Which Tractor

[keeney]

I think that a toothbar is a must for digging with any small- or sub-compact.

I am surprised at how many reports of CUT dealers who know nothing about toothbars. When I asked my JD dealer about it when he sold me the FEL, he showed me a catalog page with some manure forks that could go on the bucket.

I had to go to a "construction" delaership (sold mostly skid-steers, crawler-loaders and crawler-back-hoes) to find somebody who A: knew what a toothbar was, and B: had some in stock.

- Rick

 

[RobertN]

When we run the skid steer of my buddies(Bobcat S185), or the track-loaders I have rented, We always get two buckets. One is smooth for finish work, one has teeth for digging. The teeth bolt on, but would be a pain to put on and take off all the time.

Having used the skid steers, it is well worth having a detachable bucket, so you can switch out stuff easily. As a homeowner typ setup, where it is not used as much, a bolt on toothbar would be great; it is not cheap to go out and buy two buckets, teeth, ect.

I have never seen a dealer with teeth on thier CUT's.

With my 'Bota, I do the old run the rippers on the box scraper through, then scoop the loose stuff with the loader. With no down pressure, it is hard to rip where you want some times.

 

[SteveH_CT]

I would have to disagree with the statement the JD dealer made to you because I was doing just that today. I've got about 12 dump truck size loads of compacted gravel out back - it's been sitting about 7 years and I was able to drive in and get some nice bucket loads today. Things are finally thawing out here and I'm constantly amazed how much I can do with the 4310. I don't doubt a larger heavier unit will do more, but for me the compact size tractor is very right sized.

 

[blackwell]

Nuxi,
I use a Power Trac PT425 to mow about 5 acres and the grapple to clean stalls and blade to push snow. The standard bucket is handy spreading gravel. Power Trac offers over 40 attachment, so You can find almost any tool you need. PT's are 4WD drive, articulated, and come with arms for lifting, including a quick attach to change attachments in seconds.
We also use the PT180 to mow and clean barns at another location. Take a look at site www.power-trac.com and decide for yourself.
Good luck in finding the right tractor for your needs.
EB