Questions: Usefulness of a Compact Tractor

[easternhunter]

Guys,

We have 70+ mostly wooded acres. We keep 3-5 acres clear and cut. Our 35 year old Power King finally died its last death last year. Have been using a little JD lawn tractor to do the mowing but it is right at its limits. Have never had the tools to do many of the things I wanted to do.

I was able to acquire an almost new Kubota BX24 with an FEL and B/H. The manual and hitch parts were lost in the transition between owners and have been acquired.

In the long run would like to be able to do some digging, maintain a 100 yard driveway, cut the grass, cut and rake some hay, turn some small garden spaces of an acre or so, and perhaps do some post hole digging.

The BX24 was a significant investment for me and the available cash is limited for a while. Thinking about the tasks that are kinda hard on me as I get older ... the garden comes to mind. Have a Troy Built Horse tiller which works fine once the ground is broken up some. Therefore thought a single blade plow might be valuable investment given the available monies.

Understand that the BX24 is far from an ideal platform for big work. Would something like:

Compact Plow for Tractor | eBay

be useful for initial prep of small garden plots?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[oldnslo]

Does this BX24 include the MMM (Mid Mount Mower) and 3 point hitch components? If not you would not have a mower nor any way to use a one bottom plow without making further investments.

 

[oldballs]

I'd say that your BX would do fine for an acre plot of plowing with the single 12 inch plow. And the price is reasonable considering that I paid $500 for a name brand that is built somewhat better than the one shown in your picture. In my estimation, the BX can do it even though it sits a bit low for such plow work. Other TBN members have done such with their BX as I used to.

Cheer, Mike

 

[easternhunter]

The BX24 was shipped with all of the components for the 3 point hitch ... but some of the parts for this unit were lost between owners. The hitch kit in being shipped now.

My BX24 was not shipped with a mid mount mower thought it has the PTO for one. What other MMM components are required for such a plow?

 

[oldballs]

The plow just mounts to the 3 pt lower arms with a top link. A (MMM) mid mount mower has got nothing to do with the 3 pt. The MMM comes in 54 and 60 inch widths using a driveshaft for hook up.

 

[easternhunter]

oldones,

Thanks for setting my mind at ease on the MMM. Is how I thought it worked. MMM in the queue for next year I think.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

What kind of tires does your BX24 have? Your BX should have plenty of power to pull that single bottom moldboard plow, but traction could be the limiting factor if you have turf tires on it.

 

[jim_wilson]

If you're thinking of mowing with that tractor - and you're short on money (it sounds like you don't have the lottery to spend on these things) - look into a rear mount (mounts on the 3 point) - mower for that tractor. It will be significantly less money than the mid-mount mower from Kubota.

It's a good season to start looking for them on Craigslist - they will go for less money in the off-season than they will once the good weather hits.

I picked up a Landpride 60" rear finish mower last year in the very early spring for $650 for my Kubota B3200. It's got some rust here and there - but it works fine and was significantly less $$ than a brand new one.

 

[easternhunter]

Guys,

BX24 has ribbed tires rather than turf tires. Should be good to go for that.

Have been watching Craig's List and the local market paper as well. Haven't seen much so far.

 

[jeff9366]

That is a pretty good price for a new plow. However, if you plow you will have to knock down the furrows in the Spring. In a garden, this could be done with a rake.

If the garden soil has been worked before consider a Tandem Disc Harrow, with notched pans, front and rear. You would want 12/16" diameter notched pans. Disc Harrow will mix the soil, rather than turn soil, but it is a more versatile implement and will leave your garden relatively smooth compared to a plow. However a Disc Harrow suitable for a BX might not have enough weight to cut unbroken ground.

LINKS:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/17639-disc-harrows-bx.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/187044-mold-board-plow-kubota-bx.html

https://store.howseimplement.com/in...t_en/disc-harrow-12-16-blades-w-ball-brg.html