Kubota BX2230 vs. BX23 vs. something different

[radair]

From the description of your projects, it sounds to me like you couldn't do without the backhoe. You definitely will not regret having it.

I think your prices about right. I paid $16k in Feb for my BX-23 with filled bar tires, block heater, and welded FEL hook. I did not get a mower. I was told prices were going up $650 in March. I'm not sure how cold it gets in IL, but a block heater is worth considering - it makes the tractor happier on those very cold days.

From what I've read on this site, most folks seem to think the bar tires are all you need. You should think about it, you could save ~$300 by not buying the turfs.

 

[KirkMcD]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( remove stumps, move boulders, )</font>
If you will have a lot of large rocks to move and stumps to pull the BX23 won't work very well. For everything else you mentioned it would be fine.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Problem is that I don't want a tractor that weighs a ton either because I need to mow with it as well.)</font>

With the a 60" mower on and the FEL and BH off, the BX23 weighs in at about 1800 pounds.

 

[rfogle]

I have read a bunch of posts from all the members here. While I don't disagree with most of what they say, I think they tend to oversell the backhoe. You stated you have 1.5 acres. How many different projects do you plan to use the back hoe for and over what span of time? I have 2.75 very hilly acres. Last May I researched the subcut class of tractors and bought a BX1500, mmm, fel, front blower, and backblade. Couldn't be happier with my decision. The loader capacity is 400# vs. 460# for the BX1800-BX23. So I make a couple more trips. I have regraded my gravel drive with the back blade and have had gravel spilling over the top & the little tractor just keeps pulling. Took out seven 8-10" maples last fall. The 1500 pulled the trunks to the back of the property without a hiccup. I now need to deal with the stumps and for this singular purpose the backhoe would have been nice but I'll rent one for a day. We get a fair amount of snow here in Northern Michigan and the blower does a good job. I guess my point is to look at the long term uses for your tractor and base a purchase decision off that.

 

[jpr62902]

rfogle,

He also noted that he'd be buying 5 acres in a few years and building again. My guess is he'll get more than his money's worth out of a BH.

 

[CurtisB]

Yes, you guys are correct. I am going to be purchasing the BX23, I have already started the ball rolling. I have also decided to just get the bar tires for now, worst case is if they tear up the grass I will buy the turfs later. Total price of my deal is $17100 out the door. Hopefully I will have the new machine by the end of the month. Dealer will be letting me know the status either tonight or tomorrow. He has one on order that is suppose to be delivered this month.

Thanks for all the replies and I am looking forward to the new baby Bota!!!

Curtis

 

[Ken_CT]

I have the BX23 and really like it. If you look at buying the backhoe purely on a money basis it probably isn't worth it, but the convenience of having a backhoe when you want one makes it much more attractive. Have you thought about buying a lawn tractor instead of the MMM for mowing? You can get a Craftsman or JD at Home Depot for less money than the MMM cost. One thing I like about that is when you mow you don't have to worry about removing the FEL and/or BH. You also have more clearance without the MMM. Granted, the MMM will probably outlast at least two of the lawn tractors, but I like the idea of just being able to get on the smaller tractor and start to mow. Also the lawn tractor gets around objects much more nimbly the the larger machine- especially if the BH & FEL are still on it. Putting a bagger on the lawn tractor is much cheaper than the grass catcher for the Kubota-also not as efficient. I use the BX for everything else and I have a Wheel Horse for mowing & am very happy with that set-up. The BH & FEL come off & on very easily, but I wouldn't want to have to do that every time I mow. Another advantage is you mentioned getting a larger tractor, but were concerned about mowing.
Just another view. Good luck.

 

[Henro]

CurtisB,

Here's my penny's worth...

The BX23 is a fine small machine. I have a BX2200, which is the same size. So I have a good feel for the BX.

Two things I don't like about the BX is the relatively low ground clearance and the smaller than normal "cat 1" three point hitch.

A sub issue with the low ground clearance is the plastic cooling fan and hydraulic filter that is under there, just waiting to be damaged by something you run over, if you get into any rough stuff.

Myself, If I were pretty sure I was going to find myself on five acres in the not too distant future, I would consider a slightly larger tractor. You can still get a good grass cut with something like a B7510 or B7610, and you get a tractor that has more ground clearance, less hanging off the BOTTOM waiting to be damaged, and a much more capable 3PH.

Sure it costs more...but you get more functionality, at least in my opinion.

I like my BX for what it is, but I USE my larger B series tractor for most work. Part of the reason for that is that I don't have a loader or backhoe on the BX. Have them on the larger tractor.

I would suggest you take a second look at the slightly larger B series tractors before making your final decision on the BX.

I am only saying that because you are going to be on five acres or so in the future, and I KNOW in my case on 3.7, if I had to have only ONE tractor, it would be larger than the BX and smaller than the B2910/B3030.

Whatever you end up buying though, you are going to love. That is for sure... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Oh, almost forgot. The thing I LOVE THE BEST about the BX, is the solid feel on the cross slopes. Now that is with four filled tires and mostly with the MMM on. It is probably the most stable FEELING Kuboat small tractor on a side slope.

 

[Junkman]

Just check with the dealer to make sure that you get the 4 position loader valve. I haven't heard for certain that it is now standard on the BX 23. You will need this if you are ever to install a snowblower or sweeper.... Junk..

 

[SCB]

In my signiature I have a link to some photos of what I have done with the BX23. I think it will fit your needs very well.

 

[jim_wilson]

Remember to get a toothbar for the FEL bucket when you get the tractor - if you are going to be doing any digging at all with the FEL you will want it. Of all the accessories I got with my BX23 the toothbar has been the best money spent by far. You will like the BX23 and I am sure you will get good use out of it. Like Henro said and I also mentioned in my posts you could probably do with a larger tractor - but, the BX23 will get done what you want to get done. If down the road you decide you really do need a larger tractor you will be able to sell or trade the BX and get decent $$ for it so you pretty much can't go wrong.