that fills your needs, which is a real shame. While the 7510/7610 are good tractors, they lack the position control I would think you would need to do decent box blade work in a lanscape business. I know your GC doesn't either, but I would think it would be a real disadvantage. It's ridiculous a company like Kubota has stripped this and made it unavailable in this chassis (unless you can find a used B2410). If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking hard at the New Holland.

 

[IslandTractor]

.... While the 7510/7610 are good tractors, they lack the position control I would think you would need to do decent box blade work in a lanscape business. I know your GC doesn't either, but I would think it would be a real disadvantage. ....If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking hard at the New Holland.

Just a note to add that the Kioti CK20 does have position control standard. Also, in case your business might require a backhoe someday, the CK20 in TLB format compares pretty favorably on most specs with the Kubota B21 which costs a whole lot more.

Check out the TYM and Mahindra too as they both make great tractors in this size range.

 

[weesa20]

8561-

Question about position control: is this the feature that allows the 3 pt hitch to be lowered to a set level but still float so if the tractor changes position the blade does also?

This would be a nice feature- I have overcome not having this feature by running a tie-down strap from the ROPS to the blade and then setting my level that way so now I just put it in float position but it only goes as low as the strap allows. I know the ROPS is not made for this but the 300# blade does not hurt it and I lower it slowly to reduce stress on the ROPS.

I am going to keep looking at the TC26 and Mahindra

W

 

[IslandTractor]

Position control allows you to set the 3PT attachment at a particular height and to return to that same level immediately if you raise or lower the implement for some reason. As with any 3PT, the implement can still rise passively if the tractor dips etc. Mostly it is useful to be able to set and return an implement to a specific height just by moving he lever to whatever number setting you chose. Mine has a little moveable stop on the control level so I can, for example when mowing, move my position control lever to 4 (1-10 scale) and tighten the stop right there. When I want to raise the mower, I just move the lever to 10 and after I pass the obstruction I just push the lever down to the stop without needing to look and I am mowing at the same level again. It would obviously work the same way for other implements.

 

[8561]

Island has it right. PC will lower your boxblade to exactly where you want it and very easily adjusts its height or drop in whatever increments you choose. Sounds like you have already figured out that you need it and have tried to solve it. There are quite a few tractors (including the Kioti Island correctly noted) that have position control. Unfortunately and unbelievably, Kubota is no longer one of them.

If my tractor is stolen tonight, I won't be able to buy another Kubota to replace it, even though I love mine.

 

[weesa20]

Thanks for the info Island...I was thinking that I could just add the position control stop to my GC (bolt and wing-nut) but then it wouldn't float...

Just went to the TYM website...the 273HST has some very impressive numbers in a small chassis (~same size as GC) couldn't find PTO HP though. I may need to drive to a dealer (that's a problem though- closest one is 2 hours each way)

W

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm not so sure the TYM 273 is the same size as your tractor. The TYM is basically about the same size as the Kioti CK20 which is a fair bit larger than the GC as I recall (though I have to admit I've never seen a GC2300 up close).

 

[VistanTN]

Just had to throw my two cents worth in on your "moving dirt with box blade and bogged down the tractor" comment. After 22 years as a combat engineer in the Marine Corps I have to tell you that you can do the exact same thing (except on a different scale) with any earth-moving blade. The key is to match the load on the blade to the power of the tractor to maximize movement. If you get a bigger tractor, you may overspill the blade before the tractor lugs down, but you've still lost efficiency. So then you get a bigger box blade and at some point overload the tractor ... I think you see the point. If you need to move more dirt more quickly then bigger tractor and/or bigger blade -- but they'll still have a limit.

 

[coasterez]

The TYM might be worth the 2 hour drive. It strikes me it would be perfect for your application. The TYM is a little smaller than a CK20 (much shorter, a little lighter).

 

[weesa20]

These are the dimensions listed by the manufacturers. Pretty comparable I think...within a couple inches anyway.
TYM T273HST
Overall length, in. (mm) with 3P: 92.1 (2340)
Overall width, in. (mm): 49 (1244)
Height to top of ROPS, in. (mm): 79.5 (2020)
Wheelbase, in. (mm): 58.3 (1480)
Min. Ground Clearance, in (mm): 12.6 (320)
Weight, lb. (kg): 1654 (750)


GC
Overall length: in (mm) 97.6 (2,480)
Maximum overall width: in (mm) 45.8 (1,165)
Maximum height over ROPS: in (mm) 72.8 (1,850)
Ground clearance: in (mm) 6.9 (175)
Wheelbase: in (mm) 57.1 (1,450)
Shipping weight: lb (kg) 1,367 (620)

I'll call about prices pretty soon.

W

 

[IslandTractor]

I did not realize the TYM was that light. It looks bigger. The CK20 is 1993lbs base and is 105 inches long so I guess the TYM really is intermediate in weight and actually quite a short tractor. Live and learn.