2019 BX23S

[tf237]

I am looking to buy my first tractor and plan to use it for landscaping projects around my property (ripping out old shrubs, stumps, minor grading, replanting all new landscaping, and then routine maintenance) and want everyones advice. I am currently looking at a 2019 BX23S with the BH w/ thumb, FEL, and 54 inch MMM. The cheapest I have been quoted is $22,115. I wanted to get peoples thoughts on the price, overall thoughts on the capacity of this tractor, and must have attachments/ accessories. Please also include critical feedback.

Thanks in advance.

 

[PaulL2]

The BX23S is an excellent machine. But it has a bit of a swiss army knife problem - it does a lot of things, but a lot of them it doesn't do as well as a dedicated machine.

How big is the property, and what are the ongoing tasks you have once the landscaping is finished? A lot of people would recommend that you get a machine that's right sized for the landscaping work (i.e. typically a bigger machine, or maybe hire out an excavator for a few days), then trade to a smaller machine like a BX2380 ongoing. If you're not doing a lot of landscaping ongoing you wouldn't need the BH.

Key question is what tasks you really have ongoing, and then if the machine you need for that is also suitable for the initial landscaping that's brilliant, if it's not, then work out whether you're buying an interim machine first, or whether you're hiring out the tasks that the long-term machine can't do.

A BX class machine is generally in the 1-3 acre property size, moving mulch, pulling a box blade, mowing. A B2601 would be 2-6 acres maybe. Depends on what tasks of course.

Other random thoughts:
- look at a 60 inch mower
- are you in snow country?
- do you need a cab?
- is it mostly lawn and garden, or do you have farm/woods as well? The BX has limited ground clearance, in the woods a B2601 would be better
- do you have occasional digging tasks, are you a long way from your nearest hire centre? A BH makes sense if you occasionally need to dig a hole or a small trench, and it's more than it's worth to go to town and hire a mini-ex, so really it's a choice between a hand shovel or a BH on your BX. But if you're doing any serious digging hiring a mini-ex will be way more efficient, also lets your wife drive the BX to move dirt while you drive the mini-ex
- lots of people swear a grapple is the best thing they ever bought - could be great for clearing shrub, moving tree trimmings - do you have those sort of tasks
- SSQA and front forks are great for moving small things, stacking up equipment in your shed, that kind of thing. But the BX FEL lift is relatively limited
- The B2601 lifts a lot more on the 3ph. Do you want to move heavy pallets or weights on the back of it?

 

[tf237]

Paul,

Thank you for the reply. The property is approximately 1.2 acres and is flat and will become mostly grass and garden. After the initial landscaping projects (digging out stumps, old shrubs, clearing overgrown gardens from previous owner,etc) which will be done over the next couple years the tractor will be used for just all around maintenance (hauling mulch and dirt, digging occasionally, mowing and clearing the driveway in the winter). I considered renting a mini excavator to do the initial project and then just getting a lawn tractor but the rates in my area and the amount of times I would have to rent it would not be suitable. The BX will definitely take longer to do the initial projects but there is no rush and I think the BH will be overkill for what I need after.

-60 mower would be overkill I believe
-I plan to use the FEL to clear snow as I don稚 have a very big driveway
-definitely don稚 have a need for a cab but would consider a soft cab for the bad winters.

In regards to the attachments, the grapple is definitely one I have heard a lot of people rave about it. I don稚 plan to use pallet forks for anything.

Once again thanks for all the feedback.

 

[RickB]

Consider that the 60 inch mower allows more clearance between the deck edge and tractor wheels. Easier mowing around obstacles and a little more head and shoulder room to clear branches.

 

[jeff9366]

Consider a Three Point Hitch mounted Finish Mower as well as the MMM. Cheaper and much easier to mount and dismount.

VIDEO: Comparing Finish Mowers (midmount VS 3-point) - Kubota B26�1 - YouTube



Over 1.2 acres 18" or 21" Debris Forks or 24" Manure Forks or light duty Pallet Forks are about equal to a grapple for landscape cleanup but cheaper, simpler and well matched to subcompact tractor limited lift capacity. If you opt for Pallet Forks find some 24" to 36" long. BX does not have lift for more length. Shorter length is more maneuverable when picking up debris, so you get off tractor infrequently.
Manure Forks, being round in cross-section, pick up less dirt with debris.

Multi-Spear Ultra Fork


Finding the simplest tractor solution is a priority for me when considering implements and attachments.

 

[Diggin It]

I am currently looking at a 2019 BX23S with the BH w/ thumb, FEL, and 54 inch MMM. The cheapest I have been quoted is $22,115. I wanted to get peoples thoughts on the price,

Mine is essentially the same machine, but I paid less that $19K including a 48" tiller.

The 60"MMM gets closer to edges since it cuts outside the wheels, but that also causes me an issue getting in my narrow shed door. I'll be widening that before Spring.

Any rear trailing mower will create maneuverability issues. My MMM is not difficult to install remove, but it probably takes as much or more time and effort as a rear mower would.

 

[Diggin It]

I considered renting a mini excavator to do the initial project and then just getting a lawn tractor but the rates in my area and the amount of times I would have to rent it would not be suitable. The BX will definitely take longer to do the initial projects but there is no rush and I think the BH will be overkill for what I need after.

That gets into a rather contentious debate here between the 'buy it', 'hire it out' and 'rent it' crowds. I like having my BH and I'll just leave it at that.

 

[tf237]

Diggin it, where did you buy yours? Unfortunately I知 in the northeast which is notorious to be one of the most expensive regions.

 

[Diggin It]

If you'll notice in my sig area, mine ain't orange. Choosing blue saved me thousands. Search here for a dealer in your area: FIND A DEALER – LS Tractor USA

 

[skipperbrown]

Consider that the 60 inch mower allows more clearance between the deck edge and tractor wheels. Easier mowing around obstacles and a little more head and shoulder room to clear branches.

This is the reason to get a 60" mower deck. It also cuts down (no pun intended) your turning radius. You'll thank us later! You will definitely want a quick change FEL and you will use pallet forks probably more than a bucket. A very light duty grapple will make it much easier to pick up brush, but you will need a 3rd function valve. I'd also price a canopy if you live in the south and overhead branches aren't an issue. The price seems a little high, but I haven't priced one in years. Figure 10-15% off the 'build your Kubota" price. I'd go with turf tires for your property and ALWAYS use a counterweight with a bucket of dirt or gravel. It will prevent tipping and save your power steering. IMHO, the bx is a great mowing machine that can do other tasks. The B series does a much better job with tasks and can also mow ok. The problem I run into is ground clearance and you usually have to buy special bx sized equipment that is lighter duty but costs more. The B series gives you the ground clearance of a regular tractor. I got my B to replace my BX, but the BX mows and maneuvers better around 'stuff' so now I own both.