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Compact Tractors/loaders/backhoes

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by DrDanteIII, Mar 1, 2017.

  1. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    more than a few of you guys own these things, I'm sure.

    I'm looking at compact tractors in the 25hp range. I didn't realize how many options there were out there.
    I'm looking at the Kubota B series, Kioti CK series, Massey CS series, and mahindra Max series.
    The subcompacts like the kubota BX seems a little too small, and with too little ground clearance. My FIL has a Bx25, and its a nice machine, but I'd like to go one size bigger. I've got some fairly hilly, mature woods that I plan to be using this in, so clearance will be an issue.
    My intended uses are light grading, moving aggregates, digging footings, some snow clearance, firewood/light logging, and general tomfoolery.

    The kubota is a known quantity, but they seem to the more expensive option.

    So who has these things? How do you like them?
     
  2. Mar 1, 2017
    PGHCJ5

    PGHCJ5 I smell something broken...

    'yinzertahn
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    I have a JD 990 with front loader and backhoe. It's 4 wheel drive and I use it for firewood/light logging, mowing and general maintenance. It has a 40hp Yanmar diesel in it.

    I can't comment on the new models as I've had mine for quite a while now.

    From what you have described I would suggest 4WD. I use it when dragging trees off the hill and it certainly helps avoid getting stuck. I normally run a rock box on the rear three point for added weight and drop the backhoe. By doing this it makes it much easier to navigate between trees.

    Make sure whatever model you choose that attachments are easy to change over and store.

    Mine is similar to this one below:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII likes this.
  3. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    that's a little (a lot) bigger than I want to go, but I'm definitely on board with 4wd. I wouldn't even bother with a 2wd one.
     
  4. Mar 1, 2017
    PGHCJ5

    PGHCJ5 I smell something broken...

    'yinzertahn
    Joined:
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    Understood. You mentioned about possibly going one size bigger than your FIL's.

    My dad does have a Cub Cadet Sc2400 with a Yanmar diesel in it. It's a 24hp with hydro transmission and 4WD. He's happy with it. Like this:

    [​IMG]

    I've used it and it works really well. He doesn't have attachments for it though, just the mower deck.

    IIRC most compact tractors like these have basically the same driveline in them short of the Kubota's. A buddy of mine has a Massey (GC 1700?) that is almost identical to the Cub above.

    Little differences like mowing decks, control locations and plastic panels/colors do vary.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2017
  5. Mar 1, 2017
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    If you actually plan on using it for logging, you should rethink this a bit. Obviously, 4x4 is mandatory and something the size of the above JD 990 would be the absolute minimum. Braking is also something very important if you have any significant grades. Around here, rear brakes only is close to committing suicide.

    I guess it depends on the timber size, but I've found a D4 Cat is insufficient to move some of my saw logs. My Bobcat Toolcat 5600 (56 hp Kubota turbo diesel) works pretty well for short logs up to about 36" diameter. Short is the key word here. Talking 8 footers and something I can grab with the grapple.
     
    Keys5a likes this.
  6. Mar 1, 2017
    Dave B

    Dave B Frankenjeep '67

    Northern Minnesota
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    Besides clearance, a big factor is tractor weight with necessary traction and adequate horsepower. Weight and momentum is often your friend in the woodlot. Horsepower has to get you started, but if you don't have weight and traction more horses mean nothing. Also consider transmission/gearing.

    So, as you know, match your purchase with your goals. There'll be plenty of compromises in selecting a jack-of-all-jobs CUT.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2017
  7. Mar 1, 2017
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    don't discount the offerings from Bobcat either. They don't currently sell them, but it's a clone of the Kioti models (also awesome) and Bobcat is famous for supporting even their most obscure models. I had a CT122 and it was amazing for a small property.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    Logging wise- I'm looking at it for firewood applications, so generally cut into 18" long rounds. Right now all my transportation for that is done by a honda 300 ATV and a trailer, so a loader would be a huge step up in capability no matter what.

    I absolutely understand that a CUT is a compromise, but given my intended use the concern for it being too big is equal to the concern of not being big enough. That's why I'm trying to stay on the smaller end, but not all the way down into subcompacts.

    Currently looking at this guy....
    http://www.powercoinc.com/inventory...kubota-b7510hsd?dlr=1&pcid=3490501&ftr=1&lo=3
    [​IMG]

    Available used at the local store. low hours and an attractive price point.
     
  9. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    I should also add that my wife intends to use it for horse related chores once we build her barn, and she doesn't want it to be too cumbersome.

    I'm also preferential to hydrostatic transmissions for ease of use. (not that the right deal would be killed by a standard shift either since we are both comfortable with them)
     
  10. Mar 1, 2017
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
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    I run a mid 90's Kubota and I have beat it like a rented mule.. Still kicking..
     
  11. Mar 1, 2017
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    You will find an endless amount of uses for that guy. Why is it not already in your driveway!?!?!?
     
  12. Mar 1, 2017
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
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    I like you was going to buy in the 25-30 HP range, but after talking with a lot of owners of units in this HP range their main complaint was they wished they had gone with more HP. So I saved up and bought a Kioti DK 40. It was not much bigger than the 30HP which I was looking for to get around tight areas in the woods when skidding firewood. It also turns a 6' brushhog and tiller with no problem. Also got the backhoe with it and it performs good. Nice all around machine, the only thing I would have done different is get Ag tires instead of the R4s.
     
  13. Mar 1, 2017
    PGHCJ5

    PGHCJ5 I smell something broken...

    'yinzertahn
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
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    x2. You may want to consider this.

    The tires on the Kubota you're considering are similar to what is on the Cub Cadet above. I know that if you are moving sideways on a hill/grade, there is a good chance you will slide. Even when filled with Calcium Chloride.

    Maybe see if you can work AG tires into the deal? ;)
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2017
  14. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    Yeah, I've used a few machines with R4's, they seemed OK, but nothing compared to the snow and mud traction of AG-tired machines I've used in the past.

    It seems like the R4's would be slightly easier on the lawn though. Not that I plan to mow with it, but it will definitely be used there
     
  15. Mar 1, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    Stopped and looked at the above tractor. It's super clean, and only about 330 hours. It's pretty much exactly the size I think we need.

    Crunching numbers now.... seriously considering it.
     
  16. Mar 2, 2017
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    Think long and hard about the type of machine you want and the possible jobs it will have. I used to think the compact kubota's and johndeere's were the coolest thing, but a couple years ago I decided I will never own one, or at least not as my only tractor. A lot of the tractor use that my Dad and I do is septic work, Moving large amounts of stone, grading, moving/lifting cars, machines and engines etc. Years ago I bought a pickup cab off of CL and the guy had a small Johndeere and we could barely get the cab off the ground and onto the trailer. My Dads 340a ford backhoe can lift a jeep minus its engine and transmission in the air with the hoe, not even the front bucket. For doing yard work and stuff around a barn, a small 4x4 would be perfect, but if you get into much digging or using it as a crane, you might wish you had a bigger rig. 4x4 Quads/gators seem to be the hot thing right now for dragging rings and working out in the paddocks.

    Added bonus of my Dads backhoe is it will do 35mph over the road so we just drive it where we need it usually although we do have a 9ton tilt. We have it registered and insured.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    John Deere Tractor This doesn't look bad and lots of attachments. its not a pretty new kubota, but you could most likely negotiate lower.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2017
  17. Mar 2, 2017
    eboyn48318

    eboyn48318 New Member

    Plant City,...
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    I've got a Kubota MX5100 (52hp) FWD HST tractor (I bought used at a pawn shop) that I've been extremely happy with. It's good for a very wide range of things. For loader work, hydrostatic drive is worth the money to me. I also have a JD 2520 (28 hp) and a JD 5083e (83hp or so). Both also excellent machines. 2520 uses Yanmar engine. (Small Massey Ferguson's use Iseki engines.) I prefer the JD quick attach loader system slightly, but skid steer type attachments are cheaper, typically, and the skid steer hookup is fine. I would want some kind of quick attach set up for sure. I would be cautious swapping R4 tires out if you're going to do backhoe work. Not sure Ag sidewalls are up to it. I would make sure the backhoe is detachable, as I think Kubota makes a version that isn't. Unless you were using the backhoe all the time, not having 3 pt setup would be a setback to me. The price and low hours look pretty good. Stuff like 3rd function remote and rear remotes can be added later as needed. Looks like a nice machine. Good luck with it.
     
  18. Mar 2, 2017
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    I have a '07 Kubota BX-24 TLB. I only have 3.4 acres, mostly trees. I needed a tractor that would also mow several large grass areas. I have always wanted a back hoe, because it's a back hoe. I have a box blade, post hole digger, 48" rotary wacker, 52" belly mower, forks that go on the FEL, and soon a front blade for roads. I really want some kind of rake.

    Everything I have thrown at that tractor it has done. From stumps to digging dog graves. Sometimes it does stuff a little slower than a big tractor. I could not live here with out it, just for moving stuff around. I only have 300 hours on it. I wish I had more time to use it. And the wife will mow with it...

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Mar 3, 2017
    lhfarm

    lhfarm Sponsor

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    I own a 2005 New Holland 40DA with a loader and backhoe. Great tractor. If you want to know all about any compact utility tractor (CUT) head over to TractorByNet.com forums (tractorbynet.com/forums/index.php) and check out the brand specific forums there. I did all of my research there and it is a great resource before and after you buy. Be warned that the site is addictive, sort of like jeep forums, but really useful info.
     
  20. Mar 3, 2017
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    Realistically, a machine as big as that yellow would be fun to have, but I don't have the ability to transport it, and given some of the areas that I will be working it around my house that beast would be completely unuseable due to its size. And having multiple tractors isn't going to be an option for me.

    I like that Deere you linked. Its basically the same size and power as the used kubota I'm looking at, but with 4x the hours and 20 years older for only a few grand less. Admittedly its got a ton of implements with it, which is nice.
     
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