I agree that if you know you want a backhoe, go for the
BX23. However, you do have the option to purchase a
BX2230 and buy the Woods backhoe a few years down the road, when you may need it, or want it, more, if you aren't sure about the backhoe now.
I have seen the parts lists for the Woods backhoe, and have crawled underneath my neighbor's
BX22, and I see the same steel subframe reinforcing on both the
BX22/23 and the Woods unit. Yes, warranty concerns are an issue, so in general, the
BX23 is a better option. But I honestly don't believe that the Woods setup on a 2230 is going to be any weaker than the
BX23 setup. I agree with some others that there are some features that are nicer on one, and some features nicer on the other.
Keep in mind that many guys that buy larger machines don't buy the Kubota backhoe, but go with an aftermarket unit in the interest of cost savings. In this case, the Woods setup is either the same price, or even a little more, so the cost factor may make the
BX23 the better option. But I think a lot more is made of breaking the tractor - I don't see any valid arguments so far that the 4 point steel Kubota subframe is that much more superior than the 4 point steel Woods subframe, so that doesn't seem to be a valid argument. I didn't see any steel on the
BX22 that isn't in the Woods installation/parts manual.
In my opinion, the valid arguments are the warranty issues and the cost - and that makes the
BX23 the best option in most cases. But there are circumstances where the Woods backhoe may be a better option for others - owners of older
BX2200's, or owners of other brand subcompacts.
And to the original poster, I too recommend finding another Kubota dealer - the one you're talking to either lied about the mid PTO, or doesn't know what he's talking about.