Choosing my compact tractor

snal · Mar 16, 2006

Hi all! I'm new to tractors, but I'm looking for something to maintain my 800' driveway, move a little dirt from time to time, dig for waterlines/power lines, something that will handle a 42-48" bush hog, and prepare my dad's 1/2 acre garden. My work needs will be on less than level ground, so 4wd is a must.
I tested a New Holland TZ22DA yesterday, but it won't take a backhoe. I have a JD dealer nearby, and I've chosen the 2320 or 2520 from a brochure...just haven't seen them up close yet. I'll also consider a Kubota, but the dealer is further away.
My package will include a backhoe, small bushhog, rear scrape blade, and a posthole digger.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

LBrown59 · Mar 16, 2006

( Hi all! I'm new to tractors, but I'm looking for something to maintain my 800' driveway, move a little dirt from time to time, dig for waterlines/power lines, something that will handle a 42-48" bush hog, and prepare my dad's 1/2 acre garden. My work needs will be on less than level ground, so 4wd is a must.
I tested a New Holland TZ22DA yesterday, but it won't take a backhoe. I have a JD dealer nearby, and I've chosen the 2320 or 2520 from a brochure...just haven't seen them up close yet. I'll also consider a Kubota, but the dealer is further away.
My package will include a backhoe, small bushhog, rear scrape blade, and a posthole digger.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! )
~~~~~~~~~
 Sounds like a Sub-Compact fits the bill for you.
There are only 2 brands that come with a BH.
They are the KUBOTA BX 23 or 24
And the Massey Ferguson GS 2310
The Front End Loader & BackHOE is standard on both of these tractors.
The Front End loader and BH are extra cost options on the Simplicity Legacy XL Garden Tractor

Cliff_Johns · Mar 16, 2006

( I've chosen the 2320 or 2520 from a brochure...just haven't seen them up close yet. )

If you could use a bit of ground clearance and are using a posthole digger (which performs easiest when you can get it off the ground a little farther,) you may want to go for the 2520 (or the soon to be announced 2320) with the 46 backhoe. Also a on-the-lot 4110 would be ideal. They are being replaced by the 2320, but you get some pretty good deals on them right now. Do a search in the JD forums and you will find loads of commentary on this combo.

The BX is a very popular choice with lots of owners on the forum. Just search on BX in the Kubota forum and you will get all the info you want. Same is true of the Massey in that forum.

When searching, remember to set the time to a year or all posts.

Cliff

Joe1 · Mar 16, 2006

Don't overlook the John Deere 790. The tractors in that series have been doing yeoman duty on small farms, vineyards and on construction jobs for a few decades. They are basic 8 speed tractors built by Yanmar to JD specs. If you're not locked into hydrostatic transmissions, the 790 is worth a look and a test drive.

wallace · Mar 16, 2006

Best bang for your dollar..
Look at the KIOTI tractor.

snal · Mar 16, 2006

Thanks for the info. Had a first hand look at the BX24 today...looks like just what I need.

depasseg · Mar 17, 2006

Hi snal - Don't get misled by LBrown59 calling the Legacy XL a garden tractor. While it's true the backhoe and FEL (and a ROPS) are options on the Legacy XL, it can perform all the tasks you listed in your message. It has the same FEL and backhoe capacities and strength as the BX 24. It also has the same HP at the PTO.

( The Front End loader and BH are extra cost options on the Simplicity Legacy XL Garden Tractor)

JohnSinVA · Mar 21, 2006

"I tested a New Holland TZ22DA yesterday, but it won't take a backhoe."

That's not exactly true. While NH does not supply a NH branded backhoe for these units I believe a Woods Groundbreaker 6000 will mount on these tractors. Some say the performance of the little woods BH is superior to the stock hoes on the Kubota and MF.

LBrown59 · Apr 11, 2006

( true the backhoe and FEL (and a ROPS) are options on the Legacy XL,
" ( The Front End loader and BH are extra cost options on the Simplicity Legacy XL Garden Tractor)
)
 XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
 So is:
The diesel engine
Rear PTO
3 point hitch
power steering
4 wheel drive.

By the time I added all this whch is standard on the Bx23 to the Simplicity I was at 20500.
So I got the BX23 for 5000 less.