Sub Compact Tractor

[frankm]

I’m in the market for a subcompact tractor to park/move our Rockwood 2703 (tongue weight 800-900lbs) in our property. I’m thinking using a small tractor would be easier than using my TV (SC F150) due to the necessary maneuvering around some trees.

The tractor would also double as a mower. The property is 4 acres and pretty flat.

Any recommendations that would do the job?

TIA

[SeaDog]

That is allot of weight on a three point or front loader for a little tractor. I think I would stick with the truck for repositioning

[Cypressloser]

800-900lbs is a lot for most sub compact tractors, you may want to look at something like a Massey 1710 or similar as the bare minimum but they aren't cheap.

[Blackrock]

Al I will say is to stick to a major brand like Deere, Kubota or Yanmar. Try to buy from a local store for good warranty and service. My neighbor and his son each bought an off brand Chinese tractor and have had a few problems with them.

[rsdata]

I have a Kubota B8200 4 wheel drive 18 Hp diesel tractor. It is 45+ years old now. I use it on my hilly terrain and driveway just fine. It has a 52 inch wide mowing deck. IT also has a 3 point power UP/DOWN hitch that will lift the trailer for movement... HOWEVER I am not so flexible that looking to my rear to hook up and drive the trailer into a tight space is easy. I had a welding friend fab up a front mounted slide-on ball that slides onto the front frame member of the tractor. That way I can push my trailer around and is so much easier to maneuver exactly where I want it.

I don't know what the load limit would be for a front bucket mounted ball ( my tractor does not have this option). My trailer is close to 650# on the tongue and is quite a load for the front end frame on this Kubota. Not sure it could handle 8-900#... I believe the 3 point rear hitch would handle it just fine, but probably not my custom front mount.

[kcmusa]

Try one of these,
https://www.djproducts.com/product-c...MaArSNEALw_wcB

[oxcamper]

John Deere 1 series tractor will do nicely.
putting a receiver on the 3point makes attaching the TT a breeze.
Either the 1023E or 1025R will work well, give you mowing and loader capabilities.

https://www.deere.com/en/tractors/co...pact-tractors/

Lift capacity on the 1023 is 798#, 915# for the 1025R.

If you're looking at used equipment, look for at least 25HP.

[Bama Rambler]

I agree with oxcamper's last statement, look for something at least 25 hp. I have a New Holland TC33D and it has a lift capacity of 1635# and most of those tractors will handle a mid mount finish mower which is nice.

[joshuajim]

The issue is not how much the tractor can lift or pull, but the weight disparity between the trailer and tractor. 8,000# vs 1,000 to 1,500#. If the trailer is on any kind of slope the operator might be in for a wild ride with the front tires unloaded by the tongue weight. Be careful.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

I agree with oxcamper's last statement, look for something at least 25 hp. I have a New Holland TC33D and it has a lift capacity of 1635# and most of those tractors will handle a mid mount finish mower which is nice.

X2

I have the EXACT same tractor and I've moved tons of trailers with it.
it can get a little light on the front if you have the FE loader off for tight maneuverability but I've successfully moved concession trailers across varying terrain weighing way more than a travel trailer. I use it a lot with my home built dump trailer as well. 800-900 pounds is nothing on the 3 point hitch.

While I don't have a mid mount mower, my 80" rear finish mower helps me knock down my 15+ acres of mowing (out of 32 that I own) in little time. I also use it to plow/blow snow.

[llr]

Originally Posted by joshuajim

The issue is not how much the tractor can lift or pull, but the weight disparity between the trailer and tractor. 8,000# vs 1,000 to 1,500#. If the trailer is on any kind of slope the operator might be in for a wild ride with the front tires unloaded by the tongue weight. Be careful.

If unloading the front is the only issue you can keep a pile of rocks around and grab a scoop full before moving the trailer.

[jbflag21ds]

or think about one of these and learn to back a 4 wheeled trailer if needed

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...-trailer-dolly

[retireearly]

I have a B7510 Kubota that is great for lots of things, it can lift 1100 lbs at the three point hitch but is only rated to tow 2000lbs. I used to pull firewood trailers with it and they would occasionally shove it around. The other issue is that you have no mirrors on a tractor and you can't really see around the box well.

[frankm]

Lots of good info, my thanks to all. Definitely will take a closer look at the feedback. There’s a JD dealer nearby with some used inventory. Will check those out plus the local classified.

[dontay]

Our Kubota L2800 has been used for all kinds of moves including pulling my neighbor's GMC p/u and his big trash trailer (loaded) out of the mud. I don't know the rating of the rear hitch but it is frame mounted and isn't part of the 3-point hitch. The front bucket is only rated at 800# so I wouldn't try to move your trailer with that.
Unfortunately, as retiredearly pointed out you will have very poor visibility. The trailer hitch is just behind the seat (of course way below the seat) so when you turn to look at the trailer it will be right there up close and personal. It would work if you have a good spotter you can trust.
The L2800 would work for this if you were in a situation where you could drop the trailer, move the truck out of the way, and then pull the trailer around in a loop on your acreage finally stopping facing the way you want it parked. BTW, you will find a 2800 comes in very handy on 4 acres especially if there are trees to trim or palmettos that need to be cleared. We have 4 acres and I just bush-hogged the back yesterday after carrying a big pile of fallen limbs to the front for the county claw truck to pick up. I would advise you to get a 4x4 model or you will spin a lot when using the bucket for dirt or gravel.

[matt2778]

I use a Mahindra Emax 25 as a 3 point trailer mover. The Emax 25 is a large subcompact/ small compact tractor with a three point capacity of just under 1400 pound. I find it much easier to shuttle the my apex nano 194bhs (4800 pounds loaded) with the tractor than hitching to my pickup, it can pretty much be hitched while I'm seated on the tractor. The little tractor has plenty pull and lift for the task.

[D W]

Originally Posted by joshuajim

The issue is not how much the tractor can lift or pull, but the weight disparity between the trailer and tractor. 8,000# vs 1,000 to 1,500#. If the trailer is on any kind of slope the operator might be in for a wild ride with the front tires unloaded by the tongue weight. Be careful.

So true. Most tractors that accept 900+ lbs on a dead ball have a counter-balance.

[howie70]

I have a Kubota B2650 with the belly mower and front end loader. (and grapple) I have about 4 1/2 acres. I use it for a little bit of everything. It could handle the tongue weight of your trailer with no issue at all. Don't know if you have priced them yet, but they are not cheap!

[REL]

I use my Kioti 3510 "lawn mower" to move my TT. Tongue weight 950 lbs. A scoop of soil or rock in the bucket for ballast. $20k+ if you can find one. Used my 62 Ford 4000 prior to the kioti.

[frankm]

Good afternoon gentlemen. After much research and comparisons I’ve narrowed my option to the 2021 Bobcat 2025 HST ($16k with front loader). On paper it appears to meet our needs, we’ll find out soon enough! Thanks for all of the advise.