Purchasing a BX1500

RickHoward · Sep 11, 2003

Hello to all from a first time poster/long time reader,
Need some advice. Some may think im crazy (my wife does). I am currently in the US Air Force getting ready to retire in the near future with 20plus years service. Currently live in a residential neighborhood with less than .5 acres. After pushing a lawn mower for the last 6 years, i finally talked the wife into a riding tractor. To tell the truth, buying the average craftsman/or other brand kind of turns my stomach. My plans after retirement are to return to my home state of Florida and purchase a couple of acres to live/build on. I am cosidering making the plunge and buying the new Kubota BX1500 and using it here and on my future properties. I know this is way more tractor than i need right now (probably get chuckles from the neighbors). My loving wife has given me the go ahead to do this. I guess this all stems back to when i was a teen and my dad had purchased some property in NC. He was torn between a run of the mill and garden tractor or stepping up to a Mitsubishi compact tractor (i think it was MB372 or something similar). Well he decided on the Mitsu and boy was it a godsend in clearing land, pulling stumps, or doing what ever else we asked it to do. It was just one of those great decisions. So i am thinking of buying the Kubota, using it on my residense now, taking great care of it, then using it on my property in Florida. I know they arent going to get any cheaper in the future and i love the versatility and longevity of it. As you can see, im trying to justify this in my own mind and need some help doing so. I am being quoted $8500 out the door with the 54" inch deck. Is this a good idea? Love to hear from you.

chrisjbell · Sep 11, 2003

You're in a very similar situation as my father in law. He has about 2/3 of an acre and wanted a tractor that could handle a loader. Didn't make sense to look at larger, used tractors (can't imagine the looks the neighbors would give you if you got a big one on a smaller lot), but finally decided that the price tag on the smaller ones was too high.

The BX1500 is a full service tractor in a miniature size. You can put a loader on it (and I'd highly recommend one) and it can handle some 3PH attachments. You probably would want to choose a belly mower, since I'd guess that'd be one of its prime uses, but a rear finish mower (RFM) is also a possibility. Don't think it can handle a backhoe, but you probably wouldn't use one much (rent something if the need comes up).

The BX2200 (or the replacement - they're putting out a new version, I think) is a step up, but you get a lot more tractor in a not much larger size. It'll handle most 3PH implements and can be fitted with a backhoe. The folks that have them just rave about them.

You should also check out the smaller offerings from John Deere and New Holland. I don't know much about those lines, but they are also great machines. However, I don't think they have anything as small (and sort of "affordable" /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif) as the BX1500.

You're definatly overbuying for such a small property, but it sounds like you're looking for something that you can have some fun with, and I'm all in support of that! Sounds like you deserve to get yourself a nice machine to care for what you have, and you can be sure that you'll have a great tractor to work on your next property (those small tractors can do some amazing work).

Finally, I want to thank you for your years of service to our country. I really appreciate it. Welcome to the TBN community and keep us posted on what you wind up with. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

TheKid · Sep 11, 2003

It might be over kill for your current situation but if you are planning on moving to a couple of acres you'll wish you had it. The price you were quoted is real close to what I paid for mine, and I think I got a good deal. I used a Craftsman riding mower for about four years before I came to my senses. Go for it. You won't be sorry.

B7500 · Sep 11, 2003

Chris,
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Finally, I want to thank you for your years of service to our country. I really appreciate it. )</font>
I second that.
-Terry

Will_C · Sep 11, 2003

Rick; Today,of all days, another thank you for your service!!
I think you can do a bit better on price. Search this forum, I know there aret hreads where pricing has been discussed. A good rule of thumb on the smaller Kubotas is that a good price for a tractor and a MMM is the retail price of the tractor alone, give or take a few hundred dollars.
Will

alvanko · Sep 11, 2003

Why not look for a Mitsubishi like your Dad had ? There are still quite a few around and are great little tractors for now and in the future.If you do get more property , you can probably sell the MT372 for what you paid for it . I have one and use it to mow my 1 acre lot and the property where I grew up on ,I "brush hog" 3 acres with a rotary cutter . Great little tractors ! Probably one of the first "sub-compact" tractors.

RickHoward · Sep 11, 2003

First off i want to thank all of you for the kind words. It is truly an honor to work with all the professionals in the military. Ive seen a lot of things happen in the past 20 years of my career but the one constant was the professionalism and devotion of those i have served with. From the commanders, NCOs and airmen, they truly represent the best of what this country has to offer. The neat thing about the military is you throw a couple of guys and gals together from PA, NY, FL, CA, OH with all of their different accents and regional differences and before long, we all talk the same and think the same and are moving in the same direction to get the job done. Rest assured that your miltary is a great organization with great people. Best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks again. Now about the tractor. I cant remember the last time i saw a mitsubishi tractor. Would love to find a real nice used one but here in Delaware, everything seems to be Kubota, NH, and a few MF. I have been looking hard and seems for anything decent, they want nearly full price. The funny thing is that Mitsu my dad bought about 27 years ago is still running fine but it ended up at my sister's house (to my chagrin) because my sister and her husband had a need for it before i did. So, my dad gave it to her. Rightfully so, but gosh, i kind of always wanted that blue mule. As some one mentioned, i would love to step up to the BX2200, but my wife is on the edge now with the 1500. Dont think she would go for another 1500 hundred bucks. On a side note. I have a new Pequea trailer, single axle 3500lbs 5x9 ft bed. Nice heavy duty single axle trailer. I am pretty comfy with the thought of the 1500 fitting this trailer but the 2200 is pushing the envelope i think. Not that i will be towing it much, but does anyone have any concerns with putting the 1500 on this trailer? Thanks again for you nice remarks and advice. Rick

Will_C · Sep 11, 2003

Rick; No weight problems with your trailer, but the 9' length makes trailering a FEL quite an experience. You would have to the loader in the air over the tongue. Don't know if that (FEL) is in your plans. The width would present no problems with a 54" MMM, but fenders or rails would cause problems with a 60" deck.
Will

Henro · Sep 11, 2003

Rick,

Ok, money is an issue...and the only one that can relate to the money issue is the one who is spending it!

BUT...the reality of tractor pricing is that you get more for your money when you step up a size...or two...or more.

I have a B2910 and wanted something smaller to cut grass with and do other chores sometimes.

The BX2200 just seemed like the best buy for the dollar, as compared to the BX1500. I could have gone either way. I chose the BX2200 and don't regret that decision.

Just seem like you get a lot more for a bit more in price.

Think out your decision carefully. You may only get one shot at buying a tractor...choose wisely...

Slamfire · Sep 12, 2003

Well the guys here will be happy to spend your money on their favorite. If your Chief Financial Officer gives you the clearance on the 1500 take the money and run to the nearest dealer and spend it. Once you get to Florida, you can reopen negotiations, right now she's a bit worried about the size of your pension, and will grow used to it in a couple of years. Good luck and happy tractoring.