Traded up - BX2380

[tractorshopper]

After reading the other thread and watching a bunch of youtube videos since the 80 series was announced, I pulled a John Thomas and traded my 2370 on a 2380. I actually took mine in for service, and had to reconfigure it and switch some stuff out because I needed my grapple worked on too and had worked up a good sweat just to get it ready to load up, so when I got to the shop, I was already primed. Asked my dealer to show me the 2380's and we looked at them and I asked about a trade. 15 minutes later, had new tractor on order and took mine back home to use until the new one is all set up. Getting the SS quick attach on the loader and new LP grapple to make switching bucket and grapple even easier. Old grapple wouldn't hook the same way so it was a good excuse to just get a new one. Could have transferred the old pin on QA that I have now, but no sense in that. Didn't like that design much anyway. New drive over deck also on order. Some very useful upgrades to make it even easier to switch configurations around. Really like the new joystick placement too. Can't wait for it all to be set up!

 

[dalola]

I have the 2380 on my short list as well, really nice rig! Also shopping the JD 1023E, and the LS MT125 I just researched today. Really impressive spec's & price, and I have a dealer within 50 miles, so I need to check these out before I decide. They kicked butt in the last two dealer/mfr relation surveys, seems like a rising star in the SCUT market.

 

[Michael Aos]

I have the BX2370. If I had it to do over again, I would go with a "B" instead of a BX.
--

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

After reading the other thread and watching a bunch of youtube videos since the 80 series was announced, I pulled a John Thomas and traded my 2370 on a 2380. I actually took mine in for service, and had to reconfigure it and switch some stuff out because I needed my grapple worked on too and had worked up a good sweat just to get it ready to load up, so when I got to the shop, I was already primed. Asked my dealer to show me the 2380's and we looked at them and I asked about a trade. 15 minutes later, had new tractor on order and took mine back home to use until the new one is all set up. Getting the SS quick attach on the loader and new LP grapple to make switching bucket and grapple even easier. Old grapple wouldn't hook the same way so it was a good excuse to just get a new one. Could have transferred the old pin on QA that I have now, but no sense in that. Didn't like that design much anyway. New drive over deck also on order. Some very useful upgrades to make it even easier to switch configurations around. Really like the new joystick placement too. Can't wait for it all to be set up!

Good job! Don't know that I've ever regretted a trade except when I stepped up one time from a B7800 to a L3240 which was a machine that was to big for my hillside property needs. (I was sitting up to far from the sloping ground to feel comfortable) It's only money or monthly payments of money or no interest drawing paper. Save it for the children and/or grands who will go on vacation to Rio with it? Got it or can get it and still maintain a decent life style and help others along the way.................spend that "stuff" and get the benefits of your labor and refraining from buying when you couldn't afford it. I'm knocking hard on 70 and my strength and stamina are less now than they used to be so I'm paying for mechanical/hydraulic/motorized assistance to help me continue an active lifestyle on my home property. :cool2: It also isn't "gone", the "stuff" will still be here for my grands to use or sell for that trip.:2cents:

 

[tractorshopper]

Dalola, I haven't looked at the LS. Not sure where my nearest LS dealer is, but I love my Kubota dealer and didn't really spend much time looking at anything else. In my opinion, with the release of the 80 series, the Kubota beats the Deere in these tractors in nearly every category except the Deere has position control on the 3PH. Would be nice if Kubota added that to the BX's, but I'm used to the 1/4 inching now. Previously, the Deere had better easy on/off features, but no real advantage now. Plus in my area, Deere doesn't negotiate much, so they are a good bit more expensive than the comparable Kubota.

Michael, I understand. I actually went from the L3800 to the BX2370 and now BX2380. Finding the right size for you is important. My needs changed, so I downsized and really don't regret it. I mow with mine and have some steep hills, so the BX suits me better than a B would. As JT mentioned, sitting up higher sure can feel less stable and quite possibly can be less stable. I know I take my BX in lots of places I would have never taken my L. I looked at the B's again, but the easy on/off stuff is more advanced on the BX.

JT, so I've had 3 Kubota's so far. I think I'm still about 20 behind you!

 

[Michael Aos]

I will say the BX2370 has done pretty much everything I've asked of it. I think most of the tough / larger stuff is done now.

The BX2370 also feels much more capable with the addition of the TACH-N-GO and Ratchet Rake.

I still haven't gotten around to installing the Piranha Tooth Bar (PTB).

I looked at the B's again, but the easy on/off stuff is more advanced on the BX.

 

[tractorshopper]

Tooth bars make a great difference in the capability of the loader to dig, leverage roots, rip out brush, etc. I just removed mine from the 2370 last night because my 2380 should be ready to pick up by end of this week. When I had my L, I dug my pond primarily with the loader with a WR Long tooth bar, same as I have on the BX.

 

[robertm]

You guys are making it tough for me. My BX2670 has just turned 70 hours. I was going to hold out until spring to trade up, but I'm not seeing ANY used BX's in my area for sale, so I may just put the tractor, loader, mid-mount mower, and FEL blade up for sale and see what happens. The swift-tach loader is my real desire, but so many improvements are in the running as I start to cultivate my grey hairs.

 

[dalola]

Dalola, I haven't looked at the LS. Not sure where my nearest LS dealer is, but I love my Kubota dealer and didn't really spend much time looking at anything else. In my opinion, with the release of the 80 series, the Kubota beats the Deere in these tractors in nearly every category except the Deere has position control on the 3PH. Would be nice if Kubota added that to the BX's, but I'm used to the 1/4 inching now. Previously, the Deere had better easy on/off features, but no real advantage now. Plus in my area, Deere doesn't negotiate much, so they are a good bit more expensive than the comparable Kubota.

Hello tractorshopper, I really liked the BX2380, and I think with the new 4-in-1 hydraulic disconnect on the FEL, it's probably better (quicker/easier) than the JD 1-series. In my neck of the woods, JD offered a bigger discount than the KB. I went in thinking the green tractors would be too expensive, but because of the bigger discount, the 1023E is on my short list....$1200 less than the 2380. If the price of all 3 tractors (1023E, 2380, MT125) were the same, I would go KB. My dilemma is, is it $1200 better than the JD, or $1600 better than the LS? I'm not so sure. I plan to see the LS on Wednesday, to try and make some final decision. The LS, btw, also has position control on the 3-pt. Again, on paper, the LS seriously kicks @ss. I'm really hoping I'm not disappointed with the actual product. If I'm not so pleased with the LS and/or dealer, I'm really thinking the 1023E is my next choice, again, just based on *value*. Odd that the tractor I liked the most so far, may end up my third choice. I just don't think I like it $1200 or $1600 more than the other two. We'll see.... Thanks for your input!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hello tractorshopper, I really liked the BX2380, and I think with the new 4-in-1 hydraulic disconnect on the FEL, it's probably better (quicker/easier) than the JD 1-series. In my neck of the woods, JD offered a bigger discount than the KB. I went in thinking the green tractors would be too expensive, but because of the bigger discount, the 1023E is on my short list....$1200 less than the 2380. If the price of all 3 tractors (1023E, 2380, MT125) were the same, I would go KB. My dilemma is, is it $1200 better than the JD, or $1600 better than the LS? I'm not so sure. I plan to see the LS on Wednesday, to try and make some final decision. The LS, btw, also has position control on the 3-pt. Again, on paper, the LS seriously kicks @ss. I'm really hoping I'm not disappointed with the actual product. If I'm not so pleased with the LS and/or dealer, I'm really thinking the 1023E is my next choice, again, just based on *value*. Odd that the tractor I liked the most so far, may end up my third choice. I just don't think I like it $1200 or $1600 more than the other two. We'll see.... Thanks for your input!

I started buying tractors 14 years ago with Kubota vs JD and NH because the Kubota at Barlows, but not at other Kubota dealers, was $3000 less than local JD and $2500 less than local NH. Have ended up buying over 20 new Kubotas and quit comparison shopping after about the third one and just do Kubotas at Barlows. I know he delivers all over but he's local for me and a great dealer to deal with. You may want to see how much your Kubota dealer loves you dollars wise and shop some other Kubota dealers. There is a MSRP price but the dealers can determine their own profit margin and discount along with Kubota factory incentives to the dealer which change frequently. All Kubota dealers pay the same for a specific machine that is Kubota owned on their lot or ordered to be shipped to their lot.

 

[tractorshopper]

I get your point Dalola. If the Deere around here was priced less, I'd have to change my considerations some, but the same company owns all the local Deere dealers and they don't budge. When I was first looking at the 1026R, they told me I could see one as soon as I ordered it (for full msrp) at one dealer because they didn't have one in stock. At another dealer, they had one on the entire lot and I asked them if I could test it out some and he told me I could buy it (for full msrp) and test it all I wanted. Kubota was much cheaper. We have a few Kubota dealers around here within an easy drive of each other, all independent and they compete with each other. Makes for a different story.

For the easy on/off stuff, Deere really had the better set-up until the 80 series came out for Kubota. For me, with Kubota being cheaper (and I'm brand and dealer loyal at this point), it is a no-brainer.

Robert, I'm totally with you. I only have 200 hrs on my 2370, but with these gray hairs popping, the ease of use was too much to put me over the edge this time. It's not just one simple upgrade, it's many upgrades. My 3rd function valve on the 2370 is an afterthought, for the 2380, it was built with the option in mind. I like the joystick placement better, but really don't mind where it is on the 2370 either. I really like the mower deck east attach. For me, it's the biggest upgrade because I'm tired of trying to reach under and hook/unhook the pto shaft. Also, the loader comes on and off without ever leaving the seat of the tractor.

I'll post a review/comparison after I've spent some time on it. Guessing I'll have it by end of week/early next.

 

[robertm]

Tractorshopper, I had to look to see where you are located after reading "the same company owns all the dealers around here". We have the same issue with JD around here. I have never, on five Kubota purchases, been able to get JD anywhere close to Kubota. On ANY day, $3,500 to $4,500 is a lot of money, and I just feel most things with the JD are cheap and not what I consider "long term" built. Much electrical, wires, cables, plastic, and afterthoughts. The Kubota just seems to be built for a lifetime. Even my son a few Sundays ago when we went looking for fun, said the JD felt like Fisher Price. I know it's personal preference, but when I considered the vast additional cost to change color each time, and then REALLY looked at the difference, event a slightly better setup for $4,500 more would have made he think minimally to spend that much more. I still think the JD Auto-Connect deck may be superior, but I'm reading and hearing a lot of dissatisfaction over the long term. I've taken my Kubota drive over deck on/off several times, and although it's not a 30 second job like JD, it has in no way EVER been a pain, caused difficulty, or not been 100% flawless. There is no sagging linkages, or non-positive engagement. So what... I have to unfold/fold ramps. Whooptie doo. It does, and always will go on and off 100%. Just note, you need to be sure the deck won't slide, so get some rubber matting if working on asphalt or concrete, or take it off on the lawn. THAT'S the ONLY issue I've ever had, and since I use a mat, I have had zero issues. In fact, since mine is a dedicated mower, I take the deck ramps off (one pin each) and set them on the shelf to prevent unwanted noise or rattles (I assume would occur, but took mine off day one), and it makes it easier to blow off grass from the deck with the compressor when I'm done mowing. Then, come winter, the quick attach deck link and PTO harness come off with two twist-type clevis pins and two spring-loaded link pins, to keep thinks from unnecessary exposure to winter salts. The deck is the ONLY thing I think JD may have mastered over KB, but I think if I'd take a good look at what is left on the JD after the deck is dropped, the auto-connect and lift assembly would be inherently a pain to remove, unlike the KB... but speculation.

Let us know what you think when she arrives, and remember... no pics, it didn't happen.

 

[dalola]

You may want to see how much your Kubota dealer loves you dollars wise and shop some other Kubota dealers. There is a MSRP price but the dealers can determine their own profit margin and discount along with Kubota factory incentives to the dealer which change frequently. All Kubota dealers pay the same for a specific machine that is Kubota owned on their lot or ordered to be shipped to their lot.

Hi JohnThomas, really good advice, and got me to thinking....I did only check with the 3 closed KB dealers, and 1 never returned my call. So today, I called a few more that are further away, but none more than 2 hours. Really glad I did! Two of the new dealers I called today came back with really good prices, I'm now within $400 between the 2380 & MT125! I'll tell you, that MT125 better be awfully darn nice tomorrow! Where I'm sitting tonight, it's going take something special to get me off the Kubota now.

So, thank you for the wake-up call! Really glad I called a few more dealers.

Updates tomorrow evening...

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hi JohnThomas, really good advice, and got me to thinking....I did only check with the 3 closed KB dealers, and 1 never returned my call. So today, I called a few more that are further away, but none more than 2 hours. Really glad I did! Two of the new dealers I called today came back with really good prices, I'm now within $400 between the 2380 & MT125! I'll tell you, that MT125 better be awfully darn nice tomorrow! Where I'm sitting tonight, it's going take something special to get me off the Kubota now.

So, thank you for the wake-up call! Really glad I called a few more dealers.

Updates tomorrow evening...

DON'T call Barlow because he will be more than $400 cheaper than your best offer, delivered and no state sales tax .

 

[dalola]

Well JohnThomas, I bought a BX2380 today! Found a dealer today who quoted $12,800 w/quick-tach FEL. I was shocked! So, I jumped on it. Should have it soon.

Thanks again for the wake-up call!

 

[Michael Aos]

Wow. I paid $11,449 + $2,609 = $14,058 for my BX2370 w/FEL back in January.

bought a BX2380 today! Found a dealer today who quoted $12,800 w/quick-tach FEL.

 

[dalola]

Wow. I paid $11,449 + $2,609 = $14,058 for my BX2370 w/FEL back in January.

Yeah, that is in line with that I was getting....until today! I was shocked. (but very happy!)

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Well JohnThomas, I bought a BX2380 today! Found a dealer today who quoted $12,800 w/quick-tach FEL. I was shocked! So, I jumped on it. Should have it soon.

Thanks again for the wake-up call!

I understand dealer loyalty......but. It's money (same value for both) for them or for you. Who you for? You or them? I also understand the value of convenience with someone close but that is a measurable dollar value to me. When my close, local, loves me dealer wants $400 to $500 more than a stranger some distance away and I know both pay the same amount for the item.........well, I'm not sure I'm loved and appreciated and therefore don't feel bad about buying where I'm most loved and appreciated as measured by several hundreds of dollars and some times even thousands. I'd have a hard time jumping from Barlows but with his pricing I've never had to except for maybe a good used implement from a private owner vs new at $2000 more which actually won't be used often.
Glad you found a loving dollar wise dealer. Now go forht and spend that savings on some attachments/implements which you deserve because of your cost savings efforts and feel good doing it!!!!!:cool2::cool2:

 

[tractorshopper]

Dalola, CONGRATS! Forgive me for not remembering, but is this your first tractor? If so, I recommend a box blade as a good attachment to start with and adds ballast for when you're doing your loader work. I also recommend having your dealer fill your rear wheels for extra ballast and stability. Helps you get the most out of your loader capability and makes the machine much more stable on hills.

Also if you are going to use the loader to "dig" much, a tooth bar is an invaluable add on.

 

[dalola]

I understand dealer loyalty......but. It's money (same value for both) for them or for you. Who you for? You or them? I also understand the value of convenience with someone close but that is a measurable dollar value to me. When my close, local, loves me dealer wants $400 to $500 more than a stranger some distance away and I know both pay the same amount for the item.........well, I'm not sure I'm loved and appreciated and therefore don't feel bad about buying where I'm most loved and appreciated as measured by several hundreds of dollars and some times even thousands. I'd have a hard time jumping from Barlows but with his pricing I've never had to except for maybe a good used implement from a private owner vs new at $2000 more which actually won't be used often.
Glad you found a loving dollar wise dealer. Now go forht and spend that savings on some attachments/implements which you deserve because of your cost savings efforts and feel good doing it!!!!!:cool2::cool2:

Actually, there was no loyalty....I didn't know any of these guys from squat! I just started closest to home. Around here, tons of KB & JD dealers, so more pressure to discount I suppose.

Dalola, CONGRATS! Forgive me for not remembering, but is this your first tractor? If so, I recommend a box blade as a good attachment to start with and adds ballast for when you're doing your loader work. I also recommend having your dealer fill your rear wheels for extra ballast and stability. Helps you get the most out of your loader capability and makes the machine much more stable on hills.

Also if you are going to use the loader to "dig" much, a tooth bar is an invaluable add on.

First SCUT, and first NEW tractor in a long time! Grew up on a farm, so lots of old junky tractor experience! I will run it through the paces of what I want to do with it, then see what needs to be added/modified/changed, etc... It should be a pretty easy life for this KB, not looking for rapid production, or tending too many acres. Just a "mechanical helper" for someone not getting any younger!