Any ideas on next BX update/redesign timeframe?

[RTalma]

Finally shopping for a lawn/snow maintenance man's toy for our 2 acres. Really want (vs need) a sub-cut. Liked the rocker pedal on the bx 30 series, not caring for the 2 pedal system on the 60 series. Now I see the new john deere 1026r with hydro cooler (no fan) and position control so I wonder how long until the next Kubota BX update? Might decide this spring or wait till after the next deployment.

 

[TripleR]

There is some pretty good information on the new JD SCUTS on the JD forum and they really look impressive. I haven't heard anything about Kubota doing a redesign on the BX, but maybe Messicks has.

I am always leery of the first year of anything no matter who makes them and am sure glad I didn't jump on the new BXxx50 Series.

I am very happy with my BX2660 and hate the left side braking on the JD, but it sure is going to be hard to recommend a BX over one of the new JD SCUTS.

 

[CHDinCT]

No real idea when Kubota will introduce a new BX series but having had a BX1850, then BX1860 and now BX25, there wasn't too much change between the 50 and 60 series BXs in my opinion. I kind of think Kubota pushed the 60 series out pretty quick due to issue with the plastic breaking on the 50 series and the jerky stop coming out of reverse. The machines are basically the same with revised sheet metal and the HST pedal damping change.

I'm not super familiar with the earlier BXs but it appears to me Kubota has made more evolutionary changes in this line vs the more revoluationary change that JD is making with their 1 Series SCUTs. Of course JD is taking the 2305 design and build in-house from Yanmar, so the ground up redesign is more expected. I'm not sure Kubota makes those types of dramatic changes so I would expect the next BX to be another evolutionary step. Things I'd be looking for in a new BX would be:

- Oil cooler vs fan
- Float mode on the BH boom control
- Driver over decks (if not autoconnect)
- At least one model with position control
- Minimally more HP
- Dedicated tachometer

Let the speculation begin!

 

[TripleR]

No real idea when Kubota will introduce a new BX series but having had a BX1850, then BX1860 and now BX25, there wasn't too much change between the 50 and 60 series BXs in my opinion. I kind of think Kubota pushed the 60 series out pretty quick due to issue with the plastic breaking on the 50 series and the jerky stop coming out of reverse. The machines are basically the same with revised sheet metal and the HST pedal damping change.

I'm not super familiar with the earlier BXs but it appears to me Kubota has made more evolutionary changes in this line vs the more revoluationary change that JD is making with their 1 Series SCUTs. Of course JD is taking the 2305 design and build in-house from Yanmar, so the ground up redesign is more expected. I'm not sure Kubota makes those types of dramatic changes so I would expect the next BX to be another evolutionary step. Things I'd be looking for in a new BX would be:

- Oil cooler vs fan
- Float mode on the BH boom control
- Driver over decks (if not autoconnect)
- At least one model with position control
- Minimally more HP
- Dedicated tachometer

Let the speculation begin!

Those are pretty much covered by the new John Deere. There are some videos on the JD site that are pretty interesting. I am happy with my BX as I have other tractors for "tractor" stuff, but for the one tractor owner or someone just starting out, the JD looks really good.

 

[bp fick]

Everybody "wants" a real tach, drive over, trans oil cooler, and so forth.

Here is my one concern nagging me, however. If these little subcuts get all featured laden, but come with much more price tag, there a point at which the law of diminishing returns comes into play and it can bite JD or KTC.

With So Korea watching carefully, there could be an opportunity. With India and, of course, the biggest sleeping tiger of them all, China, lurking, don't be surprised if other players see this big lawn tractor/small utility tractor market and may move upon it with a vengeance. I could envision something more utilitarian, basic, but being sold by these country's manufacturers at a price point that would seriously erode market share from the Big Two.

It's happened before. In autos, boat motors, TVs, and everything else one can think of.

I think both Kubota and JD need to walk carefully here in this segment. Eyes wide open.

 

[CHDinCT]

Sure, you can overshoot the market - happens a lot - but on the other hand, who buys a car these days without air conditioning, ABS, or power windows. All things that were once expensive options that are now part of the cost of entry to the auto market. Think power steering in tractors, or 4WD.

I think JD and Kubota can cover themselves by keeping a more utilitarian version available like JD is doing with the 1023. I do think the oil cooler will become standard while the other items could be optional or standard on higher end models, maybe the BX2660 replacement. Korea, India and China will have the advantage of lower cost labor and they will be able to sell a fully optioned SCUT for less on that basis alone. Those Hyundai's come pretty loaded these days. :laughing:

Oh, here's another for the list:

- An optional Kubota OEM backhoe thumb.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I don't expect to see a new BX in the near future.

... I'm with all of you on "features". I think they are great.. but you can't add ANY expense to a subcompact without putting it in range of a B-series tractor... the BX2660 is on a thin line already.

 

[TripleR]

For my needs, I will take a BX over a B any day and would gladly pay for the "extras" like the position control. They could keep the BXxx60 Series "as is" for the low cost option and add something like a BXxx80 in only a couple of models maybe for those willing to pay the freight.

I agree with the others that what was once a "luxury" is now almost standard on a lot of things.

I am not sure Kubota can "sit this one out" with what Deere is bring to the market, I think the CC may also have it beat with features; not sure.

 

[Gods Country]

I am not sure Kubota can "sit this one out" with what Deere is bring to the market, I think the CC may also have it beat with features; not sure.

The CCY scuts have a positive position control, oil cooler, analog tach, & shift on the fly. No drive over deck that I'm aware of.

 

[Tom_H]

I want a removable hard cab with air conditioning!! :thumbsup:

Here's where we discussed this a few years back:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/104985-describe-ultimate-bx.html