</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I spoke to a representative of Kubota today and he explained that they would have loved to have been able to make a kit that would adapt to the
BX2200 models, but that it wasn't a feasibility because of the amount of labor involved and the costs of producing the kit itself. His explanation is that the tractor would have to be disassembled and then rebuilt with different parts to accomplish this. They considered it, but after doing all the studies came to this conclusion that the labor alone would put it out of the price range. Another comment when I asked about the other companies that were working on developing a backhoe for the BX, his comments were that the sub frame would make the mower impossible to use unless you removed the aftermarket sub frame. Another point that he made is that the hoe would be further out than on the
BX22 and the weight balance wouldn't be there. The
BX22/23 is not just a slight modification of the
BX1800/2200. It is different in more ways than the casual observation would indicate. If you want the backhoe, then sell the
BX2200 and buy the
BX23. It is properly designed for what it does from the ground up. I learned a lot talking to this man and some of my previous opinions about Kubota have changed as a result. It was enlightening about the BX series beyond anything that has been in print before... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>
Junkman, I agree with the Kubota rep's points, but also must note that sometimes it's not necessary to go to the n'th degree when choosing a course of action. For example, I live in an area where the prevailing soil characteristics are sand, sand, and maybe a little Alabama red clay. I think an aftermarket backhoe would be suitable for that, as well as my other major need (stump digging).
That said, if anyone reading this hasn't done so trot on down to your dealer and take a look at how the backhoe mounts on a
BX23 & how the mounting frame is designed. That's some SERIOUS iron for such a small machine.
Given my circumstances (and there are some I haven't stated), if I were using a small backhoe a LOT, I would opt for trade-in for a
BX23. But since I only have occasional need for one, I would opt for a third-party product or even just rent a mini-excavator as needed.
regards,
Mahlon
