Comparison downsize or not?

[cacx2]

Have to question that had probably been asked before in some form.
I currently have a kioti ck20s hst with loader and rear finish mower. I use to cut 2 acres,plow snow and landscape around the house. Love the tractor but have thought of buying a Kubota bx 25 tlb with mid mower, but don't want to be overly disappointed. I know the lift limits are less, but like the ideal of bh even if only use a few times a year. Im just asking if anyone has made a similar switch and the good or bad. either it be a b series size to bx or bx to a Bseries/ ck20. And I have never operated a bx25 so I guess I could rent, but just looking for some long term feedback. This is a possible dealer trade and don't want a b series just too much money extra. This situation is a trade with a few extra bucks from my end.

Thank you.

 

[TJP89]

First off, that's not really downsizing, the BX25 actually has more HP. It's also more of a TLB and not meant for a MMM, even though it can take one. The Kioti doesn't take a MMM, but you have a finish mower that works fine. The Kioti has almost twice the 3PT capacity, and 300lbs more loader capacity. I don't see any reason to change. If you really need a backhoe, get for the Kioti. Sure you have to switch it on and off, but only a few times year, and they make it so its pretty straight forward and quick. A Kioti CK20 HST with FEL and RFM will be worth less than the BX25 with FEL and MMM. You'll have to pay more than the cost of a backhoe if you trade in. If you keep the CK, you can get the backhoe only and keep the tractor and mower. This will cost you 6-8 thousand, but you'll have to pay at least that on a trade in.

Also, backhoes are real expensive, if you only need one once or twice a year, probably cheaper to rent one every now and again.

So unless you are having a lot of trouble with the Kioti, I'd forget the Kubota and just get the backhoe for the Kioti, as it will cost the same. If you're really into a new tractor, look at the Kioti CS2410 and CK2510, both of which have a MMM and Backhoe option, and you won't have to pay the brand difference. This is if you decide the it is more cost effective to buy a backhoe.

 

[newbury]

If you've good access to a good rental company (and the capacity to haul it so you don't also have to get a trailer) I suggest you rent a mini-ex and try it out AND then rent a BX25 and try it out.

I bought a BH for my B7610 tractor because one of my prime uses will be getting it about 1/2 mile down narrow trails. The tractor moves a lot faster than a mini-ex. And the nearest rental to my "farm" is a 2 hour drive.

Even a small mini-ex will do a LOT more than a BX-25 Backhoe.