Centre of balance question

[FluentDiscSport]

Hey team orange! I "grew up" on my in-laws 80's era Kubota and so when it came time to get my own tractor I was looking through orange coloured glasses. My company designs and builds disc golf courses, often in thick forest so I had a few requirements; I needed a narrow width meaning fewer trees to take down for transitions / trails between holes, had to have a three point hitch for my chipper and stump grinder, a low centre of gravity as I'm often travelling across fall lines, and a backhoe for excavating tee pads.

I purchased the BX23S and have been using it for a year and am in love with it, but I'm also finding I wish I had more HP (35-50) for some larger more demanding implements. I'm looking at the L4802 but since it's a more traditional tractor that's higher off the ground, I'm concerned about it being more prone to tipping. There's even a narrow model option but it just increases the potential. I know how to keep implements low and what happens when you hit a root/stump, or a dip while on a steep hill. What I'm wondering is how different the centre of gravity is on the larger machine, do the larger wheels with more ballast make up for the higher stance, are there other considerations, etc?

Would appreciate your take!

 

[Russell King]

You may want to check out Ventrac instead of Kubota

Ventrac Compact Tractors & Attachments

Ventrac all-wheel drive compact tractors connect to over 30 commercial grade attachments in just minutes or less. Choose from mowers, power blowers, blades, rakes, brooms, scoops , and much more.

www.ventrac.com

 

[fried1765]

Hey team orange! I "grew up" on my in-laws 80's era Kubota and so when it came time to get my own tractor I was looking through orange coloured glasses. My company designs and builds disc golf courses, often in thick forest so I had a few requirements; I needed a narrow width meaning fewer trees to take down for transitions / trails between holes, had to have a three point hitch for my chipper and stump grinder, a low centre of gravity as I'm often travelling across fall lines, and a backhoe for excavating tee pads.

I purchased the BX23S and have been using it for a year and am in love with it, but I'm also finding I wish I had more HP (35-50) for some larger more demanding implements. I'm looking at the L4802 but since it's a more traditional tractor that's higher off the ground, I'm concerned about it being more prone to tipping. There's even a narrow model option but it just increases the potential. I know how to keep implements low and what happens when you hit a root/stump, or a dip while on a steep hill. What I'm wondering is how different the centre of gravity is on the larger machine, do the larger wheels with more ballast make up for the higher stance, are there other considerations, etc?

Would appreciate your take!

Is this an admittance of: ........I did not..... "buy enough tractor"?
Has this ever happened before?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Another comparison to look at across the line up would not be just the ground clearance but also the track width. I think if you have a criteria for a narrow width, that really going to limit you choices. Tire ballast certainly helps and wheel weights help also…I am not sure what all models you are considering, but if worried about stability make sure the wheels are compatible with wheel weights. The combination of filled tires and wheel weights is very helpful IMO. I use both as well as either an implement or a ballast box depending on my chores / terrain. Not sure that answers your question.

I do think an 4702 is a significant upgrade from a BX and if looking for more capability, I think you found it. I’ve gone from a BX to a B plus an MX. In my opinion the BX was more stable than the B. But in the woods the ground clearance of the B is helpful. The Mx is much more stable than the B. Maybe ask the dealer for a demo? Happy shopping.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

Hey team orange! I "grew up" on my in-laws 80's era Kubota and so when it came time to get my own tractor I was looking through orange coloured glasses. My company designs and builds disc golf courses, often in thick forest so I had a few requirements; I needed a narrow width meaning fewer trees to take down for transitions / trails between holes, had to have a three point hitch for my chipper and stump grinder, a low centre of gravity as I'm often travelling across fall lines, and a backhoe for excavating tee pads.

I purchased the BX23S and have been using it for a year and am in love with it, but I'm also finding I wish I had more HP (35-50) for some larger more demanding implements. I'm looking at the L4802 but since it's a more traditional tractor that's higher off the ground, I'm concerned about it being more prone to tipping. There's even a narrow model option but it just increases the potential. I know how to keep implements low and what happens when you hit a root/stump, or a dip while on a steep hill. What I'm wondering is how different the centre of gravity is on the larger machine, do the larger wheels with more ballast make up for the higher stance, are there other considerations, etc?

Would appreciate your take!

Wow, cool company!

One thing to consider (if you haven’t already). A 4802 is not just wider, but way longer than a bx. If you’re working in tight spaces, maneuvering it (like, turning it around) may be a PITA.

I went for a B2301 to an L4701, and sometimes I definitely notice it’s less maneuverable. Like doing a k turn in a small area.

 

[leveraddict]

Is this an admittance of: ........I did not..... "buy enough tractor"?
Has this ever happened before?

Oh brother here we go again! TOOT TOOT! Maybe if you had a smaller tractor it wouldnt always be parked in the barn? LOL!

 

[woodman55]

Another option would be smaller wheels on the L4802. I have seen 50-60 hp tractors on small fat turf wheels for mowing. It would be a speciality thing so might take some effort to find. This would give the power and low center of gravity you are after.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hey team orange! I "grew up" on my in-laws 80's era Kubota and so when it came time to get my own tractor I was looking through orange coloured glasses. My company designs and builds disc golf courses, often in thick forest so I had a few requirements; I needed a narrow width meaning fewer trees to take down for transitions / trails between holes, had to have a three point hitch for my chipper and stump grinder, a low centre of gravity as I'm often travelling across fall lines, and a backhoe for excavating tee pads.

I purchased the BX23S and have been using it for a year and am in love with it, but I'm also finding I wish I had more HP (35-50) for some larger more demanding implements. I'm looking at the L4802 but since it's a more traditional tractor that's higher off the ground, I'm concerned about it being more prone to tipping. There's even a narrow model option but it just increases the potential. I know how to keep implements low and what happens when you hit a root/stump, or a dip while on a steep hill. What I'm wondering is how different the centre of gravity is on the larger machine, do the larger wheels with more ballast make up for the higher stance, are there other considerations, etc?

Would appreciate your take!

You need two tractors - a big'un and a lit'lun. You are half way there. A L4802 would complete the set. R1 tires and wheels on the L4802 will get you an adjustable rear tread width and factory wheel weights

Dan

 

[mikester]

I purchased the BX23S and have been using it for a year and am in love with it, but I'm also finding I wish I had more HP (35-50) for some larger more demanding implements. I'm looking at the L4802 but since it's a more traditional tractor that's higher off the ground, I'm concerned about it being more prone to tipping. There's even a narrow model option but it just increases the potential. I know how to keep implements low and what happens when you hit a root/stump, or a dip while on a steep hill. What I'm wondering is how different the centre of gravity is on the larger machine, do the larger wheels with more ballast make up for the higher stance, are there other considerations, etc?

Would appreciate your take!

There is no magic number for size, it falls back on the operator when it comes to keeping the shiny side up.

Some guys manage to break and flip stuff , even big stuff.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

sigh.. bet he drove up onto the 'rubble ramp' to remove the roof ??

agree , 2 units. maybe a small tracked machine is an option ?? without seeing the properties ,it's hard to say what's the right machine but bigger may not be better if size matters

 

[fried1765]

Oh brother here we go again! TOOT TOOT! Maybe if you had a smaller tractor it wouldnt always be parked in the barn? LOL!

I just wonder what size tractor (TLB) you will have, and how often YOU will be USING it, when 83 years old......
Will you even be using a tractor at all?

 

[FluentDiscSport]

I just wonder what size tractor you will have, and how often YOU will be USING it, when 83 years old......
Will you even be using a tractor at all?

If I read my father-in-law correctly, you get buried with your tractor

 

[fried1765]

If I read my father-in-law correctly, you get buried with your tractor

I am 100% in agreement with your father-in-law!

I have owned a dedicated TLB for a total of 37 years.
Problem is: I just don't believe that the VA is going to allow my current L48 TLB to dig in their cemetery.

 

[FluentDiscSport]

Wow, cool company!

One thing to consider (if you haven’t already). A 4802 is not just wider, but way longer than a bx. If you’re working in tight spaces, maneuvering it (like, turning it around) may be a PITA.

I went for a B2301 to an L4701, and sometimes I definitely notice it’s less maneuverable. Like doing a k turn in a small area.

Thanks, on both accounts! Honestly, I forgot about the length. Looks like the 4802 is about 20-30" longer w/o PTO, plus a larger set of arms and bucket.... very good point! And turning radius and manoeuvrability in the woods is a big deal in my circumstances. The suggestion further down the thread that I need two may not be far off the mark... down the rabbit hole I continue

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thanks, on both accounts! Honestly, I forgot about the length. Looks like the 4802 is about 20-30" longer w/o PTO, plus a larger set of arms and bucket.... very good point! And turning radius and manoeuvrability in the woods is a big deal in my circumstances. The suggestion further down the thread that I need two may not be far off the mark... down the rabbit hole I continue

Tractors are not like condoms - a guy needs more than one size.

Dan

 

[FluentDiscSport]

You need two tractors - a big'un and a lit'lun. You are half way there. A L4802 would complete the set. R1 tires and wheels on the L4802 will get you an adjustable rear tread width and factory wheel weights

I was trying to suppress that little voice in my head that was saying the same thing And yeah, the R4's have not done me any favours when I bury it in mud!

 

[fried1765]

Thanks, on both accounts! Honestly, I forgot about the length. Looks like the 4802 is about 20-30" longer w/o PTO, plus a larger set of arms and bucket.... very good point! And turning radius and manoeuvrability in the woods is a big deal in my circumstances. The suggestion further down the thread that I need two may not be far off the mark... down the rabbit hole I continue

I have a 48HP TLB, and a 32HP FEL.
Perfect combination for me

 

[Springer]

I have the bx-2680 and have tipping fears. Though I have some pretty steep slopes, my problem is sinkholes and the smallish tires on my tractor are too easily fall into them.
The previous owner simply cut them flush, and they are under the moss, so I don't see them until I fall into one.

 

[fried1765]

I have the bx-2680 and have tipping fears. Though I have some pretty steep slopes, my problem is sinkholes and the smallish tires on my tractor are too easily fall into them.
The previous owner simply cut them flush, and they are under the moss, so I don't see them until I fall into one.

Solution: Much bigger tractor..........with much bigger tires!

 

[mcmxi]

I have the bx-2680 and have tipping fears. Though I have some pretty steep slopes, my problem is sinkholes and the smallish tires on my tractor are too easily fall into them.
The previous owner simply cut them flush, and they are under the moss, so I don't see them until I fall into one.

I almost got thrown off the BX cutting a field. The front wheel dropped into a hole I couldn't see and it stopped the BX hard enough that I kept going. Never had that problem with either MX or the M.