Recommendations for Replacement Tractor

[danielsumner]

I have a BX25D. It's in the shop, engine problems. Finally made Kubota understand the tractor is under powertrain warranty. Well I've made the decision that I don't want to keep the BX after it's fixed. I've discovered that the BX25 has quite a bit of trade in value. I don't have any need for the backhoe or belly mower. We have a little over 28 acres, this includes the main house and yard. Lots of woods, and about 12 acres of pastures to bush hog and maintain. Use the tractor a lot to pickup debris. Limbs and trees that fall ect. I want a tractor that is a bit larger. I'm going to trade in the 4 foot implements, bush hog, box blade ect. I want a tractor that will handle at least a 5 foot bush hog. I do need the front end loader. Any recommendations on what might best meet my needs. Also I don't know whether to get a HST or Gear drive. For me it doesn't' matter. I've concerned about the wife. We push up and burn a lot of burn piles here. I'm concerned about her having to change gears when backing up from a burning pile.

 

[jeff9366]

YOUR LOCATION SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR T-B-N PROFILE SO YOUR LOCATION SHOWS IN EVERY POST.


It takes a tractor with at least 45-horsepower from the engine, which equates to 30-horsepower at the PTO, to power a six foot Rotary Cutter in average grass up to 48" tall. Taller grass or especially tough grass require a more powerful tractor or creeping speed with a 45-horsepower tractor. Also requires SHARP Rotary Cutter blades.

You will regret NOT buying a FEL with the tractor. When you sell, potential buyers will discount your asking price by the cost of adding an FEL, including installation labor. That being the case, you may as well enjoy the FEL. (If you do not buy an FEL you will be in the 5% category of one tractor owners without an FEL)

HST for the wife and any potential young adults operating. "Automatic" braking on hills and less lurch prone operation at the burn pile with HST.



In my experience owning three tractors over a ten year period, each heavier than prior, buying heavier in 10%, 15% or 20% increments accomplishes nothing.

Purchase your second tractor with at least 50% more tractor weight than the one you currently own. You do not experience an immediately discernible increase in tractor capability until the bare tractor weight increases 50%. It takes a 100% increase in bare tractor weight to elicit a "WOW" from the owner of a new, heavier tractor.

If you are considering another new Kubota one of the Grand L series or MX series will do you well.

The five larger Grand Ls, L4060 through L6060, and the MX series share the same heavy chassis and engine block. The kit is entirely distinct. The Grand Ls have highest quality kit and lots of it standard. MX series has spartan kit.
All excellent tractors. If you are over 55 years old, or do not have at least average "core strength" for your age, give the Grand Ls extra consideration.

You can order a cab on a Grand L. No cabs on the MX series.

No one who pays for a Grand L writes here they regret expending the money.

LINKS (2) http://www.kubota.com/product/LSeries/L60.aspx
http://www.kubota.com/product/MX4800/MX4800.aspx

 

[nybirdman]

As much as I like my L4240HSTC it is quite a jump from a BX!I thought you would suggest the L2501 or a B2650.We have two small "L's" in the family and they are very capable work horses.
If you do decide on a Grand L the L3560 would be a good choice.

 

[Milo]

I would think a L2501hsd or B2650 would do everything you want and neither are complicated with DPF.

 

[bspeedy]

I'd skip the B series and go straight to the L or Grand L. Maybe even and MX if your woods trails aren't too tight. With tractors, bigger is usually better.

 

[Steve1300]

I jumped from a BX2200 to an MX5800 and it was night and day. The work that required much forethought now gets done by just doing it. The time expended clearing stuff has been cut to only 20% of the previous requirements. Mowing is a breeze. I could have gone Grand L and a cab, but in the end; the money was needed for other things and I don't regret it. (My wife would like the AC, however!)

Be aware, it takes some getting used to not being able to run between trees like I used to.

 

[Herkypilot]

Keep your BX if you can and get a Grand L with HST and a loader. I certainly would go for a 6 ft BH with 45+ HP. I have two tractors, an M7060 to pull a 12 ft BH and a Grand L 3540 HST for loader work/grapple/light grading, etc. I can even use the L3540 for 6 ft BH work as long as the grass/weeds aren't too thick. I would have it any other way.

HP