Looking at Bad Boy Tractors, thoughts?

[ptsg]

I would like to make sure the OP understands what tractor he is getting if he goes with Bad Boy. It’s a Branson tractor. Just different color and stickers.
They are cheaper, but not built cheaper. They are generally heavier than the comparable tractors of other brands.
There is NO computer on the tractor. It is a simple but reliable tractor. No gadgets that make tractor life easier but then no extra breaking points and cost. It’s also easy to work on.
The engine is a Cummins engine, made by Kukje. Kukje was recently sold off to TYM but they are not the same tractor.
Since Bad Boy has an established dealer network, you might be better off with them than some Branson dealers. But there are many good Branson dealers too. They are here to stay and are growing there dealer network.
As far as parts, they should be interchangeable.
But for warranty work, you might want to ask about getting parts through Bad Boy vs Branson if Bad Boy does not have any available?
Enjoy whatever you get and welcome.
By the way there is a Branson/Century sub forum here if you have more questions.

Great post here!

I wonder if it isn't about time that the Branson section should be renamed to Branson/Bad Boy or something similar.

Also, for all those comments, usually from JD and Kubota guys, towards all of this other brands, remember when the very same stuff was said towards Kubota? I do and I'm not that old either, but guess what? People kept buying and the brand kept growing.

 

[K5lwq]

Some Very good replies here and I appreciate the input! just to clarify on a couple things, this tractor is strictly for hobby. I have a couple of odd jobs that I can use it for as well as use the tax benefit. when comparing price I was comparing the Kubota L2501 to the Bad Boy 30 Series as they seemed to be the closest per size and compacity. when I spec it out on Kubota's web site it comes in right at $34,913 compared to $25k (and if I was going to depend on this machine I 100% would buy a larger brand). the Dealer I plan to buy from (if I buy a Bad Boy) is a very Reputable dealer that I know the owner so I have a lot of faith in having someone in my corner if needed. I do plan on following with some Branson Dealers to see if there is a cross to components (and if they will work on them) as I think that is important, but with the rep of Bad Boy behind the tractor I think they will have zero problem surviving in this market.

I agree with ptsg. I think it is time to add Bad Boy to the Branson section.

OP, the fact that you have a relationship with the owner of the Bad Boy dealership make all the difference in the world. You should talk to him about any concerns you may have.

As far as the Branson dealers, most likely they will not know the answer as the part numbers may be different. You would just need to know what Branson tractor is the same as the one you buy. You could then download the parts and service manual for that tractor to help you with yours.

Good luck in the search and do post pictures and keep us informed on your decision.

 

[ptsg]

I agree with ptsg. I think it is time to add Bad Boy to the Branson section.

OP, the fact that you have a relationship with the owner of the Bad Boy dealership make all the difference in the world. You should talk to him about any concerns you may have.

As far as the Branson dealers, most likely they will not know the answer as the part numbers may be different. You would just need to know what Branson tractor is the same as the one you buy. You could then download the parts and service manual for that tractor to help you with yours.

Good luck in the search and do post pictures and keep us informed on your decision.

You had me curious about the part numbers. I went to the Bad Boy website and they have the parts manuals and service manuals on their website for the tractors as well.

I did a quick glance on both and looks like they used the Branson part numbers, which is great. The service manual is also the same as Branson, but they did update some pictures here and there.

 

[Jchonline]

I did some research on tractors
when looking at Yanmar. Over 75
different tractors run Yanmar diesel
engines. In Asia vast majority of
diesel generators are made by
Yanmar and their diesels are in
all kinds of equipment including
ships and they made tractors for
John Deere for over 20 years
is why I chose the YT235C Yanmar
tractor. Why not purchase a tractor
from who ever makes what your
intending/considering to purchase

willy

I forgot Yanmar in my list. I would also buy a Yanmar if the dealer support were there in my area. There is no Yanmar dealer for hundreds of miles Here. Maybe the OP has one close.

LS, Kioti, TYM, Kubota, Deere, Yanmar, Mahindra, Massey

 

[Jchonline]

Some Very good replies here and I appreciate the input! just to clarify on a couple things, this tractor is strictly for hobby. I have a couple of odd jobs that I can use it for as well as use the tax benefit. when comparing price I was comparing the Kubota L2501 to the Bad Boy 30 Series as they seemed to be the closest per size and compacity. when I spec it out on Kubota's web site it comes in right at $34,913 compared to $25k (and if I was going to depend on this machine I 100% would buy a larger brand). the Dealer I plan to buy from (if I buy a Bad Boy) is a very Reputable dealer that I know the owner so I have a lot of faith in having someone in my corner if needed. I do plan on following with some Branson Dealers to see if there is a cross to components (and if they will work on them) as I think that is important, but with the rep of Bad Boy behind the tractor I think they will have zero problem surviving in this market.

Sounds like a plan! Please keep us informed, we would love to hear how your experiences go. This also helps other new tractor buyers make a decision.

 

[acrozier]

Hi All,

First post here (I tried searching this but could not find any post)

I am currently looking for my first compact tractor to do some work around my house and a couple of my rentals. I really like the Bad Boy tractor looks and functionality for the price! the company its self has a very good reputation and a dealer near me, I am looking at the 3000 series with either 26 hp or 35 hp models with a backhoe attachment. price new is 25K.

what does everyone think about the new tractors?

Based on the information I can find, they are rebranded Branson tractors. While not that well known in the US, they are good tractors. I've had mine for 8 years. No problems getting parts for maintenance from my local Branson Dealer, even during the pandemic!

 

[Gord Baker]

Assess your needs carefully. Do you really really need a Backhoe? They are very cumbersome when doing other work. Most are difficult to unhook and attach.

 

[vortex]

For what its worth, I have had a Bad Boy mower for a few years. While the mower itself has been pretty good - sturdy - durable - and they use good brand motors and hydros, Bad Boy's factory support is TERRIBLE.

My mower had drive hoses that were not tightened in the factory. They came loose immediately, and rubbed the tire, until the hose was ruined. My dealer did a warranty repair, but informed me that Bad Boy wouldn't warranty it. He was just eating it. A short time later, the bearing went out of the belt drive clutch. It sounds terrible. But still functions. Bad Boy wouldn't warranty it. Dealer told me they all fail like that, and Bad Boy won't warranty any of them until they fall apart. They cost too much to replace for the local dealer to eat the cost.

They had some design defects as well - such as in my model year, a parking brake that is pretty much always useless. The previous years worked fine... but they refuse to fix the issue. They changed the design again on future years, but never resolved the issues on the existing ones.

I attempted to contact the factory support about some of the issues, and after giving me an initial response, they ghosted me, and refused to respond again.

 

[KingBubba]

I too was looking for a bit of relief from Kubota prices, although the Kubota was what I really wanted. I eventually went with compact Mahindra. That was thirteen years ago and I am still satisfied. It was just over $13,000 with front end loader.It is the 2016 model IIRC. No problem so far other than issues of my own making, like not keeping up with tire pressure and having a rear tire flat. Good luck with your search and your pick.

KB

 

[Hermio]

I 100% agree that there are more reputable brands like Kubota but with a price difference of more than $11,000 (with backhoe options) its hard to justify and thats why im looking at other brands. I feel like the fair comparison would be the L2501 to the 3026 model, both have reliable engines and comparable warranty's (I think) included warranty for Bad Boy is 2 year attachment and 6 year power. each brand seems to shine its own area, Kubota has stronger lift capacity on the 3 point and Bad boy has more lift on the loader. also the Bad Boy has a little more weight to it at a little over 2000 pounds

I would look at Mahindra also. But find out who makes the model you look at. Mahindra makes some of their own tractors and re-brands others.

 

[whitehair]

Hi All,

First post here (I tried searching this but could not find any post)

I am currently looking for my first compact tractor to do some work around my house and a couple of my rentals. I really like the Bad Boy tractor looks and functionality for the price! the company its self has a very good reputation and a dealer near me, I am looking at the 3000 series with either 26 hp or 35 hp models with a backhoe attachment. price new is 25K.

what does everyone think about the new tractors?

Don’t forget the trailer and vehicle to haul her around. Just saying

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

My LS dealer was also a Bad Boy dealer. I asked if he was going to carry the tractor line. He said he was actually going to drop the Bad Boy line because of the issues with warranty and support from the factory. I was surprised to hear this.

 

[ovrszd]

Seems like it's easy to start a new line/brand. And equally hard to have longevity.

If buying a new brand of window cleaner I don't much care. Little different in regards to a major investment long term asset.

 

[Frogmore]

I say it is much more important to evaluate your needs and desires very carefully. Over a decade ago I decided I needed a tractor, but knew very little about them. I did get advice to avoid "glorified lawnmowers" (super garden tractors and SCUTs). I also got advice to "go big or go home". I spent months researching before I finally bought a Kubota B2620. It has been a decent choice for my needs but probably wasn't the best choice. Mostly I like it a LOT, but here is what I didn't like about it after I got it home and used it for a while.

1. Bucket is not quick attach (loader is, but it has never been off). I knew this going in and figured it wouldn't be an issue, since any front attachments are so expensive I was unlikely to buy them. I was wrong (not about the expensive part). After a decade I finally broke down and spent the money on a QA system, forks, grapple, and 3rd function. Yes, it was EXPENSIVE. Yes, I am glad I have them, probably more than I miss the money I spent on them.
2. Tractor is narrow and has good ground clearance. This is both good and bad. Bad, because it makes the tractor tippy on side slopes, of which I have many. Wheel spacers for the rear will probably help. But, then my Grading Scraper will be too narrow. Luckily, I have two wider rear blades, so it will probably be okay. But, then it won't fit in the shed with all the other stuff, so I will need another shed. Maybe this will be the year I address the issue.
3. 1/4 inching valve. Yes, it is better than a regular up/down valve, but control with it sucks. After more than a decade, ago can do it, but I hate it every time. There is no way to upgrade this to position control, but I have a plan to have a way to determine actual position. This, with some skill, should make it possible to set the 3PH height better.
4. No remotes. That is reasonably easy to upgrade and I have started that process. Some tractors have a really nice design for it. Otherwise, it looks tacked on.
5. 3PH turnbuckles. They are a pain to adjust. If you have a QH, probably not an issue. Was not an issue with just my grading scraper, but with my blades, it is. I bought a quick adjust set that should make this easier.

My point is that there are LOTS of little and not so little details that make one tractor much easier to use than another. If you only use one, you will never know, so you won't know what you are missing, at least until you spend enough time of tractor forums

 

[maxlashua]

I have a GC1720 25hp year 2017 and it work great no problems at all have almost 400hr on it now also very strong.

 

[Tony H]

Welcome.
My only input is I do like that the BB comes standard with the SSQA. And apparently third function hydraulics up front.
Watch for Kubotas FEL lift. Kubotas L3000 series front axles cannot handle the lift of the bucket. Wheel bearings blow up. Even when doing annual fluid changes to the front axle, gravel, dirt other heavy lifting and bye bye bearings. It's a problem that is out there if you google it.

 

[artf]

I would consider buying a used Kubota with service records before I'd buy one of those slick looking Bad Boys.

Suggest you also consider something larger than an L2501.

I started with a little Kubota BX-22TLB from a rental fleet and through some trades/sales now have an L3940 TLB.

I was spoiled, living 8 miles from my Kubota dealership. 2.5 days max for any part I ever needed.

Now I'm 20 miles from my new local Kubota dealership, but I'm not getting to know the Parts Manager.

After a pre-Covid, 5 month part back order on a Deere 4330 and then a 2 month delay for tooling, I gave up on green tractors.

Paying $6.85 for a small bolt to a Deere 420 because it's a British thread, just made me re-thread the part to 1/4-20 and sell the tractor, my last green one, ever.

That Bad Boy is calling you, fine looking .... like that lady at the end of the dimly lit bar with 2 ex-husbands.

Let us know about your success and maybe we'll get Bad Boys too!

 

[jacspath]

The last time I bought a new tractor [don't ask how long ago that was], I was looking at Deere and a MF. Both dealers brought my model out to my place for a test drive [which lasted a week]. I went with the MF [on price since they both impressed me equally]. I wonder if any dealers still do that kind of salesmanship. Can't hurt to ask.

 

[shesh]

Thanks for posting this. TBH, I had never heard of Bad Boy Tractors. I looked it up and they are not available in Canada. They look sort of cool, but if I were buying, I would take the same money and buy a name brand tractor that is a couple of years old with lowish hours.
Plus I think I would get jokes from friends and family about being a bad boy or something, so that alone would be a strong deterrent. Good luck with your search.

 

[Randy52]

I have had mostly Allis Chalmers Tractors for 55 plus years. Everything from B, C WC, WD ,WD 45 WF 185 etc. When considering a new compact I want cab heat air radio the works. I checked several brands. I settled on a TYM 394 with front loader. I use it with a 7 foot finish mower, 6 foot tiller and snow removal. I love the tractor, good price, good visibilty comfortable to operate. 6 yr warranty.
I had two other people purchase TYM after seeing mine.