Multi-Tasking

Compact utility tractors are considered the Swiss Army knives of contractors involved in residential projects that involve earth-moving

Today’s compact utility tractors, typically 60 hp and smaller, offer impressive power and speed to out-work and out-maneuver larger, more expensive equipment in tight areas. Designed to operate a wide range of labor-saving attachments and implements, they are also economical on fuel and easy to transport.

Those with a loader on the front and a PTO and three-point hitch on the rear can easily handle just about any landscaping and grounds maintenance job, including some tasks related to onsite treatment system installations and repairs.

You can use the loader to move soil, gravel, sand and other materials and the PTO and three-point hitch to operate tools that till, rake, seed, mow, spray, dig postholes, blow snow and more. Depending on make and model, tractors offer such features as hydrostatic transmissions, smooth and precise hydraulics, and suspension seats and cabs.

Many contractors find these machines ideal for projects from digging footings and installing and repairing utilities to general excavating and material-handling duties that once required the capabilities of full-size machines.

“Compact machinery is earning a great reputation in the market and is accepted better than in the past,” says Keith Rohrbacker, construction equipment product manager with Kubota Tractor Corp. “Compact tractor-loader-backhoes (TLBs) are very popular with contractors just starting out on their own. Often, they will minimize their startup costs or investment with a used compact TLB, because it is sized and priced right for their needs at that time.

“As their income and profits increase, they can step up to a newer or larger model, or perhaps hire another operator and move on to more specialized machines like skid-steer or compact track-loaders and compact excavators.” Here’s a look at several popular lines of TLBs.

Cub Cadet Yanmar

Cub Cadet Yanmar offers the 28.7 hp model Ex2900 and the 32 hp Ex3200 compact tractors for startup contractors and the larger 45 hp Ex450 compact utility tractor for customers looking for more power and attachment versatility. Each comes standard with a direct-injection diesel engine, fully hydraulic power steering, dual gear-driven hydraulic pumps and foldable ROPS, along with optional rear-hydraulic remotes.

Features include a three-range hydrostatic transmission, an 8-foot, 2-inch turning radius, and a selectable control valve for simultaneous operation of loader arms and bucket. The Ex450’s synchro shuttle transmission allows quick shifting between nine forward and nine reverse speeds. It also has dual turning brakes for tighter turning capabilities and a Category 1 three-point hitch with a 2,400-pound lift capacity. The curved design of the boom loader with optional QuickAttach for each tractor model improves operator sight lines, and the arched design of the QuickAttach backhoe increases digging depth and control. www.cubcadetyanmar.com.

Kioti

Kioti offers the CK series of 20 hp to 35 hp compact utility tractors. Models with either manual-synchro shuttle or hydrostatic transmissions are available with multiple forward and reverse speeds, rear differential locks, and wet disc brakes. The three-cylinder diesel engines are designed for simple maintenance and ultra-quiet, low-vibration operation.

The three three-point hitch machines come standard with front and rear PTOs and optional mid-PTO. A single-lever joystick controls all loader functions and automatically returns to neutral and stops the loader when released. A float position allows the bucket to float over the ground. Suspended clutch and brake pedals maximize foot room, and the ROPS folds for low clearances. Engine panels and the front hood remove for easy service and maintenance. Call 877/465-4684; www.kioti.com.

Bobcat

The Bobcat line of compact tractors includes nine models; from the 21 hp CT120 with a loader lift capacity of 830 pounds, to the 50 hp CT450 with 2,050-pound lift capacity. Standard features include four-wheel drive and hydrostatic transmission with two or three travel speed ranges, depending on model. Also standard is a Deluxe Category 1 three-point hitch with telescoping lower links and telescoping sway bars for easier implement hookup.

In addition to the standard rear PTO, an available mid-PTO can be added for operating a mid-mount mower. Some models are equipped with a PTO, which continues to operate at full speed if you stop or change directions using the hydrostatic controls, or an independent PTO. By flipping a switch, users can engage or disengage it, and it will stop without activating a clutch. An optional rear-remote hydraulic valve with float lets you use hydraulically powered implements, like a backhoe. Call 800/743-4340; www. bobcat.com.

Allmand

Allmand offers six models of compact TLBs. The smallest, the two-wheel-drive TLB-220, offers a loader breakout force of 2,600 pounds, a loader lift capacity of 1,700 pounds, and a maximum lift height of 90 inches, while the backhoe digs to 7.5 feet (2-foot flat bottom) with a bucket digging force of 2,875 pounds.

The largest model, the TLB-6235, with full-time mechanical four-wheel drive, provides a 3,400-pound loader breakout force. It can lift 2,100 pounds as high as 110 inches. Producing a 6,000-pound digging force, the backhoe has a digging depth of 9.5 feet (2-foot flat bottom).

All models have the friction-reducing ESL (Extended Service Life) backhoe design and oversized pins that have composite bearings and urethane lip seals in all working joints. Other features include 180-degree hydraulic cushioned swing for working precisely in tight areas, and load-sensing hydraulic steering, which consumes no horsepower unless the steering wheel is turned. Call 800/562-1373; www.allmand.com.

John Deere

John Deere compact utility tractors include the 3000 Twenty series models — the 32.8 hp 3320, the 37.1 hp 3520 and 43.2 hp 3720. These 2,900-pound four-wheel drive tractors have a maximum height loader lift capacity of 1,598 pounds and a Category 1 rear-hitch lifting capacity of 2,200 pounds. The LoadMatch electronic power management system maximizes torque, virtually eliminating stalling.

With the optional AutoHST transmission (3520 and 3720) you press a single pedal to go forward and use a hand lever to shift into reverse. With the optional eHydro two-pedal automatic transmission, you shift from forward to reverse at the touch of a pedal. The Performance Tracking System provides instant feedback on tractor functions and systems for quick diagnosis.

Both transmission choices include Automotive Cruise, SpeedMatch and MotionMatch to customize speed to any application. A coupling system lets you attach rear-mounted PTO-driven implements from your seat. Call 800/537-8233; www.deere.com.

Kubota

Kubota’s four compact TLB models include an integrated loader, a quick-attach backhoe, and a Category 1 three-point hitch. They range from the 23 hp B26 with a weight of 4,001 pounds, to the 57 hp 8,345-pound M59 with a 12-foot digging depth and the power to lift a pallet of pavers off the side of the delivery truck.

Each model offers standard loader quick couplers and optional auxiliary hydraulics for the loader and the backhoe. Self-leveling loader control valves improve pallet fork work, while the backhoe crawling mode allows safe use of the transmission to reposition along trenches.

Other features include an integral main frame to withstand heavy-duty or high-cycle applications; a curved backhoe boom design for easier reach at maximum dig depth with a minimum trench-cut and easier truck loading; slanted hood; and loader arms for improved visibility. Call 888/458-2682; www.kubota.com.

Mahindra

The 35 series is the latest in the line of Mahindra compact tractors. Powered by direct-injection, three-cylinder diesel engines, these four-wheel-drive machines include the 3535 (35 hp engine; 29 hp PTO) and the 4035 (40 hp engine; 33 hp PTO). Lift capacities range from 4,125 to 3,090 pounds.

The new ML 120 Loader offers a maximum lift height of 106 inches and a quick-attach adapter for use with attachments including bucket and pallet fork. In addition to the three-point hitch, the tractor can be used with the 485 backhoe attachment to dig as deep as 8 feet, 5 inches. Heavy-duty components include a cast-iron chassis for traction and stability, transmission with shuttle shift and 12 forward and reverse speeds, sturdy front axle, and reinforced fenders. The tractors have standard suspension seats and rear work lights. Call 800/887-2286; www.mahindra usa.com.

Next time you need new equipment for installation jobs, it may be worth your time to check out these versatile machines.



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