Talk me out of A BX23s

[LS Tractor Owner]

I would suggest going to more than just the orange and green. There are a few other brands you should look at. Kioti, LS, Massey, Mahindra. They may have features that you really like, they may be more comfortable and fit you better. Again, not sure where you are located, but pricing may also be a big difference. My previous LS MT125 TLB was almost $6k less than the K and JD dealers here, my current LS XG3025 TLB was over $9K less than the comparable Kubota L2501. I got a couple of implements with each and still saved thousands.

 

[dragoneggs]

I would suggest going to more than just the orange and green. There are a few other brands you should look at. Kioti, LS, Massey, Mahindra. They may have features that you really like, they may be more comfortable and fit you better. Again, not sure where you are located, but pricing may also be a big difference. My previous LS MT125 TLB was almost $6k less than the K and JD dealers here, my current LS XG3025 TLB was over $9K less than the comparable Kubota L2501. I got a couple of implements with each and still saved thousands.

Do non orange/green brands have a drive over mower deck?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Do non orange/green brands have a drive over mower deck?

I do believe, but not sure, that both Kioti and LS are debuting drive over decks this summer. Spending 5 minutes more to disconnect a deck is sure worth thousands of dollars in my pocket. But that is my choice. I was just saying to research the available choices out there.

 

[dragoneggs]

I do believe, but not sure, that both Kioti and LS are debuting drive over decks this summer. Spending 5 minutes more to disconnect a deck is sure worth thousands of dollars in my pocket. But that is my choice. I was just saying to research the available choices out there.

Agreed... do the research... those two colors are all I know with the drive over function. I also know for some this is a deal breaker because of physical limitations or prudent planning for long term ownership.

 

[CUtiger95]

Agreed... do the research... those two colors are all I know with the drive over function. I also know for some this is a deal breaker because of physical limitations or prudent planning for long term ownership.

Take a look at the GC1725. I have the 1720, and it is awesome. Drive over MMM as well. Missing a little bling vs the orange and green, but I came out with all my attachments and still 2k$痴 in my pocket after all was done.

You will pay for that color.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Here is a link I found for the new LS MT225-S. 3 range HST and drive over mower deck. I have not been able to get / find any pricing yet.
MT225

 

[CJinNH]

A few good reasons I chose the b2650 cab model over the BX was ground clearance and ease of maintenance when you need to do work under the tractor . You will have more weight and larger tires which I like but you may not want for mowing , that is not what I bought the tractor for . You don't give much information as to location , how long your driveway is etc. . If I had a short drive I would go with a rear mounted blower and front end loader . With a long drive like mine a front blower and a rear blade works great . I do have a larger tractor with a front end loader with no cab so I only use it when absolutely needed and it is needed at times .

I live on the NH coast - 11 acre, about 4 acres of gardens and lawns. About 6 acres of trees lot of wet areas (high water table with lots of ledge), all relatively flat, driveway is only about 175 ft long, I don't mind a rear blower so I can use the FEL as well. The backhoe would be useful for some landscaping and other projects- if I don't buy it with the tractor, I'll never buy it and will kick myself for not getting it.

I was quoted $26,000 with 0% financing for front mounted snowblower, drive over mower, FEL, and backhoe w/ thumb

 

[dragoneggs]

I live on the NH coast - 11 acre, about 4 acres of gardens and lawns. About 6 acres of trees lot of wet areas (high water table with lots of ledge), all relatively flat, driveway is only about 175 ft long, I don't mind a rear blower so I can use the FEL as well. The backhoe would be useful for some landscaping and other projects- if I don't buy it with the tractor, I'll never buy it and will kick myself for not getting it.

I was quoted $26,000 with 0% financing for front mounted snowblower, drive over mower, FEL, and backhoe w/ thumb

I found that I have tackled and completed many projects that never would have gotten done if I didn't get a BH. Your results may very but in my case I have lots of landscaping and taming of the slope we live on. I've added water lines, power lines, ditches, stump removals, tree and bush planting, demoing an old rotten lean to for wood storage, on and on. Most of it not planned.

 

[chim]

I found that I have tackled and completed many projects that never would have gotten done if I didn't get a BH. Your results may very but in my case I have lots of landscaping and taming of the slope we live on. I've added water lines, power lines, ditches, stump removals, tree and bush planting, demoing an old rotten lean to for wood storage, on and on. Most of it not planned.

That's an example of having something that is truly useful in your situation. There are probably lots of people with similar needs. There are also some buyers who get a mental image of themselves sitting on the machine and happily baling dirt out of a hole till the cows come home. Reality won't always match that image.

It's also interesting how both the perceptions of a need (and actual usage) of implements can change over time. For the first dozen or so years on our property, there was no FEL to use. I came up with options. Built a boom pole for lifting stuff with the 3PH. Bought a dirt scoop and used it to make a 300' swale, etc. In '02 we were looking for another tractor and Wifey suggested one with a loader (bless her). Now it would be terrible to NOT have one. I stripped some pieces off the boom pole for another project and the dirt scoop is just sitting there getting rusty.

At work we have a TLB and Mini-X I could tow home and use. In the 30 years we've lived here I haven't been able to come up with a project that gave me an excuse to do that. On the other hand, I have used the bucket truck a few times.

 

[shooterdon]

I would get a Zero Turn to mow with. Faster and more maneuverable....no change over.

Think hard about the backhoe....what specific jobs do you have. Are you better off paying someone $1000 to get them done. I have 20 acres, mostly wooded and have spent $600 on BH work.

Any of the name brands are good machines for hobby use. For me it came down to lift capacity, price, dealer, and fitting it under the garage door.