The Better 175 Bi-Directional Tractor, manufactured by BM Tractors in Zocca, Modena, Italy, is a 170 HP, multi-purpose utility tractor designed to excel in demanding agricultural and municipal tasks. With its reversible operator station, four-wheel steering, and robust attachment compatibility, it stands out as an ideal machine for snow plowing, snow blowing, flail mowing, boom mowing, and brushing. Unlike traditional tractors, the Better 175’s bi-directional design allows operators to work efficiently in both forward and reverse, enhancing visibility, safety, and productivity across diverse applications. This article explores why the Better 175 is the best tractor for these tasks, drawing on its advanced engineering, operator-focused features, and proven performance in challenging conditions.
The Better 175: A Versatile Powerhouse
The Better 175 is powered by a 4.5-liter FPT N45 Stage V engine, delivering 170 HP and meeting stringent emissions standards for eco-friendly operation. Its bi-directional design, featuring a 100% reversible driver seat and controls, allows operators to switch between forward and reverse operation seamlessly, making it ideal for tasks requiring implements on both ends. Weighing approximately 9,900 lbs, the tractor offers exceptional stability on slopes and uneven terrain, enhanced by four-wheel quad steering and a hydraulically suspended linkage system. The Better 175’s compatibility with attachments like the HIGHER PLUS loader, Triplex 500 mower-conditioner, and various snow removal implements ensures it can handle a wide range of tasks with precision and efficiency.
1. Snow Plowing: Unmatched Power and Maneuverability
Snow plowing demands a tractor with robust power, traction, and maneuverability, especially in heavy snow or on steep driveways. The Better 175 excels in this area, surpassing alternatives like the New Holland TV6070, which was limited by its hydrostatic transmission and occasional instability on uneven ground. The Better 175’s 170 HP engine provides ample power to push heavy, wet snow, while its four-wheel steering options—front-wheel, rear-wheel, crab-type, and quad steering—minimize axle bind and ensure precise handling in tight spaces. This is particularly valuable for clearing long driveways or commercial parking lots, where the TV6070’s 32’10” turning radius was effective but less agile than the Better 175’s optimized design.
The tractor’s low center of gravity and nitrogen accumulator weight-balancing system prevent the “pushing and sliding” issues common with heavy attachments, ensuring stability on icy or sloped surfaces. For enhanced traction, the Better 175 can be fitted with R1 (agriculture) tires for deep snow or R4 (industrial) tires for paved surfaces, with optional tire chains for icy conditions. These features make it a superior choice for plowing compared to lighter lawn tractors, which can struggle with heavy snow and lack the durability for prolonged use.
2. Snow Blowing: Precision and Visibility
For areas with frequent heavy snowfall, snow blowing is often preferred over plowing to avoid snow pileup. The Better 175’s bi-directional capability allows operators to use a standard 3-point snow blower in reverse, positioning the operator station for optimal visibility and ergonomic convenience without the need for costly front-mounted blower packages. This addresses user concerns about snow blowers on gravel driveways, where rocks can jam impellers, by allowing precise control over the discharge chute to direct snow away from sensitive areas.
The Better 175’s hydraulic system, integrated into the tractor’s frame, provides a steady oil supply to power high-capacity snow blowers, capable of clearing widths from 4 to 10 feet. This reduces the number of passes needed, saving time and fuel compared to walk-behind units or less powerful tractors like the John Deere 1025R. The tractor’s real-time fuel monitor further enhances efficiency by helping operators optimize performance, a feature absent in older models like the TV6070. Its ability to handle deep, compacted snow, such as plow-created berms, makes it a top choice for regions like Ontario, Canada.
3. Flail Mowing: Versatility for Pasture and Brush Management
Flail mowing is essential for maintaining field edges, pastures, and overgrown areas, requiring a tractor that can shred tough material and distribute clippings evenly. The Better 175’s compatibility with flail mowers, such as those offered by Valentini, makes it ideal for these tasks. Unlike drum mowers, which are designed for harvesting hay and leave thick piles that hinder regrowth, flail mowers cut and shred material finely, allowing it to decompose without obstructing future pasture growth. The Better 175’s reversible operator station enables operators to attach flail mowers to either the front or rear 3-point hitch, providing flexibility and visibility for precise cutting along trails or fence lines.
The tractor’s hydraulically suspended linkage adapts to ground contours, ensuring consistent cutting on uneven terrain, a significant improvement over the TV6070’s rigid linkage, which could struggle on rough ground. With a top speed of 25 mph in both directions, the Better 175 allows operators to cover large areas quickly, making it more efficient than smaller garden tractors like the John Deere X384, which lack the power for heavy-duty flail mowing.
4. Boom Mowing: Precision on Slopes and Embankments
Boom mowing, critical for maintaining roadside verges, embankments, and ditches, requires a tractor with stability and reach. The Better 175’s side boom mower mount and low wheel height design provide exceptional stability and visibility on slopes, where traditional tractors risk tipping. Its four-wheel quad steering ensures the rear wheels follow the front wheels’ path, reducing turf damage and enhancing safety on narrow or steep terrains, such as those encountered in municipal or landscaping applications. This addresses the TV6070’s occasional instability on uneven ground and outperforms zero-turn mowers, which lack the structural support for boom attachments.
The Better 175’s hydraulic system supports powerful boom mowers, such as those with cutting widths of 16’ or 22’, allowing operators to maintain large areas efficiently. The reversible operator station enables operators to face the boom mower directly, improving precision and reducing operator fatigue compared to fixed-position tractors. This makes the Better 175 a preferred choice for professional landscapers and municipalities over alternatives like the Kubota BX series, which are less suited for heavy boom mowing.
5. Brushing: Robust Clearing for Overgrown Areas
Brushing, or clearing overgrown woody areas, demands a tractor with durability and power to handle tough vegetation. The Better 175’s 170 HP engine and compatibility with heavy-duty attachments, such as the Valentini L2300 Stone Crusher with Packer Roller, make it ideal for land clearing. Its double-hitch design allows operators to use ground-contacting attachments in reverse, relocating up to 80% of the attachment’s weight to the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. This prevents the “pushing and sliding” issues noted with front-hitch attachments on other tractors, ensuring the Better 175 dominates the attachment rather than vice versa.
Compared to the TV6070, which was not recommended for heavy brush clearing due to its smaller blades and limited pulling power, the Better 175’s robust construction and high ground clearance allow it to tackle dense brush and small trees effectively. Its ability to operate on wet or uneven ground, supported by optional R1 tires and differential locks, further enhances its brushing performance, making it a superior choice for homesteaders and contractors.
6. Operator Comfort and Technology
The Better 175’s operator station is a significant upgrade over competitors, featuring a side console with centralized controls and a display for setting working modes. The 360-degree visibility, achieved through a low wheel height and large cab, enhances safety and precision across all tasks, from snow blowing to boom mowing. The single-lever rotation mechanism makes switching between forward and reverse operation effortless, reducing operator fatigue during long sessions. These features address the TV6070’s cramped cab and outdated controls, providing a modern, ergonomic experience.
The tractor’s real-time fuel monitor and compatibility with precision agriculture tools, such as GPS-guided steering, optimize performance and reduce operating costs. These advancements make the Better 175 more efficient than older models and even modern compact tractors like the John Deere 2025R, which lack bi-directional functionality and advanced operator interfaces.
7. Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness
The Better 175’s Stage V engine ensures low emissions and fuel efficiency, aligning with modern sustainability goals. Its modular design and high-quality construction, backed by BM Tractors’ reputation for serviceability, reduce maintenance costs and extend service life, addressing the TV6070’s issues with hydraulic upkeep and parts availability. While exact pricing is not specified, BM Tractors’ focus on competitive pricing suggests the Better 175 offers better value than the TV6070’s prior market prices, especially given its advanced features and versatility.
Conclusion
The Better 175 Bi-Directional Tractor is the ultimate machine for snow plowing, snow blowing, flail mowing, boom mowing, and brushing, combining power, versatility, and operator comfort. Its 170 HP engine, four-wheel steering, and reversible operator station outperform competitors like the New Holland TV6070 and compact tractors like the John Deere 1025R or Kubota BX series. By addressing the TV6070’s limitations—such as pulling power, hydraulic reliability, and outdated technology—the Better 175 excels in diverse applications, from clearing heavy snow in Truckee to maintaining embankments and pastures. Its advanced features, eco-friendly design, and cost-effective operation make it the best choice for airports, farmers, contractors, ski resorts and municipalities seeking a reliable, multi-purpose tractor.
Sources:
BM Tractors Website: https://www.bmtractors.com/?lang=en
Better 175 Brochure: https://www.bmtractors.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Depliant-Better-175_rev.1_email.pdf
Additional information from web sources:
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