2 Acres, landscaping, and a tractor

[rdam]

What is the difference in "1/4 inching valve" and "position control". I have no clue what you guys are talking about. My L3830 has position control to the best of my knowledge with the ability to "float" when the control is bottomed out. Please explain the 1/4 inching valve.

Just when you think you know whats going on, someone throws a 1/4 inching valve in the works !!

 

[Rimmer]

Yankee --

"...I didn't like 3 things about the BX: ground clearance, no position control, and relatively high engine speed for rated power. ... I liked the Kubota dealership locally quite a bit. ..."

Sounds as if you have really done your homework. I agree with your assessment of the hydraulics, and wonder how happy I will be once I start trying to box blade my driveway. All things considered, I believe that I will learn to work with it as an acceptable trade-off.

As far as ground clearance, I must have looked at my BX-23 at least 50 times and thought, "This thing is too small!". However, it has yet to prove itself too small for any job I have wanted to do. The other day when I whipped in close to the porch, dropped the stabilizers, and dug a small trench so that I could drive a PVC drain pipe under the sidewalk, I was *real* happy with the size. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif One day a few weeks ago I was out on the corner of the property and dropped the front end into a ditch (same ditch that I have driven the old 8N through). Thought I was stuck at first until I put it in low and backed it out.

As far as engine speed, there have been lots of discussions of this. Some don't like it, some say it's designed and rated to run at that speed, so it's not a problem. I admit that I was concerned by the numbers at first, and so far I have never exceeded 75% throttle due to break-in restrictions, but after 50 hours I'll go WOT when demanded for the job, and will run a bit less when possible, and probably 50% when just transiting unloaded.

I went into this knowing nothing about my Kubota dealer, but he (actually "they": father and two sons) have been really great, and I feel that they gave me good advice regarding the tractor and implements. I was originally looking for a small ag tractor that would do the same things as the 8N used to do, but is too tired to do now. They helped me define my needs, and got me focused on the BX-23 as the best tool for the kind of work I'm going to be doing around here now (e.g., *not* plowing and planting 20 acres any more). Your comfort with the dealer should definitely be a factor in your decision.

Good Luck!

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

"Only cattle know why they stampede, and they ain't talkin'."

 

[Rimmer]

"...Thought I was stuck at first until I put it in low and backed it out...."

On further reflection, I realize that if needed I could have used the FEL to lift the front end, and the backhoe to pull myself out of the ditch.

There you are, just one more reason to have a BH!

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

"You can't beat experience for sweatin' the fat off'n the brain."

 

[Yankee]

I went and looked at the New Holland TC24D today. Very nice tractor, though it comes off as pretty tall compared to the Kubota B. Reading through the boards (here and elsewhere), though, I've got some real concerns about NH quality. Busted hydraulics, broken levers, driveline problems, leaks, FEL issues, 3ph lift issues, etc. etc. etc. That surprised me, actually, since I think their implements are great and went into all this with a positive bias as to their quality.

I've pretty much come down to the TC24 (assuming I work through the realities regarding quality concerns) and the Kubota 7610. I just can't see where the relatively small size difference between the BX and the B, especially give the big difference in capabilities, should make all that much difference. The price difference is definitely there too, but again, I think I'd rather have more tractor and rent a hoe when I need it. Probably just as well not to subject a small compact to hoe use anyway. I like that the 7610 would give me the PTO and hydraulic boost I'm looking for over the BX size tractors, but still keep to a smaller compact size overall.

One of my last concerns is the Kubota's lack of position control, as much of the use for the tractor for the next few years will be landscaping. Does anyone find its lack a limitation? How much? How much would the quarter-inching valve help? I don't think the 2410 is in the cards, as the price diff. between it and the 7610 is too great to justify just for the position control.

I appreciate your comments on the importance of the dealership. There's no doubt whatsoever in my mind that EVERY Kubota dealership I've visited thus far (about 6-7, including the one next to the NH dealership I visited today) is far more geared to servicing homeowners than the other brands, with the possible exception of Deere (I've discounted the Deere 4110 and 4115 due to overall size). My local Kubota dealer seems like a real good bet. Still like them better than any other I've visited.

Yankee Bill

 

[Yankee]

Oh, I been nudging myself now for a while ...

Already revised my budget. Up.

Yankee Bill

 

[8561]

Yankee - just curious, what is the price difference you are getting between the B2410 and the TC24D?

 

[Dmz]

I have been very impressed with my bx22. I have a few acres and have been landscaping it with the bx. My property is varied with some steep hills. The bx has carried rock and dirt up the hills with no problem. I also use a box scraper, rough cut mower, and a post hole digger with the bx, it operates all of them fine. I purchased the bx from a Kubota/NH/MF dealer. All of the brands have their advantages, but the dealer recommended the Kubota for overall reliability. I don't know if they were biased for any reason but so far I have not had a single problem. As far as the backhoe, I use it all of the time and cannot imagine not having one. It digs everything from trenches to big holes for trees, I have even removed a couple of large tree stumps with the bh. Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Yankee]

The dealer said the list price difference is about $3,000. In his opinion, the pricing difference is going to kill the market for the 2410.

Yankee Bill

 

[8561]

Yankee - after I posted, I remembered Carver Equipment listed prices and he is showing a difference between the 7610 and the 2410 of a little less than $2200. I was actually curious as to the price difference with loader between the 2410 and TC24. Just wondering.