looking for advice

[check 6]

Several months ago I purchased a Kubota BX 2360 tractor. I have been very happy with it, and have used the front loader for moving dirt and the chain hooks on the loader to help neighbors pull small dead trees and fence posts. When I bought it I choose a box blade for the rear to provide counter balance for a load in the front loader ( did not want a rock box). However I have learned that the little bit of grading that I do is easier with the front bucket as I can better see what I am doing. So, I'm working with my dealer fro a more useful rear implement that not only provides balance fora loaded front bucket but is useful in its on right. Kind of leaning towards a back hoe ( my wife would rather I not use a hand shovel because of a back issue)

The issue gets more complex as adding a back hoe to the 2360 would utilize the three point hitch in the rear a better option would be to trade the 2360 on a BX 2500 as the back hoe is stronger as it is built into the tractor frame. My BX 2360 has only 12 hours on it and is stored inside all the time. My dealer will give me a fair trade but it will still be a significant upgrade.

Now, looking for comments, I do not use the tractor for mowing as I have a Kubota ZD1800.

Looking for comments especially from people that have the 2500 and or have upgraded their 2360. Also suggestions on other rear implements. I have considered a post hole digger but a lightweight one would not work in our Texas clay. Thanks in advance

 

[leonz]

Several months ago I purchased a Kubota BX 2360 tractor. I have been very happy with it, and have used the front loader for moving dirt and the chain hooks on the loader to help neighbors pull small dead trees and fence posts. When I bought it I choose a box blade for the rear to provide counter balance for a load in the front loader ( did not want a rock box). However I have learned that the little bit of grading that I do is easier with the front bucket as I can better see what I am doing. So, I'm working with my dealer fro a more useful rear implement that not only provides balance fora loaded front bucket but is useful in its on right. Kind of leaning towards a back hoe ( my wife would rather I not use a hand shovel because of a back issue)

The issue gets more complex as adding a back hoe to the 2360 would utilize the three point hitch in the rear a better option would be to trade the 2360 on a BX 2500 as the back hoe is stronger as it is built into the tractor frame. My BX 2360 has only 12 hours on it and is stored inside all the time. My dealer will give me a fair trade but it will still be a significant upgrade.

what to do with a BX2360

If you use a tree transplanting auger with a wide tapered cut the clay will be no match for it, you can buy several sizes of tree transplanting augers.

Now, looking for comments, I do not use the tractor for mowing as I have a Kubota ZD1800.

Looking for comments especially from people that have the 2500 and or have upgraded their 2360. Also suggestions on other rear implements. I have considered a post hole digger but a lightweight one would not work in our Texas clay. Thanks in advance

 

[Grandad4]

You should know that Woods makes a very nice add-on backhoe for the BX series. It's on a par with the factory backhoe on the BX25, but made for folks like you (and me) who didn't get the factory one and want to add one later. Does not use the 3 pt hitch... has a subframe, etc. like the factory version. There have been a number of folks here on TBN that have had good success adding the Woods product to their BX tractors. Your Kubota dealer may not handle Woods equipment (since Kubota has some kind of marketing agreement with a competitor, Landpride), so you'd probably have to find it at another place.

As noted, I likewise did not get a Kubota BX backhoe, just bought the tractor and FEL, and have regretted it ever since. I still haven't bought the Woods backhoe, but it certainly has tempted me!

You will have to decide whether it makes financial sense for you to keep your present tractor and add a Woods backhoe to it, or trade your virtually new unit for a BX25.

Oh, and I'd encourage you to not give up on that box blade. Its use is a bit tricky, but it can do a useful job with practice. Although we have larger equipment, we have many situations where the small size of the BX gets into places not othewise reachable.

 

[BeezFun]

I cut up a weight lifting bar and welded draw pins on the end, I use that for ballast and it was free. Picked up weight plates at garage sales over the years for nothing, people usually are happy to get rid of them for nothing. It's small, sits in the corner when I don't need it, and is easy to put on as much or little weight as you want. In the summer my bush hog is enough weight, but that's kind of big and clunky to have on if you're using FEL very much.

I'd so much like a backhoe that I'd encourage you to go that way if you've got the money. I rent a B21 when I need a backhoe, it's only a couple hundred a day which isn't bad, but I can only afford to do that if I have a whole days work lined up. Usually I just have some piddly job that would only take a half hour.

 

[check 6]

Interestingly when I looked up dealers for Woods equipment my local Kubota dealer's name came up. I have bought a lot from him and we are going to talk several options tomorrow. Keep those comments coming they all help in the decision process. thanks

 

[oldnslo]

Devil's Avocate time:

A couple of items to consider.

Are you working in tight quarters where having the ability to remove the rear weight would be a bonus? I suspect removing and installing the BH would be more of a challenge that the box blade.

Do you have height limitations where the back hoe could be a problem?

Reason for these questions is to help you look at some other possible potential issues.

Roy

 

[ChuckinNH]

Now is the perfect time to review your needs, and experience. The Woods backhoe is an option, but you will find the ROPS a bit low, or I would anyway. The BX25 is more money, and a better backhoe option because of it's intergration with the tractor, but if you don't mow with the BX at all, this is a great time to look into how well that size is serving your needs. I had a BX22, and loved the backhoe, and still miss it often, but I just needed a tractor that was better in my woods for working on my trails, etc. Now I just "need" to have a backhoe again.

 

[keyman1808]

I have never used the 3pt on my bx24. But the bh comes off real easy and quick. It goes back on just as fast. Less than 5 minutes each way.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

If you really want a backhoe (BH), I would trade up to the BX25. We had originally wanted to get a BX2660 and maybe get an aftermarket backhoe in the future, but after we weighed the options, we decided to get the factory backhoe up front and go with the BX25...

As far as removing the BH, I think my 3-point carryall takes longer to hitch up and remove then the backhoe...IMO

:thumbsup:

 

[BXpanded]

If you really want a backhoe (BH), I would trade up to the BX25. We had originally wanted to get a BX2660 and maybe get an aftermarket backhoe in the future, but after we weighed the options, we decided to get the factory backhoe up front and go with the BX25...

As far as removing the BH, I think my 3-point carryall takes longer to hitch up and remove then the backhoe...IMO

:thumbsup:

Shoot! It takes me longer to take off my boots than to take off my Backhoe!!!:laughing::laughing:

‪FAST Kubota
BX 24 Backhoe Removal on BXpanded Dolly‬‏ - YouTube

 

[Kubotamanjh]

I have the bx 24 with backhoe and 60 inch mmm! I a s absolutely love it. The front loader and backhoe come off in 10 minutes a piece easily! I have owned it since new in 2007! I could not live without my backhoe! I own 6 acres and I so side work with it all the time. It is the most useful tool I have ever owned! I decided last year to get a 60 inch mmm and that was a great decision! You can't go wrong upgrading to the bx 25 if you have the money! I am very pleased with kubota products!

 

[BXinNH]

I have been very happy with my BX24. If you can afford it, trade the 2360 and get a BX25 and a thumb for the backhoe. You won't regret it. :thumbsup:

Matt.

 

[Grandad4]

Shoot! It takes me longer to take off my boots than to take off my Backhoe!!!:laughing::laughing:

‪FAST Kubota
BX 24 Backhoe Removal on BXpanded Dolly‬‏ - YouTube

That may not be a good thing! The boots, that is. :laughing:

 

[City Dude]

Looking for comments especially from people that have the 2500 and or have upgraded their 2360. Also suggestions on other rear implements. I have considered a post hole digger but a lightweight one would not work in our Texas clay. Thanks in advance

I would not waste time on a PHD with the conditions you have. Rent a bobcat that can put the pressure needed to cut into your cement Texas soil!
I purchased a used L4610 that had the Woods 9000 backhoe on it. This is not the 3 point attachment. Best investment I ever made. Takes a little used to taking it off and putting it on, just find a level location and follow the instructions.

 

[OrangeRidge]

My dealer will give me a fair trade but it will still be a significant upgrade.

A new BX2360 , just for a bit of FEL work , and now
you're thinking of BH . How many hours use has/will this equipment
give you ? Maybe ( bit late now ) you should have gone the 5year
/250hr secondhand B26 in the first place ; or forget it and stay
as you are . How many rocks/trenches do you have in mind ?

 

[jakell2010]

Can you load tires?,,,,

 

[check 6]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the comments No decisions made yet, reviewing the options and actual needs vs desires. I do enjoy mechanical toys and my time to enjoy them is running out.

 

[wrooster]

I purchased a Kubota BX 2360 tractor.
...
Kind of leaning towards a back hoe
...
Now, looking for comments, I do not use the tractor for mowing as I have a Kubota ZD1800.

a couple of thoughts:

1) you already have a mower so a TLB would have been a good complement to it. getting there now is likely the expensive option... e.g., trade your BX2360 for a BX25 or similar.

2) the cheapest solution (mechanized, at least) is to rent a Mini-Ex whenever you need to dig big jobs. i don't know where you live in relation to civilization, but where i live the rental place will drop a Mini-Ex in your driveway at 8AM and pick it up at 6PM for $150/day, and even less on a per day basis for multiple day rentals. hence, if you can consolidate your projects such that you can work for say two days straight with the Mini-Ex, you will come out WAY ahead compared to buying a backhoe attachment. and, as anyone will tell you, even a small Mini-Ex digs about 10X faster than a TLB, so you can get a lot of work done.

ps:
even my wife got a kick out of operating the Mini-Ex (within reason of course -- it takes a bit of practice/experience not to break everything within reach of the radius of the arm!)

wrooster

 

[LBrown59]

Several months ago I purchased a Kubota BX 2360 tractor. Kind of leaning towards a back hoe ( my wife would rather I not use a hand shovel because of a back issue) .
1*The issue gets more complex as adding a back hoe to the 2360 would utilize the three point hitch in the rear a better option would be to trade the 2360 on a BX 2500 as the back hoe is stronger as it is built into the tractor frame.
My BX 2360 has only 12 hours on it and is stored inside all the time. My dealer will give me a fair trade but it will still be a significant upgrade.
2*Looking for comments especially from people that have the 2500 and or have upgraded their 2360.

1*I don't know of any manufactuer that makes a 3 point BH for the BXs.
Which is good cause you don't want anything to do with a 3 point BH.
2*Get the BX25 or the woods BH for your BX2360.
It's on a par with the factory backhoe on the BX25, but is made for folks like you who made the mistake of getting the the BX2360 instead of a BX25.

You should know that Woods makes a very nice add-on backhoe for the BX series.
3*Your Kubota dealer may not handle Woods equipment (since Kubota has some kind of marketing agreement with a competitor, Landpride), so you'd probably have to find it at another place.
4* I likewise did not get a Kubota BX backhoe,
have regretted it ever since.

3*Land pride doesn't offer a BH for the BX tractors so I should expect your dealer could get you the woods BH.
4*I made sure that didn't happen to me by buying a BX23 instead of a BX2230.

The Woods backhoe is an option,
5*but you will find the ROPS a bit low, or I would anyway. The BX25 is more money, and a better backhoe option because of it's intergration with the tractor,

5*That' is one draw back with going with a wooks over Kubota BH.

6*I have never used the 3pt on my bx24.

 

[keyman1808]

Its true I never even unpacked the 3PTH hardware. I have no implements to use on the rear. I have a bagger for my MMM but that goes on the BH mounts. Until this year I never even took my BH off. But the Kubota BH goes on and off very easily. Like many said price out a woods BH verses trading up for a BX25. Also see what the going prices are if you sell you machine outright to a private party. You may get more that way for it than in trading. The only drawback is it may take longer to sell so that you can get your BX25.