Compact Tractor

[CT18fireman]

Thinking about a new piece of equipment this year. Already running a SS and have access to a mini ex.

Thinking about a compact tractor for the following reasons.

1. Less turf damage when needed for finish work.

2. More stable when lifting and loading (my worker sometimes has the SS shaking all over.

3. Faster then a SS in certain applications.

The tractor would be used more in finish application, new beds, planting, some brush hogging etc.

The skid steer would probably still be used for patios, soil prep for seeding and excavation (with mini ex)

What i am looking for
1. Versitility, extra hydraulic outputs in front and rear PTO in rear
2. Backhoe (would be nice but no needed)
3. Ability to load into a one ton
4. Weight and size, I want it to be able to fit and be towed on my existing trailer and not damage turf, so as light as possible while still able to work. From my little research so far it should be able to be lighter then a SS of the same capacity???

So what should I be looking at?

 

[earthwerks]

Tractors

I do pretty much what you want to do. I have New Holland TC33D with Super Steer (worth the $1000 extra). 33Hp diesel. The "D" stand for deluxe: Suspended seat, cruise control, locking rear differential, front and rear PTO's, power steering, 3-range hydro-stat trans, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. I have a 6' power box rake w/ power angle (Harley Rake), 6' box scraper, 5' brush hog, 6' landscape rake with power angle, 2-bottom plow. No loader (have backhoe and skid steer). Plenty of power. But there is no way you can put it in the back of a pickup--it weighs 2800lb. dry w/ no implements. Space-wise it fits nicely in a 6x10' dump trailer.

 

[CT18fireman]

Thanks.

That is what I am looking for. I want a loader for it though.

I am going to the local Kubota dealer tomorrow. Maybe I will take a ride up to the New Holland dealer (about an hour) on Sat.

That is what I am looking for in terms of weight and ability.

 

[2004F550]

Hey i noticed your from Brookfield, whats the deal w/ that JD dealer on Rt 7, when i go by he only has like one decent size tractor, doe he ever do much business?

 

[CT18fireman]

Do you mean the one right behind the Mobil station or the one in New Milford?The one in Brookfield does a lot of parts business but they don't stock many new machines. I see them getting new machines delivered but they do not stay on site, so they must be sold already. The one in New Milford is aimed more at ladnscapers and homeowners, they sell a lot of mowers and have a couple tractors for display.

If you come down 7 you must know the big Kubota dealer just south of the Walmart/Stop and Shop?

What brings you down to Brookfield? Next time give me a holler and you can stop in for a cup of coffee.

 

[2004F550]

I went down to Halverson motor sports in Dec. to look at a new sled, and in the fall I went to R and S in New Milford to pick up an ASV 50 for rental. Its about an hour ride for me, i learned Rt 7 gets blocked up easily thats for sure.....

 

[CT18fireman]

Well I got up to the New Holland dealer. They have much better prices then the Kubotas (paying for the name). I looked at the TC33D and right off knew it was what I was looking for. I am now deciding between getting new or selecting one of their used (1-2 year old) models. Depending on what I do also decides what kind of prce breaks they will give me on attachments like the hoe and power rake.

What I really like is that I can run it on my landscape trailer if the equipment trailer is tied up.

 

[crashz]

I recently bought a JD 770 with loader. I haven't gotten a chance to work with it yet, but I have an upcoming job for it. Need to level off a yard and spread about 30 yds of topsoil.

Something to keep in mind is that the loader is not as strong as a SS and probably shouldn't be used to excavate like a SS can. But for soft soil or bulk material handling, it should be fine.

 

[booboo]

If you haven't bought one yet you should check out the New Holland and Kubota dealer in Norwalk, just off Rt 7. They have the lowest prices that I've seen on New Holland tractors. You can also compare the NH and Kubota side by side.

 

[CT18fireman]

Well I am back on this now after 5 years as the one I had "inherited" finally gave up. I commented in the demo thread hoe both the Kubota and Deere dealers near me treated me. Went to the New Holland dealer in Torrington, and Cehcked out Westchester Tractor in Brewster, going to get down to Norwalk (Wecso) and also check out Bobcat of CT. Got a couple jobs already contracted that I would really prefer to do with a tractor over the skid steer.