Buying Advice Looking for suggestions, critisims, options and just plain advice

[Paul Nic]

Back ground first.

We have about 3 achers on the water. This consists of about 1/4 lawn and 3/4 woods. There are a lot of rocks (limestone)and its somewhat hilly towards the road. The woods is mainly ash and the emerald ash boarer is killing them off quickly around here. So it's time to ckear them out. Presently have a 20 year old 15hp JD lawn tractor that has seen better days. We live in central Ontario.

So here is what I am targeting:

Kubota BW23S c/w 3rd function valve, ssqr and back hoe thumb

Pat's 3 point hitch system

Woodmaxx flail mower FM-54

BXpanded Piranha tooth bar, quickon bucket hooks, skid plate, ripper, quickon back hoe connector.

Please feel free to point out if I am a total idiot or offer some alternatives. As we all know this stuff is costly and mistakes are even more costly.

Also I know I need a graple

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[oldnslo]

BX models have limited ground clearance and will also require belly pan - brush guard to protect the HST fan. My preference would be to look at models similar to "B" series Kubota for added ground clearance and stronger loader & back hoe.

good luck on your search.

 

[MaineGuy1]

I love my BX 25D. I have a couple acres on the water and use if for landscaping. I dig up rocks, make paths, move dirt, maintain gravel drive, move wood, etc. You will love your 23, they are agile and can do a lot of work. I love my BX for tight spots and cornering, lifting heavy stuff into the back of my truck, moving stuff, etc. You can't go wrong with it.

 

[jeff9366]

With a Backhoe + thumb why are you considering a grapple?

VIDEO: The downside to a skid steer quick coupler - TMT - YouTube


While BX ground clearance is just nine inches, operating over three acres you can use the FEL + Piranha Toothbar to clear paths into the woods if necessary.

The BXpanded Ripper will be money well spent loosening stumps.

A BX is a good transition from a Garden Tractor.


Consider Bro-tek too. A Canadian company.

LINK: Bro-Tek

 

[Paul Nic]

Thanks oldnslo. The B is a lovely machine no doubt about it. I just might have to take another look at that one. My concern with the B was the size and trying fo fit it into some tight spaces. My idea is at this stage of life I am done leaning on a shovel and just need 95% ofthe time a lawn mower. The other 5% I feel it just takes me longer with the small machine. For the really big big stuff a buddy has an excavation company.

 

[Paul Nic]

Hi jeff, I am considering all these options and always looking for suggestions from the more experienced like yourself.

My thoughts were this. hoe and thumb would woks great for gidding out rocks and tree stumps.
The graple can do some of this as well for sure, but more for the general dragging out and carrying that bulky debris. We all just get to that point in life where carrying out the wood and branches after dropping a tree becomes too much. At 60 that is sort of where I'm at and it wont be better at 70.

 

[Paul Nic]

That was my thinking and you have covered most of my needs. There just are way too many choices, options etc.Its totally mind boggling. I had no idea what was out there until I got the bug. The more I look the more confused I get.

 

[jeff9366]

BX has a two-range HST transmission. You cannot drag much weight with a BX. It is not geared as low as a heavier tractor with a three-range HST transmission, such as a Kubota 'B'.

VIDEO: Kubota BX Series VS. B Series - YouTube


All grapples mount with SSQA which reduces grapple lift 130 pounds in itself.

I would buy an attachment like ULTRAFORKS for the FEL, rather than a grapple. With the limited lift capacity of a BX, Ultraforks are perfect match to the FEL. Many venders make similar attachments, often named manure forks. Grapple is needlessly complicated on a BX.

I recommend 24" tine length.

LINK: Multi-Spear Ultra Fork


KEEP IT SIMPLE.

 

[Paul Nic]

WOW! Exactly! Those multi-spear units look amazing. Have you seen those beauties in action?

 

[jeff9366]

No.

However, I have a Bucket Spade from Bucket Solutions which I have used regularly for seven years. The quality is exceptional. I expect Bucket Solutions' Ultraforks are equal quality. I used the Bucket Spade today to transplant multiple Palm trees.



Backhoe is perfect counterbalance to heavy FEL loads.

ULTRAFORKS VIDEO: New Multi Spear Utility Forks by BucketSolutions.com - YouTube