Buying Advice New BX vs What is the New Competition worth a look ?

[AxleHub]

Clunky looking ?!?!?!?!?

Clunky / less compact looking

My comment was based on the width of the unit and front wheels/axle area. Both the cabelas 25 and the mahindras I saw are more of a fullback rather than a halfback- runningback. Ground clearance is desired but not taller machine or bulkier. But that viewpoint is due to my needs. I also have 20 to 30 degree hills to cut and tight steering conditions. Thats why a 48 inch deck is desired.

 

[George the Beagle]

On paper the bx1870s would appear to be my natural choice. But I'm concerned that I may have future needs for a 23 hp size.

Quite honestly, I wouldn't worry about that. I have a BX1860 and next door to me lives a BX2360 which I've also used. Not a whole lot of difference. I have multiple attachments, including a wood chipper, that my tractor powers very nicely indeed. I think some folks think they may need the extra hp just because it's available. BTW, my 54" deck never scalps and is fairly handy getting close to obstructions.

Also, don't forget you've posted your question on a Kubota forum, which certainly will result in most responses being pro-Kubota. Having said that, I shopped pretty intently before purchasing mine and four years later have no regrets whatsoever.

 

[grm61]

Dunno what they have for mowers, but the Massey GC2410 looks like a nice little tractor with some nice features.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyZGCftvOY

More Massey vs Kubota https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5qxZK4VCfA

 

[AxleHub]

Quite honestly, I wouldn't worry about that. I have a BX1860 and next door to me lives a BX2360 which I've also used. Not a whole lot of difference. .

George, if you've used both . . Have you seen any measurable difference in fuel consumption or sound, speed of attachments, or physical size? What would your neighbor say about yours vs his

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Kubota is the leader in the space for a reason. The BX has been the best combination of features, quality and value for over a decade now.

 

[Baby Grand]

Kubota is the leader in the space for a reason. The BX has been the best combination of features, quality and value for over a decade now.

I think Neil has identified the real difference - time at task.
Kubota has a decade of experience with what works & what doesn't with the BX's formerly unique geometry.
The other mfrs certainly are taking the BX evolution into consideration in their new designs, but there's a difference between what you get when you've been thinking about and doing something for a long time vs coming to it fresh. Sometimes fresh wins, but I wouldn't bet too hard against a long history of success, either.

 

[AxleHub]

I think Neil has identified the real difference - time at task.
Kubota has a decade of experience with what works & what doesn't with the BX's formerly unique geometry..

That certainly is reasonable thinking.

 

[AxleHub]

But complacency can be an issue too. I've been studying some of the competitive feature differences created in the last 2 years by other vendors. I note several vendors seem to now build a somewhat larger frame subcompact than kubotas (same size engines) with bigger fel buckets and weight lifting numbers etc.. I can't determine if that is design improvement or still trying to catch up to kubota. I also notice larger tire sizes and higher sitting heights etc.. It seems almost like a new category between a scut and a cut with kubota being the small format scut.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I note several vendors seem to now build a somewhat larger frame subcompact than kubotas .

We had one of those when New Holland did the T1110 some years ago. Like anything, there are design trade offs with everything. When you do this usually have higher capacities, because after all its a larger tractor masquerading as a small one. What you give up is things like turning radius and mower deck lift height (since these are cast though frame designs and not ladder frames). IMO.. I don't see the point... just put the right tires on the tractor so you can have proper ground clearance.

 

[AxleHub]

We had one of those when New Holland did the T1110 some years ago. Like anything, there are design trade offs with everything. When you do this usually have higher capacities, because after all its a larger tractor masquerading as a small one. What you give up is things like turning radius and mower deck lift height (since these are cast though frame designs and not ladder frames). IMO.. I don't see the point... just put the right tires on the tractor so you can have proper ground clearance.

I 've observed a number of vendors who produced scut offerings to compete with Kubota 6 or 8 years ago that was "1st attempt" product. Normally a specialty product market trying to develop to a "commodity market" from a specialty market . . has it. Cheaper designs, lower quality, and fast replication and . . . a "pained" group of buyers that don't get quite what they expected. My list back 6 or 8 years ago scut considerations was just kubota and cub cadet - compared to the newbie entrants. But these last 2 years is the refinement period where many have finer tuned concepts.

But as yet I'm surprised that several scut vendors building for the market . . are trying to alter what the scut market is. It seems some new product I've recently viewed want to compete in the scut market using a cut market sizing. The tire and rim sizes are just one of several indicators. I'll be looking at several choices of product vendors/brands this next week . . . I wish our area had a Messick's type of dealers.