I purchased a new little Subcut last year and for the most part I enjoyed the process. I climbed on and test drove just about every brand in the class I was looking at. I started w/a JD2210 an ended up w/a Kubota
BX23. I liked all the models but settled on the
BX23 for several reasons, I liked the tractor, I liked the dealer, he was one of the closest to me and the price was right at every elses best price. So far I've had 120 hrs w/no problems.
At 1st I didn't like the treadle pedal as much as the separate pedal setup but after getting used to it I much prefer the treadle pedal. It takes very little foot movement to change diections. This is great when mowing around obstacles.
As for the Kubota turning brakes being on the same side as the HST drive pedal well, I used to work an old 48 TE20 and when disc'ing and bush hogging I'd use the turning brakes frequently. I'd set the TE20 to the right RPM and select the right gear range then I wouldn't touch either for the duration of the task I was doing. Sort of like cruise control if'n you know what I mean.
When I wanted to "spin" a turn w/the turning brakes I'd simply stand on the brake on the side I wanted to spin. Did this for 16 yrs before I sold it without any problems. I figured that how it was supposed t work.
Now with the newer Kubota's wth turning brakes, the cruise control does the same thing as setting the throttle & gear range on a gear tractor. You set your working speed with the cruise/speed control then use your brakes to spin. Since you can only spin one way without releasing the speed control then thats how I'd plan my task.
I don't know why one would want to be useing both the turning brake AND the HST drive pedal at the same time, as letting up on the HST pedal also applies an internal brake to both axels! Besides thats what cruise or speed control is for on an HST....
Anyways just my humble opinion....
Good luck on your quest, enjoy it! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Volfandt