Trying to decide Kubota BX25 or 1025R

[hurricanoday]

I'm sure all the senior members here are tired of these posts, but I really am torn about what to buy. I just bought 5 acres and will be needing to mow, dig trenches for utilities (cable internet 400ft to the road, water line for spigots to the barn and shop will need utilities) Also maintain the driveway and would like to grade the land around the house. Probably would hire the bigger work and finish it up with the subcompact. Also have a lot of fencing to do to get it ready for some animals.

I just got off the phone with john deere 1025r with loader backhoe 20k + taxes fees and any implements. I think I would qualify for the 0% financing.


I was sold on the Kubota BX25 I would get everything out the door including insurance for 20k ( brush hog, thumb, 12 bucket, quick release) and already qualified for the 0% 60 months. After doing some more research I am concerned that the bx would be to small. So the kubota is probably around 3-4 cheaper if not more. Can't believe the resale value on the used on I have been looking for on craigslist

The Mahindra email quote I got for a emax 22 is still more expensive than the Bx25

I will not be doing big big jobs. I have read lots of threads on here, but I just don't know. Any help would be appreciated

 

[bcp]

Will you have much use for the backhoe after your trenching is done?

Bruce

 

[davrow]

I really liked the BX25 but decided I needed more weight - not more horsepower. I ended up with the Kioti with a 3 speed range HST transmission (vs the BX25's 2 speed). I keep wondering while using it if the BX25 would have been adequate. I decide no, the extra weight means a lot when grading, and the 3-speed seems more useful.

I have 6 acres. And while bcp may have a point for some folks... not to me. I wanted a backhoe, and I got one. Use it much? No. But I would not be without it. When you do need one, there is no substitute. Also makes for great ballast when doing FEL work.

 

[Snobdds]

The thing that scared me on the JD 1025 was the aluminum rear housing. I did not like the hydraulics on the Kubota where it had to be above 2,000 rpm to have any.

I went with the Massey GC1710 for the better hydraulic flow and cast iron rear housing.

Backhoes are a must in my book. I have a cat excavator and I still got the model with the backhoe. I wanted something that can get into tight places and easy to transport. I too would not be without one...

 

[TripleR]

Tough decision indeed, we have a 1025R as well as BX2660 and the size is pretty much the same, if you want bigger go with a B or equivalent in Kioti etc. We went through the whole house setup with me, dad and two brothers. Nothing against a back hoe, we had one at the time and used i for the septic system, but we found using a trencher to be much easier and faster on the water, cable, electric etc.

I really like the BX, but if I had to have only one, I'd go with the 1025R. No vulnerable HST fan and position control 3PH would do it for me.

 

[hurricanoday]

I am not sure if I will use the backhoe forever, but I do know the cable company wants 4k to do the job. That isn't including the other trenches I will do in the future, fencing, plants trees and removing stumps. I figure even if I don't use the backhoe (or even the tractor ) I could sell it in the future. I also do just want one haha

Why does everyone care so much that the tractor doesn't function well at idle? Doesn't seem to be a big selling point to me unless I'm missing something with my lack of tractor knowledge. I didn't know people go around doing work at idle.

I like the john deere, but just don't know if it is worth 3-4k more. (or even the other tractors with the price difference)

First thing I need to do is get the field mowed down

 

[hurricanoday]

Here is a little peak to show how long the grass is getting. Longer now

 

[TripleR]

I'm not saying don't buy a back hoe, just that for some jobs a different approach is more efficient.

"I like the john deere, but just don't know if it is worth 3-4k more. (or even the other tractors with the price difference)" That is a judgement call only you can answer.

Personally for the land you have and the picture, my choice would be neither.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Make sure you understand this: John Deere says you don't own a tractor you buy from them. You are just licensing the use of it.


Finding that out took me from wanting a Deere to being a Kubota owner.

 

[hurricanoday]

I'm not saying don't buy a back hoe, just that for some jobs a different approach is more efficient.

"I like the john deere, but just don't know if it is worth 3-4k more. (or even the other tractors with the price difference)" That is a judgement call only you can answer.

Personally for the land you have and the picture, my choice would be neither.

I am aware that there are faster and probably better tools. I know that maybe the trench would take me a weekend or 2 vs paying someone or keep renting equipment and I am okay with that. Cost is always a factor.

What do you recommend? and how much more is it

 

[TripleR]

So many things are judgment calls. I'm trying not to recommend stuff, my choice as mentioned would be something in the range of B2601, pick your brand as cost will vary.

 

[s219]

If you test drive both tractors thoroughly, one of them will appeal to you more. They have some pretty significant differences that will be obvious, and help make your decision. Test drives are very important.

I'd also suggest looking at the Kubota B2301 and B2601. They may come in priced about the same as the 1025R, but have much better capability. When I was shopping many years ago, I could get a Kubota B for a couple hundred bucks more than the 1025R, and it represented a significant increase in bang for the buck.

 

[Plas62]

I have 4.5 acres and looked at the Kubota BX25, 2301, 2601 and the LS XJ2025H all with backhoe. I ended up going with the LS XJ2025H to get the best bang for my buck. I have been very happy with it so far. Coming up quickly on my first 50 hour service.

 

[AxleHub]

I'm baffled why no one is mentioning the massey ferguson gc1720 or gc1710.

Price should be less than either kubota or jd yet premium quality and better lifting weight than kubota.

But don't take my opinion .
Just test drive one and you'll be surprised.

 

[sixdogs]

...

I'd also suggest looking at the Kubota B2301 and B2601.

Excellent point.

As well, the BX is no slouch. Look up 4shorts on this site and see the work he has done with his BX25. They are a real workhorse for a small place.

 

[nightdevil]

I was met with this same decision about 6 months ago before i got mine. I was 100 percent set on the bx but then i got a deal on the JD1025r. I do want to point out that the cost between the two are about the same. I look at it as if you added all of the options that JD has standard it would be closer to the same. Some things that seem so simple that Icouldn't do without. ...
1. Tilt steering, man i could be on there all day compared to the stock location.
2. Lights, there are many times im trying to work until the sun goes down and the side work lights are just perfect!
3. 3pt hitch control is just perfect thing to have.
4. My biggest must have. FEL stick control is just in the best ergonomic location ever! I can work all day and still be able to get off on the right side and not worry about moving the stick.

So for a new person who never had a tractor you would't have known the difference. But after working with these small features I'm confused why some of this isn't standard for other brands. Well I hope this helps. Again BX is still a great brand but its whatever works for you.

The only bad decision you can make is to not get one at all
FYI I also looked at B's but didn't realize how big the SCUTS where until I got it home and put it in the garage.

 

[check]

What a fun decision! No matter how you choose, you're going to have a great new toy to play with for a long, long, time.

Here is a bit of a heads up. I have a Kubota BX25, and I was considering upgrading to a B2650, until a fellow TBNer let me drive his. (Thanks again, Matt!) Believe it or not, I found the B2650 to be too big!

So, make sure that whatever you get can be manoeuvred around and in between your various buildings and what not.

Also, I would resist the urge to dig the trenches yourself. I recently helped a friend by digging a 70 foot trench for his power line, and I was so bored to tears after the first 20 feet or so, I had to keep taking breaks. My BX25 toy it's a lot of fun to be sure, but some jobs are less fun than others. For another property, I had to dig 125 foot trench, and I hired a local guy who happened to be doing some work next-door to dig it with his mini excavator. It only cost me about 250 bucks. Something to consider.

 

[varmint]

The suggestion to check out 4shorts and his excellent videos on using his BX25D might be what you need to help you decide. I too was put off by the aluminum rear ends on some of the smaller Deeres (what are they trying to do- make 'em lighter?) and have nothing but good experiences with my used Kubotas. As the OP noted, resale is great, too.

 

[bcp]

... I too was put off by the aluminum rear ends on some of the smaller Deeres (what are they trying to do- make 'em lighter?) ....

Probably yes, since so many are used as lawn mowers.

Bruce

 

[bigtiller]

Here is a little peak to show how long the grass is getting. Longer now

My dealer is 3 miles away. The closest competing dealer is 15 miles and a third brand dealer is 20 miles away. I chose the closest one because I knew I would be there often for parts, service, extra toys for the tractor and just keeping in touch. So, I advise buying the tractor from the dealer you like the most.

That is a nice tall weed in your picture, but the pretty yellow ones in the background looks like wild parsnip. If it is, be careful, it is a very poisonous weed!