Kubota BX23 4.90 star(s) (28)

BX23
Model Year: 0

I bought this tractor six years ago to help with the construction of my house and the landscaping of my property. I paid $16,000.00 for it and it was worth every penny. I use the tractor all the time: summer to maintain a one mile cottage road and hauling logs out of the forest, and in the winter, I snow blow the same cottage road. Other than general maintenance, it's served me well. Upkeep can be expensive buying from the dealership, however there are cheaper sources on the Web. The hydraulic pump is getting weak and I have a bearing going in the main drive shaft.

Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Expensive to repair.

Very Happy With The Equipment
Model Year: 2006

I built a grapple and a set of brush forks for the front end loader and they do a tremendous job. In addition to the backhoe and loader, I have a 48" HOWSE tiller. I tried running the tiller in reverse but wasn't able to get the traction I needed even in 4X4 so I redid the tiller so the tines turn forward and it works great. I do leave the loader on when using the tiller to help balance the machine and it makes a good place to throw the rocks that I till up. I also use the tractor with a 72" Landpride mower. It does okay, but I wish I had bought a 60" mower as it takes a lot of power to pull a spin a 72" finish mower. I also use a 72" blade on the back for plowing snow. We don't get a lot of snow here in KY so the blade combined with the loader do a good job for our needs. I do 4 driveways, 1/2 mile of a hiking/biking trail and our church parking lot if the snow isn't too deep. It can't do what a big backhoe can but it can do what a big backhoe can't. If I wanted to I think I could have a full time job hiring out in our area.

Pros: The size is ideal for what we use it for. We have a 46 hp Allis Chalmers for the heavy duty mowing and bush hogging that we do.
Cons: Too many people want to borrow it so I have to set some limits.

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Kubota BX23
Model Year: 2004

Tractor is extremely dependable, great for light duty work around the home and garden. FEL is a fantastic tool saving much back work. The tractor would be more stable if the wheel base were a little wider and a little longer. Overall, for the price, the tractor performs well and meets all my expectations.

Pros: Great tractor for light work around the home and garden.
Cons: Tractor is a bit unstable in hilly county.

My BX23
Model Year: 2003

The only complaints I have with my BX is the lift capacity (I think it's 400 pounds), and the stupid location of the HST cooling fan. Otherwise it's been reliable an tough enough for what I use it for. Maybe the best job I ever did with it was cutting a friend's overgrown lot with the 60" mid mower. I don't use the mower around my home, and took it off for ground clearance. My grandson loves it!

Pros: Starts every time, and is far tougher than it's size would lead you to believe!
Cons: A little low on front lift capacity, and that goofy cooling fan that is easy to break, and a pain to replace!

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Don't Know What I Would Do With Out It!
Model Year: 2003

I own a little over 3 acres in total of land between my home and a rental property. Two driveways that are over 200' long each and lawns that are equal so I needed a decent size machine but not too big that it could not fit into smaller spaces. I originally had a Kubota 5200 one the smallest diesel machines offered at the time but it was used and a little abused, but still did the job. I started to build the house I'm living in now in 2000 and finished it in 2004 and once I did I knew I needed something more to finish my landscaping and upkeep of now my two properties. I have a Kubota dealer not even a 1/4 mile from my house and already owned one so it was a no brainer. Got a decent deal and since I've owned this machine, I have said time in and time out. I don't know what i would do without it.

Pros: It has all the attachments: front end loader, snow plow, backhoe, mower deck and bagger.
Cons: Everything for this machine is expensive and newer models are different so parts are model specific.

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2006 BX23
Model Year: 2006

My used BX23 TLB is a great little machine. Perfect for a homeowner with a few acres. It has it's limitations as far as power, but with patience, eventually you can get the job done. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does for snow removal this winter.

Pros: Compact.
Cons: The need to dismount completely to switch from tractor use to backhoe use.

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BX23 Lives Up to It's Legacy
Model Year: 2003

So far so good, although I have only put a few hrs. on this machine I've already accidentally unhitched the FEL, bent the rear rim flattening the tire, ripped both the steering boots off, somehow ran the battery out, and numerous other damages. I've been able to repair all on site. Thanks to many posts on this forum, was easily able to do the 300 hrs service. I have limited experience using agricultural equipment, but to me it seems these are extremely well-designed and build machines. Always look forward to seat time. I bought it to do deferred maintenance on rentals properties we won and some "around the house" projects. It has so far been very good experience.

Pros: Super value able to use in very confined spaces, extremely durable.
Cons: Typically brakes are useless, rolls by itself, would like more lift capacity.

First Time BX23 Kubota Owner Review
Model Year: 2004

So far, I've had little opportunities to get in the seat and use this machine. I brought it home and has been in the garage so I could do the "300" hr service (after further inspection realized it was long over do). I am looking forward on reporting my experiences soon.

Pros: Seems easy to work on.
Cons: Oil is expensive.

Saves My Back
Model Year: 2002

The BX23 (like the BX24 and BX25) comes with an integrated backhoe attachment that has a swivel tractor seat that is utilizes for both driving the tractor and the backhoe. Removal and installation of the backhoe is relatively quick and painless once you get use to it. The tractor is light and the backhoe is strong enough to wag the dog. The only complaints I have is that the transmission fill port and dip stick are very difficult to get to and the turnbuckles for the three point hitch are wimpy and tend to get bent. These problems are minor and can be worked around. I replaced the turnbuckles with larger ones and bought a long neck oil funnel. A friend who use to borrow my tractor liked it so much he bought his own BX25 which says a lot for the tractor.

Pros: Small, compact and gets the job done.
Cons: Small, don't take on too large a job.

My Right Hand
Model Year: 2005

I bought this BX23 New as a close out, and saved a few bucks. At the time I owned a Craftsman riding mower that belonged to the last owner as well as a two stage elect. Start snowblower. The riding mower died a few years later, and when I asked for a mid mount mower for the Kubota, the dealership was of no help at all. Last year with plenty of snow, the front end loader was about useless as the snow on the 150 foot driveway was getting just to high. Again, I go to the dealership, and nothing, as I was looking for a front end mounted unit. I think they want me to buy another tractor or trade this on in for nothing. I live on the side of Chopmist Hill and when it rains I have a constant but minor problem with run off from the neighbors. I have dug at least 50' of water curtain, 60 feet of berm,and almost two hundred feet of drainage pipe starting at a depth of five and a half feet deep to breaking out of the ground at the end of the property. The backhoe alone made me fall in love with this BX23. I have gone into the woods low range, four wheel drive and pulled out a medium size White Ash without a problem. It was winter and the ground was frozen with a little snow cover. It was just so sweet! Still looking for a front-end mounted snow blower, without much effort. If and when I find it I will build a cab over the drivers seat. There is a auto junk yard near by and I have spotted a school bus for the windows. I love the tractor and now my wife loves the tractor. I get angry when this Kubota is referred to as a "Toy" by relatives. I don't let anyone use it except my wife and I.

Pros: Small with a lot of power, easy to store under shelter the garage or carport.
Cons: Not all that easy to work on. I have a very small hydraulic leak starting this late fall, and it looks as if it's from under the engine, and can't see it. The zirk fitting under the foot peddle is just about imposable to get to. From Home Deopt, I have bought plastic cover caps to cover all the zirk fittings on the front and backhoe to keep them clean from dirt.

BX23
Model Year: 2006

My Kubota BX23 has been dead reliable, never a problem. Not real happy the way the grass catcher attached having to remove the 3 point hitch system to use it. I have to change implements all the time so I modified the catcher so the hitch stays together all the time now. Switching to a rake, flail mower, grader blade etc is a lot faster. I have the snow blower w/the powered shoot option also. I made a control box for the two trim/yaw switches that mounts to the joy stick. This allows me to be aiming the shoot while raising and lowering the blower while backing up w/o moving my hand of the stick. I also use the blower’s power lift to raise and lower a Jerico grass thatcher in the spring. With the mower deck, grass catcher & thatcher I can thatch and pick up all in one shot. I'd be looking to get into a B series unit if the grass catcher with a mid mount mower would work. The BX is a little small (and tipsy w/a loaded bucket). The B series will lift twice the weight. I maintain about an acre of grass and grounds so the BX is essential. A little bigger would be all I’d want. I’m not a farmer but this tractor is in use all the time. Great tool to have.

Pros: Great machine to have if you've the need.
Cons: It's not a B series!

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Best Little Machine
Model Year: 2006

I have moved about 750 tons of rock with this machine. The bucket is a little banged up and slightly loose but that's it. No problems at all other than blowing out one tire on a sharp rock and punctured a hydraulic oil filter. The best item I have purchased is a Backhoe Dolly by BXpanded. Sure makes switching out the backhoe a lot easier.You have to remove a little bit of the rear fenders to make it work.Equipment used are a chipper, brush Hog and Snow blower

Pros: Does not break down.
Cons: Switching out the backhoe a little bit of a pain.

Granite State Needs a Backhoe
Model Year: 2005

Bought new. Convinced better half that it is a diesel powered wheelbarrow. That did it.. We have a FEL hoe & 60" deck for us it does the job with out complaint.

Pros: Should it be bigger? It just takes a little longer to do the job.
Cons: A tach would be nice.

BX23
Model Year: 2005

Handy little tractor. Have used the front end loader more than the backhoe, but have a thumb coming for it and planning on using the BH quite a bit more. Have a Kubota 245DT and I am using the BX23 a lot more because the older I get the FEL and BH saves my back.

Pros: Versatile, powerful, small.
Cons: None yet.

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BX23
Model Year: 2004

This tractor is as rugged as you can make a small tractor. It can perform some task that are bigger than it is (stump removal 4' diameter). I have a host of attachments that are handled with ease ie. lawn mower, wood splitter, chipper, 48" blade. The unit is super economical, it uses about 1 qt of diesel per hour. Access to all maintenance parts are easy to reach. This tractor has saved me lots of money for rentals or hiring someone to do the job.

Pros: Economical, small foot print.
Cons: Takes longer to get job completed.

BX23
Model Year: 2005

Very happy with the BX23. Sometimes wish the wheelbase was a little wider. When carrying a heavy load in the FEL, tractor feels like it will tip over when traveling on a slope.

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Narrow wheelbase.

Less Manual Labor
Model Year: 2004

Moved into new home Sept 2004. Contractor had landscaped per contract 25ft from foundation. Looking at the remaining stumps and large rocks knew that I'd be crippled or ancient before I had a presentable, IMHO, yard. In Jun 2005, I began researching tractors. At time MF 23HP tractor had more lift and breakout capacity. Price quote at MF dealer 20K+ without mower deck. Searching internet for another MF dealer homepage of local Kubota appeared with picture of used BX23 complete with 60in mower deck. Checking details found tractor was 2004 with 125 hrs asking price 16.9K. With mechanic brother in tow, I went to look at the tractor. Dealership let us take it to their demo area and play for awhile. After a bit of discussion bought tractor for 16.5K. Now 6yrs later I have 1600+hrs with no significant repairs.

Pros: Compact and easy to maneuver with adequate capacity for size.
Cons: Guards for transmission filter and drivetrain should be standard equipment.

Satisfied
Model Year: 2004

Tractor has done all that I have asked of it.

Pros: Small and nimble. Can get into places impossible for bigger tractors.
Cons: Exposed hydrualic lines on BH. Which Kubota corrected on BX 24/25.

Kubota BX 23
Model Year: 2006

Put 20 hours on the machine since purchase. For the size of the machine, it does the job well. What it has done so far would have taken weeks to do by hand. I am glad my wife told me to buy the orange machine.

Pros: Small, easy to manuver, & easy to use.
Cons: Seat could be more comfortable, could have bigger tires, & needs stock skid plates.

The Best investment
Model Year: 2004

The Kubota Bx23 has been the best investment besides my property that I have ever made. Every time I finish a project I say the same thing, "I know it cost me a lot of money, but it was worth every penny. " I live right down the road from the dealer and the only reason why they didn't get a 5 star rating was once i bought it, I needed to get other attachments later and they didn't seem to care as much as before I made the purchase. I also think it is because I do my own work on it, but the machine itself is great. Growing up, my father had a 1965 10HP Wheel Horse and my nephew is still using it till this day. Back in the day we abused that tractor to the hilt. I do believe if my dad was alive he would love this Kubota more than I do. I wouldn't be able to keep him away from it. All in all it's just a great piece of equipment.

Pros: Quick connects on attachments.
Cons: None I have found yet.

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