Kubota BX2230 Reviews
Good Tractor
Model Year: 2005
No problems whatsoever. My complaints are rather minor - I wish the seat adjusted simply back-and forth, instead of back-and up; it needs a parking brake indicator lamp. Mine has a FEL, 60" deck, and a Woods tiller, all of which work great.
Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: I wish mine had ag tires instead of turf, but I can wait till they wear out!
Model Year: 2005
No problems whatsoever. My complaints are rather minor - I wish the seat adjusted simply back-and forth, instead of back-and up; it needs a parking brake indicator lamp. Mine has a FEL, 60" deck, and a Woods tiller, all of which work great.
Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: I wish mine had ag tires instead of turf, but I can wait till they wear out!
Great Machine
Model Year: 2004
Great machine for small estate owner. Mows great, the bucket is handy, and it pushes snow like no tomorrow.
Pros: Starts every time, easy to operate, and can fit nto some tight spots.
Cons: Hood pops open sometimes and the ROPS is not collapsable, which makes it a challange when mowing around trees.
Model Year: 2004
Great machine for small estate owner. Mows great, the bucket is handy, and it pushes snow like no tomorrow.
Pros: Starts every time, easy to operate, and can fit nto some tight spots.
Cons: Hood pops open sometimes and the ROPS is not collapsable, which makes it a challange when mowing around trees.
Kubota BX2230 - some facts to consider
Model Year: 2005
This is a solid performer, I use it mainly for mowing a five acre tract. But I also used it to haul 500 LB loads of firewood from our lower woods. It also came in handy to pull down a few trees near my house. A 50 foot tree was no match for the torque this tractor puts out. A couple of problems that I've had were also common on other members Kubota's. One was the fuel float sensor gasket deteriorated on top of the fuel tank - allowing diesel to pour out all over while I was using it. It was a cheap but difficult item to repair. Kubota doesn't give you much room to remove that fuel sensor. The second issue was with the air filter hold down bracket. This metal clamp fractured after about 500 hours of operation. I'm sure the factory has an aftermarket fix for this. I just used a piece of 4 gauge metal wall reinforcement to reconstruct the clamp. Its now much stronger and better than the original one. I upgraded the battery to an automotive sized one. The factory battery is inadequate to start the engine in cold mid western winters. Also, the mid mount mower drive belt is difficult (and expensive) to replace unless you have a long pry bar and strong arms. One last thing worth mentioning: the engine tended to run hot, especially in the warmer weather. I flushed out the cooling system, not only the radiator, but also the engine block, and things have been a lot better since. One member posted a detailed procedure for flushing the system, but he neglected to mention the drain screw on the engine block. You can sometimes drive the tractor while the parking brake is still set. There is no warning light to tell you the brake is on. This is, in my humble opinion a minor deficiency on a tractor of this price range. A tachometer is another thing that is lacking on this unit. Of course I can add an after market one, but that is more monkeying around I don't have time for. I hope this helps someone.
Pros: Power, durability, build quality overall, fuel efficient, ease of use.
Cons: See the above review.
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Model Year: 2005
This is a solid performer, I use it mainly for mowing a five acre tract. But I also used it to haul 500 LB loads of firewood from our lower woods. It also came in handy to pull down a few trees near my house. A 50 foot tree was no match for the torque this tractor puts out. A couple of problems that I've had were also common on other members Kubota's. One was the fuel float sensor gasket deteriorated on top of the fuel tank - allowing diesel to pour out all over while I was using it. It was a cheap but difficult item to repair. Kubota doesn't give you much room to remove that fuel sensor. The second issue was with the air filter hold down bracket. This metal clamp fractured after about 500 hours of operation. I'm sure the factory has an aftermarket fix for this. I just used a piece of 4 gauge metal wall reinforcement to reconstruct the clamp. Its now much stronger and better than the original one. I upgraded the battery to an automotive sized one. The factory battery is inadequate to start the engine in cold mid western winters. Also, the mid mount mower drive belt is difficult (and expensive) to replace unless you have a long pry bar and strong arms. One last thing worth mentioning: the engine tended to run hot, especially in the warmer weather. I flushed out the cooling system, not only the radiator, but also the engine block, and things have been a lot better since. One member posted a detailed procedure for flushing the system, but he neglected to mention the drain screw on the engine block. You can sometimes drive the tractor while the parking brake is still set. There is no warning light to tell you the brake is on. This is, in my humble opinion a minor deficiency on a tractor of this price range. A tachometer is another thing that is lacking on this unit. Of course I can add an after market one, but that is more monkeying around I don't have time for. I hope this helps someone.
Pros: Power, durability, build quality overall, fuel efficient, ease of use.
Cons: See the above review.
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BX 2230 hitch problem
Model Year: 2005
Forgot to mention in my earlier review, BX2230 advertises a Cat I 3 point hitch. No true. Cat I auger from Tractor Supply would not fit, had to special order one from manufacturer. Also, DR chipper required a Cat 0 connecting link.
Pros: works fine later
Cons: requires purchase of non Cat. I parts.
Model Year: 2005
Forgot to mention in my earlier review, BX2230 advertises a Cat I 3 point hitch. No true. Cat I auger from Tractor Supply would not fit, had to special order one from manufacturer. Also, DR chipper required a Cat 0 connecting link.
Pros: works fine later
Cons: requires purchase of non Cat. I parts.
BX2230
Model Year: 2005
Has done everything I required on my 5 acres: scooping dirt, grading road with box blade, pulling 4" stumps. Stock MMM works fine, as does bush hog. Got a 12" auger to dig holes for planting. Discovered the 3 point descends on gravity only, not hydraulic, so sometimes have to jump on the auger boom to get it to bite down into clay. (not usually, tho.) Always starts easily, Only complaint. No place for a tool box. Bolting onto the ROPS (not advised) didn't work as auger boom came up too high. Yeah, could take it off when digging, but on-off a nuisance. Got a couple of pallet forks for loading, moving brush. Got a DR PTO chipper, works fine, but tractor won't run without someone in the seat, so had to tie seat down. Removal of loader is easy, but I spend hours with a couple of jacks, a small sledge, and a crow bar putting it back on. I followed Kubota and Tractorbynet directions, but had awful time. Won't do that again. Loader hose blew at 50 hours while just sitting, not running.
Pros: Reliable, powerful enuf for 5 acres
Cons: No place for a tool box, can't run pto without someone in seat
Model Year: 2005
Has done everything I required on my 5 acres: scooping dirt, grading road with box blade, pulling 4" stumps. Stock MMM works fine, as does bush hog. Got a 12" auger to dig holes for planting. Discovered the 3 point descends on gravity only, not hydraulic, so sometimes have to jump on the auger boom to get it to bite down into clay. (not usually, tho.) Always starts easily, Only complaint. No place for a tool box. Bolting onto the ROPS (not advised) didn't work as auger boom came up too high. Yeah, could take it off when digging, but on-off a nuisance. Got a couple of pallet forks for loading, moving brush. Got a DR PTO chipper, works fine, but tractor won't run without someone in the seat, so had to tie seat down. Removal of loader is easy, but I spend hours with a couple of jacks, a small sledge, and a crow bar putting it back on. I followed Kubota and Tractorbynet directions, but had awful time. Won't do that again. Loader hose blew at 50 hours while just sitting, not running.
Pros: Reliable, powerful enuf for 5 acres
Cons: No place for a tool box, can't run pto without someone in seat
Wouldn't buy any other brand but Kubota
Model Year: 2004
Went from a Craftsman lawn tractor to a Deere GX 335 garden tractor to the Kubota I have now. Loved that JD and paid lots for it, but I needed something more versatile. Probably would have purchased a subcompact JD if the dealer was willing to take a trade. The three dealers near my house weren't, but one of the Kubota dealers was, so I got the Kubota. Aside from a few stupid things I did with it after I first got it, it has been nothing but reliable. I recently changed dealers for service and like them much better than the place I bought it from.
Pros: Engine is strong and reliable; very versatile with many attachment choices
Cons: Sticking gas pedal, poor gauges, FEL connection not user-friendly
Model Year: 2004
Went from a Craftsman lawn tractor to a Deere GX 335 garden tractor to the Kubota I have now. Loved that JD and paid lots for it, but I needed something more versatile. Probably would have purchased a subcompact JD if the dealer was willing to take a trade. The three dealers near my house weren't, but one of the Kubota dealers was, so I got the Kubota. Aside from a few stupid things I did with it after I first got it, it has been nothing but reliable. I recently changed dealers for service and like them much better than the place I bought it from.
Pros: Engine is strong and reliable; very versatile with many attachment choices
Cons: Sticking gas pedal, poor gauges, FEL connection not user-friendly
Great little tractor
Model Year: 2004
I purchased this unit after our JD 770 w/backhoe was stolen. I'm one of the few people who end up getting a smaller tractor. I can't say there is anything bad about this tractor. There are a few things that I don't particularly care for, but most are personal preference. I HATE the rocker pedal HST. Some like it though. I'm a young guy and it hurts my ankle after a while. I can only imagine if I were older. I've never really been a big fan of hydrostatic transmissions anyway, but the two pedal system like Deere has is much better to me. I was on a Deere this week and I once again realized how much more I like it, but I knew what I was getting so I don't blame Kubota. The JD 770 I had prior was a couple of more horses stronger. I CAN tell the difference unless I have the throttle wide open, which I never did on the Deere unless using the backhoe. Overall, I really like the power for the size. I have the Ag tires and it consistently runs out of traction before power. I even run my five foot bush hog I had on the Deere which is pretty big for it but I haven't had a problem. I also think the loader is a good match. Even with a five foot box grader it picks up enough to make the rear light but not too bad. I wish it were easier to take off the loader. Some people never take theirs off so it wouldn't matter but I normally took mine off to bushhog. It was much easier to see and maneuver in the woods, plus it was less wear and tear on the front axle. I could also run in 2wd and turn on a dime with the turning brakes. An option I don't have with the Kubota since there are no touring brakes. I also wish the bucket was a quick detach so I could use forks. I had some on the Deere and I miss them something terrible. I don't like the 3 point hitch control system. I much prefer position control. Deere has a newer (2320) 24 hp subcompact with position control that I have been eying. I am also considering it because it has a true Cat 1 instead of a limited Cat 1. I have a quick hitch on the Kubota now which is nice but some things still don't fit. I borrowed a King Kutter landscape rake from a friend and I couldn't use it with or without the quick hitch. The sway chains got in the way because they are mounted on the inside of the life arms. I guess that's why they call it "limited." It is also a stretch to reach the control lever for me from an upright position. I have to stoop a little and I am 5'10". I hope this review didn't come out too negative. I am really pleased with the machine and while there are a few things I would change about it, it's really very nice.
Pros: Compact size, plenty of power for size
Cons: Selection rather than position control on 3 pt hitch, no turning brakes, rocker pedal, limited cat 1 3 pt hitch
Model Year: 2004
I purchased this unit after our JD 770 w/backhoe was stolen. I'm one of the few people who end up getting a smaller tractor. I can't say there is anything bad about this tractor. There are a few things that I don't particularly care for, but most are personal preference. I HATE the rocker pedal HST. Some like it though. I'm a young guy and it hurts my ankle after a while. I can only imagine if I were older. I've never really been a big fan of hydrostatic transmissions anyway, but the two pedal system like Deere has is much better to me. I was on a Deere this week and I once again realized how much more I like it, but I knew what I was getting so I don't blame Kubota. The JD 770 I had prior was a couple of more horses stronger. I CAN tell the difference unless I have the throttle wide open, which I never did on the Deere unless using the backhoe. Overall, I really like the power for the size. I have the Ag tires and it consistently runs out of traction before power. I even run my five foot bush hog I had on the Deere which is pretty big for it but I haven't had a problem. I also think the loader is a good match. Even with a five foot box grader it picks up enough to make the rear light but not too bad. I wish it were easier to take off the loader. Some people never take theirs off so it wouldn't matter but I normally took mine off to bushhog. It was much easier to see and maneuver in the woods, plus it was less wear and tear on the front axle. I could also run in 2wd and turn on a dime with the turning brakes. An option I don't have with the Kubota since there are no touring brakes. I also wish the bucket was a quick detach so I could use forks. I had some on the Deere and I miss them something terrible. I don't like the 3 point hitch control system. I much prefer position control. Deere has a newer (2320) 24 hp subcompact with position control that I have been eying. I am also considering it because it has a true Cat 1 instead of a limited Cat 1. I have a quick hitch on the Kubota now which is nice but some things still don't fit. I borrowed a King Kutter landscape rake from a friend and I couldn't use it with or without the quick hitch. The sway chains got in the way because they are mounted on the inside of the life arms. I guess that's why they call it "limited." It is also a stretch to reach the control lever for me from an upright position. I have to stoop a little and I am 5'10". I hope this review didn't come out too negative. I am really pleased with the machine and while there are a few things I would change about it, it's really very nice.
Pros: Compact size, plenty of power for size
Cons: Selection rather than position control on 3 pt hitch, no turning brakes, rocker pedal, limited cat 1 3 pt hitch
Kubota BX2230
Model Year: 2005
The only changes I would like after using the tractor for 4 years, is that the 3 point hitch goes up and down with the mower deck. It can be kept in one position which is what I do because when you are mowing and get to a hill the hitch will drag and tear up your lawn if it is down. I have several trailers I move while I am mowing and I can not just back up and put the hitch under the trailer to mow under it, I must get off the tractor and hook up the trailer, then get off to unhook it. If the 3 point hitch would operate separate from the mower deck, I could move the trailers without getting out of the seat. I also do not recommend the Kubota vacuum unit, it is hard to put on, plus a craftsman mower will pick up better.
Pros: Very movearable, great for mowing, love the loader
Cons: Vacumn unit from Kubota, break a lot of shear pins and jams up a lot
Model Year: 2005
The only changes I would like after using the tractor for 4 years, is that the 3 point hitch goes up and down with the mower deck. It can be kept in one position which is what I do because when you are mowing and get to a hill the hitch will drag and tear up your lawn if it is down. I have several trailers I move while I am mowing and I can not just back up and put the hitch under the trailer to mow under it, I must get off the tractor and hook up the trailer, then get off to unhook it. If the 3 point hitch would operate separate from the mower deck, I could move the trailers without getting out of the seat. I also do not recommend the Kubota vacuum unit, it is hard to put on, plus a craftsman mower will pick up better.
Pros: Very movearable, great for mowing, love the loader
Cons: Vacumn unit from Kubota, break a lot of shear pins and jams up a lot