Buying Advice Better Tractor vs Better System

[teg]

What did you get?

his profile lists: "Kioti CK27HST"

 

[IslandTractor]

his profile lists: "Kioti CK27HST"

That is not "slightly bigger" even though it might well be close in price. The CK27 may weigh almost twice as much as a BX and has a much bigger footprint too.

 

[davrow]

That is not "slightly bigger" even though it might well be close in price. The CK27 may weigh almost twice as much as a BX and has a much bigger footprint too.

Correct on all counts. I was saying 'slightly bigger' with tongue firmly in cheek.

It (the CK27) is a small tractor, but massive next to a BX. Only needs one step to get into, but with the BX entry nearly ground level, the CK27 looks lots higher.

But with the backhoe included it was still less than my local dealer wanted for the BX25D.

I really do like how you can turn the seat around to use the backhoe on the BX25 tho... backhoe on the Kioti sticks waayy out back and has it's own seat.

 

[IslandTractor]

Correct on all counts. I was saying 'slightly bigger' with tongue firmly in cheek.

It (the CK27) is a small tractor, but massive next to a BX. Only needs one step to get into, but with the BX entry nearly ground level, the CK27 looks lots higher.

But with the backhoe included it was still less than my local dealer wanted for the BX25D.

I really do like how you can turn the seat around to use the backhoe on the BX25 tho... backhoe on the Kioti sticks waayy out back and has it's own seat.

Having the independent seat can be pretty useful. Instead of dismounting to move the tractor after digging, it is possible to have a friend do the driving while you attend to the backhoe(ing). Worked extremely well for me last summer when clearing brush on a steep road shoulder. Friend drove the tractor along the road and I reached out sideways with the BH and ripped out brush.

And, yes, the BX TLBs new are pricey. The do hold their value though. The Kioti CK20 TLB is actually a bit less expensive than the BX version and quite a bit more powerful in the loader and BH department as well as being much heavier too. Not quite as big as the CK27 but more comparable to the B rather than BX line of Kubotas. They cost more now but I got a CK20 with BH and loader for $12500 with about 20 hours on it from a dealer about ten years ago. Got exactly that as a trade in on my DK40 a few years later. Small TLBs hold their value well regardless of their color.

 

[Jay4200]

Yes, the BX25 is probably the tractor equivalent of the KLR or WeeStrom. The aftermarket for it is much bigger than many other small tractors.

For example, I needed a ripper tooth for my BX23. No problemo - Bro-Tek had exactly what I was looking for.

BX25 is the equivalent of a KLR110.

I say get a CRF250 and call it a day - everything available, factory and aftermarket, and is actually capable. That would be a Kubota B26. If you don't need the beef of a TLB, get a B2650. OR you can step right up to a CRF450 and get an L-series

Edit: I see you went CRF450 - good for you.