New Holland TZ24 vs. Kubota BX2230

[CRaymond]

I’m in the market for a compact tractor. I live in Massachusetts and the property is 5 acres, just under 4 Acres are field/lawn. (I have no prior experience w/Tractors)

I’m primarily looking for a top notch, powerful mower; secondarily I want to snowblow a 100-foot drive in the winter. I also plan to use it for various yard/landscape activities and may get a FEL someday. I'm also very interested in reliability and long term performance.

After reading through this site I have narrowed the field and am focusing on:

Kubota BX2230
New Holland TZ24

Attachments: 60inch deck & snow blower attachments

My questions:
Are these the models/HP I should be focusing on? Any other models/size recommendations?

I've read both negative and very positive reviews of Kubota but not able to find much information on NH. Opinions on / experience with these is appreciated.

Can someone explain the relative pros/cons of each model? Is one better suited for the mowing/snowblowing I plan to do?

The NH is $800 more expensive but has 0% for 48 months, so they're not too far apart on price.

Thanks in advance,

- Craig

 

[bandit67]

I'd say those subcompacts are probably a good size for you as a new tractor user, and based on what you said you'd use a tractor for.

Keep in mind, though with that size property, you will probably soon realize that there is so much that you can use a tractor to do, that you'll end up adding lots of small landscaping projects to your to-do list /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. And so the implement purchases will begin. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Both machines are very good machines, so the only way to choose is to try both out to see which feels better. And of course, probably the most important factor is the quality of your dealer.

If you have a Case dealer nearby, you may also want to look at the Case IH models, as they are the same as the NH, except for the paint and headlights/grille. In some parts of the country, the Case models are a little cheaper.

Check out my pictures below to see my DX24E, the twin to the NH TZ24DA. I even have a shot of my Case and my neighbor's BX22, which is the backhoe version of the BX2230.

 

[Inspector507]

Craig,
Welcome to TBN.
As you well know, the TZ is a relatively new model. Not many have experience on them yet.
I think both will do you well. However you're limited to a front snow blower on the TZ series, if you buy NH brand.

There will be new models available in both the Case and NH line-up after the first of the year. With the top model being a TZ25DA.

 

[DanR67]

Craig -

Welcome to TBN!

I had some needs that required a bigger compact tractor - specifically bigger FEL (front end loader) capability - so I bought a Kubota B7610 (24 hp). But my *primary* task was also mower replacement - I am sure either of the models will more than satisfy you.

You mention that this is your first tractor purchase - are you comfortable doing maintenance tasks? (Similar - perhaps *slightly* more involved than doing car oil changes etc.)

The reason I ask is one of dealer / service support. If you plan on *do it yourself-ing* - then this may be somewhat less important. But if you plan to rely on them for regular servicing - then this should play a significant role in your decision.

While my Kubota has satisfied all my needs - I would carefully *test drive* both the models you are considering. By this I mean the following:
- compare *driving comfort* (pedal / control placement / noise level etc.)
- compare mower attachment / removal procedures - have the dealer demonstrate how *easy* to do
- compare snowblower attachment / removal - again have dealers demonstrate.

This should point you towards which tractor you will feel more comfortable operating.

You stated very specific needs (mowing / snowblowing) - if either dealer *doesn't have time* to demonstrate (Ok - maybe on a weekend if things are slower?) - then they likely don't deserve your business either!

Last suggestion: I was replacing a mower first and foremost - but loader work was definitely in the picture in my decision. If you realistically think that you *someday* will buy a loader - get it with the tractor:
1) It will DEFINITELY be cheaper than if you buy it later (ex free installation with delivery etc. / low finance rates w/ tractor)
2) The loader installation will definitely have to be done so as not to interfere with mower or snowblower attachment / operation. The loader subframe attaches in a way that might require *more* to be removed if installed later.
3) Most important: you will be amazed at the work you can get done! From moving piles of mulch and gravel - to just being a "power wheelbarrow" - I find the FEL is indispensable part of my tractor.

If you do decide for a FEL - also have the dealers show how it attaches / removes - should be fairly simple - mine comes on/off in less than 5 minutes with no tools.

Hope this helps - also browse the "Owning / Operating" forums of the different manufacturers - you'll get a good cross-section of happy customers and *common problems*.

Choosing is the hard part! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dan

 

[CRaymond]

Thanks for the warm welcome and feedback.

Given some of the feedback and comments in other threads I’m going to go back and give the compact tractor models a look.

Bandit67, could not find a local Case dealer.

Dan I see you’re from MA. I’m also from N.Central MA (Harvard)

Where did you purchase your Kubota?

I’m a bit torn on the dealer. I’m looking at 2 dealers, one that’s < 2 miles (Kubota only) and another larger dealer that’s within 30 miles (Kubota & NH and really seems to specialize in tractors).

I like my local dealer but am impressed with the knowledge and customer attention from the larger dealer. The other main difference is price. The local dealer would cost me well over $1,000 more for the same model (mainly because of sale tax).

Thanks again!

 

[MikeFromVA]

I was looking at those two tractors and the John Deere 4110 about 4 months ago. My property is similar in size (about 5 workable acres and a couple of acres of forest/swamp). After a ton of deliberating, I went up one size to a small CUT (JD4110). I wanted to make sure that I didn't get something too small for my lot. I am very happy with my purchase but there have been a few times when I have wished that I had gone a bit bigger.

Remember that all of these tractors will last many many years and will not lose much value after the initial loss for driving it away from the dealer (it seems that the smaller the tractor, the quicker it depreciates). What will you need for the tractor to do for you in 1,3,5,10 years? From waht I've heard and read, 5 acres is the largest lot you should try using a SCUT.

I know that I am talking about a bit more money, but I just wanted you to consider it...

 

[pekabu]

How about JD or Massey Ferguson? I live in NH, but work in Westford. I have been to Toreku to window shop. They seem to have a lot of tractor stuff there which is nice.

I recently visited the JD dealer Padula's. They had a lot of AG stuff. My cousin out on the NH seacoast tells me most people doing AG business in the area go to Padula's.

The people at both shops seemed real friendly.

Massey Ferguson has the GC23X0 which is a direct competitor to the BX/TZ line.

There have been a couple complaints about jerky loader movement on the TZ line. I haven't been following though. Check out the New Holland forum for more info. I have a TC and I really like it.

Where is the closest NH dealer? When I look at the New Holland website it tells me the two Chappell dealers, then Klems in Spencer.

 

[MrJoe]

I was in the same boat- blue, orange or red /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I followed the TBN advise and tried all three. Came down to 1. liked the dual pedals rather than the heel/toe type 2. BX semed a little louder (subjective I'll admit) 3. Case had a larger stock alternator, as big as the upgraded BX one 3. folding grilll guard on the Case made it easy to get to the radiator screen for cleaning 4. The Case FEL bucket is better built IMHO 5. Wife liked the red color better /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif 6. Have a great local dealer ( Bob Wolff at Woodbury Tractor) 20 min. up the road with 0% for three years.
DX24E, FEL, 60" mmm, front mounted snowblower - $16,000 tx incl, out the door /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DanR67]

Craig -

I live just north of Fitchburg - and I work *next door* to you in Devens.

I purchased from the nice folks over at Toreku Tractor in Harward. I liked the smaller, family style atmosphere - as I plan on having my B7610 for a long time.

I assume the NH / Kubota dealer you mentioned is Chappell Tractor in Milford, NH. I checked them out when I was comparing JD vs NH vs Kubota. Since the NH TC24 priced out considerably higher than the B7610 - I decided to stick with Toreku for my Kubota purchase because:
a) they are most convenient to my work < 10 mins
b) any price diff between Mass. & New Hampshire in *saved* taxes would likely be a wash - if the New Hampshire dealer delivers the tractor into Mass. he's obligated to charge & collect the Mass. Sales tax. (only if you pick it up yourself can you *save* this - but that's a roll of the dice).

I also checked out JD at Padula's - I agree that they seem more into the larger tractor / AG business. The day my wife and I visited to check out the JD models - we didn't get the *warm & fuzzy feeling*. In contrast - the folks at Toreku made her feel more comfortable, because she was (and still is, to a degree) intimidated with taking a CUT for a spin around the lot.

Judging by the relative sizes of the tractors on the lot at Toreku - they seem to cater more towards the home- / estate- / landscaping business owners - rather than the huge AG tractors - so I felt it a better match.

Distance-wise from home - it's dead even for me to go to either Toreku or Chappells - so service distance is a wash. Agreed - Chappells defintely has a big, beautiful showroom / service center - but I'll guess that they also have more overhead to cover - and they *pass the savings on to you*. I suppose if I couldn't get a part in stock at Toreku - I could always go to Chappells if I was in a jam.

I'd also guess that Chappells has *more experience*: more sales = more products in the field = more *experience* with problems, but based on Kubota's reputation - I'm not planning on having to deal with too many *big* problems - and I'll take care of the smaller ones myself.

The small size of the Toreku business is nice because they recognize me when I stop in & I can discuss any questions right with their mechanics, etc.

I would say that you would have no problems with their support - experience wise - given that you're looking at a smaller sub-CUT BX2230.

Hope that helps,

Dan

 

[CRaymond]

Does anyone have an opinion on using a FEL instead of a snowblower for snow removal? Costs are comparable but the FEL provides a lot more utility. I have 100-150 feet of driveway to clear.. opinions/comments are most welcome.