Looking for subcompact TLB - recommendations?

KiotiJohn · Jun 16, 2004

Jim, as a Kioti CK20HST owner, I can tell you it's a great tractor. Given it's size and weight, it will hold up to all that you want to do and then some. It's been my experience, and I've read here that it's others' experience that they ALWAYS find plenty of other uses for their tractors that they hadn't at first realized. If you buy the Kioti, buy it with someone elses BH as the bucket for Kioti comes with welded teeth. I don't know if Woods is yet making one for that model, but they sure make good backhoes for other Kioti models and I think they all have pinned on teeth. Of course, I have the Kioti BH and don't find the welded teeth to be a problem at all and I can get a pretty smooth bottom even with them on. As for single cylinder loaders, I've never liked them. I like the evenness of one on each side, each giving support to the outer parts of the bucket rather than only in the middle. I'm sure there are people out there that will say it's not a problem to them, so it's like all else, a subjective opinion and You'll have to decide. As far as sub-cuts go, I'd go with the Kubota over the Massey as the Massey was only designed to compete with the originator, Kubota, for that SCUT market, and I think the Kubota is better overall. If you buy new, don't plan to sell it too soon or you'll lose out to someone else who wants that new tractor and the great financing for a little more than you'll think your "newer used" tractor should be worth. Keep us "posted." John

Henro · Jun 16, 2004

I agree with Bob S. regarding the BX 3 PH.

But I think you should buy the BX. It is the smallest of the three (although the Massy is I believe almost as small) and still quite capable as a TLB.

When you are done with the projects you mentioned you might even use it for mowing. A bx is a good mower, and a mower deck even though it costs as much as a lawn tractor, will last decades if you store it under roof and maintain it properly.

I think the key is after the first year what do you want to have sitting there while you push that lawnmower?

If you have the money and desire, having a tractor is a great thing, especially with a loader and backhoe!

If money was the foremost issue, I bet it would make more sense to rent/pay someone though...and to be happy to get that exercise pushing that lawnmower... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I can't believe I said that! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

SCB · Jun 16, 2004

Well,
I have to disagree with Bob and Henro on this one point. I change between a rake, boxblade, and backhoe while working on my land clearing and I don't see an issue with the three point hitch. If I was changing implements 5-10 times a day, I may have a different opinion, but generally I will keep an implement on for a day or two and then switch.

For your 1/2 acre I think that you would be very happy with a BX23. I have only good things to say about mine. I have put it to some hard use and it just keeps amazing me.

Good luck on your search.

Henro · Jun 16, 2004

SCB,

And I have to admit that I have a 6' rake and back blade, since they are for use with my B2910. Still, my PHD also will not work AT ALL with the BX and I would not even try my 5' box blade[too big anyway]...someone told me that they could not use their sub soiler on their bx without much difficulty...meaning taking the top link loose at the end of each pass, or something like that...

If one gets the right sized implements I suppose the 3PH would not be an issue, but if one compares the physicals I don't think there is a question that the BX Cat 1 is lacking a bit. This is a BX owner speaking so I think I am being objective here... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

BotaGuy · Jun 16, 2004

I have a BX23, and for your uses, if you insist on buying it should high on the list. I have not even used 3 point attachments yet, and that was not a concern. All of my projects have been hoe, loader or mower.... lots of mowing duty. The BX is very manuverable, I can do loader, hoe and mowing chores in tight. The hydraulics are impressive for a small machine, and the hoe is extremely easy to control and feather. Don't worry about the single ram loader....lower parts count and the ram is out of the way in case something falls on the loader arms....look at the number one brand skidsteer..Bobcat and you will see a single center ram on all of them...not the mention the Kubota engine as well. Since you may be selling the unit, the Kubota will be easier to sell, and should retain a higher value....not to mention from some recent posts the BX23 seems to be less cost up front.

Really...the best piece of equipment for you would be a used Kubota B21, or B20 TLB. These are construction grade machines and will put all others discussed on this thread to shame. I have seen used B21 machines sell for 9000-14,000.

I have 20 hours on my BX23 and each feature, hoe, MM mower, and loader each come on and off in about 5 minutes each.

Good Luck!!

SCB · Jun 17, 2004

Point taken Henro,
I only have the two implements and they are matched to my tractor. There are phd's that mate up with the bx. However, In your situation with two (lucky dog) tractors I agree that sharing implements would definitely be an issue. That's the first I have heard about the subsoiler not mating up right. I hope to purchase one soon. Now I may have to look into it a little closer. Thanks for the tip.

KiotiJohn · Jun 17, 2004

( That's the first I have heard about the subsoiler not mating up right. I ) Seems like there was a thread about that not too long ago. Someone was having a time getting the subsoiler to work on the BX, but I can't remember the outcome. Maybe a search will turn it up. John

Henro · Jun 17, 2004

That's the first I have heard about the subsoiler not mating up right. I hope to purchase one soon. Now I may have to look into it a little closer. Thanks for the tip.


SCB,

If I remember right, the problem was that the BX2200 did not have enough lift to get the subsoiler up high enough, so to turn the tractor around at the end of each pass. The guy that mentioned this to me said he had to get off and take something loose to get it out of the ground. I believe he said the top link, so he could tilt it forward, pivoting on the lower arm ends, but I am not completely sure.

This was brought up by chance in an email conversation over a year ago so I don't remember the details. He happened to mention he had a BX when I by chance mentioned I was spending a lot of time on my Kubota tractor...which was taking time away from doing other things... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I never tried hooking my KK subsoiler to my BX. I should, since I drilled holes a bit higher in my lift rod ends to get more lift on the BX 3PH, and perhaps it may be enough. Doing that made it possible to swing a 6' landscape rake around without the end hitting the ground.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 17, 2004

( That's the first I have heard about the subsoiler not mating up right. )

I remember reading about this also. I have a subsoiler from Northern Tool and it BARELY works with my TC24, but the B2910 seems to have another couple inches of lift and works much better. The other problem with using it with the TC24 is that the tractor is too light and the wheels end up slipping because the subsoiler has too much "grab" on the soil, I only used it with the TC24 one time, but ended up making multiple passes to get it down to full depth. I would think a subsoiler on a BX would be that much worse, assuming you could hook it up. I suppose you could re-drill the holes on the the subsoiler itself but then it would not dig as deep and that sort of misses the point of a "sub" soiler /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif