Traded up before tariffs hit
- Thread starter UncleAl
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- bx23s kubota bx22
gsganzer
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2003
- Messages
- 3,061
- Location
- Denton, TX
- Tractor
- L3800 w/FEL and BH77, BX 2200 w/FEL and MMM
You'll have to write a short review of the comparison between the two. I'd like to hear what improved or what you think fell flat in the 20+years of model evolution.
I have a 2003 BX2200, which was just when Kubota perfected the machine, working out some steering cylinder glitches of the previous years. The next year, they went to plastic fenders and floorboards and folks had lots of issues. I think they're back to all metal again.
I'd be interested to hear your impression.
I have a 2003 BX2200, which was just when Kubota perfected the machine, working out some steering cylinder glitches of the previous years. The next year, they went to plastic fenders and floorboards and folks had lots of issues. I think they're back to all metal again.
I'd be interested to hear your impression.
I have a BX22 that's still kicking after all these years, although I'm only just over a 1000 hours. Some of them were pretty hard in 2022, however, because I used the machine to do the ground prep for my new shop building at this property...removing about 30 ton of soil and putting in about 60 ton of modified stone in compacted layers. Great machines that "take a licking and keep on ticking".
I'm also looking forward to your comparison of the new machine to the vintage version you traded in. Not because I'm going to upgrade at this point with little need at this much smaller property, but because I'm just plain interested in learning what you think. Thanks in advance!
I'm also looking forward to your comparison of the new machine to the vintage version you traded in. Not because I'm going to upgrade at this point with little need at this much smaller property, but because I'm just plain interested in learning what you think. Thanks in advance!
DarkBlack
Veteran Member
Thread title, maybe?
CloverKnollFarms
Elite Member
Thread title said why he did it now, not why he decided to do it in the first place.
But why would a tariff affect a Kubota?
But why would a tariff affect a Kubota?
There are several refinements since the original design. I don't have much seat time yet on the new rig, so these are just visual impressions.
1. Loader / backhoe removal. Though it was never a real problem on the 22, the process is improved.
2. QASS loader - even though it lowers lifting capacity, it shouldn't be a problem with the types of stuff I use the loader for. I did take advantage of the implement rebate to get a set of Land Pride pallet forks, looking forward to using them.
3. Tachometer - original design didn't have one. Can live without it, but nice to have.
4. Cruise control, tilt wheel - ditto
5. Wheel studs on rear wheel hubs - make it much easier to remove/replace loaded tires, I DIY'd this on the 22, now it's standard.
6. Loader joystick remains on the tractor - position more comfortable to use.
7. Hood design - servicing should be easier with tilt hood. No longer have to remove the shroud to access stuff.
8. standard toolbox - meh... not really big enough to hold much, but better than nothing. I slid a five-gallon bucket into 3-point arms on the 22 to carry bigger stuff, hopefully the 23S will accommodate as well.
9. seat - I upgraded the original crappy 22 seat with later model + armrests when it started splitting, new seat is nicer still.
10. operator ergonomics (brake pedal, HST pedal , etc)- I like the new layout but didn't dislike the old.
BX problems are well documented here and on other forums. I think most of the ones that really annoy me (still) are related to the physically small overall size of the tractor - there simply isn't enough room to easily accommodate better designs.
1. Fuel filters - I haven't researched DIY upgrades in a while, but the ones I looked at all had placement issues. I always pre-filter my fuel with a Mr. Filter funnel. It's a bit of a PIA, but randomly replacing fouled filters is a bigger one.
2. Turn signals - Still in harm's way. Replacements for the 22 units can be obtained from third parties, the new one has what looks like proprietary units. If (when) I knock off the new ones, I may consider using the old style if the price differential is too big.
3. HST fan - I've been lucky never to have busted the one on the 22, but the 23S looks to have the same level of risk. Not enough risk to justify buying a protector plate, though, I'll remain vigilant.
4. Removing the mower - I struggle with the PTO shaft. I considered the new drive-over deck - not worth the extra $600 and extra potential failure points. I watched several YouTube videos and it seems like one would spend even more time crouched over fussing with stuff under the tractor. I remove the deck maybe 6 times a year and my garage has a smooth concrete floor - I'll survive OK.
5. Tie rod boots - I think Kubota upgraded these, not sure though. The last time I replaced mine (500 hours ago), I bought the upgraded ones from Botaproducts. Still look brand new.
6. Steering cylinder - Also still in harm's way. I had one of the defective ones. I rebuilt it once, failed again. Replaced the whole unit, no problems since.
7. Headlights - I thought about ROPS lights, but I don't do much work after dark. I'm retired now, much easier to put stuff off until daylight hours.
Non space related annoyances:
1. Mower deck weak spots - I admit my yard is rough on the deck, lots of uneven spots and tree roots. I try to tiptoe over the roots, but 22 mowing season's worth of whacking stuff has taken a toll. The front gauge wheels really take a beating, especially the right one. That one's mount started showing fatigue at about 400 hours, I had it reinforced with extra steel, problem solved. The deck shell itself has been patched twice, it is fatigued ahead of the right rear wheel where it bends upward to form the discharge chute. The deck front edge is bent backward at the right front. Now the RF gauge wheel is mis-aligned and tends to slide as much as it rolls - not good on the old grass. I thought about taking the deck back to the machine shop for further reinforcement and straightening, but never got around to it. The new deck looks almost identical, I’ll try to be proactive and watch the trouble spots.
2. Split rings on 3-point setup and gauge wheels - the ones on the 3 point pins are easily replaced by lynch pins, but there’s not room for that fix on the gauge wheel pins. I did bend one end of the rings inward to make them easier to get started. That helps.
3. turnbuckles - I replaced the ones on the 22 with B series telescoping sliders. This should have become standard equipment long ago. Now the sliders are available from 3rd party vendors. Bought a set on Black Friday for about $32, turnbuckles will never see light of day on the 23S.
4. waterproof light switches - I got tired of cleaning out original light switches on the 22 and replaced them with marine-grade ones. No problems since. New 23S design looks good.
Overall, the refinements on the 23S are a nice step forward. Under the surface, the basic tractor has been mostly unchanged for a quarter of a century - a real testament to Kubota design and engineering. I feel competition from the other manufacturers has moved the whole subcompact segment forward, but I also feel the others are still playing catch-up. For my needs, I still can't imagine a better solution than the BX.
1. Loader / backhoe removal. Though it was never a real problem on the 22, the process is improved.
2. QASS loader - even though it lowers lifting capacity, it shouldn't be a problem with the types of stuff I use the loader for. I did take advantage of the implement rebate to get a set of Land Pride pallet forks, looking forward to using them.
3. Tachometer - original design didn't have one. Can live without it, but nice to have.
4. Cruise control, tilt wheel - ditto
5. Wheel studs on rear wheel hubs - make it much easier to remove/replace loaded tires, I DIY'd this on the 22, now it's standard.
6. Loader joystick remains on the tractor - position more comfortable to use.
7. Hood design - servicing should be easier with tilt hood. No longer have to remove the shroud to access stuff.
8. standard toolbox - meh... not really big enough to hold much, but better than nothing. I slid a five-gallon bucket into 3-point arms on the 22 to carry bigger stuff, hopefully the 23S will accommodate as well.
9. seat - I upgraded the original crappy 22 seat with later model + armrests when it started splitting, new seat is nicer still.
10. operator ergonomics (brake pedal, HST pedal , etc)- I like the new layout but didn't dislike the old.
BX problems are well documented here and on other forums. I think most of the ones that really annoy me (still) are related to the physically small overall size of the tractor - there simply isn't enough room to easily accommodate better designs.
1. Fuel filters - I haven't researched DIY upgrades in a while, but the ones I looked at all had placement issues. I always pre-filter my fuel with a Mr. Filter funnel. It's a bit of a PIA, but randomly replacing fouled filters is a bigger one.
2. Turn signals - Still in harm's way. Replacements for the 22 units can be obtained from third parties, the new one has what looks like proprietary units. If (when) I knock off the new ones, I may consider using the old style if the price differential is too big.
3. HST fan - I've been lucky never to have busted the one on the 22, but the 23S looks to have the same level of risk. Not enough risk to justify buying a protector plate, though, I'll remain vigilant.
4. Removing the mower - I struggle with the PTO shaft. I considered the new drive-over deck - not worth the extra $600 and extra potential failure points. I watched several YouTube videos and it seems like one would spend even more time crouched over fussing with stuff under the tractor. I remove the deck maybe 6 times a year and my garage has a smooth concrete floor - I'll survive OK.
5. Tie rod boots - I think Kubota upgraded these, not sure though. The last time I replaced mine (500 hours ago), I bought the upgraded ones from Botaproducts. Still look brand new.
6. Steering cylinder - Also still in harm's way. I had one of the defective ones. I rebuilt it once, failed again. Replaced the whole unit, no problems since.
7. Headlights - I thought about ROPS lights, but I don't do much work after dark. I'm retired now, much easier to put stuff off until daylight hours.
Non space related annoyances:
1. Mower deck weak spots - I admit my yard is rough on the deck, lots of uneven spots and tree roots. I try to tiptoe over the roots, but 22 mowing season's worth of whacking stuff has taken a toll. The front gauge wheels really take a beating, especially the right one. That one's mount started showing fatigue at about 400 hours, I had it reinforced with extra steel, problem solved. The deck shell itself has been patched twice, it is fatigued ahead of the right rear wheel where it bends upward to form the discharge chute. The deck front edge is bent backward at the right front. Now the RF gauge wheel is mis-aligned and tends to slide as much as it rolls - not good on the old grass. I thought about taking the deck back to the machine shop for further reinforcement and straightening, but never got around to it. The new deck looks almost identical, I’ll try to be proactive and watch the trouble spots.
2. Split rings on 3-point setup and gauge wheels - the ones on the 3 point pins are easily replaced by lynch pins, but there’s not room for that fix on the gauge wheel pins. I did bend one end of the rings inward to make them easier to get started. That helps.
3. turnbuckles - I replaced the ones on the 22 with B series telescoping sliders. This should have become standard equipment long ago. Now the sliders are available from 3rd party vendors. Bought a set on Black Friday for about $32, turnbuckles will never see light of day on the 23S.
4. waterproof light switches - I got tired of cleaning out original light switches on the 22 and replaced them with marine-grade ones. No problems since. New 23S design looks good.
Overall, the refinements on the 23S are a nice step forward. Under the surface, the basic tractor has been mostly unchanged for a quarter of a century - a real testament to Kubota design and engineering. I feel competition from the other manufacturers has moved the whole subcompact segment forward, but I also feel the others are still playing catch-up. For my needs, I still can't imagine a better solution than the BX.
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