BX23 Attachment questions and advice wanted.

[orangecrush]

Hello all,

I just plunked down some money on a brand new Kubota BX23. Yes, I’m excited!

I will use this rig for landscaping and ATV trail work, snow removal with the FEL, York raking, rough mowing, building site prepping, and some wood lot work like log skidding, hauling trees around, etc.

I chose the BX23 primarily for its size, particularly with respect to the trail work I intend to tackle, as there are miles upon blissful miles of it. I live in the White Mountains of NH by the way.

The Kubota dealer (Wescott & Sons) will roll some attachments into the 0% financing deal and I'd like to get a few implements to go with the hoe & loader that come stock. Advise on any of this would be most appreciated as this tractor requisition episode has been quick and I’ve got to react on the implements within a few days for it to be part of this deal.

The tractor is $16,000 with loaded AG tires, 3 point hydraulics, setup, delivery, etc. and no sales tax since NH is the “priced as marked” state. He’ll also throw in the upgraded alternator and installation if I buy an attachment or two. Does this sound like a fair price?

Wescott is offering me the following new implements.

Woods RCC42 42” rotary cutter for $895. Is this a good unit? Good match for the tractor? Rugged? I’ll be mowing wooded meadows (weeds, small saplings, grass). Plenty of surprises like rocks and old beaver stumps too.

Woods LRC60 Landscape rake w/ wheels for $695. Is this rig rugged enough for trail work. How about really boney gravel like soil?

Kubota canopy described as the same top as on a B21 less the front two posts for $425. He couldn’t produce a picture of the canopy mounted so I’m really not sure about that item. One of those TuffTopps might be better since it can be taken off more easily. If the canopy is long enough to cover the steering wheel, I would imagine the ROPS will be just as tall when its folded back with the top. Plus how much would it end up weighing?

Thanks for any insights. I’ve really enjoyed researching this purchase here even though it’s only been a few days, and hope to contribute more to the site once I get this rig in a week or so and get some time on her. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks!

Scott

 

[RayH]

I just last week downsized from an L3130 to my new BX23 so Im not going to comment on attachments and so forth except to say you may want to reconsider the canopy if you are working in and under the trees. If you absolutely want a canopy, consider carefully how easy it is to remove from the tractor.
Im wrong, I AM going to comment on attachments, think about getting a box blade. Its the Swiss Army Knife of implements, real nice for clearing brush and grading/leveling. The rake is nice for finishing but wont move much heavy material. Together, they are a winning team.
$16000 sounds kinda high for just the tractor. I payed $15300 + tax for mine (standard alt) but that may be a regional thing. Whatever you end up paying, Im sure you wont regret it.

EDIT: Welcome to TBN.
Hows that "price as marked" thing work?" If the tax has simply been pre added to the sticker, then you arent doing too bad at $16000.

 

[PhilNH5]

Scott,
Welcome to TBN and congrats on your purchase. I think, after coming to TBN for a few years, that New Englanders generally pay more for their tractors than the mid-atlantic and southern states. Emerich in NY may be the exception to that for Kubota.
16K doesn't seem to bad from what I have seen. Roughly 5% higher than RayH paid. Unfortunately that seems about right for up here.

Phil

 

[orangecrush]

Thanks for the replies and the kind welcome.

Phil, I think you're right about the price difference being somewhat regional. Others pay less for a lot of things it seems, not just tractors.

Ray, I've never used a box blade before only a rake. What are the advantages of this type of implement. I assume I should get it as an "addition to" and not an "instead of" with respect to the rake. These things really are not that hard to justify are they /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

The priced as marked comment is because NH has no sales tax. No income tax either for that matter. It's a Maine dealer but they're delivering it to NH so no tax.

Thanks again,

Scott

 

[HomeBrew2]

Congrats on the BX! It's an awesome machine!!!
Attachment comments:
My priority was a box blade first, then a rake, but I did buy them both at the same time. I'm still hogging dirt out, not smoothing it for planting yet so not much rake use.
If you get a BB, get a heavy one with scarifiers ... try to talk the dealer into giving you 4-hole (18") shanks instead of the standard 3-hole (16") shanks ... Though, possibly it's just my preference.

If money's not a big concern, get the gauge wheels for the rake.

The rake price seems high but maybe it includes the gauge wheels?

I, and most (I think) BX users that have rotary cutters, have a 48"er instead of smaller. The BX handles it just fine contrary to what Kubota says and I believe they may be a bit cheaper cuz it's a more common size.

You may want to keep a tiller in the back of your mind if you have a lot of landscaping to do.

Cheers!

 

[LBrown59]

What are you going to mow your yard with ?
I didn't see a mower attachment listed.

 

[valleydweller1]

Hi Scott,

I have a BX2230 with the RCC42 mower, it is a good unit and well sized to the tractor; it will do great at trail clearing. I agree with others about the box blade, I'm using mine to smooth out my field. It also helps for making a short counterweight for the FEL. It is the 48" Woods, RCB48 or something.

Have fun with your new tractor!

 

[escavader]

If your going to do atv trails,a chipper would be in order.They clean up the brush you cut andwork great to smooth things up
ALAN

 

[Will_C]

Scott; Some thoughts regarding your post.
1. The Woods rake is a good one. I am sure it will serve you well. I paid $650 for mine, with the wheel kit.
2. The 42" rotary cutter is a good match for the tractor. i know some are running a 48" unit, but I think the overall size of the 42" fits the BX better.
3. I also would advise you to re-think the canopy if you will in the woods alot.
I hope this helps,
Will

 

[orangecrush]

You guys are a great help to me in this fun endeavor and I really appreciate it.

Homebrew2,
the rake does have the wheels. I don’t understand what you mean about the 18” vs. 16” posts for the box blade. Do you know if there is a significant difference between the Kubota 754B box scraper and the Woods GBC48. The dealer quoted $625 for the Kubota and didn't give me a price on the Woods. Maybe he doesn't stock them? I'll be in the market for a tiller no doubt too, probably next spring once the ground thaws.

I mow my lawn with a $25 pawn shop lawn boy, great exercise and a slick reliable mower. (I have about ½ hour worth of lawn). I have two 8 speed Gravely model L tractors with attachments too, but I've decided to get rid of all the old Gravely stuff. I love the old “L” tractors but it's time to clean house and move on (and up).

I like the idea of the 42" mower vs a 48”, just because it will be easier to handle, narrower for trail use, and feel more powerful on the tractor. I actually haven't seen any of these attachments in person as Wescotts doesn't have any setup at the Fryeburg fair and that's where this whole deal is going down. I’ve never seen anything Woods or Kubota that was crap so I’m sure it’s all good.

Alan,
I like your thoughts about a chipper. What's a good match for this tractor size wise. What brands should I ask this dealer to quote? I'm not sure how much in the way of implements I can get with the o% financing but I'm sure having fun thinking about it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Will,
the major reason I'm interested in the canopy idea so much is because we've been experiencing a lot of wet winters lately and I plan on doing a lot of snow removal work with it. In fact I got rid of my Polaris Indy last winter in disgust because of the erratic riding conditions. Ever heard of those Tuff-tops. Supposed to be easy to take off without tools. Seemed pricy though so who knows if its worth it. I might just tarp it for when it’s necessary. I am actually considering a 5 foot bucket just for the snow work, but not till after I see how it goes with the 4’.

It’s easy to picture this getting out of hand money wise isn’t it? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif It's like you guys are reading my mind or something.

See ya!

Scott

 

[escavader]

About the chippers,i think you might be better with a 4 inch.I do stall my tractor on rare occasion with my 4,i think trying to chip larger with the 23,wouldnt be good.I think most pto chippers are reliable.My dealer sold the troy built,and salsco.I THOUGHT I WANTED THE TROY BUILT,but after further research i chose the SALSCO,it had two knifes instead of one,was a little ruggeder,and i like the top feeding unitsgravity does the work.Self feeding units are nice,but a little more pricy.Look for one with a nice big hopper,leading up to the opening,heavy pillow block type bearings stand the test of time,multiple knifes and adjustable anvil.
ALAN

 

[orangecrush]

Alan,

Thanks for the advise on the chippers. I'm going to hold off buying a chipper right now. It will be a good winter project to research (and save money toward).

I did the deal for the tractor today.

BX23 with AG tires, the Woods 42" brush hog, 60" woods Estate rake with gauge wheels, Kubota 48" Box scraper, high output alternator upgrade, loaded tires, the extra factory hydraulic hookup, setup, delivered etc for 18K out the door w/ no sales tax. I feel good about the deal, especially the no cash down 0% loan.

Wescott mentioned this was the best Fryeburg Fair they've had, and it's still only half over. It's must be free finance deal, (and the fact their tractors happen to be orange /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) In any case it's nice to deal with people where things are going so well. Now hopefully I'll get my new rig soon... I've got lots of work to do!

Scott

 

[sandyc]

Welcome to TBN....you will enjoy dealing with Wescotts. I have bought two tractors, attachments, and some chain saw stuff from them over the years. They will stand by their products and their service is great.

Honk as you drive down rt 25 in standish!

 

[radair]

I bought my BX from Westcott also. Good folks to deal with, although I mostly dealt with their North Conway rep, who is apparently no longer with them.

Orangecrush - where are you located?

 

[orangecrush]

I've never dealt directly w/ Wescotts before now, but know a lot of people that have & everybody seems happy enough. I've been looking at Kubotas there for years... mostly larger machines that seemed hard for me to justify buying.

I would never have considered a BX23 if it wasn't for the advice of others that thoughtfully take the time to share their experiences, both good and bad though on-line reviews, forums, etc. The picture that’s been painted about the BX23 combined with my own impressions makes me feel I’ve made the right choice for me right now.

I keep gravitating mentally toward physically larger tractors such as the B7510 but the TLB configuration (and price) of the BX keep reeling me back. I don't know how the limited class 1 hitch is going to effect things but I’m sure I'll happily live with it, whatever the limitations on lift height might actually be.

Radair,
The new NH rep is Chris Christy (I think that’s how he spells his last name) that came to Wescotts from team green not that long ago. He must have replaced the rep you are referring to(?). Nice guy in any case, and seems to have a lot of confidence in the BX23. His neighbor over in Freedom where he lives has one and Chris is always citing the amazing things he is able to do with it./forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif By the way, I'm in Eaton near Foss Mt. Where are you?

Thanks!

Scott

 

[radair]

Yes, I heard great things about their service and paid a few hundred more to stay with them as our "local" dealer.

The BH was what sold me as well.

I'm located in North Conway near Echo Lake. No, my lot really isn't big enough to justify owning a tractor, so I volunteer myself for other projects to get my seat time.

Let me know when you take delivery, I'd like to check out your attachments in action.

 

[orangecrush]

Radair,

I took a ride down to Wescotts today and finished up the deal. Because I need the upgraded alternator I'm being told a couple of weeks for delivery. Otherwise I can get it right away. They have a backlog from the fairs I'm told. I've got plenty of other work to do w/out the BX at the moment so it's just as well.

Drop me a PM in a few weeks and I'll let you know where I'm at with it all. Have you got any other implements w/ yours besides the hoe? See ya,

Scott

 

[twinsticks]

What is the reason for the upgraded altenator.
What size is the standard one compared to the upgraded one?.

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What is the reason for the upgraded altenator.
What size is the standard one compared to the upgraded one?. )</font>

Standard on Kubota B series is a 14.5 amp dynamo (generator). The upgrade is to a 40 amp alternator.

More power for more lights and electrical accessories. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[PeterV]

I agree on the slightly higher prices her in the Northeast. All the popular brands of attachments are good attempt to stay away from most of the "import" equipment. It is less expensive because there is less quality.

More electrical power is always good.

Did you get a trailer to go with the BX 23?