Buying Advice 1026 Feedback?

[tractorshopper]

Not a lot of talk recently about the new subs. Any input from new owners? Likes/dislikes?

 

[chelydra]

Anyone out there? They appear to be selling well, so ought to be some early feedback available.

It's a nicely integrated SCUT; also seems to cost about $2k more than similar equipment from Kubota, MF, etc. Is that just the usual markup for green paint, or does it reflect some special value in design, construction, ease of use, etc.?

Thx-

chelydra

 

[TripleR]

Anyone out there? They appear to be selling well, so ought to be some early feedback available.

It's a nicely integrated SCUT; also seems to cost about $2k more than similar equipment from Kubota, MF, etc. Is that just the usual markup for green paint, or does it reflect some special value in design, construction, ease of use, etc.?

Thx-

chelydra

I have owned BXs for the past eight years and really like them; also own a JD2305. From what I have seen, the 1026R has position control on the 3PH while the BX has quarter inching. It also has a transmission cooling system like larger tractors rather than the plastic fan on the BX and 2305. Additionally it has a quick attach FEL, BH and MMM.

If all of these work as advertised the $2000 difference seems justified to me.

 

[Goodscout]

I have a 1026R. I had some initial issues with the auto connect deck not working as it should. The issues have been fixed. I have a 60" deck, 48" box blade and a front end loader. I'm building a new house and this tractor has been well worth it. The box blade and a harrow did a fantastic job of cleaning up the dozer work. The F.E L was a huge help in pushing brush, debris etc. I used the mower in my old house a few times this year. The mower cut very well, had more power then I needed. You better tie your bonnet on when you fire up the mower. This baby cuts! Sips fuel. The hydro is very smooth and the seat is very comfortable. Effortless to go from forward to reverse. 1026R is a perfect size for my needs and is bigger then it thinks it is. I can't wait for snow and the blower I am going to order. ( Sorry for the wish)

 

[tractorshopper]

Thanks. I've been looking at SCUTS for a couple years now. Was mowing/bush hogging half or more of my property with my JD lawn tractor for this time and occasionally borrowing and renting tractors to bush hog when it got out of hand. Haven't kept up with it this summer and is way too out of hand to mow now. I live about 4 miles from my other property and have over 3 acres here and mow most of it too; just can't make time to keep up with the property.

I had looked at the 2305, but was more focused on the BX2660 until this new 1026 came out and I've seen how handy the features are. Would like to know what owners think. Position control seems to be a big deal.

 

[TripleR]

For some, position control is a big deal and for others it's not. I am in the camp of it being important. Another thing that I like about John Deere is the location of the steering linkage behind the axle. I have torn the boots off of my BX when hitting brush and bought Bro Tek plates to help protect them.

My wife and I are very happy with our BX2660, but the new features on the 1026R really make it an attractive piece of equipment.

 

[chelydra]

These replies are helpful. I'm unlikely ever to use 3PH attachments (except ballast box), and don't have enough lawn to justify even a mini-riding mower. So the convenience of the mid-mount attachment and rear implement controls would only matter for resale.

The handy quick-change between loader and snowblower could be really useful here. Also the ability to add factory BH if I ever need one again and have the money to spare - can't do that with the Massey SCUTs.

So - tough choice, with the JD/loader/blower/ballast box at around $18~19k (plus tax/delivery) and MF GC2400 or Kubota BX2360 closer to $16k. And lots of low-hour used, repo and trade-in BXs around - price seems to drop about $2k as soon as it leaves the dealer, and the warranty transfers. But that easy changeover looks better and better the older and creakier I get...

 

[TripleR]

These replies are helpful. I'm unlikely ever to use 3PH attachments (except ballast box), and don't have enough lawn to justify even a mini-riding mower. So the convenience of the mid-mount attachment and rear implement controls would only matter for resale.

The handy quick-change between loader and snowblower could be really useful here. Also the ability to add factory BH if I ever need one again and have the money to spare - can't do that with the Massey SCUTs.

So - tough choice, with the JD/loader/blower/ballast box at around $18~19k (plus tax/delivery) and MF GC2400 or Kubota BX2360 closer to $16k. And lots of low-hour used, repo and trade-in BXs around - price seems to drop about $2k as soon as it leaves the dealer, and the warranty transfers. But that easy changeover looks better and better the older and creakier I get...

Well, at 64 I am pretty old and creaky, maybe even a bit creepy too, so ease of use is really important to me as well. If my uses were the same as yours though, I don't think I could justify the extra $2000. The FEL changeover on the BX may no be quite as easy as the JD, but is very easy; can do it in well under five minutes.

The ability to add a factory backhoe might be important though which you can't do with a BX, you would have to get one from Woods.

 

[BethesdaEC]

The position control and proper transmission cooling really raised the bar for Kubota. Seems that Kubota is the only manufacturer that has quarter inching values on the overwhelming majority of the SCUTs and CUTs they make. The entire BX line still has the transmission cooling fan, which is acceptable only if you are mowing. I would be destroying a fan once a month in my woods.

 

[TripleR]

The position control and proper transmission cooling really raised the bar for Kubota. Seems that Kubota is the only manufacturer that has quarter inching values on the overwhelming majority of the SCUTs and CUTs they make. The entire BX line still has the transmission cooling fan, which is acceptable only if you are mowing. I would be destroying a fan once a month in my woods.

You can add Bro Tek skid plates to the BX for woods use, but agree you shouldn't have to and I really like position control.

I believe Kubota is going to have to do a redesign to retain market share.

 

[BethesdaEC]

You can add Bro Tek skid plates to the BX for woods use, but agree you shouldn't have to and I really like position control.

I believe Kubota is going to have to do a redesign to retain market share.

Kubota used to own this segment. Maybe it didn't have position control but it was the best and only choice. Fast forward a decade and the segment is crowded with stronger, heavier more feature laden tractors for about the same price and Kubota is sitting on the sidelines.

 

[Awebb]

I have had mine for a month now with 30 hours on it. Upgraded from an X320. Wow, what a machine/workhorse. Have moved 30 tandem loads of crushed gravel back filling my new house with the FEL. Have only burnt 10 gallons of fuel. Definitely needs lots of ballast when worked hard with FEL. Lights are more than up to the task for night work. No issues or quality concerns. The only question I have...should I put calcium in the tires?

 

[TripleR]

Kubota used to own this segment. Maybe it didn't have position control but it was the best and only choice. Fast forward a decade and the segment is crowded with stronger, heavier more feature laden tractors for about the same price and Kubota is sitting on the sidelines.

Agreed; brand loyalty is only going to last so long. Some will argue that the added cost is too much and maybe the features aren't important to others, but for me to buy another Kubota in this size, it is going to require an improved product.

For me it is a moot point as if I tried to replace my wife's BX with something green I would have to find someplace else to live as she uses the 2660 and 2305 and HATES the 2305. I just stick with the 5030 and 8540 now.

 

[jenkinsph]

So far I like everything I see about the 1026R, seems like a perfect machine for close quarters work with one exception, doesn't have 4ws. If the 1026R had been available when shopping last year I may have chose it over the x749. Hard to tell which I would prefer but for the subcompact market where most want a small fell and position control the 1026R looks like a good choice. Hope all the guys with this new model have good luck with them.:thumbsup:

 

[fgross335_2210]

I have had a 2210 for 9 years and am very happy with it except for a few items like a nicer seat, folding rops and more lighting. I added an X series seat/suspension long ago along with 3 add'l lights and a folding rops so I'm pretty happy with my 2210 as I don't be a lot of 3 pt work so the lack of position control is not a big deal. The 1026 fixes all of these shortcomings and adds a few more features. If I was looking to replace mine with the same size but more the 1026 would be near the top of the list.

I run both turfs (summer) and bars (winter) on my tractor, sure wish they would offer it with HDAP's, would make a good compromise tire, better for my needs then the R4's.

Over on *********.com there are several 1026 owners and other then auto-connect issues they are pretty happy so far.

 

[tractorshopper]

I Googled *********.com, but can't seem to find what you're talking about.:laughing: Just kidding; I'm guessing there is another tractor forum that I'm unaware of.

 

[ralphtt]

The only question I have...should I put calcium in the tires?

On a state-of-the-art tractor like your 1026R I would not use calcium . . .but would certainly install Rimguard in all four tires.

I put Rimguard in the tires on my 2320 shortly after purchase and have been pleased with the improvement in traction and just plain old 'surefootedness'.

Enjoy your 1026R. It's a nice machine . . . :thumbsup:

 

[bradrich18]

I've had my 1026r since mid August. I got the 60d deck and use the tractor for mowing, mainly hillsides. It's handled everything I've thrown at it. However, it recently started leaking hydraulic fluid from the rear axle near the right tire. I've got around 25 hrs. on it and my dealer is scheduled to pick it up in the morning. I love the features and the way it cuts, but this setback is inconvenient and I didn't expect anything like this so soon. I check all fluids before each use. I noticed the leak after I used it last weekend while it was in the garage (maybe 1 hr use). The transmission fluid was fine but the fluid in the front axle for the mfwd was low. I hope I get it back soon with no other problems.

 

[Steve_in_SEMich]

My 1026R was delivered 9/01/11 - 53" FEL bucket, 42" Horst forks, TSC Carry-All, 60" Rear york rake. Use it for lots of misc. tasks at home and at our camping property. It is classified as a limited Category 1 3 pt hitch - I have dragged a little when going down a medium grade with the carry-all. It doesn't lift the rear implements as high as the JD 4115 unit we previously owned, but other than that, the 1026R shines.

Only 19 hours on it so far, but after bird hunting season slows down, I have lots of firewood to move.