Thinking of buying a sub compact

[TractorTom90]

Hi all,
I’m sure this horse has been beaten but here it is.

I’m in the market for a sub compact tractor, but I might be getting ahead of myself.
Im on just shy of .5 acre, but plan to get a larger lot in the future (~5-6yrs). Currently I have a lot of yard work to do this coming year, and probably into next year.

Immediate duties would include:
Moving 35+ yards of dirt/sand/gravel
Putting in a French drain around the house
utting up a shed.

Once I get the big yard work done I worry I’ll just have an overpriced mower sitting around.
I’m considering a Kioti cs2220 or a Kubota BX2380.

What are your thoughts, is it worth it?

 

[tibadoe]

A biggie for me is dealership convenience. Do you have both of those dealers close by for any future parts or service needs?

You may be surprised to see that a tractor and FEL comes in handy no matter what size property. I only have 3 acres and my SC has really come in handy. I jumped right in and got the FEL, BH, & 60" mower deck just to start with. Boxblade and landscape rake coming soon. Now I got lots of projects I can do that I would not have attempted without one.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Not sure where you are located or what dealers you have nearby, but don't exclude the other brands... TYM, LS, Branson....
they all make good SCUTS, some with more features included, some may "fit" you better.

Again, depending on where you are located, the other brands could be substantially cheaper in cost.

 

[SoCalRedTractor]

We are in a tract with 1 acre lots - I've settled on the MF 1725M TLB with a rake, box blade, tiller & QH (no mower) to do the work I need it to do. I've been doing the shovel, rake, wheelbarrow thing for way too long maintaining the 2/3 of this acre that is landscaped - so, a SCUT will do me just fine.

My reason for the MF was simple for me - a better machine for the $$ (imho) and the sales guy has been very dedicated in building a rapport with me - there is a green dealer 90 mins from me and an orange 1 an hour away just like the MF guy, MF will get my check this coming week.

 

[sea2summit]

Bought my fist tractor when I had 1.6 acres but only about .6 usable. It never sat idle around my place, I got the 1860 initially then at the 50 hrs service traded to the 25D to get a backhoe.

It’s been downhill ever since

 

[TractorTom90]

I seriously considered TYM, but the dealers are not very close, and they’re not primarily tractor dealers.
I looked into the MF 1723e, but the seat was like a brick and I can’t stand the plastic fenders.
I like the Mahindra but the price was not as competitive.
New Holland is actually the closest, but there were a few things that I didn’t like, so they’re still a possibility but probably a no.
I would love a backhoe, but I know I won’t use it enough to justify the added costs.

It sounds like I’ll definitely get the use out a sub compact, I’ll continue my shopping endeavors. Any more advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[sea2summit]

Don’t get turf tires if you want to do anything with the tractor, get R4’s.

 

[jeff9366]

For 1/2 acre a subcompact tractor is adequate.

Moving 35 cubic yards of material with the BX FEL will require about 175 trips.
OK with me, if OK with you.

If the French drain is a big project, forego the BX2380 and buy a BX23S.
Backhoes excel at trenching.

You will have so much fun with a tractor that you will hate getting off it.

VIDEOS:

 

[TractorTom90]

I was definitely going to go with R4 tires, my cub cadet looses traction frequently with turfs. I didn’t even think to do the math in how many trips it would take for that much material, I can’t imagine doing it with a wheelbarrow.
For the French drain, I was thinking of using a middle buster to carve out my ditch, I know it won’t be as deep but a lot cheaper. But I think I can still get 8-10” deep with a few passes.
I’m sure I will get a larger tractor further in the future, and maybe then I’ll go with the backhoe!

 

[rademamj1]

I was definitely going to go with R4 tires, my cub cadet looses traction frequently with turfs. I didn’t even think to do the math in how many trips it would take for that much material, I can’t imagine doing it with a wheelbarrow.
For the French drain, I was thinking of using a middle buster to carve out my ditch, I know it won’t be as deep but a lot cheaper. But I think I can still get 8-10” deep with a few passes.
I’m sure I will get a larger tractor further in the future, and maybe then I’ll go with the backhoe!

Sounds like you already put alot of thought into your tractor needs, and have screened the dealers around you. You might consider moving up to the next tractor size, with a slight increase in horsepower. That would be the Kioti CS2520 and the Kubota BX2680. Both are great reliable tractors, and right now I am doing the same evaluation between these two tractors for my own purchase.

 

[TractorTom90]

Would I notice the hp increase, if I go bigger I’d probably move to a cx or b series, more pro power if I need it down the road

 

[Diggin It]

New Holland is actually the closest, but there were a few things that I didn’t like,

What specifically? LS makes that size of machine for New Holland, but they price their own models far lower than NH does.

 

[Rdrcr]

Hi all,
I’m sure this horse has been beaten but here it is.

I’m in the market for a sub compact tractor, but I might be getting ahead of myself.
Im on just shy of .5 acre, but plan to get a larger lot in the future (~5-6yrs). Currently I have a lot of yard work to do this coming year, and probably into next year.

Immediate duties would include:
Moving 35+ yards of dirt/sand/gravel
Putting in a French drain around the house
utting up a shed.

Once I get the big yard work done I worry I’ll just have an overpriced mower sitting around.
I’m considering a Kioti cs2220 or a Kubota BX2380.

What are your thoughts, is it worth it?

Worth it? Yes.
And, I think you’re looking at the right machines! Though, as others have suggested, you may want to consider the BX23S if you feel you can get some use from a backhoe.

I’m on 5 acres of undeveloped forest. When my house was built, they only cleared the area for my septic system, driveway and the lot for the house...a little over an acre of land. Based on the size of my property, I like you, considered a sub-compact. My neighbor, coworkers and friends talked me into a larger B2601 (dealer recommended larger). I love the B2601, but as I clear more land, I realized my jobs have gotten bigger and I need more capacity. I just purchased a new L2501 (waiting for delivery). I’m keeping the B2601 as my mower and general maintenance and I’ll be using the larger tractor for work.

You’ll find plenty of uses for your sub-compact and it’s definitely not too much tractor, IMHO.

And as you consider a tractor...buy the brand with the best dealer support. As I’ve learned from this site...you buy the dealer and not the brand...

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

We are in a tract with 1 acre lots - I've settled on the MF 1725M TLB with a rake, box blade, tiller & QH (no mower) to do the work I need it to do. I've been doing the shovel, rake, wheelbarrow thing for way too long maintaining the 2/3 of this acre that is landscaped - so, a SCUT will do me just fine.

My reason for the MF was simple for me - a better machine for the $$ (imho) and the sales guy has been very dedicated in building a rapport with me - there is a green dealer 90 mins from me and an orange 1 an hour away just like the MF guy, MF will get my check this coming week.

I really like the MF 1725M. I test drove that model and I really liked it! I have JD, Kubota and MF dealers all within 30 miles. I cross shop all three brands. I really like the MF tractors but, my Kubota dealer has been amazing. They’ve earned all my business thus far.

Mike

 

[jeff9366]

For the French drain, I was thinking of using a middle buster to carve out my ditch, I know it won’t be as deep but a lot cheaper. But I think I can still get 8-10” deep with a few passes.

In addition to the Middlebuster, you will need a "digging" toothbar attachment for the FEL bucket. "Piranha" is the classic brand. The toothbar will make pushing the bucket into your transfer dirt much easier and may allow you to avoid some spade-work during trenching.

Your BX will require counterbalance mounted on the TPH during your 175 material transport trips.

VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=piranha+tooth+bar+for+tractor

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=middlebuster+trenching

 

[JJZ 109]

Only you know your needs or potential future projects. But you mention a BX2380. I bought one this summer. It had a 60 inch mower and turfs, which is what I wanted. I elected to have the dealer put a loader on before they delivered it. Turned out to be a good move. But as someone mentioned you'll want some rear weight for counter balance for loader work. I have a Mahindra dealer about 3 miles from the house. I went to them and bought a 3 point hitch ballast box with built in hitch receiver. Handy for moving any of my several trailers around the yard.
Brand new isn't always the way to go. I found a 28 hour used unit from Barlow in Kentucky. Even with them delivering to the NY/Canada border I saved a few thousand over brand new. Just something else to consider.

 

[TractorTom90]

Regarding the New Holland/ LS, I did not like the loader controls or the dashboard, there was something else but I can’t remember exactly what it was.
In terms of ballast I will have the rear tires loaded and will probably get a ballast box as well. If I can find suitcase weights for a reasonable price I’ll probably pick some up too.
A toothbar is definitely on the list of accessories, all the videos show a clear advantage.
I am still considering used, but I have not seen any deals out there, and anything I do see is sold before I call. I will be financing so the $2-3k savings up front will get eating up in interest compared to the 0% With a new unit. Everything I can afford cash has been beaten to high hell. The used market is almost at new prices.
New unit quotes with fel & mower
Kubota bx2380 non drive over deck: $16,785 0%/ 60 mo
Kioti cs2220: $16,235 0%/ 84 mo
Mahindra eMax 22 Gear: $17,100
TYM came in the cheapest(~$15.5k), but did not like the dealership, I may look into an out of state dealer for another quote.

 

[buck12]

Have you considered renting for your current projects and buying a bigger tractor when you purchase additional property in a few years? We live on a 1.5 acre lot and have a 72 acre remote property. I owned 2615 Mahindra for 12 years and brought to our house a few times for projects. It was like a bull in a China shop in my yard with all the landscaping, trees, etc. My current tractor is too big to tow home for projects but I make do at home with a JD mower and small trailer.

I am not trying to discourage you but think about how you will use the tractor once you finish your planned projects.

 

[Rdrcr]

Regarding the New Holland/ LS, I did not like the loader controls or the dashboard, there was something else but I can’t remember exactly what it was.
In terms of ballast I will have the rear tires loaded and will probably get a ballast box as well. If I can find suitcase weights for a reasonable price I’ll probably pick some up too.
A toothbar is definitely on the list of accessories, all the videos show a clear advantage.
I am still considering used, but I have not seen any deals out there, and anything I do see is sold before I call. I will be financing so the $2-3k savings up front will get eating up in interest compared to the 0% With a new unit. Everything I can afford cash has been beaten to high hell. The used market is almost at new prices.
New unit quotes with fel & mower
Kubota bx2380 non drive over deck: $16,785 0%/ 60 mo
Kioti cs2220: $16,235 0%/ 84 mo
Mahindra eMax 22 Gear: $17,100
TYM came in the cheapest(~$15.5k), but did not like the dealership, I may look into an out of state dealer for another quote.

Kubota doesn’t currently advertise 0% / 84mo but, my local dealer and a Kubota dealer in Oregon both offered that financing option to me for my recent 2021 L2501 purchase.

Mike

 

[Snowlan]

Have you checked out YouTube Tractor Time With Tim? He does a long series comparing the BX and JD1025R, also just did some tests on the NH Workmaster 25s and compared to the other stats. I was shopping sub compact, but came to the reality I needed a heavier tractor and stronger hydraulics so I skipped mowing capability and went with Bobcat CT2025 (Kioti). I'm not biased to any of the brands and liked something about all of them, like you I didn't like the loader lever mounted forward on the NH either. What I found is that I think the JD 1025R has a lot of advantages in the subcompact market because it is sort of sized between sub and compact. However, despite being a little larger it still turns far tighter than the other brands which might be important on 0.5 acre lot. Once you move to compact size, JD looses it's advantage in my opinion and it costs much more to get the weight and lifting abilities of Bobcat, Kioti, Kubota for example. At least in my area that is the case.