Need Advice on Attachments, Etc.

[Hanaeleh]

Hello there! We are a horse rescue in Orange County, CA. We are in Trabuco Canyon, so no snow, but plenty of other types of weather. We are looking for something relatively easy to use that we can move sand/dirt into the arena/stalls, move gravel and mulch, groom the arena and round pen, etc.

We are looking at a sub-compact tractors, specifically the BX series. We don't want something larger because of space and because some of the areas we will be navigating require a smaller machine. Is it worth going to the 23S-1 and getting all of the attachments, or just adding a few that we know that we'll need (front loader I know we'll need). Anyone have any experience with the sub-compact tractors at all? Are they worth the price for the machine? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[85Hokie]

As a owner of 2 BX series tractors both with MMM and FEL ---- I would say they are worth their weight in gold ....... almost!!!

They will do everything you need - for a very looong time if you take care of the machine.

As for attachments - the FEL is a must, start with that, add a toothbar, that will help move material that is compacted a bit and will add a small amount of added bucket capacity.

then think about other item you may need. - and you might want to look at those used to save money.

a rock rake comes to mind - again do a little looking on FB - MP and you will find them all the time far cheaper than new.

Some may say the BX is an overgrown riding lawn mower ---- I have picked UP riding lawn mowers with mine.......... The BX is an excellent machine with plenty of power - you typically will lose grip before engine power.

Last thought - find a home for the tractor - a roof covered or better shelter, it helps in many ways.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Good day.


I previously had a BX. They are a great machine. It did everything I ever asked within its capabilities.

I dont myself own horses but I have helped on relatives farms and ranches that have them. So the couple thoughts I would mention:

1. If set on a BX, if you plan to haul feed, water, or hay, make sure the math works out. The max capability is not the SWLL IMO.

2. I am not familiar with your landscape, but I did not see mowing pasture in your list of tasks correct?

3. Regarding space constraints, I’d make sure that the BX will fit where you need it to fit, and if it will not fit in those spaces, does the BX still make sense for all the tasks? If you can rent one for a weekend or demo one that might be a good way to check.

4. As far as implements Manure forks come to mind…I am not sure those make sense for you or not or how those work on a BX. Depending on how you do your chores and how you plan to groom the arena, maybe a treat or landscape rake or other? Pallet forks are always helpful IMO. If you are planning to use pallet forks and pallets or feed or something you d be thinking about what you will use for rear ballast…another implement is fine maybe, but if your space constraints don’t allow that, maybe consider need a ballast box? Depending on what doing will all the manure…are you piling or windrowing it? If windrowing maybe something to pull that you can turn it over with?

In general I think a BX is very good machine. From a reliability standpoint, it’s no different from the B or MX that I have. Just uses a lot less oil and fuel.

Good luck.

 

[mcmxi]

Hello there! We are a horse rescue in Orange County, CA. We are in Trabuco Canyon, so no snow, but plenty of other types of weather. We are looking for something relatively easy to use that we can move sand/dirt into the arena/stalls, move gravel and mulch, groom the arena and round pen, etc.

We are looking at a sub-compact tractors, specifically the BX series. We don't want something larger because of space and because some of the areas we will be navigating require a smaller machine. Is it worth going to the 23S-1 and getting all of the attachments, or just adding a few that we know that we'll need (front loader I know we'll need). Anyone have any experience with the sub-compact tractors at all? Are they worth the price for the machine? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

I owned a BX25 for five years and would choose a B2601 over any of the BX models. You get a lot more tractor for marginally more cost, and the difference in width, length and height is negligible. You'll get a three-range HST with the B2601 compared to two-range with the BX. The B is heavier and has a lot more lift capacity out back, more than 2X compared to the BX, which could help with moving bales and such.

I haven't gone through all of the differences, but I would definitely look at the B2601.

 

[Bearcatrp]

I love my BX1880. Does everything I need to do. BUT, lifting is a bit limited. All of the BX series have the same lift capacity. If I do upgrade, I will get a B series tractor. Not much larger but more lifting power. Go on Kubotas web site and do a comparison between the largest BX and compare to a B. You will see what I’m talking about. If you can, go to a dealer that has both. But if you are real tight on space, the BX will get the job done. Just take a little longer. Good luck on your decision.

 

[PaulL]

Good advice to look closely at a B2601. I moved from a BX to a B2601, it really isn't much wider or longer (inches only), but it's taller and quite a bit more capable. If you aren't mowing (which the BX excels at) then look closely at a B.

 

[mcmxi]

Good advice to look closely at a B2601. I moved from a BX to a B2601, it really isn't much wider or longer (inches only), but it's taller and quite a bit more capable. If you aren't mowing (which the BX excels at) then look closely at a B.

When I bought the MX6000 open station in early 2021 my plan was to keep the BX25D and the MX, but after a few weeks on the MX I wondered what I'd use the BX for. If I'd had a B2601 or the equivalent model back in 2016 I think there's a good chance that I would still have it today. My point is that it's easy to outgrow a BX but perhaps less easy to outgrow a B.

 

[Hanaeleh]

Thank you! I'll look at the difference.

 

[Hanaeleh]

That's good to know. It's difficult to tell just from the pictures the difference in size.

 

[Hanaeleh]

I didn't even know about the manure forks- I did read about attachment that picks up rocks. There is just so much about these that I still don't know. I want to go to the dealership with at least some information so I don't get snowed by the salesperson there.

 

[PaulL]

I usually find dealers to be pretty straight - they know what machine is useful for most folks, and they make money on the servicing and selling you attachments - it's more of an ongoing relationship than a car dealer would be. Not all of them are great, but many are. Don't be scared to go in and find out what they have to say, come back here and tell us and we can comment.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I did not see them suggested, but "forks" would be at the top of my "must have list"

They come in super handy and "Dollar Vs Usage" they are probably the best buy going.

Of course a backhoe would be on the top of "my list" as well....just sayin


Edit: As far as dealers go, my dealer tried to "talk me out" of a backhoe.......So that tells you how much they know...

 

[Bearcatrp]

I knew what I wanted when I walked in the dealer. He didn't try to sway me to a larger tractor or to buy any attachments. He just explained about the tractor I wanted. Showed me my options if getting attachments. When I asked about a Kubota cab, he told me to go third party as they were cheaper. Just walk in, tell the salesman what you need, and see what he says. Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

 

[mcmxi]

There is just so much about these that I still don't know. I want to go to the dealership with at least some information so I don't get snowed by the salesperson there.

Go to Kubota's website and build a tractor you're interested in, along with desirable attachments and it'll give you a good idea of the total cost. The website shows you the current financing incentives, cash back incentives and so on. You can expect to pay no more than shown on Kubota's website, and most likely a little less. The COVID supply and demand debacle is over and there's a lot of inventory on dealer's lots. Also, steel prices have plummeted recently so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You have the purchasing power so wield it in a nice way and you'll pleased with the results.

https://www.kubotausa.com/

I've bought many cars and trucks in my time, and four tractors, and while many car sales types are uneducated, immoral, unethical scumbags, I've found Kubota tractor sales folks to be really decent, honest people. Admittedly, my Kubota buying experience is limited to two dealerships, one in Montana and one in Wyoming, but I've bought a lot of equipment from these businesses over the past almost 9 years.

 

[biketopia]

I've bought many cars and trucks in my time, and four tractors, and while many car sales types are uneducated, immoral, unethical scumbags, I've found Kubota tractor sales folks to be really decent, honest people. Admittedly, my Kubota buying experience is limited to two dealerships, one in Montana and one in Wyoming, but I've bought a lot of equipment from these businesses over the past almost 9 years.

As a fleet supervisor in charge of buying vehicles and equipment for a large water utility, I can say that equipment salesmen are typically the most honest and knowledgeable I've dealt with. They can't bs 97% of their customers because they are typically just as informed on the material as the one selling it. The few questionable ones I've come across in the past 18 years don't typically last long.

OP, like the others have said, compare & contrast the size of machine from a BX to a B as far as moving bales, feed, manure, etc. Go test drive them, if a dealer will loan you one for a weekend, take them up on it. Weight is key for dragging operations like a box blade, land plane, etc, it also helps with stability when using the loader. Go SSQA on the bucket so you can quickly swap to forks or bucket, etc. Forks are invaluable, you'll find yourself using them all the time.