Where do you draw the line between a garden tractor and a CUT?

[Alan L.]

If it has fabricated parts its a CUT, if the parts are stamped its a garden tractor.

 

[wvpolekat]

Then you have something like my Power Trac. It is not what most folks would call a tractor. Yet it mows the lawn, cuts brush, has several buckets for the FEL, pallet forks, power angle snow plow, etc... over 40 attachments and can run circles around a conventional tractor of the same size on many chores. It cannot pull a dirt plow or pull stumps, however. So what is it? A tool that works really well, that's all. :thumbsup:

Unless you want to plow or pull stumps.

 

[MossRoad]

Unless you want to plow or pull stumps.

Those are two tasks that I rarely have to do. I did my research before buying. I made a list of the tasks I wished to accomplish. Then I assigned a priority for those tasks. For me, lawn mowing was #1, followed by landscaping (mulch, stone, timbers, dirt, etc...) followed by snow plowing and brush clearing. I got the best machine for the tasks I needed to do. Each person's requirements are different. :thumbsup:

 

[MossRoad]

If it has fabricated parts its a CUT, if the parts are stamped its a garden tractor.

Aren't there a lot of stamped sheet metal hoods, dashboards and fenders on CUTS?

 

[RoyJackson]

I guess I'd go with what the manufacturer calls a "Garden (or Lawn) Tractor" and a "Tractor".
If it's sold as a garden or lawn tractor, that's what it is...if sold as a tractor, then that's what a manufacturer considers a tractor.

This is like getting into the ship vs. boat argument.

 

[jenkinsph]

Over on LMF, I have started a discussion as to what is the dividing line between the two...my argument is whether the machine has the ability to operate a backhoe attachment...if it will run a MMM and FEL and a 3 point attachment, it's a garden tractor.

But to me, when it will run a backhoe in addition to the other attachments, that qualifies it as a CUT. A new member on LMF has a Massey GC 2400, I researched his model and learned Massey sells the same basic model as a GC 2410 with backhoe capability. So, where do you guys draw the line? Thanks.

My L130 (23 hp)is a riding lawn mower, the X749 (24 hp)is a garden tractor and the 4520 (50 pto hp) is a compact tractor. My 820 (31 pto hp) while a smaller tractor is not built to be compact imo. So it is more than just hp to determine which group they are in. Just an opinion but if you can't tell which one it is it might be either. I would think to qualify as a garden tractor it should fit in your garden (however big that is) and to be a compact tractor then it should be compact (however big that is).

For my uses I don't care much for the small light weight models such as the 2x20 and 3x20 tractors as these are not big enough to get my jobs done. The 4x20 while still small is the lower limit for most of my needs. I need to get the work done fast enough to make a living and have attempted to buy equipment that is sized to meet my needs.

Others may find that the small compacts are a perfect fit for their needs so I would guess there is something for everyone.

 

[6thgpSF]

If it can't carry at least 500# in the fel or run a phd then I consider it a garden tractor over a cut. russ

 

[Will_C]

A CUT has diesel engine, 4wd, 3pt hitch, rear PTO-IMHO, and a foot of ground clearance.
Will

 

[skspurling]

To me, I think the definition hinges on the ground clearance, and the ability to pull implements. Another thing that comes to mind is the engine linkage. SCUT's will use a direct drive with a clutch or hydrostat. Most garden tractors are a belt drive to the hydrostatics. The Cub was an interesting line. My FiL's cub is bigger than my Kubota. By the mid 60's they were the size of a craftsman garden tractor, but with a direct drive and cast differential. Now, most of the line doesn't even qualify as garden tractors. I love my cub, but it's just a lawn tractor.

 

[bironacad]

I think traditionally, a lawn tractor did everything but ground engaging equipment.

If it engages the ground with an implement like a tiller, or earth plow, it becomes a garden tractor.

A CUT, or Compact Utility Tractor, to me, at least, is anything from a garden tractor up to the size of a small AG tractor.

I think the term SCUT is just a marketing gimmick so guys can think they are owning something bigger than they really do. :laughing:

Then you have something like my Power Trac. It is not what most folks would call a tractor. Yet it mows the lawn, cuts brush, has several buckets for the FEL, pallet forks, power angle snow plow, etc... over 40 attachments and can run circles around a conventional tractor of the same size on many chores. It cannot pull a dirt plow or pull stumps, however. So what is it? A tool that works really well, that's all. :thumbsup:

I was told when I bought my first lawn tractor that the difference was whether it was dedicated for lawns or could the deck be removed for other attachments. The salesmen then said that if I was just going to cut grass not to get the tractor as the mechanics that hold the deck wear out faster on the tractor. I have two lawn tractors, the old one dedicated for hauling a little trailer and a splitter the other for cutting grass and yes a CUT the cut has a FEL rated for 2000 lbs complete with an eight foot backhoe:thumbsup: My 22 HP Cub Cadet can use several attachments but .....