freestar - got your PM as well as above questions. First, since I own a
BX25, which is two generations newer than the
BX23, I can't say for sure what to look for on a
BX23 but here's a few thoughts. I do think if you posted your questions in the Kubota Buying forum, you'd get a lot more responses from actual
BX23 owners.
I don't know of any specific weaknesses for the
BX23. I do know the three point hitch raises a little lower than the current models which could be an issue for using something like a post hole driller, for example. I do know that many owners got a seat upgrade from Kubota for little money so hopefully the one you're looking at was upgraded, otherwise it will cost you a few hundred for a new, better seat. As with all BX's, there's a plastic transmission cooling fan that is mounted to the drive shaft. It's prone to getting broken by sticks if you go "off lawn" much. I would check that it's intact on the one you're looking at. It's a cheap part, but a lot of labor/work to change it out. If you will be going into the woods much, a skid plate is recommended. Bro-tek (member bird, I think) sells them for a
BX23 (pretty sure) or you can make your own if you're able to.
Best way I can think to check the HST is to get it good and warm and try climbing the biggest hill you can find forward and backward. Don't be surprised if it whines a lot in high gear. If it has trouble or won't pull the hill in low, then something is wrong. An alternative is to drive the tractor up to a stationary object like a big tree and see if you can get it to spin the wheels in 2WD and 4WD pushing against the tree, etc. Not sure if your seller will be keen on that, but a good test of the HST pump.
On the implement hydraulics, try using the FEL to lift the front end. Try the boom circuit first, then curling the bucket down. It should be able to lift itself pretty easy. Same with the backhoe. If you could take a hydraulic pressure gauge with you (unlikely), you could plug it in and check if the implement pump is making spec pressure, which is right under 1800 PSI I believe. If it's off a little, it can be adjusted cheaply with a shim/washer added to the relief valve. If it's way low, stay away.
According to tractordata.com your PTO hp is 16.7. That's 1 hp less than the current model. You should be able to run a small
chipper and handle limbs up to 3"-3.5" no problem. I found my old DR
chipper to be a good match for a BX, but my current
BX25 does run the Wallenstein BX42 pretty well. With any
chipper, even if it can handle more wood than you have hp, you can just dial back the size of what you put into it to based on your PTO hp. If you ever think you will upgrade to a larger tractor, get a
chipper a little big for the
BX23.
I have the 54" mower and it works great. I think the 60" will work just as good if not better since you will be able to trim easier with the larger deck (being that the tractor can stay further away from the edge of beds, rock, etc. Most BX owners love how their machine mows. Not sure how the older decks hook up, but they're not bad on the newer ones, though not as easy as putting on a rear implement.
The BH should have plenty of power to dig small holes, trenches for pipes, etc. and to dig out small to medium size stumps. Larger stumps just take more time and you will likely have to cut some of the larger roots with a saw, etc. My BH has enough power to pull/push the machine around if it hooks a large object. More power wouldn't help too much since you won't have the machine weight to put the power to the ground. That said, it's a great BH for a small landowner depending on what you want to do with it. Don't expect to dig basements with it, for example.
Hope some of this helps, and you'll get more feedback if you post over in the other forum I'm sure.
