Buying Advice Sanity check, aisle 3, tractors and implments - aka paralysis by analysis

[Grandad4]

One other item I just recalled, not really an issue but something to be aware of. The 3PH back then had a different design and didn't lift as high as the current BXs so you could have more issues with taller attachments like post hole diggers designed for current sub compact tractors, etc.

As an owner of a 2005 BX, I've heard that before but always thought the 3 pt setup was properly sized for the tractor itself. Little tractors do have limits on the size of implements, but I've been using a standard, full-size Speeco auger on the BX for years without any problems. Standard Cat I carry-alls and fert. spreader also work fine. Haven't tried the 6 ft. tiller, 6 ft. box blade, 7 ft. scraper blade, etc... doubt they would work, even if the pins fit.

 

[Johnnymossville]

I used to live up in Central CT not far from you. A BX on your property would be perfect for sooooo many tasks. Snow removal of course! I'm looking at the BX2370 right now, along with JD1025 and the MF GC1705. Getting close to pulling the trigger.

 

[newbury]

Before you jump check out Barlow Inventory | Barlow Equipment. They ship all over the states and provide good tractors. And Messick's Used Compact Tractors.

 

[Oldironken]

OK, so last weekend I looked at the used BX1500 I found locally and fell in love with it. But, after more consideration I decided to look for something in the 18 hp range. This morning my wife and I visited a dealer in Middletown and got quotes on a similarly equipped 1870 and a 2370. He sure made the 2370 pretty easy to like, i'm going to check around a bit this week and make a decision by next weekend, at this point I am leaning heavily to the 2370, FEL, 54" MMM, and a 50" snowblower. So the paralysis is slowing loosening it's grip, I hope to make a decision this week.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I suspect you'll never regret getting more HP, while there's at least a chance you would regret getting less HP. Go for it.

 

[Baby Grand]

I'll be looking for a huge, white rooster tail next time I drive by your place after a storm.

 

[CHDinCT]

OK, so last weekend I looked at the used BX1500 I found locally and fell in love with it. But, after more consideration I decided to look for something in the 18 hp range. This morning my wife and I visited a dealer in Middletown and got quotes on a similarly equipped 1870 and a 2370. He sure made the 2370 pretty easy to like, i'm going to check around a bit this week and make a decision by next weekend, at this point I am leaning heavily to the 2370, FEL, 54" MMM, and a 50" snowblower. So the paralysis is slowing loosening it's grip, I hope to make a decision this week.

Must have been Midstate Tractor. I was there on Friday myself picking up a brochure on a Blizzard 3PH snow blower and a Curtis cab. Anyway, sounds like from your other thread that you're about to pull the trigger this coming week. I know you'll be happy with the 23 hp model and not second guess yourself. I started out with the 18 hp model and eventually traded up to a BX25 for the backhoe mostly. I found that the only real difference between the 18 hp and larger hp models is if you're going to be running PTO demanding implements, like a wood chipper, generator, or maybe a snow blower. As far as dirt work/loader work or pulling basic implements, I really didn't notice any difference between the 18 and 23 hp models. Weight is usually the limiting factor there, vs hp.

 

[Oldironken]

Yes, it is Midstate. Their proposal seems pretty decent, about 10% off MSRP, when you add the $750 rebate for the 2nd implement I looks even better. Of course the governor gets his cut too. I appreciated that he down-played additional warranties (which I never buy) and the ballast box telling me how to easily make my own.

 

[rScotty]

Yes, it is Midstate. Their proposal seems pretty decent, about 10% off MSRP, when you add the $750 rebate for the 2nd implement I looks even better. Of course the governor gets his cut too. I appreciated that he down-played additional warranties (which I never buy) and the ballast box telling me how to easily make my own.

If the model I'm looking at has any major mechanical changes from their previous tractors that would make it more easy to sell me on an extended warranty.
For example, after using old proven clutch and gear-driven tractors all my life when it came time to buy our first new machine with HydroStatic Drive I negotiated for a couple of year's worth of extension on Kubota's standard warranty. As things turned out there was never the slightest reason to use the extended warranty for the HST, but the mental comfort was worth the price.

The reason I say this is because just in the last year a a lot of the manufacturers are bringing out their first tractors that meet the Tier IV Final emission rules. This adds some serious new technology to existing model tractors. Do a search on this forum on "Regeneration" or "Diesel Particulate Fluid (DPF)" and see what you think.
An extended warranty is just like any thing else that the dealer sells to make a profit; it's just one more negotiable part of the deal.

I used to be a motor vehicle dealer. Dealers negotiate every day; it's what they do. Unless you do that too, your most powerful negotiating partner is likely to be your wife..... Frankly we never miss a chance to do that together; it's almost an unfair advantage.
Good luck, you're bound to like your Kubota.
rScotty