This is my first 'real' tractor so I have precious little to compare it to vs. other major brands. I came very close to buying a John Deere 4010 (new series) tractor, but stayed with the 'Bota as I could get the backhoe rig for the same price as the Deere with only a FEL, and I liked the joystick for the loader position better on the Kubota (it stays with the loader when detached) vs. the Deere, which is mounted to the tractor.

The Devil is in the Details. When you look over the BX22 closely, you see all sorts of finely thought out points that show that someone was paying attention when they built and designed this. For example, the backhoe has several grease fittings on it...and you lube all of them from the right side only. You do not have any grease points on the opposite side of the backhoe.

The BX22 is very easy to operate. It steers better and more comfortably than my series 2000 Cub Cadet Garden Tractor it is replacing.

Fuel consumption is great! This tractor runs all day on a tank of diesel.

The Front End Loader is fabulous. I can't imagine owning a tractor without it. It easily lifts more than it's rated load, and I have no problems cleanly loading into the back of my Ford F150 pickup without damaging the bed rails on the truck.

The Backhoe is quite powerful and I will need several hours of seat time on it to learn it's operation properly. It does have a steeper learning curve than the FEL. I had no trouble breaking through tree roots or diggin in VA Red Clay with it.

I ordered my BX22 with turf tires as the tractor will see 80% duty as a mower. However, I have discovered that if you want to break the ground surface with the FEL (mine has a toothbar on it as well) the Turf Tires cannot really get the traction you need, even in 4WD and the diff lock engaged. I'd suggest buying a second set of wheels and tires with the AG tread if you plan on using the loader for removing turf and shallow digging of patios, etc.

The tractor will tend to 'bounce' a bit under high speed over uneven terrain with the FEL and Backhoe attached, but that is solved by slowing a bit if it starts 'hobby-horsing' on you.

And remember to fold that ROPS if you park it in your garage!

Date Purchased: 5/2002
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$16500
Pros: Wonderfully engineered tractor. It will impress you with not only the attention to detail and the strength of materials, but with driveability and e
Cons: When you neighbors find out you have it, you suddenly become very popular.
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