Buying Advice New BX vs What is the New Competition worth a look ?

[Tractor MD]

Greetings,

For several years I looked and followed TBN relating to Kubota BX product . . but didn't yet have the money for one. Now some 3 years after all that . . I now have the money.

But it seems there are many new competitors/products/improvements develop in these last 2 years. I've seen Cabela's 25 and the smaller Mahindras 22 and 25. They look clunky/less compact than kubotas. The John Deere 23 and 26 have the easy attach systems . . but John Deere is just not my style I guess

Here are my desires . . 48 inch mower deck preferred (very big yard but certainly not flat at all and lots of gardens). I absolutely need a fel . . I'd like a backhoe but I can do without the backhoe unless the price is adjustable. Front mount snow blower and brush options (lots of concrete). I know an 1870 fits the description but a 2370 or 25 uses all the same attachments . . So future attachments may be easier to find. I'm told a 48 inch deck (1870 size) can be used on the larger bx sizes even though not listed. Used prices in wisconsin are too close to new . . So whatever I get will likely be new.

My issue is . . . In the last 2 years or less . . Who else has come out with a competitive 4wd subcompact that handles hills well with superior or equal features and pricing to the BX line. I'll consider opinions on other brands . . Even john deere . . But I'd like to cut down how many dealers I actually go look at. (As an example I would have loved for cabelas product to be a serious consideration . . But it doesn't even offer a front mount snowblower etc. . . And its a subcompact with too clunky sizing). I appreciate any opinions or strength/weakness considerations of bx to competitors I'm open minded . . But after 8 years of waiting . . Its time to acquire this spring.

I got my bx2370 after a lot of research and failure to find anything used that would work for me. No snow down under but very tough working conditions . Similar situation to you .Smaller block of land on slope . lots of trees and garden to maneuver around so it had to be a maneuverable compact tight turning machine with good traction . No regrets whatsoever . i did consider the 1870 with turf tires but it would not have been quite enough . So I got the industrial 4ply tires and they work well for me. Kubota is a thinking mans tractor because its well thought out by the people who make it . No silly gimmicks or stretched performance parameters. Just a sensible well balanced/engineered machine that's easy to service. had mine a few months now and its like second nature driving it now. It seemed so big at first after my ride on . I would have bought a b series if my land suited it but the BX is just the right size, for me anyway.
If i had the money i would have gone 2670 for the extra horses but have not felt short of power yet .
I look at it in terms of the amount you get for the space it occupies in a sense . I can drive it in to my new house via french doors while im building it . I get a lot of function out of a machine that can go places a larger tractor would not be welcome . If i had big acreage I would have gone with something bigger but Im glad I dont . Three acres is work enough . I just saw a machine I could so much with if I had it so i got and its getting used A LOT . Dirt gravel rock moving ,lifting timber and materials . this machine saves me so much time and back breaking labour , its already neraly payed for itself and i have not had it a year yet !

 

[My Hoe]

*snip*

A B series would be much more stable feeling than a BX. The B has larger tires, when loaded it is a very stable machine.

*snip*

No offense, OldeEnglish, but no--it's just the opposite. IOW, the LOWER BX is MORE stable than the TALLER B, on a given hillside--due to the BX's lower center of gravity.

And wheel spacers can be added to both the BX and the B's, so that's a draw, in terms of enhancing stability using spacers.

While it's true that the B's much larger tires can be loaded with much more weight than can the smaller BX's rears, that cannot be enough to overcome the laws of physics, re: the BX's inherently much LOWER CENTER of GRAVITY.

Now, for my needs, like you, I prefer a B, as well, for some of the reasons you stated. But the above quotation is incorrect, OldeEnglish, as a review of the specs, and anecdotal info from TNR'ers, here, will show.

And since AxleHub is obviously doing a very thorough research job, for his needs, I didn't want to leave this (inaccuracy) out there.

Since there are a lot of Kubota "B's, I'll just go from memory, for the (now "obsolete" B2630/B3030's) specs. Those "Premium B's" (which were offered, I believe, from 2004-2011/12) are slightly larger than the next generation of B's.

The "Premium B's" had approx. 13+" of ground clearance.

The BX's have approx. 6+" of ground clearance.

Yet the weight of the "naked" tractors does not differ by more than 2-300lbs, if I recall correctly.

What this means is the BX has a LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY than the (much bigger-tired) B's.

So, the BX will be significantly MORE stable on hillsides than the (taller) B-series. (There have been threads where owners have actually sold and moved "down" to a BX, from a B, for stability reasons--the smaller tractor could actually get MORE work done, for those owners, who had significant hillsides to deal with, simply because they were more stable, and thus could go more places, safely, than the taller B's).
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*snip*

Kubota makes a deck that you can drive right over to install, that's very handy and they build quality products that last forever when taken care of. *snip*

This is news to me! I've read JD offers a "drive-over deck," but I've not seen this from Kubota. But I freely admit that I have not read up on the lastest B-offerings from Kubota, either.

So, OldeEnglish...can you please link me to source for this information. I would be very interested in a "drive-over mower deck for a B-series."
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*snip*

All compact/subcompact tractor manufacturers removed position control from the hydraulic lift 15 or more years ago to reduce cost and replaced it with the "quarter inching" system, which is a poor substitute. Primairly (not exclusively) for this reason, I have refused to replace my 1994 B1750HSD.

*snip*

SDT,

Just to expand, slightly, upon what s219 said, in response to the above quote, a number of B's have had "position control"--for example, the entire production runs of the (now "obsolete") B2630's and B3030's (sometimes called "the Premium B's") which was, again, roughly from 2004 to 2011/12, which is clearly "within the last 15 years," contrary to what was stated.

I know...Kubota has a HUGE number of models and features to keep track of, complicated by the fact that they do not have a specific "Model Year," per se, as we are accustomed to, in the automotive world. Rather, the year the tractor is FIRST SOLD/PUT INTO SERVICE becomes it's so-called "year". Confusing, at best.

So, what you said may, in fact, be true, about the NON-Kubota CUT/SCUT manufacturers, but I wouldn't know. I have a hard enough time keeping my (older) Kubota B's straight--and I'm not even looking at the newest B's.

But IF the NON-Kubota manufacturers DID drop position control from their CUTS/SCUTS (if they even had it to begin with?) then maybe that's just one more reason why (in addition to tilt wheel/suspension seat/mid-PTO/cruise control/telescoping 3PH stabilizers, etc...) Kubota is known (among it's fans, at least--LOL) as "the Cadillac of compact tractors." :laughing:

Note to AxleHub: only the "Premium B's" had some of the options (as standard equipment, btw) I list in parenthesis, in the above paragraph. To my knowledge, most of those features, other than the mid-mount PTO would NOT be found on a BX. But I could be wrong, as I know the newest BX25D may have offered cruise control, for example.

And, I now see that the newest B's (the B-01 Series) has some of the "luxo features" of the older "Premium B's."
Link to the new B-01 Series' Features: http://kubota.com/product/BSeries/B2301/pdf/B2301_B2601_Features.pdf

I tried, but can't find, a very helpful pic someone posted, with "call-outs" to all of the new features on the "BX 70 Series."

Maybe someone (with better searching skills than me?) can link to it?
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Good luck, AxleHub--and let us know what you decide!

Thanks,

My Hoe

 

[Tractor MD]

Greetings TBDonnelly. When I was in the market for a new pickup in 2004 - I studied and visited/tested quite few (78 trucks at 16+ dealerships). I ended up with a very unique product - that many dealers didn't even know existed. I helped Chevy sell more than a dozen of that model across the country Currently I believe there are already about 5 people waiting to know what decision I make (not on TBN) . . so they can consider similar choices. I like the Kubota Forum because I believe buyers of Kubotas are not "followers". They looked at the competition . . . and if they chose some other product . . it was for specific reasons.
My problem with the General buying forum is - they don't seem to draw hardline separation between sizes . . . and for me - it must be a sub compact - nothing larger will do. Just as with my Chevy efforts in 2004 - I found certain brands and models have quite uniquely different qualities and skills of contributors. Kubota posters seem to have more awareness as a general impression

I hear what your saying and I think your right . There is a consensus amongst Kubota posters . Level headed is how I would describe it . In Japan ,where space is at a premium they are driven by circumstance to get more from a compact environment. Six inch clearance is plenty for what I need and anyone who has worked hilly farm country will tell you how dangerous tractors with big wheels and high C of G can be. I nearly lost control of a MF 35 way back because I forgot to take it out of high range and had no engine breaking . It was a chunky little lever that ran the gear box through a hydrostat. Cant remember what it was called. "hydra shift" hydrapower or something. Anyway , I was going down a steep drive through a creek and **** nearly lost it . It was handy for a quick change to high gear but really dangerous to forget on slopes to switch back to low range . Great Tractor , classic bullet proof massey , but you have to know what your doing ,why your doing it and whats the best option FOR YOUR NEEDS.
Over the years I have driven a fair few different farm Tractors . They all work , they all have their place . I used to drive one of those petrol farmal's with the offset steering wheel. First time I saw it I though it was a useless dinosaur until I drove it . That little tractor was a beauty. So much fun to drive. Nippy ,easy to start in the coldest wisconsin winter , light steering ,great visibility. Man that thing hauled so much stuff without blinking. Incredible little tractor .
I preferred it to all the big tractors on the farm. Maybe that was the original SCUT right there. Maybe that's what made me think the BX was right for me.

 

[SDT]

Didn't take the time to read all of the replies so this may be reduncant but the JD 1026R has position control while the BX series does not.

This is an absolute show stopper for me.

SDT

 

[My Hoe]

AxleHub,

I forgot about a biggie (IMO): does the competition offer a lightweight, inexpensive "quick hitch" on their FEL's, like on Kubota's BXxx70's?

While it does "marry" you to (the few) Kubota-built FEL options, it's far lighter, and cheaper, than a full-blown SSQA, which would eat up too much of the LA243's lifting capacity.

Link: http://kubota.com/product/bx70/documents/BX70_Frontloader.pdf

And, for my own uses, just the ability to be able to switch, quickly and easily, between the bucket, pallet forks and a blade, on a SCUT, would be a very big "plus" in the BX's favor. Even though the forks are on the small side (32"), I'm guessing they're probably sized right to do most of what one would want to with a BX anyway. (Plus, I was thinking slip-on extensions could be made, for special uses, without too much trouble...).

That "near-SSQA-like" flexibility is important, in my opinion, depending upon one's needs/intended uses.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what the competition offers, in this regard, if you have the time to share.

My Hoe

 

[AxleHub]

. . .

 

[AxleHub]

I continue to be impressed with the quality of posters in the Kubota forums . (I've watched and posted since 2011).

And its true on this thread. I'd like to comment on a couple issues too.

1. A shorter height tractor with decent wheelbase length, width, and reasonably wide lower profile tires) is more stable on hills (up/down and side hill) if it isn't pulling something behind it. Its about leverage. Its why a short runningback is harder to tackle . . Lower center of gravity and leverage. If I had open space relatively flat terrain, a B type product will offer better specs for not a lot more money.

2. Ground Clearance is a separate issue from tractor height. Fortunately Kubota and a couple other scut makers . . have low center of gravity but good clearance numbers. Kubota BX 23 and 26 models WITH mower deck on and raised . . get 6 inches clearance (again with deck on). That doesn't mean it can have the deck on and go over plow furrows . . But 6 inches is considered very good clearance for a scut WITH deck on. Too many scut products have 6 inches with the deck off . . a much poorer situation.

3. Whether a sub compact loader has dual hydraulics or center single (like the BX) . . no one in a sub compact I've seen has as many quick attachment options as the BX at reasonable pricing. That is because Kubota AND LandPride build choices just tailored to the BX. Yes JD has drive ons and attach from seat choices but at much higher costs.

4. Some things over the years I've liked to see Kubota BXs have that they still don't that some competitors have in a sub compact:
A. Rear differential lock for traction.
B. Position control at rear pto.
C. Dual hydraulic pumps to balance steering/lifting/rpm need.
D. Ability to shift from low to high gear or high to low gear on-the-fly.
E. Rumor has it a drive on deck for bx product may be coming . . But not here yet in 2015.

I'm just trying to keep up the quality of other posters here. Your forums are like a good book.

One of the things I learned researching my truck purchase in 2004 . . looks can be deceiving. My fullsize Silverado is considerably shorter in height than most Fords, Dodges, etc. yet it has 2+ inches more ground clearance even when its 6 to 10 inches shorter in height . . a real benefit for stability and short legs

 

[Jeff F.]

My BX2660 does have rear differential lock

 

[AxleHub]

My BX2660 does have rear differential lock

Really . . Tell me about it . . It doesn't have it listed in any of the 2370s or 2670s brochures.

Where is the lever to engage? I'll have to go back and look at my 2360/2660 brochures. Yanmar had a diff lock on their past scut and their newer one doesn't have it. Must have been a cost saving effort.

Anybody with a bx 70 or 70-1 series have a differential lock?

 

[rbarker]

Really . . Tell me about it . . It doesn't have it listed in any of the 2370s or 2670s brochures. Where is the lever to engage? I'll have to go back and look at my 2360/2660 brochures. Yanmar had a diff lock on their past scut and their newer one doesn't have it. Must have been a cost saving effort. Anybody with a bx 70 or 70-1 series have a differential lock?

As far as I know the BX series has always had rear diff lock. My BX2200 had it and so does my BX 25. It's a small foot pedal on the left side floor. It used to be near the front by the parking brake but now it's moved back closer to the seat.

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