Kubota advice

[rustywheels]

Hi All,

I have the chance to buy a 2006 Kubota BX23 w/ FEL and backhoe with only 50 hours on it for $12k. Does that sound like a reasonable price? 12k is my absolute max budget so can anyone advise whether I'd be better off buying something different (for example an older, larger tractor?) How will the BX23 hold it's value over time? What might I expect to sell it for in a few years (not that I'm planning to... just need to appease the wife).

Thank you!

 

[devildog1]

The BX23 TLB is a great tractor I owned one.Good deal for what you are getting and the low,low hours. But it also depends on what your plans are for this size tractor, what do you need and plan on doing with this or any other tractor?
DevilDog

 

[LBrown59]

Hi All,

I have the chance to buy a 2006 Kubota BX23 w/ FEL and backhoe with only 50 hours on it for $12k. Does that sound like a reasonable price? 12k is my absolute max budget so can anyone advise whether I'd be better off buying something different (for example an older, larger tractor?) How will the BX23 hold it's value over time? What might I expect to sell it for in a few years (not that I'm planning to... just need to appease the wife).

Thank you!

Wow only 50 hours .

I wish imy BX23 with 1400 hours only had 50 hours on it.

 

[ultrarunner]

You should get years of reliable service... I have.

When new... some were buying for as little as 15k to as much as 18k...

Are they any implements or attachments included?

Even things like the Brotek underbelly protection plates are considered a must by just about everyone.

Sounds like the price is high, but, then it might really be just like new.

The BX23 have a good record... most issues are minor, like the air cleaner bracket breaking and problems when water gets into the light switches... tires are not too robust... at least that has been my experience... had the rears foamed filled and improvement was noticed immediately... no more flats, better digging with the hoe and more stability on my uneven terrain.

Cash seems to work the best when I'm serious about buying... might be able to negotiate if you are ready to take it home...

The BX23 is big enough to do real work... in my case it has let me get jobs done I would never have attempted... moved many hundreds of yards of rock, dig trenches and even helps when I needed to move equipment around or out of the truck...

 

[rustywheels]

Thank you everyone for the quick and helpful replies.

I won't see the machine until the weekend. The seller says the only problem is a little surface rust on some of the welds and a non-functioning temperature gauge. This is my first tractor and I have no real machinery experience other then renting a bobcat a couple of times. I'm very nervous about paying so much money and not really knowing what to look for when I see the machine.

What should I do when I go to look at it? I've read many of the threads here on the board that mention things like frothy oil and white smoke. I don't imagine a newish tractor will have those kinds of problems. Are there any subtle things I should look for? I'm always weary when someone is selling something that they still claim is in "perfect" condition.

@Ultrarunner - There are no implements included. It has turf tires. I suspect I'd prefer the bar type. How will these do in dirt and snow? Will I need chains to plow the driveway. If you think the price is high, how much cash should I show up with?

THANK YOU for the help.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have industrials and probably should have AG tires... the turfs are good for mowing, which is something I don't do.

I would think the tires are not optimal if you plan on a lot of ground engaging activity...

Anything under 10k would be considered a great buy in my opinion...

I think you need to start and operated it... listen for how it sounds and ask for the service log or other documentation...

50 hours is a required service interval for fluids and one local Dealer charged several hundred dollars plus transport.

Since you are buying used, without warranty... don't be timid to offer what it is worth to you...

100% check underneath and verify the little plastic fan is intact... very easy to damage... a chore to replace and if operated with a broken fan, could have overheated...

A broken fuel gauge is no big deal to me... a temperature gauge needs to work.

You should figure the cost of doing a 50 hour service just based on age, probably a battery will be due soon and make sure you get the 3 point arms and safety triangle... it came new with these items...

Being like new... it has to have been kept inside away from the elements...

Many of us took advantage of the Kubota seat upgrade... in my case, it cost $50 and well worth it... more of a contour to keep you from sliding around.

 

[rustywheels]

Wow, thanks ultrarunner for taking the time to write that all out.

So there is a new dimension in my tractor plans. I was contacted by the owner of a B7100 I was interested in that sold last week. He said the buyer wasn't able to get the money together. He claims it is immaculate (As a side note, he's an author about to publish a book on the history of small tractors. This tractor is on the front cover). It's the 4wd model, it has a loader, ag and turf tires, chains, around 2000 hours, BUT no backhoe (which I really want). $5500 firm.

So the question is, am I better off buying an older machine for less than half the cost?

Thanks again!

 

[Grandad4]

You have several issues to sort out. First, these are two different kinds of machines, each very good in their own way. Which one is better for you? Quite a bit depends on what you figure to be doing with it. The B7100 is more of a true "tractor" in size, ground clearance, etc., but it weighs less, has less power, is more basic in its design. The BX23 sits on smaller tires so it wouldn't do so well in mud or over really rough ground, but it has more weight and power and is more "modern" in its features. If you have a finished yard, it would probably be more "landscape friendly", depending on the tires.

Then you need to consider each of these used machines for purchase. Just like buying used cars, you can get a very good one or a lemon and everything in between. Again shades of buying used cars, if you have a choice between your perfect, preferred model that is in rough shape and another model you don't particularly like that is in perfect condition, you usually get the one in good condition or you keep looking. If you are not familiar enough with tractors to judge what condition they are in, by all means find a friend or a neighbor who can help you.

Why would someone buy a $15,000 BX23 and only use it 50 hours over 8-10 years? Was it used initially and then parked, or has it been getting 5-8 hours of use a year the whole time? Maybe the 50 hours isn't believable. Has any maintenance been done on it or is it running with 10 year old motor oil, etc.? If it has some rust, has it been sitting out in the elements all that time?

 

[ultrarunner]

If you need a backhoe... then you need to look for one with a backhoe.

If the backhoe work will be infrequent... you could rent for the occasional need.

The BX23 is designed as Tractor Loader Backhoe... only on a smaller scale then it's bigger brothers...

In my case, the Backhoe would have been a deal breaker... even though I only use it about a third of the time... I never take if off.

 

[Monster5601]

Hi All,

I have the chance to buy a 2006 Kubota BX23 w/ FEL and backhoe with only 50 hours on it for $12k. Does that sound like a reasonable price? 12k is my absolute max budget so can anyone advise whether I'd be better off buying something different (for example an older, larger tractor?) How will the BX23 hold it's value over time? What might I expect to sell it for in a few years (not that I'm planning to... just need to appease the wife).

Thank you!

Another option is to buy new taking advantage of Kubota's 0% financing and KTAC insurance program. Take your 12K and use it to make the monthly payments. Dealers have a slush fund so you should be able to pick up a new BX25 for around 17K, your 12K will cover your for 3 1/2 years of payments.

I think 12K is a bit high seeing that new BX25's are around 17K.

 

[savageactor7]

rustywheels do you really need a back hoe? Some of the best advice I ever got was my dealer talking me out of a backhoe. They're mostly required for deep projects. You can do a lot of excavation with a FEL if your cautious and deliberate.

The B model sounds like a good deal to me but I see it doesn't have a mower. If you go that route get 3PH mower. imo the older Kuboto's are almost bulletproof.

I won't share all my anti-hoe thoughts out of respect but my advice is to stay away from 'em. The small homeowner doesn't need a back-hoe. Besides you can rent 'em for a song in the off season. Good luck.

 

[bp fick]

Unless you plan on digging "a lot", just rent a more powerful backhoe for those few and far between projects. The BX hoe does work, but not like a bigger machine can.

I have the need for a backhoe so seldom that it makes no sense to own one. I just hire the guy down the road who owns one and is bored. He practically works for the diesel. No way I could own one for that cheap. I let him store his in his barn. I'm out of room, even though I have a garage, a shop and a barn.

Does that B7100 have power steering? A loader with no power steering would be a deal breaker for me. If yes, I'd be all over it to see if it would meet my needs.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I sold my BX22 for somewhat less about 4 years ago. I think I got $11,500 for it. The BX23 has many improvements over the BX22 like the hydraulics stay with the tractor when you take the loader off for snowblower use, etc., and that alone is a big, and good thing. Of the BX series TLB's the BX23, and new BX25 are the cream of the crop I think. If the tractor will do the things you need done, I would say it was a good deal on a good tractor.

 

[rustywheels]

So bad news... the guy selling the B23 has pulled it off the market. His father in-law is going to buy it for the asking price. Darn!

@ultrarunner -

If you need a backhoe... then you need to look for one with a backhoe.

You're absolutely right. I do need a backhoe. As much as I like that B5100, I called the guy tonight and let it go. I'm going to keep looking.

@Monster5601 -

Another option is to buy new taking advantage of Kubota's 0% financing and KTAC insurance program.

Very good idea! I called the dealership this morning but the salesman didn't get back to me. I'll try again tomorrow. What do you guys think the depreciation would be on this machine over five years? Just approximately...

@savageactor7 & bp fick -

Don't get the hoe.

At the moment, all I'm planning on using it for is digging some drainage ditches, pulling out some rocks, building a retaining wall, digging the footing for a future small barn, etc. I guess that isn't a lot, but then again, you never know what you'll use these things for until you need them.

So I guess I'm 0 for 2 on my tractor purchases. I'm going to keep looking. Now that I don't have my eye on anything in particular, does anyone have any suggestions for where to go from here? I've been looking exclusively at Kubota, but I'm very willing to expand my horizons. What brands and machines represent the best "bang for the buck"?

Thank you everyone for your very valuable feedback so far! This really is making it easier as I don't have anyone else to bounce ideas off and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. Thanks again.

 

[ultrarunner]

If the BX you were considering sold for 12k after 5 years it would have depreciated 20%...

Small and mid size tractors tend to hold value much better then most equipment.

 

[savageactor7]

does anyone have any suggestions for where to go from here?

Hard to say Rusty cause I don't know how many acres your have, or if it's cleared. If it's wooded will the tractor assist in logging for wood heat? Do you live where it snows and will you be using it for snow removal too?

After another read through the only general advice I can in good conscious offer up threw my personal experience is.

. forget about the hoe unless this will be income property.
. you don't need AG tires.
. stay with 3ph attachments no MMM's if you do get a CUT.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I bought a BX 25 this spring, have almost 300 hours on it now. It is one workhorse, does stuff I never dreamed I could do with a tonka toy tractror as one of my friends with a 100HP rig called it. I thought that the BH would not be used much. Now that I have it I find many things it is better for than the FEL. Then I am not making money with it so production time is not a big factor as I like to take slow and easy anyway, an excuse to stay out of the house. Up here in my country used small tractors hold their value except for trade in to dealer. My dealer will not take a trade unless he can make 30% on it as they move very slow at that level. With the big manufacturers cutting each others throat in that market with 0 down 0 interest for 5 years it is stupid to buy a used one at $14K when you can get a new one at $18K. You will probably come out ahead if you buy the new one, sell the old one for what you can get and use the money for something else. This is all if you do not have all cash and/or are a cash only person. You will need cash to buy a used one and then have to argue with bank on how much equity they want to loan you some of what you paid. I explored all these options before buying a new one. Also, I get to break it in. Oh!! the power of credit works both ways.

Ron

 

[ultrarunner]

When I was shopping, the excellent used was within 2 to 3 k of working my best deal on a new one that also comes with a warranty...

 

[rustywheels]

Thank you all again for your advice. I've spent the past week exploring my options. I've called every Kubota and Massey Ferguson dealer within 200 miles getting pricing on new tractors (and have been laughed at when I ask for used sub-compacts). I've been calling all the Craigslist ads of interest, only to find they have already sold. When these tractors are priced right, they sell fast! The rest of the sellers seem to be dreamers, asking is some cases, the retail price for a five year old machine. One of the previous posters was right-on in saying that it's hardly worth buying an almost-new tractor because they depreciate so little, plus you don't get a warranty.

So I expanded my search beyond sub-compacts and discovered a whole new world in compacts! I can't believe how much more tractor you get for marginally more money.

I decided that if I was going to get my hands on one of these good deals, I'd have to engage my OCD. I found a great app for my phone that alerted me anytime a listing matching my criteria appeared within 250 miles on Craigslist. I found a guy (ten minutes after the ad was posted) selling a beautifully clean, indoor-kept, 2002 B2710 with a backhoe, loader, new turf tires, and around 600 hours. A 120 mile drive to check it out.... and I BOUGHT A TRACTOR!

I'm very pleased. He's even going to deliver it for me this weekend. It is a little painful to have to wait a week, but this gives me a chance to finish up various other jobs around my house (because something tells me they'll be going on the back burner starting next weekend).

Thanks again to everyone for the help. I'll post a picture of the hole I plan on digging to China.

 

[Grandad4]

B2710 is a nice tractor! It should last you for a long time. Congratulations.