Kubota BX1860 Reviews

5.00 star(s)
Anonymous Poster

BX1860 Kubota
Love My Tractor, but a Slight Design Flaw
Model Year: 2012

There is a secondary debris screen in front of the radiator and behind the battery. At the time of this review, I only have 28 hours on my tractor and use it exclusively for mowing. Last night when I was mowing I noticed the temp gauge getting toward the top of the range yet short of the "red zone." I opened up the engine compartment and there is a fairly tight mesh screen in front of the radiator that was clogged with dry yard debris. My previous model was a BX2200 and did not have this feature. Now that I'm aware of this feature I'll have to add it to my maintenance schedule. Other then that I still love my tractor and believe in Kubota.

Pros: Great fuel range. Reliable. Nimble on any ground surfaces.
Cons: Slightly under-powered. When the mower actuates it seriously drags down the motor.

4.00 star(s)
bbray

BX1860 Kubota
My Kubota Experience
Model Year: 2009

Overall a durable performer. Issues: safety switches (under seat, mower deck engage/disengaged) get full of dust and dirt rendering them inop. (tractor won't start). Also, radiator gets clogged up with dust/dirt and tractor starts to run hot. I regularly remove battery and blow out radiator with compressed air.

Pros: Simplicity.
Cons: None worth mentioning.

5.00 star(s)
deputydog21

BX1860 Kubota
Kubota BX1860
Model Year: 2010

I have used this tractor for mowing, plowing snow and dragging trees around and it has never let me down. It is built like a battleship and easy to maintain. The two attachments I use, a hydraulic snow blade and mower deck, are easy to take off and on though a little heavy. But heavy is good. I love my Kubota!

Pros: Good quality.
Cons: None.

5.00 star(s)
kw22614

BX1860 Kubota
Back Saver
Model Year: 2012

Being our first new tractor, just wanted this to help with the back-breaking chores of moving firewood, leaves and dirt around the property. The 18hp diesel motor is a real powerhouse---delivering much more than the small HP would suggest. I built a draw bar with tow ball on the 3ph and tow my woodsplitter, boat, trailer, etc as nec. So easy and great just to back up to them and hookup with seeing where I'm going and not even having to get down---not like using the truck. Also built a carry all from scratch but really hadn't had the chance to use it yet. I also wired and installed a switch and foodlights front and back. I've pulled shrub and small tree stumps and cleared an old overgrown gravel driveway all before the first 50 hr service at limited RPM. Recently finished my first servicing -an easy task- and can now use her at full throttle and am even more amazed at this little tractor's awesome power. 4-wheel works great when needed. No snow to plow last winter but predictions call for snowfall this winter and hopefully I'll get to try her out, and my carryall to bring fuel gans, additional tools and hot beverages. I bought the "princess" (I call her that because she lives inside the garage on a persian carpet!) with FEL, liquid filled turf tires, toothbar and diamond plate aluminum canopy, didn't opt for the mower deck as my riding mower works great but when it dies I'll get a deck for "princess". I highly recommend this little tractor---she truly is a back saver!

Pros: Biggest/strongest little tractor I've ever used.
Cons: As I only use 5 gal fuel gans the placement of the fuel cap is a little awkward.

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4.00 star(s)
gilderado

BX1860 Kubota
BX1860 - 2 Acres
Model Year: 2011

Had to replace worn out Ariens GT-14. The Kubota seemed to suit my needs and then some as real garden tractors aren't made anymore. I wanted to mow, move various trailers around the yard and push snow. Haven't had the chance to push snow like we had several years ago with it yet. The green and yellow machines didn't seem to stack up so I picked the Kubota.

Pros: Easy on fuel, power steering, tight turning radius, can take it out of 4 wheel drive. Loans don't get any cheaper than 0%.
Cons: Tach is difficult to read. Not much articulation in the front end. Belly mower hangs from tractor rather than rides the ground. Should've had arm rests built in.

5.00 star(s)
jimmoore18

BX1860 Kubota
Great Little Tractor
Model Year: 2012

I have had this little tractor for almost one year now and it is great. I have moved over 100 yards of dirt with this thing. Works like a big one but much smaller. Just one nice tractor. Though maybe the engine was to small but to me it is really strong. I have dug up tree stumps with this thing and it just wants to keep on going. Loaded the rear tires and that will be all you need for back weight when using the FEL. Great mower too.

Pros: Movablity.
Cons: None.

5.00 star(s)
Zuma

BX1860 Kubota
First Real Tractor
Model Year: 2012

Just got my new Kubota BX1860 this month. I had the bagger assembly put on it and have to say spring clean up was a breeze. Love the diesel, such a difference in power. I just ordered a carryall for it from Tractor Supply. Also thinking about a wood splitter and generator for attachments. Does anyone have any suggestions as to brands on either of these? I moved some pretty big rocks from the front yard onto a friends truck, was fun and saved a lot of back pain compared to the old days. I look forward to many years of service from this tractor. We also have a steep grade on our front yard. The trans axle lock is a great feature for that. The garden tractors would lose traction and tear up the turf, the Kubota works like a champ going up and back down.

Pros: Plenty of power and operator room, controls are easy to get at.
Cons: None so far.

5.00 star(s)
PAlittleKub

BX1860 Kubota
Impressive!
Model Year: 2012

Just traded a little 19hp Cub Cadet with a gas motor on this beast. All I can say to anyone not sure if the BX1860 will have enough power being rated 1hp or more less than the gas motors, DON'T WORRY! Incomparable between the two. The diesel has SO much more power and torque than a gas mower. Only had it a very short time but am very happy with this tractor. Turns almost as tight as my Cub Cadet did and the Hydrostatic is great. My advice to anyone looking is to go to your local dealer and talk to them and get on one and drive it around a little.

Pros: Nice and powerful in a small package if you have any tight quarters.
Cons: Don't offer R4 industrial tires on this model from Kubota.

5.00 star(s)
Anonymous Poster

BX1860 Kubota
Hot Little Tractor
Model Year: 2012

Bought it to move topsoil to build a shop in my yard. It digs dirt like a bigger one. The 4wd is great for that. Had to fill weight box full of gravel to keep rear wheels on the ground. When it came to move the gravel, I moved 25 yards of gravel in about 2 hours---very impressed as was the dealer. The 54 in. mower is the bomb. I would buy another one in a heart beat. great tractor for it's size.

Pros: Moves dirt and gravel with ease. Very well built and powerful.
Cons: Should have got the tractor tires for dirt work.

5.00 star(s)
Mystro

BX1860 Kubota
Overachieving Tank of a Machine
Model Year: 2012

Over achieving tank of a machine. Don't let its size full you, this is a heavy well built serious tractor. Fit and finish is top quality and is a cut above its competitors. I have a 10 acre wooded lot and it is more than adequate for clearing woods/brush, moving snow and general light excavation work. The FEL is smooth and powerful. I have my rear tires ballast with Rimguard (aka beat juice). It's a have to have option for really moving heavy items with the FEL. The 54" mid mount mower mows clean and does a great job with just half power. The 4wd climbs up hills like a goat and with the ballast turf tires goes very well in the snow. The power steering is out standing and turns sharper than most lawn tractors. The standard options and amenities are plentiful. It's smaller size is a big advantage in tight woods and mowing around obstacles. The seat is comfortable and it's platform is very spacious and is suited for bigger guys.

Pros: Plenty of power, commercial grade build quality, excellent fit and finish, reliable and easy to use.
Cons: They can be a bit pricey once you add up the FEL and attachments. You do get what you pay for.

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5.00 star(s)
George the Beagle

BX1860 Kubota
Outstanding Small Tractor
Model Year: 2011

Even though this is the smallest current tractor offering from Kubota, it is an extremely capable machine. I got the FEL, 54" mower, 50" snowblower, soft cab and rear blade. My former tractors included a 10 hp Cub Cadet and a Farmall Cub, also about 10 hp. I have yet to find out why anyone needs more power than this 18 hp diesel. With the 4wd and low range, it is incredibly strong for its size. For instance, we had an 85' pine tree come down during a storm. I took the BX out to collect the limbs, and just for the heck of it I nudged up against the tree with the loader, put it in 4wd lo range, applied a bit of lift and gave it a shove. Unbelievably it pushed the entire tree out of the road that the tree had been blocking. This tree was about 2' in diameter at the base. I couldn't believe it! The 54" mower does a very nice job and the loader is incredibly handy. I've only used the snowblower once but it has been very capable thus far. The 1860 is very thrifty on fuel, and its diminutive size makes for a nice fit in the garage. It's been a great tractor so far. I do not wish for more power.

Pros: Design, fuel economy, power for its size, price compared to competitors.
Cons: Too many safety sensors, attaching MMM driveshaft not easy.

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5.00 star(s)
tdilover

BX1860 Kubota
My new Kubota BX1860
Model Year: 2011

This is a very nice tractor. This is my first tractor so I can not compare it to other brands. The tractor is excellent except for one thing. The engine is very noisy. I do not understand why Kubota does not use common rail fuel injection. Kubota is still using a mechanical fuel injection pump. Get with it Kubota and go common rail. Other than that the tractor is real boss.

Pros: Works good like a tractor should.
Cons: Noisy engine. I am talking real noisy.

5.00 star(s)
streetisneat

BX1860 Kubota
The Whole Kit and Kaboodle.
Model Year: 2011

Great investment does everything I need. moved a lot of topsoil across yard to re-landscape our side yard, and installed a gravel driveway to rear of property. I was concerned it would be underpowered but not the case more than enough hp (18) for my needs. More is not always better, Very maneuveable in tight areas. Purchased with FEL and woods box scraper (under $11,000 tax setup out the door delivered). Looking to purchase a front mount snow plow and cab to replace my plow truck. I did purchase Kubota insurance, cheap price for coverage provided.

Pros: Quality product good value for the money great tractor for small homeowner.
Cons: Kubota attachments expensive.

5.00 star(s)
Anonymous Poster

BX1860 Kubota
Kubota BX1860
Model Year: 2010

This is a Kubota BX1860, 18hp diesel engine, power steering, hydrostat trans., 3 point hitch, mid and rear PTO, 48" fine cut deck, and aux. valve for loader or other equipment. It has turf tires, and only 43 hours. It was purchased new in March of 2010, so I assume it is a 2010 model. Not sure how to tell the exact model on a tractor. This tractor is 1 year old but it looks like new. It still has factory warranty that is transferable to new owner.

Pros: .
Cons: .

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5.00 star(s)
wrooster

BX1860 Kubota
A very capable multipurpose subcompact tractor
Model Year: 2010

I recently moved to a new home on a 2 acre lot -- a parcel which needed significant landscaping work, including building footwalls, solving drainage issues, laying mulch, and so on. Moreover, I wanted the same machine to be able to cut the grass in the summer, and come winter move snow. The Kubota BX1860 has fit into this multipurpose role perfectly. The ease at which I can attach the loader and move dirt and stone, then detach it and cut grass makes using this tractor a real pleasure. Operation has been truly economical in terms of the amount of diesel I have used. I purchased this tractor with the FEL, 54" MMM deck, and ballast box. The FEL is the best thing ever invented for a homeowner with a large lot, and especially for a person like me who is a DIY'er when it comes to landscaping with stone. At first it seems like an expensive wheelbarrow, but the amount of time and backaches saved is truly amazing. My previous lawn/garden tractors have included a Cub Cadet 149 (also hydrostatic) and the simplicity of the BX1860's shaft-driven MMM has to be appreciated in this context. Compared to the Cub's right-angle belt drive for the mower, and the attendant problems, the mid-PTO is truly a godsend. The BX1860's MMM is hung and back off in a snap, either for sharpening the blades or for FEL use in very uneven terrain. Note that the MMM can in fact be left in place when using the FEL on relatively flat ground. The 54" deck is the right size for my lot; combined with the maneuverability of this tractor it has greatly reduced the time it takes to mow the lawn. My current TPH implements consist only of a towed plug aerator, and a PTO-driven 10KW generator head. The latter attaches to the house transfer switch via a heavy duty cord, and allows us to run the well pump and other electrical items when the power is out. In the spring, I'll borrow a PTO-driven PHD and redo the failing trellis for our tiny vineyard by setting new posts and wiring them. My two nits regarding this excellent tractor are really the result of wishing it to be perfect for every possible task–not possible–life and tractor ownership are all about compromises. For instance, the FEL bucket could have a larger capacity, so when lighter bulk material is being transported it can be done in fewer trips. I moved 34 yards of mulch in one day this summer, and at just over a quarter cubic yard heaped per bucketful it does take some time. In this case I would have been better served by putting the mulch into a towed yard cart/trailer, and then taking a trailer load at a time–alas, no trailer. On the other hand, the capacity of the bucket is perfect for stone and gravel; the tractor feels very stable with a struck bucket of 3/4"-minus or a load of fieldstone, although you'll definitely need the ballast box on the TPH for these types of tasks. Second, the non-foldable ROPS does get in the way in certain areas of the yard. I have increased the mulched area under specific trees just to avoid unwanted ROPS-vs-branches encounters. In short, for a DIY homeowner who is interested in a multipurpose tractor capable of as much as your imagination, the BX1860 is a good choice. It's strong where it needs to be, agile when it has to be, and I don't think I'll ever run out of tasks for it to do nor the pleasure of running the tractor doing so. The Kubota BX1860 gets 5 stars all around from me.

Pros: Agility, turning radius, stability, ease of attaching/detaching loader, fuel consumption, operator comfort.
Cons: FEL capacity for lighter material such as mulch.

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5.00 star(s)
bcal2

BX1860 Kubota
Excellent machine
Model Year: 2010

I purchased my tractor mainly to mow my yard (approx. 2 ac), and since I hunt I thought it would be neat to be able to do my own food plots. I purchased a 4 ft disc harrow which works well (with proper front weights)and a 3 pt utility platform. I am very satisfied with the performance. Do not water your front tires (buy the weights. As a mower it cuts great even with my uneven lawn, and I have cut 30-40 minutes off of my cutting time. I am thinking about a cole planter and would like recommendations on planter and the good and bad with this machine and planters.

Pros: very reliable, can transport on my 5' X 10' trailer(I already own)
Cons: ROP does not fold, to allow you to go under low branches of trees

5.00 star(s)
gholton

BX1860 Kubota
Kubota BX1860
Model Year: 2009

Surprisingly powerful for only 18 HP, thanks to dual range transmission and 4-wheel drive. Loader lift capacity suffers in some situations due to the HP, so if I had it to do over again, I'd probably go with the 2360 instead. I reinforced the top lip of the loader bucket with angle iron and welded on chain hooks -- great for lifting and carrying logs, etc. I got the 48" mower deck, which does a nice job, but the wheels don't swivel 360 degrees, as they do on the 54" deck, so installing and removing is a little more work. I also have the 60" rear blade from Tractor Supply. It's very handy for plowing snow while being able to still use the front loader. All in all, very satisfied with the machine.

Pros: Very versatile, excellent build quality.
Cons: For some jobs, more HP would be helpful.

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