Blue or Orange?

Bob_Skurka · Oct 7, 2004

<font color="green"> Blue or Orange? Orange...Kioti. </font>

Kioti doesn't even make a Sub-CUT class tractor. The closest they get is a small frame tractor with their CK20. And that is much larger. It is a very nice machine, but would not be my first choice for mowing becuase it is very heavy for its size, further, it has less PTO hp available than the upper end of the Sub-CUT machines, which again makes is less of a choice for the applications that the original poster is intending to use a tractor for. Why would he want to go up in size & weight but down in PTO hp for a tractor that is going to be used for mowing?

jam2004 · Oct 7, 2004

I plan to mow about 2acres of lawn regulary, 3 acres of pasture (hillly) periodically, manure handling and redistribution monthly (3 horses) and snow removal (central NJ). I have only sat on the JD 2210 and the NH TZ24. I plan to test the TZ and the Kubota BX 2230. Some on this site have mentioned a wearing problem on the TZ due to poor cable placement. The negatives I've read about the BX involve the hitch limitations, pedal placement, cramped, etc. More BX owners posting than TZ owners based on newness of the TZ line, I guess. If I purchase the TZ, it's coming form a dealer that's 125 miles from home. The local NH dealer is nearly $2000 more for the same tractor. I plan to use the local guy for service and parts. The Kubota would come for about 30 miles from home. I currently have a JD GX 345 but wish to have one tractor for all my needs.

Ledgemere Farm · Oct 7, 2004

The local NH dealer is nearly $2000 more for the same tractor.

I am confused. The first post said $500 more. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MikeFromVA · Oct 7, 2004

The $500 difference was between the NH and the Kub. The $2K difference is between 2 NH dealers for the same tractor...

Ledgemere Farm · Oct 7, 2004

Ok. I got it. My eyes aren't what they used to be... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I drove right past two Cub Cadet dealers when I bought mine for the same reason.

MikeFromVA · Oct 7, 2004

Jam,

Some TBNers have noticed that their local dealers do not supply very good service when they purchase their tractors elsewhere. Seems like some dealers take this personally. Unless you know differently about your local dealer, you should anticipate the same - FWIW.

bandit67 · Oct 7, 2004

I have the twin to the NH TZ24 in the Case IH DX24E, and have the use of a neighbor's BX22 when I need a backhoe. Both machines are essentially the same size.

Since the CNH machines are brand new, you can expect to deal with a few bugs - minor design issues that will be addressed for next year. As you've alluded to hearing about, CNH's recommended routing of the flexible hydraulic line to the loader control needs to be addressed, but is a simple fix by you or your dealer with zip ties. Figure since the Kubotas have been around for a while now, they've gotten the bugs worked out.

As far as general loader work, I prefer the ergonomics, the curved loader arms, & the slightly more powerful motor of my CNH machine to the BX, but that is just my preference. I also recommend seriously considering the 60" mower deck, as it sticks out beyond the width of the tires further, and will allow you to mow closer to the grass borders - trees, shrubs, edging, etc. I didn't initially want the 60" deck, but am glad I ended up with it over the 54" deck for that reason.

Also, CNH is supposedly introducing it's Sub CUT TLB model (TZ and DXE 24 hp) to compete with the BX23 in January or February.

You'll just need to spend some time testing out both machines on the dealer lots to decide which model you like better. I chose the model that I liked the best overall, as my dealer carries all three - Case, New Holland, and Kubota.

All of that being said, if I owned 5-7 acres, I would opt for a CUT instead of the Sub CUT for the larger size and capacities. You will find many uses for your new tractor (probably quite a few you can't think of right now) on that size property, and you want to minimize the number of times that you'll be working on your tractor thinking "I wish I had the larger version for this task". JMHO

MessickFarmEqu · Oct 7, 2004

I'm a dealer and I have not heard anything about a NH TZ backhoe. I could be wrong though. Woods has a hoe that will fit those other machines and accomplish the same thing as the BX23. There is a price difference, its much more expensive to add a Woods hoe than it is to just buy a BX23.

I sell both the BX and TZ, I am not partial to one over the other. Don't over analyze this, go with your gut on whatever dealer will give you better service.

BTW... someone said super steer and sensitrac are bundled, sensitrac is a $200 option on these, but super steer is only on the TC29 and larger.

jam2004 · Oct 7, 2004

Just messed around with the TZ 24 at the dealer. It was WAY different than a garden tractor and will take some getting used to I'm sure. Tomorrow I'm headed to check out the BX. Thanks to all for providing great information. If there's anything else you'd like to add, please post or private message. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

thcri · Oct 7, 2004

Both tractors are great tractors. The Super-Steer and Sensi-trac on the New Holland does make it a more expensive tractor as I believe Kubota doesn't have that option. If you take them options out of the New Holland it would make it less than the Kubota. Now don't get me wrong, I am not steering you away from Kubota. Between the two, the 500 is diddly. I would go with the dealer that you firmly believe is going to give the best service after the sale. Buying one many miles away and expecting a local guy to take care of you for warranty work just may not happen the way you would like it. If New Holland is the one you want I would go to your local one if you like him and tell him he is out of the ball park on like items and see if he works his prive a bit better.

As far as the Kubota, it has been around for a long time. The only thing that I would say is if my memory serves me right the 54" Mid Mower Deck on the Kubota did not do as good of a job as the 60" Now hopefully some Kubota people could chime in here and qualify that statement.

One other thing you may look at is moving up to a compact instead of the sub. The smaller compacts will still give you a good mowing tractor and you will be able to do more. From what I found going to the compact from the sub is not much of a difference in price. You would be a lot more happier with a compact.

good luck in your decision

murph