Comparison looking for feedback from other sub compact owners

Kevko · Mar 13, 2011

I am new and just joined this site to hopefully get some machine owners feedback to help me make the right choice for me. Not sure what to buy (basing things on performnce and features rather than price)
I am looking at the following sub compact FEL/BH systems Kubota BX CubCadet Sc2450 Massey GC2410 Deere 2305 and possibly Bobcat CT122 (I have dealers close by for all of these models.

I have done a comparison chart frm all the specifications I can find, along with reading numerous threads on the equipment I could Find for issues, problems and reviews. Looks like the Kubotas are problematic and have some quirks with hydraulic issues that I am not to thrilled about from what I read. The Cubcadet looks like the next best choice, but since they are only a few years in prodcution, it ishard to get the reliability history and longevity performance on them. The Massey machine looks like another good choice, but not sure if it has any issues with hydraulics and overheating the Kubotas seem to have. I could not find as much data on the Deere 2305 or the Bobcat unit to make a fair comparison with the others, Can any one tell me their experiences with the above tractors? Is more PTO Hp better? I am not going to use it for anything commercial just aroun my yard and my families yards for small projects.

Thank you for taking the time to help me.

Kevko

beenthere · Mar 13, 2011

Usually we recommend what we have for ourselves.
But, I'd suggest picking out the dealer you like first. Then go with that dealer for your needs. In the long run, most any compact will function and do what needs to be done.

But me, nothing but Deere.

Pixguy · Mar 13, 2011

beenthere said:
Usually we recommend what we have for ourselves.

Massey :thumbsup:

No issues.

TripleR · Mar 13, 2011

We have owned a BX2200 and now BX2660 with my son in law now owning our BX2200 and have not experienced any problems you mentioned. They are good, solid units.

We have a JD 2305 with which we have been less than pleased, but there are many happy owners. It is being replaced by the JD1023/1026 I believe which look like excellent tractors.

Cub Cadet is made by Yanmar which has a really good reputation. Massey as well as Bobcat/Kioti also make good machines.

I believe you will be happy with any machine from one of the top companies.

I recommend looking at all of them to find the one that fits you the best.

/pine · Mar 13, 2011

If you're buying new...play your (upper) hand to all the dealers
Ask to operate all the models you're interested in...see how each of the dealers treat you...make a decision on that.

devildog1 · Mar 13, 2011

I have had two Kubota's and am buying a third, never had any problems at all! First one was a BX23TLB, second was a B3200TLB and third one coming is GrandL3540, and I can't wait. Good luck with your choice, anyone of what you listed are good, just what you want and what fits you.
DevilDog

MKIHALL · Mar 13, 2011

Hello;
I also am looking at those machines among others and am posting as much so I can keep track of your feedback, but also to add some of the other machines in my chart (yes I've made one also, feel a little less obsessive knowing I'm not the only one)
Lotta folks love their Kubotas and JD, GC MF seems like a real strong machine, CC Yanmar can be had for less it seems and looks real smooth, Bobcat's seem very reliable (guess I'm no help) but don't forget about the LS (J2020 & J2030), Kioti CK20, TYM T233, and Mahindra 15 series, these that I mention seem to be more CUT than SCUT, but my analysis indicates price difference if any may be more than worthwhile, but to each his own.
Good luck!

jenkinsph · Mar 13, 2011

Kevko said:
I am new and just joined this site to hopefully get some machine owners feedback to help me make the right choice for me. Not sure what to buy (basing things on performnce and features rather than price)
I am looking at the following sub compact FEL/BH systems Kubota BX CubCadet Sc2450 Massey GC2410 Deere 2305 and possibly Bobcat CT122 (I have dealers close by for all of these models.

I have done a comparison chart frm all the specifications I can find, along with reading numerous threads on the equipment I could Find for issues, problems and reviews. Looks like the Kubotas are problematic and have some quirks with hydraulic issues that I am not to thrilled about from what I read. The Cubcadet looks like the next best choice, but since they are only a few years in prodcution, it ishard to get the reliability history and longevity performance on them. The Massey machine looks like another good choice, but not sure if it has any issues with hydraulics and overheating the Kubotas seem to have. I could not find as much data on the Deere 2305 or the Bobcat unit to make a fair comparison with the others, Can any one tell me their experiences with the above tractors? Is more PTO Hp better? I am not going to use it for anything commercial just aroun my yard and my families yards for small projects.

Thank you for taking the time to help me.

Kevko

Kevko, Welcome to the forum

What tasks do you have in mind and what are your priorities? Do you have steep slopes? Do you need front mounted snowblower or blade? Are you planning on a fel or backhoe? Do you have a clear area or lots of trees and shrubs? This type of information is helpful in determining the best fit for you.

ejkessler · Mar 13, 2011

One of the reasons you hear more about Kubota is that that are many times more out there in the subcompact class. For many years they were the only SUB TLB you could get. If you have almost 5 to 10 times more tractors out there it only makes numerical sense to you hear about these issues. I bet if you actually looked at percentages and actual true to form comparisons would find that Kubota is just as good if not better. JD didn't manage to really enter into the SUB TLB market into their new model line coming out. The other issue is where do any of these other less numerous tractors get serviced if the dealer either closes or goes elsewhere. The reality is JD and Kubota will almost always have that availability. Cub Cadet has been bought and sold so many times I bet they don't even know who owns them currently. They are living off of a very old reputation. Massey, tried and true but unfortunately fading away or very few around at best. They have never have been a big producer. Bobcat nice name but who knows on function yet, to new to tell. My first new tractor was a BX22 which I had for 3 1/2 years and never had an issue with it. Find a good dealer who actually KNOWS tractors, has a good rep, been around for awhile and likes working with you. Go from there.

Grandad4 · Mar 13, 2011

Welcome, Kevko. Good to see you doing your research. First, you need to know that all of the brands make decent quality subcompacts. There are no junkers, so you really are very unlikely get shafted no matter what you buy. As noted, Kubota is far and away the market leader with subcompacts and it would be a profoundly wrongheaded conclusion to think they sell a "problematic" product, no matter what a competitor or someone on the internet says. I've owned one, completely trouble free and hard working for 5 years, with no overheating, hydraulic issues or any other problem of any kind.

Many, probably most, of these little tractors are sold to people who have no experience with anything larger than a riding lawn mower. Their additional size and capability are tremendously empowering, but they do require a measure of prudence, common sense, and mechanical intuition that many new owners have not yet learned. Some of these owners blame their equipment when something doesn't cooperate with them.

You say you are just going to use your new tractor around the yard for small projects. For that kind of application, it's very easy to over-analyze the spec sheets and internet chatter and ignore the basic need to accomplish work in an effective manner. Go out, sit on and operate some of these machines to find one that you feel comfortable with. But first, try to come up with a specific list of projects or chores you expect to do with it. If it's mowing, you may find one that does that really well. If it's landscaping chores or gardening, you'll need to think of the tasks involved. Remember the tractor is just a means of moving and operating attachments that are doing the actual work.

I'm going way long with this message but just urge you to get specific about what you will be doing before you go shopping, then see how various models do those actual tasks, and don't obsess over whether one model has 5.763% more horsepower than another. :thumbsup: And good luck!