compact tractor

[duratothemax]

I use to make a living working on tractors first of if you plan to use a shredder or grooming mower get a model with live pto . Hydro stats or nice now twenty years later they or a pain . if you going to do much dirt or lanscape work get a shuttleshift . If just an all around tractor then either straight trans or shuttle will give you the less grief .

Modern hydrostatic transmissions will last forever. I personally know plenty of JD-655/755/855's that are going on 25 years old that have zero issues with the trans. They have a Kanzaki hydro transaxle with internal hydraulically actuated PTO. The Legacy (simplicity) uses an updated version of the Kanzaki hydro transaxle that was in the old JD 55-series tractors.

The internal hydraulic clutches for PTO's (pretty much all hydrostatic tractors have an internal wet PTO clutch) are sweet because they have a "soft start" and you can engage/disengage them on the fly just by pushing a button...no stopping, clutching, waiting, etc.... And seeing as they are always wet and internal to the trans, its not like its going to wear out.

Straight trans on a compact or sub-compact utility trailer that you are gonna be using around the house with a front end loader and various DIY projects? SCREW THAT!!!!! Plus the fact that with these smaller compact and sub-compact utility tractors, your only choice of tranny is hydrostatic.

Straight transmissions are going the way of the dinosaur, fast. If you refuse to accept that times are changing and accept the fact that the current crop of hydro units are just as, if not more, reliable than the old clunky straight tractor tranny's then I guess you are a stubborn old-schooler and no amount of convincing from me will change your opinion..but.... : And seeing as you mentioned "get a live PTO", Im assuming you are indeed pretty old school...do they even make tractors that dont have a live PTO anymore??? I would have thought OSHA/OPEI would have outlawed them by now.

(BTW, the tractor pic you posted, nice looking tractor.... but I think hes looking for something about half that size...not a full-on farm machine... )

JMO...flame suit on.

Ben

 

[duratothemax]

That and the newest one you will find is over 18 years old, the oldest are going to be 27....plus they are garden tractors, not nearly as beefy as the true subcompacts. Better comparison in an older JD would be a 755. But those go for stupid money still, might as well buy new with zero hours and 0% financing IMHO....

YES!!!!! My favorite JD tractor of all time...the 655/755/855/955. I love those things. I am definitely going to own one some day...

They were incredibly revolutionary when they first came out...and I still consider them up-to-date today. Basically the first "modern" compact utility, and they were literally 10+ years ahead of their time when they came out in the late 80's. Foot pedal actuated hydro, MFWD/4wd, fully enclosed engine, power steering, nice seat, modern looks (they didnt look like they were from 1950 like every other compact ute did in the 80's), nice controls, mid mount mower deck, quick-tach loader, ROPS, selectable mid/rear hydraulic-engaged PTO, tight turning radius, etc....

Ben

 

[UPS DRVR]

I will be buying a 4 wheel-drive. The two local dealers we have around here is Kubota and John Deere. I will start with those two I quess, the only other kind of tractor dealer is a Massey-Ferguson and cub dealer but that dealer seems to change brands every so many years. I don't want to buy one and then have to track down parts if needed later.

 

[duratothemax]

I would buy this in a second if I was in the market for a compact or sub-compact utility tractor...

http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Deere-655-.../220661186518?pt=Tractors&hash=item33606e7fd6

 

[minisub]

Hey Brown,
Found this, One Guy's Opinion about the Cub SC2450, Kubota BX25 and JD 2305.

And then HERE are a bunch of user reviews on a variety of subcompacts.

Happy hunting.

 

[jlawles2]

If you plan of getting a front end loader, buy it that way. Trying to find a decent aftermarket one cheap later is a PITA.

Like I mentioned before. I went looking for a tractor for my parents based on how easy it would be to get parts and how long the tractor dealers had been with the same brand. There is no substitute for a good local reliable parts dealer. I could have got them just about any color out there. The blue was the easiest and most reliable group to deal with. Also take my parents less than 1 hr to drive over there and back. Anything over about 1-1/2 hrs round trip means that they were on another mission.

Several years ago they bought a mower from a dealer that is over 1 hr away from them. Now that dealer is out of business and the only thing they saved was about $300 on the initial cost. For $300, 3 hrs of my life 2 or 3 times a year is a no brainer for spending some extra money.

 

[UPS DRVR]

Thanks minisub that is some good research to consider.

 

[megaboz]

tractorbynet.com is a great site and they have several forums for different lines.

I have a BX 24 with BH and FEL. The FEL is great, the BH, is good enough for small jobs if you have time. If you are buying a compact/sub-compact tractor, get 4WD (it is worth the extra cost, trust me these things slide down hills like no ones business in 2wd.) Also, I defintiely recommend just going with the factory options if the implements are going to bolt to the frame, much easier/safer and you won't have as many issues with warranty.

The only thing I really hate about hte kubota is that they put their brakes on the same side as the gas pedal (as do several others). The smaller tractors actually don't have brakes (BX 24 in paticular) the pedal on mine is actually labeled as a parking brake and as high as you have to lift your foot to get to it, that is about al it is good for. You are actually supposed to use the hydrostatic for braking, works well once you get the hang of it.

Personally I would stay away from gas, I love the diesel. I have ran the tractor for approximately 8 hours at a time at 2300 +- RPMS and used less than a half tank working a FEL like hell.

 

[Cbum]

Modern hydrostatic transmissions will last forever. I personally know plenty of JD-655/755/855's that are going on 25 years old that have zero issues with the trans. They have a Kanzaki hydro transaxle with internal hydraulically actuated PTO. The Legacy (simplicity) uses an updated version of the Kanzaki hydro transaxle that was in the old JD 55-series tractors.

The internal hydraulic clutches for PTO's (pretty much all hydrostatic tractors have an internal wet PTO clutch) are sweet because they have a "soft start" and you can engage/disengage them on the fly just by pushing a button...no stopping, clutching, waiting, etc.... And seeing as they are always wet and internal to the trans, its not like its going to wear out.

Straight trans on a compact or sub-compact utility trailer that you are gonna be using around the house with a front end loader and various DIY projects? SCREW THAT!!!!! Plus the fact that with these smaller compact and sub-compact utility tractors, your only choice of tranny is hydrostatic.

Straight transmissions are going the way of the dinosaur, fast. If you refuse to accept that times are changing and accept the fact that the current crop of hydro units are just as, if not more, reliable than the old clunky straight tractor tranny's then I guess you are a stubborn old-schooler and no amount of convincing from me will change your opinion..but.... : And seeing as you mentioned "get a live PTO", Im assuming you are indeed pretty old school...do they even make tractors that dont have a live PTO anymore??? I would have thought OSHA/OPEI would have outlawed them by now.

(BTW, the tractor pic you posted, nice looking tractor.... but I think hes looking for something about half that size...not a full-on farm machine... )

JMO...flame suit on.

Ben

That is only 30 horse 28 at pto and in this size machine with a tractor used as a tractor hydros fail often. I also recommended a shuttle shift which is a compromise between both a Straight trans with a hydraulic clutch pack for forward and reverse . Much less complicated very durable less wasted hp and fuel and the ability to shift forward to reverse without the clutch .

I was referring to the point he said compact as well as sub compact the tractor I show is in fact a mid size compact . But as you put it I am a Dinasour so being that old and you young bucks want listen to us old timers and i can't convince either I have nothing more to add .

 

[UPS DRVR]

I will be getting one with 4wd. I think that's the only way to go when getting a fel (front end loader) and I have used a hydrostatic tractor before with no problem. I went and looked at some kobotas yesterday and think the BX series will be too small for what I will be doing with it. But the B2320 looks to be about the right size,the dealer was closed for the holiday weekend so I didn't get to talk to anyone about the tractor or the price. Then went to a John Deere dealer and looked at a 2320 tractor looks to be about the same size. Those are the two closest dealers still looking and have not ruled out any brand there is alot to choose from this may take awhile every time I think I know just the tractor I want I find out something about another that makes me keep looking. Still need to talk to the Kubota dealer to get more info. New problem is turf tires or R4 industrial tires 54" deck or 60". I'v been told the R4 tires might not work as well in the snow. sorry about the long post, have alot to think about and again don't want to pick the wrong tractor or set up when spending this kind of money and kick myself later. So I'm always looking for more input. THANKS GUYS YOU ARE BEING A BIG HELP TO ME.:thumb:

 

[duratothemax]

I will be getting one with 4wd. I think that's the only way to go when getting a fel (front end loader) and I have used a hydrostatic tractor before with no problem. I went and looked at some kobotas yesterday and think the BX series will be too small for what I will be doing with it. But the B2320 looks to be about the right size,the dealer was closed for the holiday weekend so I didn't get to talk to anyone about the tractor or the price. Then went to a John Deere dealer and looked at a 2320 tractor looks to be about the same size. Those are the two closest dealers still looking and have not ruled out any brand there is alot to choose from this may take awhile every time I think I know just the tractor I want I find out something about another that makes me keep looking. Still need to talk to the Kubota dealer to get more info. New problem is turf tires or R4 industrial tires 54" deck or 60". I'v been told the R4 tires might not work as well in the snow. sorry about the long post, have alot to think about and again don't want to pick the wrong tractor or set up when spending this kind of money and kick myself later. So I'm always looking for more input. THANKS GUYS YOU ARE BEING A BIG HELP TO ME.:thumb:

Ok so are looking for something slightly bigger than a sub-compact. More of a "small-compact" utility. Too bad JD doesnt still make the 755, that would probably be just about what you are looking for. I dont know what the current JD equivalent is though.

I would get the 60" deck...depending how big your lawn is, the 60" will make mowing the lawn faster.

As for tires, unless you are going to be tilling fields or go through deep mud or super rugged projects, I would stick with turf tires. (With 4wd) I have never had a huge problem with turf tires in the snow, plowing the driveway, towing the utility trailer through the woods to get firewood and stuff...

Ben

 

[megaboz]

I will be getting one with 4wd. I think that's the only way to go when getting a fel (front end loader) and I have used a hydrostatic tractor before with no problem. I went and looked at some kobotas yesterday and think the BX series will be too small for what I will be doing with it. But the B2320 looks to be about the right size,the dealer was closed for the holiday weekend so I didn't get to talk to anyone about the tractor or the price. Then went to a John Deere dealer and looked at a 2320 tractor looks to be about the same size. Those are the two closest dealers still looking and have not ruled out any brand there is alot to choose from this may take awhile every time I think I know just the tractor I want I find out something about another that makes me keep looking. Still need to talk to the Kubota dealer to get more info. New problem is turf tires or R4 industrial tires 54" deck or 60". I'v been told the R4 tires might not work as well in the snow. sorry about the long post, have alot to think about and again don't want to pick the wrong tractor or set up when spending this kind of money and kick myself later. So I'm always looking for more input. THANKS GUYS YOU ARE BEING A BIG HELP TO ME.:thumb:

The B2320 is just about the same as the BX25, granted you dont get the loader and BH, but that is besides the point. Both tractors have a 23 HP enging, the only thing you really gain with the B series is slightly more height and width and taller narrower tires. Personally I like the wider tires ont he BX series.

I'm not trying to recommend the BX series but they are pretty much the same tractor. I guess depending on the implements you would be using, it does make a bit of difference. If you go with the B series, you might seriouls consider going with at least the b26xx or b29xx. A little extra HP would be nice.

The narrower tires on the B series won't help much in traction on the ice, snow maybe. PErsonally I have found that without chains, mine is a sled on hills. Turf tires don't work as well on the soft ground if you have to make your own traction. ALso when wet, are a bit slicker on grass.

I have a 60" deck, works well. Really depends on how narrow the areas are you will be cutting. THere isn't the much difference in 54" or 60". I like to overlap about 6 inches when I cut to help cut the area the tires knocked down, so I like the 60" deck. Depending on what type of terrain you are cutting, both can be too big. But if you are cutting a lot of wide areas, go with the 60".

 

[duratothemax]

The B2320 is just about the same as the BX25, granted you dont get the loader and BH, but that is besides the point. Both tractors have a 23 HP enging, the only thing you really gain with the B series is slightly more height and width and taller narrower tires. Personally I like the wider tires ont he BX series.

I'm not trying to recommend the BX series but they are pretty much the same tractor. I guess depending on the implements you would be using, it does make a bit of difference. If you go with the B series, you might seriouls consider going with at least the b26xx or b29xx. A little extra HP would be nice.

The narrower tires on the B series won't help much in traction on the ice, snow maybe. PErsonally I have found that without chains, mine is a sled on hills. Turf tires don't work as well on the soft ground if you have to make your own traction. ALso when wet, are a bit slicker on grass.

I have a 60" deck, works well. Really depends on how narrow the areas are you will be cutting. THere isn't the much difference in 54" or 60". I like to overlap about 6 inches when I cut to help cut the area the tires knocked down, so I like the 60" deck. Depending on what type of terrain you are cutting, both can be too big. But if you are cutting a lot of wide areas, go with the 60".

They might be the same hp, but the B2320 is still a significantly bigger tractor than the BX series.

Think of a lawn tractor as a 1500 truck. Compact utilitys are 2500HD's and 3500's. The Kubota BX, simplicity legacy XL, JD 2305, Massey GC-series are all "1500HD's".

Ben

 

[megaboz]

They might be the same hp, but the B2320 is still a significantly bigger tractor than the BX series.

Think of a lawn tractor as a 1500 truck. Compact utilitys are 2500HD's and 3500's. The Kubota BX, simplicity legacy XL, JD 2305, Massey GC-series are all "1500HD's".

Ben

I admit it is a slightly (significantly, not) bigger tractor, but it isn't that much bigger. It is like 5 inches wider and maybe 8 inches or so longer. I almost traded my BX for one (so I already did most of my research) but when I got to looking at what I woud be getting, it wasn't worth the trade.

There are other considerations that the B series has:
more lift weight on the 3 pt,
same size FEL but more lifting power and break out on the B series, but have the sam max lift point).
The B series has a little more PTO power.

Depending on the actual usuage, they are about the same size tractor and would easily do what each other does. The slightly wider width doesn't compensate for the extra height for stability, and the couple of extra inches of lenght won't help that much either. Take the stickers and tires off both of them and it hard to tell the difference for the average person that they were different tractors.

 

[UPS DRVR]

I like the extra height so I can use any of the cat 1 implements. We do have a farm and this may see some time on the farm where the bigger tractors would be too much or too big like inside the barn in the box stalls.