OK, so I know it never happened around here if you don't post pic's, so here they are, but first some comentary.
First off, January is not a good time to buy a new tractor with a backhoe. Nothing but frozen ground around here so basically the BH went straight into storage. I also removed the FEL so I could mount my front blade - snowing here as I write this. Don't expect a major storm but, hopefully, enough to plow.
As for first impressions, the BX25 feels ever so slightly bigger. Of course with the FEL and BH on it is, but I'm talking about the bare tractor feeling bigger too. And the engine is noticeable smoother at low idle to mid RPMs.
Don't have to worry about getting it dirty because it already was when delivered. Looks like they pulled it off the lot, topped off the diesel, greased all the zerks and welded up my bucket hooks; not much else. My 1850 and 1860 from the same dealer was washed and waxed, but then again, delivery wasn't the first week of January. Oh well, I will clean her up and put a coat of wax on as soon as we get a thaw here.
I do have to say that the subframe for the Kubota OEM BH is substantial. From looking over the Woods installation manual, I would have to say the Kubota one is more substantial, but they have the advantage of designing it into the manufacture and assembly processes. Should have taken a pic of the rear end with the BH off and before I mounted the 3PH but I didn't think of it. Oh, and that folded ROPS will take some getting use to. Almost banged my head about 4 times while installing the 3PH. Luckly my rather tall wool cap acted as an early warning system as I felt it getting scrunched down on my head. :laughing: Spring will bring a more challenging scenario!
On the slight negative side, it's real tight back there with the subframe and hose routing. Spent 20 minutes trying to get one of the BH quick connects off during removal. I thought it was stuck on due to unrelieved pressure so I kept rotating the BH controls, then starting the tractor and rotating the controls while trying to pull the QC apart in between. Finally realized I was pulling on the wrong side of the QC, just couldn't see which side was the female - now I know. Doh!
One note, and I have a pic of it, is that it appears there are two posts on the rear wheel axle hubs to aid in mounting the tires. My 1860 used 5 bolts so you had to somehow hold the tire in place while you started the threads. These will be real handy if you have to remove and remount a rear wheel. Wonder if the earlier BX25 or BX24s had these?
Finally, posting a few pics of my shed with the BH and FEL removed. You can see the BXpanded dollies which became critical to getting it all in there while leaving room for the tractor. The dollies are well made and feel substantial. I actually rotated the BH 180* to get the wide end against the back wall. One note on the dollies. They come with two swivel casters and two rigid types. Rigids were a no go for me since I have to rotate the BH in it's own length and also slide the FEL almost sideways. My opinion is that the dollies should come with swivels all around since not everyone will have the room to make wide, arcing turns.
Thanks all for helping me decide between the BX25 or adding a Woods BH. Don't think I could have gone wrong either way. OK, now for the pic's. First two are my BX1860 dressed for trade in.
