Full Size -vs- Compact -vs- Sub Compact

[gssixgun]

Where in your eyes does the cut come

Myself I think it is more about Tractor Size and Weight

It gets a little confusing in there with the BX, B, and smaller L series Tractors..

In my eyes if it is under 1500 lbs w/o Attachments it is a SC

Under 3000 lbs a Compact and Anything over 3000 lbs is a full size Tractor

How do you look at it????

 

[lsmurphy]

They are all sub-compacts..........lol

 

[bulldog_shotgun]

I add a class, in my mind.

4500lbs+ or 70hp+ is full size
3000 to 4500lbs more than 40hp is compact
1500 to 3000lbs more than 25hp is sub-compact
1000 to 1500lbs more than 17hp is Ultra-compact
less than that is a garden tractor.

 

[Kubota Newbie]

I do not think that the classification really matters all that much.
What matters is what do you intend to do with it. I see way too many people using these neat little four wheel drive tractors to do things or use implements that are meant to be used on a larger tractor. Just because Kubota, Case, JD and everyone else puts a cat one three point on these little machines doesn't mean that it's safe to hang a 1000 lb mower on the back of it (it's a marketing gimmic). It's gotten really confusing as the hp ratings have gone up on the little tractors. My M4500 is only about 49 pto HP, but it is more of a full size tractor. The old Farmall M I used to have was only 38 pto hp, but weighed more than twice as much as many small tractors now rated at that power. At the Farm Science Review last fall I was looking over Kubota's new stuff and decided that to get final drives and three point lift arms equal to what I have on the M4500 I'd have to buy a tractor rated at nearly 20 HP more.
So like I said, I think it's more important to look at the kind of work you'll expect the machine to do and shop for something with the weight to do it safely. A little bigger is probably always better unless space is an issue.

 

[rednecklimo85]

Classifications change too. I believe my B6100 was/is considered a compact. But the bx series is considered a sub-compact and they are quite a bit higher HP, I'm unsure of weight tho. I know one thing, the BX series doesn't look like it would take the same kinda abuse my B6100 would, they look like an overgrown garden tractor to me. Probably just as tough, I just like the fact that the B6100 looks alot more like an old farm tractor.

 

[chim]

Much of the terminology in the world we live in has been influenced as much by the marketing departments as by the engineers/designers.

I don't worry too much about what to call my tractor choices except "too small", "just right" and "too big". Three names for ranges that cover it all.

 

[hodge]

Classifications change too. I believe my B6100 was/is considered a compact. But the bx series is considered a sub-compact and they are quite a bit higher HP, I'm unsure of weight tho. I know one thing, the BX series doesn't look like it would take the same kinda abuse my B6100 would, they look like an overgrown garden tractor to me. Probably just as tough, I just like the fact that the B6100 looks alot more like an old farm tractor.

The BX series is just as tough, and in many cases, weigh as much or more than a hp-comparable B series.
Between a BX and B series, you are going to get the same durability/quality, but the BX has less ground clearance.

 

[Stumpy]

Much of the terminology in the world we live in has been influenced as much by the marketing departments as by the engineers/designers.

I don't worry too much about what to call my tractor choices except "too small", "just right" and "too big". Three names for ranges that cover it all.

Well said!

 

[Eric McCarthy]

It's not a hard system to follow. Kubota explains it pretty simple on the prior products listing. And no the BX models are nothing like a garden tractor. Ok they might be close dimension wise but the BX's are diesel engines with drive shafts and you can put a loader and backhoe on them. Garden tractors are gas engines usually belt drive to the rear axle with the exception of some Cub Cadet models. Garden tractors mainly cut grass and occasionally push snow with a small blade. That's about it!

http://www.kubota.com/priorproduct/BXSeries.aspx

 

[KenB2920]

Much of the terminology in the world we live in has been influenced as much by the marketing departments as by the engineers/designers.

I don't worry too much about what to call my tractor choices except "too small", "just right" and "too big". Three names for ranges that cover it all.

Well said!!! That is exactly how I feel.

Kubota makes nice garden tractors. I would definitely never consider a BX a garden tractor. $10,000 vs $1500 at home depot etc. There is a tad bit of a difference.

You definitely have to weigh out your tractor tasks and the size of each task.

 

[Iowan]

Kubota makes nice garden tractors. I would definitely never consider a BX a garden tractor. $10,000 vs $1500 at home depot etc. There is a tad bit of a difference.

You definitely have to weigh out your tractor tasks and the size of each task.

I've had a cub IH 1650 and a Cub 1441 with snow blowers and tillers, Great garden tractor's for sure and nothing compared to to the junk they sell now!
The cub's weight was 800lbs the BX is 1400lbs, MMM deck 250lbs, loader 250lbs, cab 200-300lbs.

Here is a complete 460 Ford hanging off the loader on my BX, thats 700 plus lbs., close to the weight of my Cub's.
I have friend that uses a King kutter 60in tiller on his BX 2660, I think they are one rugged little over powered tractor!